Richmond Dining-Out scene

[burt]

Thanks, jb. I look forward to hearing about LA PARISIENNE.

Incidentally, tonight (Tuesday 10/04/11) the other French restaurant in Richmond's Financial District, BISTRO BOBETTE in The Slip, is offering a wine-dinner by reservation only for $45.00 plus tax, drinks and tip.

Last night I had dinner up here at my favorite Turkish restaurant called BODRUM (which is the name of an ancient city on the Agean Coast of Turkey.) The small restaurant with a street patio is on Amsterdam Avenue between 88th and 89th Streets (Amsterdam is the extension of 10th Avenue, paralleling Broadway on the upper West Side.)

The owner from Istanbul is named Husein and is a charming host. I had the Sheppard's Salad (withOUT Feta), lamb chops (3), basmati rice with squash, strawberry pie, and of course, a bottle of Malbec which Joan and I shared (all bottles of wine are half price on Monday nights.) She had stuffed cabbage, a pear salad and expresso. The bill, inclusive, was $95.

If you try BODRUM when in The City be sure to tell Husein you're from Virginia and that Burt and Joan sent you.

BODRUM MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

On the Upper West Side

584 Amsterdam Avenue (between 88th and 89th Streets)

NYCity

212/799-3406

Edited October 4, 2011 by burt

[burt]

Remember when Mo Roman arrived in Richmond and opened a dazzling new restaurant called BANK on East Main Street in the Financial District? Later, after much delay, he opened VAULT beneath BANK which has become a stylish bar/lounge/restaurant complex.

He also had plans to convert the ground level of the Berry Burk building at 6th and Grace Streets into an upscale pizzaria to be called PIE. Alas, those plans fell apart, but Mo did take over the carriage house on North Lombardy Street that had been Il Pagliacci and long before that Nick's. Mr. Roman opened the tiny two-level spot as a tapas bar called SI. Tapas didn't go over too well in The Fan, so Si was later transformed to PIE -- the name that was to have graced Berry Burk.

The Lombardy Street location faltered in the successful shadow of its across-the-street neighbor BALLICEAUX, but is still operating as PIE under the guidance of Mo's wife, Amy Roman. During the day, it's lower level is a sort of baby-sitting entertainment center, and the cozy upstairs opens at night for adult traffic -- or will when PIE's liquor license is restored on October 12th. It was revoked by an ABC agent claiming he/she was served alcohol illegally.

PIE may change its name to 214 in the near future (214 is its street address on North Lombardy.)

This, and more, is all covered in today's SHORT ORDER column by Deveron Timberlake in Style Weekly, as well as a revelation that the intrepid Jimmy Sneed has taken over the former DOUBLE T space across from The Byrd in Carytown.

From Deveron Timberlake's SHORT ORDER column in the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1618896

Edited October 5, 2011 by burt

[burt]

MALLORY has endured some hard times, but now that it is afloat once again, perhaps it should revert to its name of CELEBRATION which is what it was called when launched in land-locked Indiana.

The "little boat that could" was rechristened MALLORY in Key West. Mallory is the area in Key West where folks gather to enjoy sun sets.

Determined owners have survived two storms and theives, and are on the verge of greeting diners in the near future.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...uil-ar-1359230/

Edited October 5, 2011 by burt

[burt]

STELLA's. That's the place to go in Richmond's near West End.

Dana Craig's 4-star review in today's Times Dispatch raves on and on with nary a hint of negativity. The nearest she comes to a complaint is to briefly mention that sound baffles have been added to muffle the oooos and ahhhhs of ecstatic diners.

Stella Dikos with assistance from her daughter and son-in-law (Katrina and Johnny Giavos) built this fourth version of her Greek restaurant from the ground up on Lafayette Street between Monument and Patterson Avenues. She began her commercial culinary career at the old Village Inn on the southeast corner of Grace and Harrison Streets (which later moved directly across the street.) Her next venture was half a block away on the second floor of a building on Harrison that is now home to the top rated Edo's Squid. Then she moved to West Main Street in The Fan into a space presently occupied by Rowland Fine dining.

STELLA's on Lafayette opened in its brand new building about three months ago. Incidentally, the new location is within a few blocks of St. Constintine Greek Catholic Cathedral at Malvern and Grove Avenues where the Greek Festival is held annualy.

The British actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins, discovered STELLA's in The Fan while filming two movies in Richmond and could often be found there luxuriating over her cuisine.

Book early, if you want a table during prime hours.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/flair/2011/oct/06/tdweek03-dining-out-stellas-is-back-and-its-better-ar-1361958/

STELLA'S

Dana's rating: 4 stars

1012 Lafayette Street in a small commercial area between Monument and Patterson Avenues

804/358-2011

http://www.stellasrichmond.com

Twittwer: @StellasRichmond

Noise level: High

Tab for two: $77

Enjoy Dana's slide show at the top of the review.

Edited October 6, 2011 by burt

[burt]

The corner of 17th and East Main Streets will soon be the site of an upscale locally owned steak and seafood house called ARCADIA.

John van Peppen has purchased the Cafe Guttenberg building. John had been managing Fleming's Steak House at Stony Point Fashion Park for seven years while harboring a desire to be his own boss. Now, he and his wife Linda have committed themselves to the Shockoe Bottom location and expect to be open by the end of November.

The web site is incomplete, but here it is: http://www.arcadiarichmond.com

It's a gutsy move. But other restaurateurs, such as the owners of Julep's, Havana 59, Halligan's, Rosie's, Bottoms Up Pizza and LuLu's have kept the lights on for years. They undoubtedly will welcome the van Peppens to the entertainment district.

There may be some confusion in people's minds about two top level restaurants with similar names (ARCADIA and the first-class Acacia uptown at Robinson and Cary Streets) but that should be a minor problem.

From Richmond Biz Sense:

http://www.richmondb...to-main-street/

[burt]

Deveron Timberlake who, perhaps more informatively than any other local food writer reports about Richmond's restaurant scene, has news and updates in this week's "Short Order" column in Style Weekly.

She comments on the opening of HARDSHELL AT BELGRADE, food options at this weekend's Folk Festival and provides more information about the upcoming ARCADIA in the former Cafe Guttenberg.

And she hints at an upcoming new concept for SAM MILLER's in Shockoe Slip.

I wonder what she knows about PASTURE on East Grace Street at 5th? Rumor is that it will not be ready until next spring. That immediate area of downtown is bereft of fine dining. Mediocre choices for theatre goers are limited to the large sports bar in The Marriott, GIBSON'S GRILL in The National and the dining room in Hilton Garden Inn.

From Deveron's SHORT ORDER column in the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1621177

[burt]

If Richmond is like most cities across the country where people are gathering in large numbers in downtowns to join the 99% protests, it is not mentioned in the local print press.

Maybe Richmond is an anomaly.

[Oaktowntwinz]

If Richmond is like most cities across the country where people are gathering in large numbers in downtowns to join the 99% protests, it is not mentioned in the local print press.

Maybe Richmond is an anomaly.

Burt, its interesting you mention that nothing has appeared in the local press about there being an OccupyRichmond. I did see something about it a few days ago in the national press. A news channel reported this becoming a nationwide protest with groups occupying downtowns from LA to Richmond to Minneapolis. Why local media aren't addressing this is baffling. I don't live in Richmond so I can't verify whether they have or haven't.

[burt]

THE ROOSEVELT on North 25th Street in Church Hill wins four-star raves from Dana Craig in today's Richmond Times Dispatch.

You may have to wait on weekends, but a friendly bartender will see to your needs until a table is ready.

Dana makes everything on the menu sound super delicious.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...cio-ar-1379359/

THE ROOSEVELT

Dana's rating: 4 Stars

623 North 25th Street (at the roundabout where 25th and M Streets meet Jefferson Avenue.)

804/658-1935

http://www.rooseveltrva.com

Twitter: @Rooseveltrva

Noise level: High

Tab for two: $68

Check out Dana's slideshow in the "Related" box. The audio accompaniment is the chatter of happy diners.

Edited October 14, 2011 by burt

[burt]

The former Sprout site on North Morris Street in the Lower Fan will soon be a trendy computer-lounge.

It will be called SAMPLE (except that the letter "A" will be replaced by the @ symbol.)

From richmond biz sense:

http://www.richmondb...urant-rebooted/

[Icetera]

If Richmond is like most cities across the country where people are gathering in large numbers in downtowns to join the 99% protests, it is not mentioned in the local print press.

Maybe Richmond is an anomaly.

I am not surprised to see the lack of press on these protests as when 5000 participants showed up for "Tea-Parties" at the same site with similar gripes, there was also little to no coverage.

[burt]

Good old reliable Deveron! The lady can sniff out good restaurant news faster and better than anybody in Richmond.

BERRY BURK, at last, will once again brighten the corner of 6th and Grace Streets. A restaurateur named Paul Haas is a partner in the plan to open a new restaurant on the building's 1st floor. It will be called 525 AT THE BERRY BURK and will open early in 2012.

Haas, despite his youth (30) has had background associations with Lemaire at the Jefferson and other 5-diamond establishments. Chef Taylor Hasty is designing an upscale menu for what is expected to be a chic room offering fine dining.

Mr. Haas is aware of PASTURE, a restaurant in the former Montaldo's a block west that is expected to open soon as well as speculation of more dining options in the works for the Miller & Rhoads building and The John Marshall Residences.

525 AT THE BERRY BURK is diagonally across from The Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage. Haas is helping to revive downtown as a destination.

From Deveron Timberlake's column SHORT ORDER in the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1623743

[burt]

The number of viewers hitting this Richmond Dining-Out thread has now reached 250,011. That's the highest number of visitors to any Virginia Urban Planet topic.

[burt]

Many Richmonders have gone gaga over the local sightings of Hollywood celebrities in town for the filming of Steven Speilberg's epic Lincoln feature.

Dana Craig's Times Dispatch restaurant review has been reworked today into a list of places that should appeal to professional entertainers and tourists as well as locals.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...mov-ar-1395087/

[JSI]

The defunct Steak & Ale at Glenside and Broad has been demolished. Anybody have any ideas of what's planned?

[burt]

As Deveron Timberlake revealed in her Style Weekly SHORT ORDER Column this week (see posting an entry or two above) a new restaurant called 525 AT THE BERRY-BURK under the guidance of Paul Haas is in the works.

Meanwhile the new restaurants on North Second Street which are adjacent to The Hippodrome Theatre in The Taylor Mansion have had soft openings and are now open for business. One is called THE SPEAKEASY, a bar/lounge, and the main dining room is called MANSION FIVE 26.

Maybe, in order to avoid confusion Paul Haas would be wise to drop the "525" numericals and simply call his new venture THE BERRY BURK.

[burt]

Not be confused with Deveron Timberlakes SHORT ORDER column in Style Magazine, GQ also has a "Short Order" blurb. And the current number features Jason Alley who runs COMFORT and the soon-to-open PASTURE.

The story is a tad disjointed with some racy talk from Jason, but you may find it interesting.

From GQ Magazine via Greater Jackson Ward News:

http://www.gq.com/fo...sture-interview

[KingDog]

The defunct Steak & Ale at Glenside and Broad has been demolished. Anybody have any ideas of what's planned?

I believe the sign I saw out front today said it was a Value Place, which I presume is one of these:

[burt]

Richmond has had lots of movies shot in an around the city. In fact, I saw a re-run of a TV movie titled UNANSWERED PRAYERS on Lifetime last night which was filmed entirely in Ashland and Richmond last year.

There have been some very prominent actors running around the city over the years. But Style Weekly and other publications are featuring stories about "sightings" of the Lincoln film cast members as if it were the city's first exposure to film productions.

Here's the run down from this week's Style. No mention of Tommy Lee Jones or Sally Field, although the former flying nun has been seen sipping a milkshake at LIFT in The Gallery District.

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1626471

[burt]

Michael Hall can't seem to get it together at his suave new restaurant in Rocketts Landing called M BISTRO & WINE BAR.

Robey Martin writing in Style Weekly had two recent varying experiences. The first visit was marred by an over exuberrant server, lack of attention and so-so food preparation.

Two nights later, everything came up roses.

From the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1626542

M BISTRO & WINE BAR

4821 Old Main Street at Rocketts Landing

804/652-2300

http://www.mbistro-rocketts.com

[burt]

Karri Peifer has the Richmond Restaurant Week menus up to date.

From Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...nus-ar-1363925/

[burt]

The lead story in Deveron Timberlakes Short Order column this week features PORTICO. Once known as The Edible Garden just beyond the Henrico line in Goochland County, the rewly revamped property seems to be just what area residents have been hoping for.

It is owned by Paolo and Rhonda Randazzo, purveyors of excellent northern Italian cuisine at SENSI in Tobacco Row and the new PORTICO at the other side of Metro Richmond.

From the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1626544

[burt]

Richmond Dot Com's writing pair, Jon and Leah Nelson, had a good time at STATION 2 in the Tobacco Row area of Shockoe Bottom.

The old firehouse has some artery-clogging choices on its burger menu as well as salad selections and various appetizers. There is also a milkshake menu, some of which are of the "adult" variety.

STATION 2 is an old firehouse which has undergone imaginative restoration. It is next door to a new mid-rise apartment building that has the busiest liquor store in the city as its ground floor tenant.

From today's Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...iew-ar-1415152/

STATION 2

The Nelson's rating: 3 Stars

2016 East Main Street

804/249-4702

[burt]

Dana Craig joins the chorus of restaurant critics in praising MAGPIE by contributing her three-and-a-half star Times Dispatch review.

From yesterday's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...out-ar-1412918/

THE MAGPIE

Dana's rating: 3 1/2 stars

1301 West Leigh Street (roughly half way between Lombardy and Harrison Streets in Carver)

804/269-0023

http://www.themagpierva.com

Twitter: @themagpierva

Noise Level: High

Tab for two: &90

[burt]

The New York Times has done a brief story with slideshow about Jackon Ward. The writer, Julie Besonen, liked ETTAMAE's and NATE's TACO TRUCK CAFE on 2nd Street and MAMA J's a block away on 1st Street.

From Karen's I Could Go On and On blog:

htttp://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/10/28/travel/20111030-surfacing.html