SEPT/OCT 2012 River City Magazine

EVENTS 6 Calendar of Events

ARTS&ATTRACTIONS 8 Crossroads Art Center is Growing!

FASHION 9 Fashion Finds from Local Consignments

DESTINATIONS 10 Take a Wine & Beer Road Trip to Northern Virginia

8 24 206 26

19

See what’s happening on the

events calendar!

[CONTENTS]

28

6

24

26

WINE&BEER12 Perfect Pairings from Richmond Experts14 Getting to Know the Grapes

FLAVOR16 River City Eats

17 Scoop du Jour

23 Raising the Bar24 In Search of Desserts

25 Enjoying a Greek Classic at Greek Grill Cafe26 Dining Secrets Quiz

GLITZ28 Step Outside the Box The World of Boutiques

SeptemberOctober2012

Special Wine & Beer IssueTake a Wine Road Trip • Expert Wine & Beer Pairings • Getting to Know Virginia’s Varietals.

4 www.richmondnavigator.comseptember/october 2012

A PUBLICATION OF

ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF RIVER CITY RICHMOND, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS,INC OR THE PUBLISHER

RiveR City RiChmond is published bi-monthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc.6301 Harbourside Drive, Suite 100 • Midlothian, VA 23112 (804) 639-9994 •Richmondnavigator.comFacebook.com/RichmondnavigatorEmail us at [email protected]. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHERWilliam J. Davis, Jr.

VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHERCheryl T. Davis

HOME & GARDEN EDITORVicki O’Neal, ASID, CID

CREATIVE DIRECTORAlaina Rauth

MARKETING MANAGERLorraine Meade

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTSJared Davis, Ann Small,Steve Cook

DISTRIBUTION MANAGERBarry Cook

PHOTOGRAPHYTim Hill, Robert Thomas, Photos by Dash, Mike Keeling, Zach Wingold, Guillermo Ubilla

CONTRIBUTORSSteve Cook, Jennifer Saunders, Tammy Brackett, Nadine Rich,Jody Rathgeb, Meagan Moore

ABOUT THE COVERThe Boathhouse offers

a meal to inspire wine

lovers...a grilled Porterhouse

pork chop with a California

syrah. See the details in our

Perfect Pairings article on

page 12. Photo by Zach

Wingold.

Steakhouse? Seafood?It’s easy to be confused about Sedona...with all of our fresh and hand cut seafood

and our Certifi ed Black Angus Steaks. But make no mistake about it–with thelargest craft beer collection in Virginia, we take craft beer VERY seriously..Serious food and over 500 craft beers...discover your new favorite today.

WESTCHESTER COMMONS, MIDLOTHIAN | 804-379-0037 | SEDONATAPHOUSE.COM

Visit us to fi nd outwhere to dine—andenter to win Dining

Gift Certifi cates forsome of Richmond’s

Best Restaurants!

[RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM]

5september/october 2012www.richmondnavigator.com

[CALENDAROFEVENTS]

SEPTEMBER uuu OCTOBER uuu

TheColorRunSeptember 15.

Richmond Raceway Complex.

Slip on a white shirt and race solo

or with a team of four or more in

the most colorful 5k of your life! Be

blitzed by color each step of this

race for all ages and fitness levels.

Venture out on the day before for a

pre-race yoga party. Check it out at

TheColorRun.com/Richmond.

NightBloomsSeptember 28-October 21.

Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre.

In 1965 in Alabama, an unexpected

visitor changes the lives of two families

forever, proving that personal ties are

more intricate than politics, and that true

social change demands love, humor, and

grace. First produced by Horizon Theatre

Company in Atlanta, Night Blooms was

named one of 2010’s top plays by the

Atlanta Journal Constitution and ArtsATL.

FInd more information at Va-Re.org.

RichmondInternationalDragonBoatFestival.

October 6. Rocketts Landing.

Led by the rhythmic beat of a

drum, teams of 20 synchronized

paddlers, one drummer, and one

steersperson, race 500 meters up

the river in 40-foot canoes rigged

with decorative Chinese dragon

heads and tails. For details, go to

sportsbackers.org.

MaymontX-CountryFestivalSeptember 23-24. Maymont Grounds.Organized by the

Sports Backers, this course takes adults and children through

beautiful Maymont, scenic sculptures, picturesque Byrd

Park, and more. Visit maymont.org or sportsbackers.org for

more information.

DisneyonIceRockin’EverAfter.September 20-23.

Richmond Coliseum.

Rock out to the hottest tunes and talent

from across the kingdom. See family

favorites such as royal contenders from

Brave, Sebastian and Ariel from The Little

Mermaid, Rapunzel from Tangled, and

Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Buy

tickets at ticketmaster.com.


[CALENDAROFEVENTS]

q TheArtofDr.SeussSEPTEMBER 13-OCTOBER 14Bella Arte Gallery, located at 3734 Winterfield Drive in Midlothian, is excited to host The Art of Dr. Seuss – “A Retrospective and International Touring Exhibition.” The National Curator of the event, Bill Dreyer, will be present for the exhibition opening on September 13, to provide insights into Theodor Seuss Geisel’s artistic life, his unique vision and his impact on American culture. The gallery will showcase nearly twenty of the most sought-after estate editions from the past decade, giving visitors an opportunity to view and acquire some of the most important works the collection has to offer. BellaArte.com.

q DesignerHouse&GardenTourSEPTEMBER 10-OCTOBER 8. Pinifer Park, a stately Queen Anne-style house in Midlothian, has been selected as the 2012 Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House for their semi-annual fundraiser. Local interior and landscape designers have beautified the property. While touring, have lunch in the cafe and pick up an item from the Designer House Boutique. And if you fall in love with the home, a centerpiece to the small new development, it can be yours when it goes on sale after the event. Rsol.org. n

NOVEMBER uuu

COMING TORICHMOND...

ButterfliesLIVE!Thru October 14.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

It’s your last chance to see hundreds of

graceful butterflies take flight in Lewis

Ginter’s glass conservatory. Back by

popular demand, the exhibit allows

visitors to walk among the showy

tropical species of butterflies and

beautiful plants for an up-close and

personal experience. For more details,

visit lewisginter.org.

RichmondFolkFestival.October 12-14. Downtown Richmond’s

Riverfront 2nd-7th Streets.

The Richmond Folk Festival embraces

the heritage and traditions of all

Americans. Legendary masters and

the next generation of dynamic young

artists will celebrate the musical soul and

cultural roots of America on six stages

of continuous music and dance. World-

class artisans, countless varieties of ethnic

foods and a family area ensure there’s

something for every taste and every

age! For more information, visit www.

richmondfolkfestival.com.

2ndStreetFestival.October 6-7. Jackson Ward.

VentureRichmond.com

The hands of time are turned back to

when 2nd Street was the heart and

soul of Richmond’s African-American

community. Each year thousands

of people come to Richmond’s

historic Jackson Ward to hear live

music on four stages, enjoy children’s

activities, taste delicious food, shop

in the marketplace, dance in the

streets, and renew old friendships.

And it’s free!

CarytownFoodandWineFestivalOctober 7. Carytown. CarytownRVA.com

This festival shines the spotlight on the

great wines of this region, as well as

the incredible food offered by local

restaurants. Nosh on food from Amour Wine

Bistro, Mezzanine, Ginger Thai, and more

as you stroll the streets of Carytown. Save

by purchasing tickets in advance, which

include a tasting and souvenir wine glass.

VISIT RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM FOR MORE LOCAL EVENTS

uuu


[ARTS&ATTRACTIONS]

Crossroads Art Center IS GROWING!By Tammy Brackett. Photos by Mike Keeling.

Jenni Kirby, the owner of Crossroads Art Center and an

outstanding mosaic artist, stands on the sidewalk in front of her

unique establishment checking out the new entrance rugs with

relish. She is smiling, laughing, and clapping her hands as she warmly compliments the man who has

installed them. She is full of enthusiasm. About rugs.

Kirby is full of enthusiasm about everything it seems. Crossroads Art Center, her eleven-year-old

labor of unbounded love, is thriving. There are 215 artists in residence in the 25,000 square foot space.

The All Media and Featured Artists Shows push that number to well over 250 participating artists from

all disciplines. Open, airy, well-lit galleries display pottery, paintings, jewelry, assemblage art, mosaics,

and mixed media pieces. Around every corner is a new discovery of altered furniture, art made from

found objects, stunning photography, and a plethora of clever, cool, creations.

Exhibits are toured daily by local school groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, adult outreach and senior

centers, and groups that are physically and mentally challenged. Kirby says, “The power of art to

transform anyone into an appreciator of beauty is a moving experience to witness day after day.”

And it’s indeed this dedication to art and those who make and love it that keeps Kirby and Crossroads

Art Center expanding. Soon, the center will add three new classrooms and five more working artist

studios in a 5,200 square foot addition.

Crossroads is always open to the curious public. It’s a perfect place to browse, get ideas, and purchase

a one-of-a-kind piece. Every other month, Crossroads hosts a Third Friday Indoor Art Walk. This event

gives the public the opportunity to meet artists, watch them work, and learn about what inspires them.

There’s always an event sponsor and a good cause to support. In the summer, Crossroads hosts kids and

teens camps in crafting and art discovery.

Kirby makes her way back to the entrance of Crossroads and opens the door for a small dark haired

girl in a pretty flowered dress. The child is clutching a drawing pad as she makes her way to camp. She

welcomes the budding artist with a warm smile and merry eyes and sweet words. And enthusiasm. n

Discover YOUR Inner Artist!There’s an artist inside everyone.

Even if you’ve never picked

up a paintbrush or drawing

pencil, Crossroads Art Center

can cultivate your creative side.

The center offers beginner,

intermediate and advanced

classes in painting and drawing,

floral design, interior decorating,

photography, and multi media

disciplines. There’s even a

class about discovering and

rediscovering your artistic bliss!


FallFashionFindsHere’s a sneak peak at some fabulous designer pieces we found at local consignment

shops. Head to your favorite upscale consignment boutique to get the hottest pieces by high-end designers while they last! This scenic shoot was done at Rassawek Vineyards

in Goochland (Rassawek.com).

NadineRich Fashion Coordinator

GuillermoUbilla Photographer GXUimages.com

LaraBridger Hair Designer RichmondHairandMakeup.com

LuAnn“Lulu”Schwall Make-up LuluSchwall.com

LisaPowers Model

StarletFarrior Model

Models from ModelsSupportingAnimalsmodelssupportinganimals.com

ClothesMentor• Short Pump 873-0139 • www.clothesmentor.com

Suited For Success • 914-5626facebook.com/sfsconsignment

IndigoAvenueClothes• West End and Carytown locations

www.indigoavenueclothes.com


There may be no more beautiful a spot in

Northern Virginia than Loudoun County. Here are our

recommendations for a Loudoun County Wine & Brew

Lover’s Weekend Getaway

1. Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.

36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, VA.

540-687-3333. Goodstone.com

“Goodstone is a most perfect venue for a wine lover’s

getaway,” says William Walden, executive chef at this

beautiful, historic inn and restaurant. Set on 265-acres of

rolling hills and farmland, the historic property features

five star-quality lodging in six distinctive dwellings.

You may want to consider the Bull Barn Suite, featuring

a king-size sleigh bed, and, in the lavish bathroom, a

whirlpool tub with picture window, and sit-down,multi-

jetted steam shower.

2. Goodstone Restaurant.

Executive, chef William Walden, brings years of

culinary expertise to this award-winning restaurant. Chef

Walden says, “My raison d’être is artistic cuisine with the

greatest depth of flavor.”

We asked the chef for a wine pairing recommendation:

“A popular wine pairing is Poached Maine Lobster,

Grapefruit, Orzo, Ginger Citrus Butter and 2010 Villa

Maria Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.”

3. Doukénie Winery. 14727 Mountain Road,

Hillsboro, VA. 540-668-6464. Doukeniewinery.com

“The atmosphere in our tasting room is welcoming

and cozy,” says wine maker and GM, Sebastien Marque.

“Many who visit us for the first time fall in love with the

experience and join our Heritage Club. It is a truly warm

and inviting destination.”

We asked Marque for a recommendation: “So many of

our wines are special and delicious, but we are known for

our Cabernet Franc. It is representative of the beautiful

Virginia grapes. It is spicy and peppery with a lovely

earthy quality.”

4. Lost Rhino Brewery. 21730 Red Rum Drive, #142,

Ashburn, VA. 571-291-2083. Lostrhino.com

Lost Rhino is a relatively new brewery, says Favio

Take a Road Trip A Northern Virginia Itinerary to Beckon Wine and Beer Lovers

Garcia, the director of brewing operations. If Garcia’s name

rings a bell, he was once a brewer at Richbrau, here in

town.“There is a great tasting room with all of our beers

available,” says Garcia. “We also have a unique food menu.

“I would strongly suggest that anyone from the

Richmond area should stop by our brewery when they are

in Northern Virginia. They can sample some beer at the

brewery and take home some growlers of their favorites to

introduce their friends to Lost Rhino.”

5. Philomont General Store. 36550 Jeb Stuart Road, Philomont, VA.

540-338-5792. Philomontgeneralstore.com

You want a real getaway? You can’t do better than a drive down the picturesque

Snickerville Turnpike to Philomont and its General Store. Established in 1913, the

store offers “a little something for everyone” including groceries, a deli, fine wine

and cheeses, historical maps and books, local products, and crafts.” Do like the

locals and sit a spell on the front porch, enjoying a sandwich or a snack.

6. Aylesbury Antique Center & Tea Room. 212 Loudoun Street, SE, Leesburg,

VA. 703-868-6935. Aylesburyantiques.com

Shop for antiques and collectibles in an English country house, then enjoy a

spot of tea at the Tea Room, offering authentic English afternoon teas. n

Enjoy pizza and live music on select Fridays at Doukénie Winery.

By Steve Cook

[DESTINATIONS]



Perfect Pairings Richmond Experts Help You Find the Perfect Glass

Nervous about making your own food and wine pairings? Get some help from an expert. Sommelier Carol Colby, wine instruc-tor with the cooking school Mise En Place in Shockoe Slip, teaches about pairings as a stand-alone class and as part of other wine class offerings. We asked some questions on the basics.

Where do you start? Are there rules?You can start with the wine or with the

food; either way you can have a successful pairing. If you have a great bottle of wine you want to serve, start there. Or you can start with the menu.

I usually give the guideline of having the wine match the inten-sity of the dish. Simple dishes or a simple menu – paté with bread and cheese, or a picnic lunch – need a straightforward, simpler wine. With more complex dishes like chateaubriand or beef Wel-lington, you would want to pick a more elegant wine. Also, I always try to get people to think about the dominant flavor in a dish and choose the wine accordingly. At a certain point, it becomes instinct.

How can a customer be helpful to a sommelier?Let him or her know what you prefer – fruity, structured, and

so on. If you don’t know how to articulate it, then give an example, something you’ve liked in the past. The sommelier should be able to then make some suggestions, or ask more questions to ferret out the right wine.

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?I love Thai or Indonesian cuisine with a Riesling or Gewurtz-

traminer. The foods have a complexity and spiciness, and the wines have a touch of sweetness that mitigates the saltiness and heat of those dishes. That allows you to continue tasting all the spices in-stead of just tasting the heat after that first mouthful.

GO TO RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM FOR MORE TIPS FROM LOCAL EXPERTS FOR PAIRINGS.

By Jody Rathgeb

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Restaurants Share Their Favorite Pairings...

THE PAIRING: A Porterhouse pork chop is rubbed with a house-made blend of herbs and spices, grilled to medium, and served with a warm potato salad and bourbon apple chutney. Pair it with a 2006 Qupe Bien Nacido Hillside Estate Syrah from the Santa Maria Valley in California. The wine has aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, mocha, rose petal, smoke, and black pepper. WHY IT WORKS: The smoky notes in the wine help bring out the grilled flavor of the pork chop. The rub on the chop complements the floral and pepper flavors in the wine.WHERE IT’S PAIRED:The Boathouse • 4708 E. Old Main St. 622-2628 • BoathouseRichmond.com

THE PAIRING: Secco’s newest salad of wheatberries, olives, celery, feta, mint, and lovage, pairs well with a 2011 Ameztoi “Rubentis” Rosé Getariako Txakolina from Spain. This Rosé is completely dry and slightly fizzy with refreshing notes of citrus and red currants.WHY IT WORKS: The spritziness and acidity cuts the fat of the olives and feta, while the strawberry notes balance the saltiness. The lime flavors of the wine strikes magic with the lovage in the salad.WHERE IT’S PAIRED:Secco • 2933 W. Cary Street • 353-0670 • SeccoWineBar.com

THE PAIRING: Pork is braised for about four hours in spices and hickory smoke, then tossed in a homemade spicy Carolina barbecue sauce and served on a Challah bun. Pair it with Legend Pale Ale, which has moderate bitterness and an aggressive hop flavor and aroma. WHY IT WORKS: Spicy dishes pair well with hoppy beers. The pine and citrus flavors of this brew leave the palate ready for the next bite. The clean, soft bitterness of the pale ale accents the heat, but leaves a refreshing feeling.WHERE IT’S PAIRED:Legend Brewing Company • 321 W. 7th Street232-3446 • LegendBrewing.com

THE PAIRING: M Bistro’s Signature Crab Cakes are made with fresh jumbo lump crab meat tossed with scallop mousse and seasoned to enhance natural flavors. Try them with the 2010 Cuvée Hortense 2010 Entre-Deux-Mers from Bordeaux, a full-bodied white blend of Sauvignon Gris, Sémillion, and Muscadelle.WHY IT WORKS: This blend has a floral aroma and complex meld-ing flavors of grapefruit, white peach, black currant, and toast, which allow it to pair well with seafood.WHERE IT’S PAIRED:M Bistro and Wine Bar • 4821 Old Main Street652-2300 • MBistro-Rocketts.com

FIND MORE PAIRINGS IN RICHMOND RESTAURANTS ONLINE AT RICHMONDNAVIGATOR.COM.

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The Grapes

VIOGNIER

Pronounced “vee-OH-nee-ay,” this 2,000 year-old white varietal has gained much popularity, it threatens to catch up with Chardonnay as an oenophile favorite. While Viognier vines thrive from Argentina to Napa Valley and beyond, this particular varietal put down roots in Virginia with such success that, in 2011, it was named Virginia’s official state grape. And Virginia Viognier is gaining notoriety on an international scale.

According to Julia Battaglini, owner of River City Cellars on Cary Street, if you like a fruity Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, you’ll probably like this honeyed, popular varietal. When it comes to serving suggestions, Dan Cotting, Wine Consultant at Charlottesville’s The Country Vintner and an Advanced Certified Sommelier, says, “Food pairings ultimately depend on the wine style, but Viognier often goes well with richer-style shellfish such as scallops, crab, and lobster.”

BOTTLES TO TRY:• Blenheim Vineyards Viognier, $19.99. Ellwood Thompson’s.

• Viognier Reserve, Barboursville Vineyards, $21.99. River City Cellars.

• Virginia Wineworks Viognier, $35.00. Barrel Thief.

GETTING TO KNOW

NORTON

If Viognier is one of Virginia’s best known little-known varietals, Norton is perhaps its most historic. Cultivated from local vines by Dr. Daniel Norton in the early 1800s, this grape spent the 19th century gaining popularity until a vintage from Virginia finally won a gold medal at the 1873 Vienna World Exposition. It was hailed as the “best red wine of all nations,” thus fulfilling Thomas Jefferson’s predictions that the United States would one day produce wines on par with the French.

Now, Horton Vineyards in Orange County produces a popular local Norton. Dennis Horton, owner of Horton Vineyards, adds that “its ageability is incredible – if you find a 10 year old bottle of Norton, pick it up! It will be delicious.”

Depending on the origin of the vintage, Norton wines can be full-bodied or light, but often has bright, fruity – even cherry notes that make it good for pairing with pasta dishes or even pizza.

BOTTLES TO TRY:• Horton Norton, $13.99. Ellwood Thompson’s.

• Chrysalis Estate Bottled 2011, $17.00. J. Emerson’s Fine Wine & Cheese.

• Cooper Vineyards Norton Reserve, $20.99. Total Wine and More.

CABERNET FRANC

“Pinot Noir is a disaster in this state – it’s a tough grape to deal with. But Cab Franc is so consistent, I don’t know why everyone stayed away from growing it for so long,” marvels Horton, adding, “and now everyone’s doing it!”

Mitzi Batterson, co-owner of James River Cellars in Glen Allen and president of the Virginia Wineries Association, agrees, saying the better-known “Cabernet Sauvignon is more of a hallmark of California wine, but Cab Franc is definitely a hallmark of Virginia.”

If you’re in the mood for a wine and cheese pairing, Leigh Rodgers, resident wine expert at Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market, recommends the market’s pairing for June 2012: matching this robust varietal up with Meadow Creek Appalachian cheese. As for entrees, Batterson recommends pairing this peppery, full-bodied wine with steak au poivre, or a salad drizzled with balsamic dressing and black peppercorns.

BOTTLES TO TRY:• La Cerisaie (Domaine de la Bergerie), $13.99. River City Cellars.

• Soif du Jour Bourgueil (Domaine du Bel Air), $16.00. River City Cellars.

• Church Creek Blend Cabernet Franc Blend, $21.49. Ellwood Thompson’s. n

In Hollywood, you occasionally get blockbusters that have it all – character, richness, dimensionality, and visual appeal – but these characteristics can be found just as often in Indie flicks, films with less publicity but more heart, art, and critical acclaim.

Believe it or not, the same is true in the wonderful world of American and, in this case, Virginia wines.While many Virginians are probably familiar with Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Merlots, those outside the world of wine

criticism often don’t know that Virginia wines tend to be some of the most acclaimed, prize-winning vintages in the country… and that many of those vintages come from grapes that very few of us have heard of.

Featured here are a collection of lesser-known varietals – those that grow well in Virginia and those that have been the building blocks of the Commonwealth’s robust, prestigious, and ever-expanding wine industry.

ByMeaganMoore.


MORI SOBAChilled Buckwheat Noodles

HIYASHI CHUKACold Ramen

SPICY CHIRASHISashimi Rice Bowl

BINGSURed Bean Shaved Ice

804.643.8080kobesteakandsushi.com

Traditional Dining Hibachi Grill Sushi Bar Full Bar

In The Historic Shockoe Slip19 South 13th Street, Richmond, VA

RiverCity

eatsAfricanAfricanneonMain

200 E. Main St. 343-1233.

chefmamusuafricanne.com

Goree

1823 E. Main St. 269-5375.

goreerestaurant.com

American1800Bar&Grill

1800 E. Main St. 780-1800.

Arcadia

1700 E. Main St. 417-4005.

arcadiarichmond.com

Aurora

401 E. Grace St. 644-5380.

aurorarichmond.com

Baker’sCrust

3553 W. Cary St. 213-0800.

bakerscrust.com

BellyTimberTavern

1501 W. Main St. 592-5592.

bellytimbertavern.com

TheBlackSheep

901 W. Marshall St. 648-1300.

theblacksheetrva.com

Caliente

2922 Park Ave. 340-2920.

CapitalAleHouse

623 E. Main St. 780-ALES.

capitalalehouse.com

Carlyle’sCafe

1201 W. Main St. 358-0127.

ChezFoushee

203 N. Foushee St. 648-3225.

chezfoushee.com

CityDogs

1309 W. Main St. 359-DOGS.

Comfort

200 W. Broad St. 780-0004.

comfortrestaurant.com

Curbside

2525 Hanover Ave. 355-7008.

curbsiderichmond.com

TheDairyBar

1602 Roseneath Rd. 355-1937.

dairybarrestaurant.com

FishBowl

101 S. 15th St. 562-1438.

fishbowlrva.com

F.W.Sullivan’sBar&Grill

2401 W. Main St. 308-8576.

fwsullivans.com

GalaxyDiner

2924 W. Cary St. 213-0510.

Gibson’sGrill

700 E. Broad St. 644-2637.

gibsonsgrill.com

Kitchen64

3336 N. Boulevard. 358-0064.

kitchen64.com

LegendBrewingCompany

321 W. 7th St. 232-3446.

legendbrewing.com.

LuLu’s

21 N. 17th St. 343-9771.lulusrichmond.com

MansionFive26

526 N. 2nd St. 266-2021.

hippodromerichmond.com

TheMarshallStreetCafé&JazzBistro

23 W. Marshall St. 269-3537.

marshallstreetcafe.com

McCormack’sWhiskeyGrill

204 N. Robinson St. 648-1003.

Mezzanine

3433 W. Cary St. 353-2186.

mezzaninerva.com

Millie’sDiner

2603 E. Main St. 643-5512.

milliesdiner.com

THE HALLIGAN BAR & GRILLCome pay tribute to firefighters

everywhere at The Halligan. Smoky

meats are the star of the menu.

Down a Chutes-N-Ladders drop

shot as lights flash and sirens blare.3N.17thStreet.447-7981.www.thehalliganbar.com


By Steve Cook

By the time you’re reading this, there should

be a cool (make that really cool) new restaurant

on the James, near Rocketts Landing. The restau-

rant is Flatheads, and, it’s located on an 82-foot

yacht, docked just west of Rocketts.

When I spoke with owner, Matt Gleason, he

was anticipating a late August or early September

opening. Gleason has had years of experience in

the hospitality industry with the Omni and other

local hotels. The past six years, he’s been with the

Bull and Bear Club.

But now he’s ready for something completely

different, and I have a feeling that Richmond resi-

dents and visitors alike will be ready for it too.

“It’s not going to be fine dining at all,” Gleason

says. “But it will be fun. Our motto is “Everything

but ordinary.”

Fun sounds like the operative word, to hear

him describe his new venture. Even the food will

be fun. “We’ll have unique burgers and hot dogs

and lots of seafood. We’ll have dishes you can’t

find anywhere else,” Gleason says. “We’ll have

some childhood (food) favorites. We encourage

playing with your food.”

He says if you don’t have time for a vacation

this year, take your vacation on board Flatheads.

“You can even wear your bathing suit and san-

dals,” he tells me. And there’ll always be some

good beach or reggae music on the sound sys-

tem, unless, of course, there’s a live band playing.

“On Sundays we’ll do an ‘Overboard’ special

with deejays, crawfish boils and lots of fun things,”

he says. He also mentions that he wants to en-

courage workers in the hospitality industry to join

in the Sunday fun since many are off that day.

“Besides,” he adds, “we offer the best view in

the city.” n

Be part of Scoop! Send new restaurant

openings, menus, chefs and more to alai-

[email protected].


[R IVERC ITYEATS]

321 West 7th Street Richmond, VA (804) 232-3446

OfferingAppetizers ~ Snacks ~ Burgers ~ Sandwiches ~ Dinner Entrees

Restaurant & Bar Hours:Mon.-Thurs. 11:30am - 11:00pm

Fri.-Sat. 11:30am - MidnightSun. 11:00am - 10:00pm

Close to all hotels in The River District & only a short drivefrom Broad St., Short Pump, Midlothian or the Airport

The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurantwith great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond

Join us every Sunday for Brunch.It all starts at 11am with a greatbrunch menu & Bloody Mary,Mimosa & Sangria Bar.

www.legendbrewing.com

The area’s Award Winning Bar and Restaurantwith great beer, great food, and captivating views of Richmond

BlueGrass

Music

Every Sunday

Night


OnTheRox

119 N. 18th St. 303-9444.

www.roxrva.com

Pasture

416 E. Grace St. 780-0416.

pastureva.com

PopkinTavern

123 W. Broad St. 343-1909.

sparetimechicago.com

TheRepublic

2053 W. Broad St. 592-2148.

therepublicrva.com

RiverCityDiner

7 N. 17th Street. 644-9418.

rivercitydiner.com

RowlandFineDining

2132 W. Main St. 257-9885.

rowlandfinedining.com

Star-Lite

2600 W. Main St. 254-2667.

starlitediningandlounge.com

Station2

2016 E. Main St. 249-4702.

station2richmond.com

StrawberryStreetCafe

421 Strawberry St. 353-6860.

strawberrystreetcafe.com

T-Miller’sSportsBar&Grill

500 East Broad Street. 648-2255.

tmillerssportsbar.com

TastebudsAmericanBistro

4019 MacArthur Ave. 261-6544.

tastebudsamericanbistro.com

TJ’sRestaurantandLounge

101 W. Franklin St. 788-8000.

jeffersonhotel.com

TheTobaccoCompany

1201 E. Cary St. 782-9555.

thetobaccocompany.com

Weezie’sKitchen

3123 W. Cary St. 726-1270.

weezieskitchen.com

Xtra’sCafé

3322B W. Cary St. 355-0446.

xtrascafe.com

AsianAkida

814 N. Robinson St. 359-8036.

CarytownSushi

2923 W. Cary St. 355-0058.

KobeJapaneseSteak&Sushi

19 S. 13th St. 643-8080.

kobesteakandsushi.com

TheLuckyBuddha

1421 E. Cary St. 648-5100.

theluckybuddha.com

SumoSan

1725 E. Main St. 643-6500.

sumosanrva.com

Bakeries & CoffeeCartwheels&Coffee

2820 W. Cary St. 355-5437.

cartwheelsandcoffee.com

JeanJacquesBakery&Café

3138 W. Cary St. 355-0666.

carytownbakery.com

WilliamsBakery

3544 W. Cary St. 612-6130.

thewilliamsbakery.com

BarbecueAlamoBBQ

2202 Jefferson Ave. 592-3138.

alamobbqva.com

Buzz&Ned’s

1119 N. Boulevard. 355-6055.

buzandneds.com

CaribbeanIslandBistro

400 N. 2nd St. 643-1319.

CubanHavana59

16 N. 17th St. 780-2822.

havana59.net

Kenn-TicoCubanBar&Grill

204 E. Grace St. 225-9216.

kennticocubanbargrill.com

DeliNewYorkDeli

2920 W. Cary St. 358-3354.

ny-d.com

Perly’sRestaurant&Deli

111 E. Grace St. 649-2779.

EthiopianAddisEthiopianRestaurant

9 N 17th Street. 308-3649.

addisrichmond.com

NileEthiopianRestaurant

309 N. Laurel St. 225-5544.

nilerichmond.com

EuropeanBistro27

27 W. Broad St. 780-0086.

bistrotwentyseven.com

CaféRustica

414 E. Main St. 225-8811.

caferusticava.com

LemaireatJefferson

101 W. Franklin St. 788-8000.

lemairerestaurant.com

Tarrant’sCafe

One W. Broad St. 225-0035.

tarrantscafe.org

Farm FreshSelba

2416 W. Cary St. 358-2229.

selbarichmond.com

UrbanFarmhouseMarket&Cafe

1217 E. Cary St. 325-3988.

theurbanfarmhouse.net

FrenchAmourWineBistro

3129 W. Cary St. 353-4020.

amourwinebistro.com

BistroBobette

1209 E. Cary St. 225-9116.

bistrobobette.com

CanCanBrasserie

3120 W. Cary St. 358-7274.

cancanbrasserie.com

GreekBacchus

2 N. Meadow St. 355-9919.

bacchusonmain.com

Stella’s

10122 Fayette St. 358-2011.

stellasrichmond.com

[R IVERC ITYEATS]


IndianFarouk’s

3033 W. Cary St. 355-0378.

KebabandBiryani

2452 Old Brick Road. 658.3174.

Irish/PubsPennyLanePub

421 E. Franklin St. 780-1682.

pennylanepub.com

RosieConnolly’sPub

1548 E. Main St. 343-1063.

rosieconnollys.com

Sine

1327 E. Cary St. 649-7767.

sineirishpub.com

International3MonkeysBar&Grill

2525 W. Main St. 204-2525.

3monkeysfan.com

Avalon

2619 W. Main St. 353-9709.

avalonrestaurant.com

Sample

One N. Morris St. 248-9157.

samplerichmond.com

ItalianAmici’s

3343 W. Cary St. 353-4700.

amiciristorante.net

Arianna’sGrill

700 N. Sheppard St. 353-6002.

ariannasgrill.com

Avenue805

805 N. Davis Ave. 353-2505.

avenue805.net

Coppola’s

2900 W. Cary St. 359-6969.

coppolasdeli.com

Europa

1409 E. Cary St. 643-0911.

europarichmond.com

Joe’sInn

205 N. Shields Ave. 355-2282.

joesinn.com/Fan

[R IVERC ITYEATS]

LaGrotta

1218 E. Cary St. 644-2466.

lagrottaristorante.com

MammaZu’s

501 South Pine St. 788-4205.

Maximo’sSpanish&ItalianBistro

14 N. 18th St. 447-0654.

maximosbistro.com

MediterraneanTheCellarDoor

1600 Monument Ave. 716-0346.

cellardoorva.com

CousCous

900 W. Franklin St. 358-0868.

couscous900.com

Emilio’sRestaurant

1847 W. Broad St. 359-1224.

emiliosrichmond.com

MexicanBajaBeanCo.

1520 W. Main St. 257-5445.

bajabean.com

Bandito’sBurritoLounge

2905 Patterson Ave. 354-9999.

banditosburritolounge.com

ChaCha’sCantina

1419 E. Cary St. 726-6296.

chachascantina.com

LaBamba

19 N. 18th St. 225-8883.

LittleMexico

1328 W. Cary St. 525-4216.

littlemexicova.com

NachoMama’s

3449 W. Cary St. 358-6262.

nachomamasva.com

New AmericanBalliceaux

203 N. Lombardy St. 355-3008.

balliceauxrva.com

TheBelvidere

506 W. Broad St. 344-0644.

thebelvidere.com

Bonvenu

2915 W. Cary St. 342-1003.

bonvenu.com

Whether you’re seeking a casual, relaxed night out, enjoying the city’s best tapas (at the city’s most beautiful tapas bar) along

with a delighful wine or are seeking a truly exceptional feast of the finest gourmet

Spanish and Italian cuisine, Maximo’s is your ultimate Shockoe Bottom destination.

The atmosphere is fun and casual.The food is simply fantastic.

14 N. 18th Street • 804-447-0654 • www.maximosbistro.com

Where Good Times and Great Food Go Together... Perfectly


CaféGutenberg

1700 E. Main St. 497-5000.

cafegutenberg.com

Citizen

909 E. Main St. 780-9038.

Julep’sNewSouthernCuisine

1719 E. Franklin St. 377-3968.

juleps.net

LaissezFaireCafé

500 Dinwiddie Ave. 392-2360.

MBistro

4821 Old Main St. 652-2300.

mbistro-rocketts.com

SixBurner

1627 W. Main St. 353-4060.

sixburner.net

PizzeriaBlowToad

2907 W. Cary St. 355-8623.

blowtoad.com

Bottom’sUp

1700 Dock Street. 644-4400.

bottomsuppizza.com

ThePizzaPlace

1731 E. Main St. 343-1300.

richmondpizzaplace.com

Sette

7 N. 23rd St. 788-7077.

settepizza.com

SeafoodAcacia

2601 W. Cary St. 562-0138.

acaciarestaurant.com

TheBoathouse

4708 E. Old Main St. 622-2628.

boathouserichmond.com

ConchRepublic

11 Orleans Street. 226-6242.

conchrepublicrocketts.com

CroakerSpot

1020 Hull St. 269-0464.

croakersspot.com

Edo’sSquid

411 N. Harrison St. 864-5488.

TheHardShell

1411 E. Cary St. 643-2333.

thehardshell.com

OldOriginalBookbinder’s

2306 E. Cary St. 643-6900.

bookbindersrichmond.com

Pescados

626 China St. 644-3474.

pescadoschinastreet.com

SamMiller’s

1210 E. Cary St. 644-5465.

sammillers.com

TheWaterGrill

3411 W. Cary St. 353-3411.

thewatergrill.com

SteakhouseBuckhead’s

8510 Patterson Ave. 750-2000.

buckheads.com

Morton’s

111 Virginia St. 648-1662.

mortons.com

Kobe

19 S. 13th St. 643-8080.

kobesteakandsushi.com

ThaiAlex’sThaiCuisine

13 N. 17th St. 343-3934.

Beauregard’sThaiRoom

103 E. Cary St. 644-2328. thai-

room.com

ElephantThai

1100 W. Cary St. 353-0106.

GingerThaiTaste

3145 W. Cary St. 254-7373.

gingerthaitaste.net

Mom’sSiam

2811 W. Cary St. 359-7606.

momsiam.com

ThaiDinnerToo

3028 W. Cary St. 353-9514.

tdtoo.webs.com

ThaiTopTen

911 1/2 W. Grace St. 254-8195.

Thaitoptenrestaurant.com

VegetarianFresca

22 S. Addison St. 359-8638.

frescaonaddison.com n

[R IVERC ITYEATS]

Finally, a Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Bar and Grille

Just For You! • Exceptional Food• Reasonable Prices• In a Fun, Casual Atmosphere

119 N. 18th Street • 804-303-9444 • [email protected]

roxrva.com



MANSIONFIVE26526 N. 2nd Street. 266-2021. HippodromeRichmond.com

HOURS: Tues-Sat 11-2, 5-10pm. Sun Brunch 11-2.

HAPPYHOURThursday nights offer the “biggest happy

hour in town,” with $3, $4, and $5 drink specials. Feast on

such delicacies as crab cakes, ham drop biscuits, crab and

artichoke dip, and pork tortillas for $5. There are deejays

and live music every Thursday. Happy hour specials run

from 5 until 7 and the party goes on ‘til 11 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENTIn addition to the weekly “Happy Hour Party,” there’s always some-

thing going on at the Hipp. Check the website for schedule.

GRABABITE The kitchen is open until closing every night.

QUENCHYOURTHIRST Enjoy specialty drinks such as the Duke Ellington, Ella

Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and, of course the Bojangles. See their website for a descrip-

tion of these and other refreshing adult beverages.

THEIRCLAIMTOFAME Virginia Living Magazine just voted the Hipp as the best party

venue in the state. It would be difficult to disagree. The place is so cool, our advice is that

you just have to see it, experience it, to believe it. And the food is fantastic.

Pho

tos

by

Das

h.

MAXIMO’SSPANISH&ITALIANBISTRO14 N. 18th Street. 447-0654. MaximosBistro.comHOURS: Tues-Thurs 5:30-10. Fri ‘til 11:30. Sunday Brunch 10:30-3:30.

HAPPYHOURTuesday through Friday 5–7pm. $4 wine

selection; $4 cosmos, bloody mary, or frozen daiquiri ; $4 beer

imports/$3 domestic. Special pricing on select tapas such as

codfish fritters, pork skewers, and pincho moruno.

GRABABITE The kitchen is open ‘til closing.

QUENCHYOURTHIRSTBar manager, Beth Turk, offers

lemon and limeades, virgin or with vodka or rum, flavored with Stevia…excellent for those

seeking to limit their sugar intake…and very refreshing as well.

THEIRCLAIMTOFAME This Shockoe Bottom bistro is quickly becoming a downtown

favorite. The food, ambience, and professional and attentive staff make for a great evening

of fine dining. Be sure to check out their secluded outdoor courtyard dining area.

PENNYLANEPUB421 E. Franklin Street. 780-1682. PennyLanePub.com

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 11am-2am. Closed Sunday (except soccer)

HAPPYHOURMonday-Friday 4-7pm. $3.50 all drafts 16 oz.

$2 domestic bottle beer. $4 glass of wine, $3 house drinks.

ENTERTAINMENT Monday nights karaoke at 9pm. Tuesday

and Thursday poker nights. Wednesday Pub Trivia. All events

are free and prizes and gift cards are given out nightly.

GRABABITE Dinner is served until 10pm. Order from the

Pub Grub menu until 1am.

QUENCHYOURTHIRST All the draft beers are British/European or American craft beers.

THEIRCLAIMTOFAME Operated by Richmond’s most famous Liverpudian, Terry

O’Neill, since 1979, Penny Lane Pub is a downtown landmark. O’Neill says, “We are the best

soccer bar in Richmond.” And with 15 HDTVs throughout the restaurant, carrying virtu-

ally all televised soccer, Penny Lane may well be. The pub also features 2 bars, including a

smoking area in the upstairs bar, plus a pool table and, of course, darts.

Where Can You Get a Drink Around Here? Part II

While Richmond could be quite the rowdy

trading (and drinking) town in its earlier days, pre-

prohibition laws, followed by national Prohibition

quieted things down considerably. Following the

repeal of Prohibition, Richmond (and Virginia as a

whole) remained somewhat subdued as far as public

consumption of alcohol was concerned. Liquor-by-

the-drink legislation, in public restaurants, wasn’t

instituted until 1968.

During the years between 1934 and 1968, private

clubs sprang up around the city. As a private club, as

opposed to a public restaurant, such establishments

could serve alcohol, even if it was supplied by the

guest (member). Some referred to these restaurants

as “brown bag” establishments because members

would bring their alcohol, often in brown bags, and

the club supplied the set-ups.

One of the most popular such clubs was Tantilla

Gardens (located on West Broad Street at Hamilton

Avenue), mentioned in our previous issue. With its

retractable roof that allowed for dancing under the

stars Tantilla became known as “the South’s most

beautiful ballroom.” Many Richmonders still recall

traipsing up the narrow staircase, brown bag in hand.

In many such clubs, each member had his own

cabinet space in which to store his favorite beverages.

And while liquor-by-the-drink put an end to most

such clubs, a few remain ‘til today.

Since 1968, restaurants have proliferated around

town. Formerly quiet, older, residential or industrial

neighborhoods, such as the Fan and Shockoe Slip

have become lively nightlife districts. In our next issue,

we’ll take a look at some of the city’s most memorable

nightspots that quenched the thirst of Richmonders

who could now enjoy a refreshing adult beverage

with their meal.


[ IN SEARCH OF ]

DESSERT1.BakedAlaskaChef Stuart Lowrie brings his personal touch

to this traditional dessert using pistachio

cake and Homestead Creamery vanilla

ice cream. Top it off with Italian meringue,

raspberry coulis, fresh berries, and mint.

The Continental Westhampton

5704 Grove Avenue • 285-0911

TheContinentalVa.com

Photos by Tim Hill and Robert Thomas.

2

3

3.AvocadoTartA sweet coconut cookie crust with a

creamy refreshing filling that looks and

tastes like chilled cheesecake and key

lime pie. Surrounded with a ring of red

wine syrup.

Pescado’s • 626 China Street

644-3474 • pescadoschinastreet.com

1

2.OrangeCrepeAn orange flavored crepe is filled with

lemon mousse and topped with pistachios

and blackberry sauce for a French dessert

with an artistic touch!

Amuse • vmfa.state.va.us/amuse

200 N. Boulevard • 340-1580

Inside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts


[FLAVOR]

ATASTEoftheMenuA s you enter the somewhat nondescript

white brick building, there’s very little to

suggest that you are about to embark on

an adventure in excellent Greek dining. Sure the

sign outside tells you that you are at the Greek Grill

Café (2313 Westwood Avenue #B/355-4001/www.

greekgrillcafe.com.

As you enter, the first things you might notice are

the murals. Oh yes, huge murals, done by none other

than Happy the artist, project colorful images of

Greek scenes. There’s the Parthenon and a seacoast

village and happy tourists snapping pictures.

Perhaps the lightheartedness of the artwork is

somewhat deceptive. On my first visit, I really had no

expectation that I was about enjoy the delights of a

phenomenal Greek feast.

And then, the food arrived. Huge plates of

delicious delicacies. First to be delivered to our table

was the appetizer platter. When I saw how high it was

piled, I knew we had ordered too much food, but I

was also glad we did.

My daughter quickly proclaimed the dolmades

to be the best she had ever had. My wife was equally

as appreciative of the food.

I was already delving into the Athenian Pizza,

which had arrived just after the platter. Generously

topped with feta cheese, spinach, tomato, onions

and olives, this was a great pizza and at just $10.95,

a great deal.

By this point, I was somewhat regretful that I had

also ordered pastitsio, but when it arrived and I took

that first bite, my regrets were gone. This, without

a doubt, is the most delicious pastitsio I have ever

tasted. Of course, this is one man’s opinion, but I think

I know pastitsio pretty well.

Appetizer Platter with feta

cheese, Kalamata olives, dolmades,

and pitas.

Athenian Pizza with feta cheese,

spinach tomato, onions and olives.

Gyro with beef and lamb, tomato,

lettuce, feta cheese, onions, and

tzatziki in pita bread.

Souvlaki served with rice and

Greek green beans

Mousaka made with eggplant,

beef, squash with Bechamel sauce.

Pastitsio. Greek macaroni, ground

beef and Bechamel sauce.

Enjoying a Greek Classic

GreekGrillCafe

So who is behind the creation of such tempting

dishes? I took the opportunity to speak with the

older gentleman at the register and learned that he

was the owner. “He” is Ulysses Avgeros. Avgeros, who

owns and operates the Greek Grill Café, along with

his wife Christina, is from both the old country and

the old school.

Born in Athens, he’s been in this country for 42

years. “One day in New York,” he says, “and the rest of

the time, here in Richmond.”

As for the old school, Avgeros understands the

importance of providing each customer with an

exceptional experience. That starts, he says, with the

food, but not just any food. “Everything has to be of

the highest quality,” he says. “You can be a great cook,

but if the quality isn’t there, it’s no good.”

Avgeros credits his wife with her meticulous

attention to every detail. It is Christina, he says, who

runs the kitchen, doing much of the preparation and

cooking, herself. “No one makes dolmades like she

does,” Avgeros says with pride.

Avgeros has every reason to be proud. He finally

has his own Greek Restaurant. He’s also proud and

happy to have, along with his wife, his two daughters

and a grandson working with him in the restaurant.

“In all my years (in the business),” he says with a

twinkle in his eye, “This is the first restaurant where

I have never had a complaint.” I can believe that.

Having visited Greek Grill Café several times since

I discovered it, just a few short months ago, having

tasted a variety of dishes and having paid attention

to the comments of others, guests and employees

alike, it’s pretty obvious that Ulysses Avgeros has

something very special going on at the Greek Grill

Cafe. n

By Steve Cook. Photos by Robert Thomas.


[ FLAVOR ]

1. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a restaurant

that only served desserts?

Yes, we think it would be great. And, here’s the good

news: There is! It’s Shyndigz Cake Café (5716 Patterson

Avenue; 938-3449; www.shyndigz.com). By day, Shyndigz

is a wonderful bakery and cake shop. But on Thursday and

Friday nights, from 4 to 11 p.m., and on Saturday, from

noon ‘til 11, it becomes the Shyndigz Cake Café. Just the

name conjures up visions of loveliness. Wait until you see

the cakes. Liv Skirpan, at Shyndigz, says they start

with a rotating selection from their

cake menu, and then they add in

some specialty items, including a

selection of pies and other desserts.

The slices are big, but if you bring

friends or family, try the sampler

platter, which includes your choice

of four cakes or pies. “What makes

our desserts so great,” Liv says, “is

that we don’t cut corners. It’s all

fresh, made from scratch. Nothing

is ever frozen.”

2. What 20-year-old Shockoe Bottom establishment

may be the most misunderstood dining spot in town?

(Hint: You’ll find Raven Fries on the menu.)

“Even though our food here is fantastic, people still

think we’re a biker bar” says Mike Britt, owner of Poe’s Pub

(2706 E. Main; www.poespub.com), who acknowledges

that Poe’s is “biker friendly.” Mike, who is of Irish descent,

RIVERC ITY’S

How much do you really know about Richmond’s restaurant scene? You may be surprised and delighted to discover some hidden gems.

describes his place as “an American pub with an Irish twist. Our baby-back ribs are

second to none. So is our Sunday brunch.”

3. It’s a downtown delicatessen/grocer offering a wide range of

international foods, plus a cool little sandwich shop featuring an authentic

country ham sub. What is it?

It’s Nick’s International Foods (400 W. Broad Street; 644-0683; www.

nicksinternationalfoods.com). Owner, Manuel Mooris, says his father started the

business in 1952, selling produce out of the back of his old Pontiac. If you’re in the

market for the highest quality, authentic Mediterranean foods, this is the market

you need to be in. And, as for his meats, Manuel says his roast beef, corned beef,

and pastrami are unbeatable. There’s also a neat little sandwich shop in the back.

4. An all-woman management team

operates this Museum District’s oldest and

newest restaurant. Name it.

It’s The Franklin Inn (800 N. Cleveland Street;

716-9493; www.franklin-inn.com). And, yes, this is a

trick(y) question. The Franklin Inn first opened in

1930. After several name changes, it’s now back to

its original name, and the four lovely ladies, Dale,

Tonya, Jaime, and Jen (she runs the Cleveland

Market), are working together to create one of

the city’s coziest, friendliest, and coolest dining

spots. Everything we sampled was delicious, but

you really need to try the wings…some of the best I’ve ever had.

5. In what hidden, marina-based hole in the wall (meant in the best

possible way) would Kermit feel quite at home?

It’s the Lilly Pad (9680 Osborne Turnpike, at Kingsland Reach Marina; 795-

4155). If you looked up “Relaxed, fun, laid-back hangout” in the dictionary (can

you do that?), you’d see a picture of this place. Sail in or drive in, it really don’t

matter, none. You’re gonna have fun. For sure, there’s cold beer in cans and lots of

fresh seafood. But wait, there’s more. Owner, Candace Atkins is a trained sushi chef,

and every Tuesday is Sushi Night. Candace says, “There’s not a lot of turnover here.

People tend to come and camp out.” She also says she doesn’t mind that one bit.

GRADE YOURSELF:

0-3 Correct : You really need to get out more

4-7 Correct: Pretty good. You are, no doubt, enjoying

River City’s many fine restaurants

8 and above Correct: You really should stay home more

Photo courtesy of Laura Shibut

By Steve Cook


6. Wouldn’t it be neat if someone

came up with a root beer float shooter?

Yes, it would be neat. The good news is

that someone has. It’s the folks at Curbside

Café (2525 Hanover Avenue, at Robinson;

355-7008; www.curbsiderichmond.com).

Co-owner, Matt Bailey and his partners

have a good thing going at this friendly Fan

establishment. The root beer float shooter,

made with Whipped Cream vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream and

root beer, is just the icing on the cake. There’s something special

going on virtually every night, such as 35 cent wing night on

Mondays or 75 cent tacos on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Matt says,

the place is packed for the half-price burgers.

7. At what classy restaurant on the Boulevard can you

jelly up to the bar? The answer will Amuse you.

Of course, with my amusing hint, you probably got this

one…Amuse (200 N. Boulevard; 340-1580; www.

vmfa.va.us/Amuse) It’s a clever name for a wonderful

restaurant, located right inside the Virginia Museum

of Fine Arts. The masterpieces are not just hanging on

the wall, here. They’re coming out of the kitchen, to

the delight of guests, daily.

But what about that jelly comment? While we were

there, bartender Brian Riley whipped up a delightful

concoction. Made with Simonet, a sparkling wine, and

gelatin shooters, the drink is called Jelly Jewels. The

gelatin “jewels,” are created with such liqueurs as

Midori, Crème Yvette, Limoncello, Cointreau, and

Aperol, to create a variety of colors and flavors. At first glance,

you might imagine the drink was created by Picasso, himself.

8. Do you remember the old Thalhimer’s six-layer cakes?

Any chance I can get one of those somewhere?

Yes and Yes! There’s a very good chance. You can head

over to Michaela’s Bakery (207 W. Brookland Park Boulevard;

321-0025). I asked owner/baker, Michael Hatcher, how close his

six-layer cake is to Thalhimer’s famous six-layer of yesteryear.

“This is the Thalhimer’s cake,” he assured me. He should know.

Michael was a baker at Thalhimer’s for 11 years, and he has the

recipe…not just for the six-layer beauty, but for a host of the

popular pastries from the long-gone

legendary Richmond department store.

If you don’t have time to drive over

to Brookland Park, you can purchase

Michael’s pastries at Westbury

Deli, Padow’s (all of ‘em), Melito’s,

Barksdale Theater, and the Glen Allen

Supermarket.

9. There’s a tiny strip mall on Staples Mill with a tiny sub shop

that serves some of the most delicious sandwiches in town.

Name it.

It’s Subs and More (7306 Staples Mill Road; 266-8917). And

the “More” is so good, I haven’t gotten around to trying the subs

yet. This family-run sandwich shop is so “down home” that you

can even get a delicious bologna burger, and I’ve already put their

hamburger on my top-five list. Everything is made fresh to order,

and it shows (tastes).

10. What 1920s-era filling station is now the home of the

Richmond area’s only family-style restaurant?

It’s Tanglewood Ordinary (2210 River Road

– Route 6; 804 556-3284; www.ordinary.com) and

when it comes to restaurants, there’s nothing

ordinary about this place. According to Anne

Hardwick, who has owned and operated the

restaurant, along with husband, Jim, since 1986,

the atmosphere is pretty much like “having

dinner at grandma’s house.” The family-oriented

restaurant is famous for its Southern comfort

food, served family style. That means great food and lots of it. Believe me, it’s

well worth the beautiful drive west on Patterson Avenue (Route 6).

11. Where can you have breakfast and dinner at Lunch?

Well, we kinda gave the answer away. It’s Lunch ((1213 Summit Avenue;

353-0111; eatlunchrva.com) . That’s the name of Rick Lyons’ newest restaurant.

You may remember Rick from Starlight Diner, Bandito’s, and the Republic.

Lunch is a tiny place, serving up big platters of delicious foods for breakfast,

dinner, and, of course, lunch. Rick says that chef, John Seymore, is “Southern

trained,” and offers such treats as shrimp and grits, and meatloaf. “We get fun

and creative with the food,” he says. And with its location, in Scott’s Addition,

Rick says parking is never a problem.

12. What local dining spot features AYCE serving stations featuring

such delights as cooked-to-order pasta dishes, brick oven pizzas, a

burger buffet and fried chicken. And, it’s all located on one of the

nation’s most beautiful college campuses?

Just across the lake from Boatwright Library at the University of Richmond,

sits the beautiful Heilman Dining Center (www.dining.richmond.edu). For

starters, disregard everything you’ve ever known about school cafeterias.

“It is easy to forget it is a campus dining facility,” says Cynthia Stearns,

assistant director of UR’s Marketing and Special Programs Department.

“Healthy and fresh daily choices begin in the morning with cooked-to-order

omelets and eggs for breakfast. For lunch and dinner the choices are endless.”

And even if you don’t look like a student or a professor, no worries. “We

welcome our local community,” Stearns says. On Sundays we have a good

crowd of local people who will

come for brunch.” Check out

the website for hours, calendar,

and menu information. n

[ FEATURE ]

No one likes showing up at a party and seeing their

outfit on someone else. Or giving a gift and finding out

the recipient got three more just like it. And no one enjoys

searching for a salesperson when they want to make a

purchase. But in our world of big box stores, that kind of

thing happens. And it happens a lot.

So what’s a shopper to do? Go local, of course. Go

boutique.

Unique offerings, carefully curated, are a point of

pride for local boutiques. Because the shops are owned

by individuals, inventories often reflect a personal vision

of what’s needed or desired by their customers. For Janet

Brown of Janet Brown Interiors that means sharing her

love of mixing old and new. She created an explore-worthy

shop packed with inventory from her travels, estate sales

and antique finds as well as visits to the Atlanta and New

York markets. “My inventory creates options. We don’t have

ten pillows you can only use one way. We have hundreds

so you can mix and match to create something unique to

your personality. Chain stores think everyone should have

a certain item. I think no house should look exactly like

another.”

Stan McCulloch, co-owner of Mongrel with Mark

Burkett, also sees their personal vision reflected in their gift

inventory. “I describe it as an ever-evolving boutique that’s

design driven. It’s an exploration,” says McCulloch. “Our

mainstay is cards but there’s so much more. We’re interested

STEP

outside

Discovering the Personal Attention of Local Boutiques

Find Unique Items Like

These at Local Boutiques

Richmond DinnerwareA line of plates, wine glasses, and

more help you show off Richmond’s

neighborhoods and landmarks to

your dinner guests.

Very Richmond Gifts

1051 E. Cary Street, Ste. 104

644-3613. VeryRichmondGifts.com

“Linsii” Print Blouse. Finland’s

Marimekko, a Jackie O favorite, is famed

for artist-designed prints.

Eurotrash. 3009 West Cary Street.

622-3876. ShopEurotrash.com

Tote BagsCarry these unique totes to

show off your favorite book or

a little Virginia history.

The Virginia Shop

800 East Broad Street

692-3524 • TheVirginiaShop.org

By Jennifer Norvell Saunders

THEBOX


in things made by people, not corporations and in finding things our customers have

never seen before. Our customers are always telling us they come here first to find

something new, something interesting.”

Le Visage Makeup Boutique, which offers cosmetics and skin care, takes curating

very seriously by getting the entire staff of professionally trained makeup artists into

the mix. “We choose American-made products, including national brands not found in

many other stores, by researching what’s new. But we don’t offer a product until we get

samples and have the staff try it out to decide if it meets our standards,” says owner,

Lina Sogomonyan. “That means we all have extensive product knowledge and we can

find exactly what works for you whether it’s for a personal makeup consultation, a

wedding or a production.”

For many boutiques, it’s the experience shoppers have as much as the inventory

they see that sets them apart from the big box or chain stores. From customer services

touches like gift wrapping and gift registry to special orders and helping you find the

perfect item, they work hard to make sure you feel special. Eurotrash, a unique shop

offering “European lines you can’t find anywhere else in the city” calls their customer

service interactive. “It’s very hands-on,” says manager Kerensa Davenport. “From

helping you take the right European size into the dressing room to offering styling

services, wish lists, fashion shows and private parties,

we want to make your experience wonderful,”

Davenport says. They’ve even been known to take a

sale over the phone, wrap it and run it out to the curb

for a hurried shopper. They also use social media to

interact with customers. “We use our web store, blog,

Facebook page, Pinterest and Twitter nearly every

day, whether it’s to post photos of new arrivals, blog

about European fashion trends, or promote private

sales.

At Mongrel, the experience may also include a

laugh or two. “When people come through the door,

they hear laughing and it’s fun,” says McCulloch.

“We’ve even overheard customers asking other

people what they’re laughing at! They come in

expecting to have a good time.”

Chances are, you can’t say that about your last

encounter with a big box. n


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Documents

SEPT/OCT 2012 River City Magazine