Richmond Dining-Out scene

[burt]

About 80,000 tickets have already been sold for the 4-week run of THE LION KING opening tonight at The Landmark Theatre.

Considering the number of theatre-goers, and VCU students, as well as attendees at basketball games at the nearby Siegel Center, finding parking will require some ingenuity. Theatre management is suggesting patrons arrive an hour and a half before performance time.

Why not go early to the neighborhood, find a spot and dine at a near-by restaurant?

Here's Richmond Good Life's listing of Fan area restaurants, many of which are within walking distance of The Landmark Theatre:

http://www.richmondg...restaurants.htm

PS: It's not as if the parking situation is a new problem. The Landmark has lots of sold-out houses, i.e. concerts, forums, shows and other events (remember WICKED?)

Here's Channel 12's video:

http://www.nbc12.com...d-for-lion-king

[burt]

MANSION FIVE 26 gets no rating in Dana Craig's RTD review. That's an omission that is happening with some frequency at The Times Dispatch. I wonder if Dana is aware that the online editions of the newspaper have failed to print her ratings in three of her last four weekly reviews?

But worry not. IMO, you'll be able to read at least 3-stars between her lines.

MANSION FIVE 26 in Jackson Ward may be heavy on the caloric side, but it's a clever and fun place. (Have you ever read a web page written in ancient Latin? )

From today's RTD (be sure to click on all the highlighted links in the Related box:)

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/2012/feb/16/tdweek03-dining-out-mansion-five26-presents-southe-ar-1691971/

MANSION FIVE 26

Dana's Rating: ?

526 North 2nd Street (between Clay and Leigh Streets)

Valet Parking available

804/308-2913

http://www.mansionfive26.com

http://www.hippodromerichmond.com

Noise level: Average to high

Tab for two: $66

[burt]

The annual Virginia Wine Expo will liven up the Greater Richmond Convention Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 24th, 25th and 26th.

http://virginiawineexpo.com/

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Deveron Timberlake's Short Order column in the current Style Weekly discusses:

KEBAB & BIRYANI in West Broad Village

BLOWTOAD in Carytown

TOWER FISH HOUSE (formerly known as Byram's) under the Channel 6 tower on West Broad Street

THE ROOSTER CART, often found near Bandito's on Patterson Avenue West of The Boulevard

and

BURGER BACH on Thompson Street near near Elwood Thompson Market. It's Michael Ripp's newest venture.

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1667019

Being Indian, I actually visited the month-old K&B in WBV a couple of weeks ago, and I enjoyed the walk up counter and order-layout and style of the catering. The food was pretty good, and of course washed down with an ol' Kingfisher

And you better believe I visited BlowToad.... that place has become SO anticipated, whenever I've visited it so far (which is like, 10 times already) it has seemed pretty packed and popular.... that is certainly a good sign. It really livens up C-town.

[burt]

PASTURE is getting lots of attention. Jason Alley (of COMFORT) and Ry Marchand (of SIX BURNER) who joined forces to create PASTURE, have spearheaded the return-to-downtown movement. There are new apartments in the area; the existing entertainment facilities (Coliseum, Convention Center, The National and Center Stage) attract thousands; and at least one more new up-scale restaurant is on the cusp of opening with, perhaps, another snooping around the Miller & Rhoads building for potential space.

Leah and Jon Nelson, writing in today's Richmond dot com, give PASTURE three stars.

http://www2.richmond.com/entertainment/2012/feb/17/pasture-restaurant-review-ar-1694666/

[burt]

Being Indian, I actually visited the month-old K&B in WBV a couple of weeks ago, and I enjoyed the walk up counter and order-layout and style of the catering. The food was pretty good, and of course washed down with an ol' Kingfisher

And you better believe I visited BlowToad.... that place has become SO anticipated, whenever I've visited it so far (which is like, 10 times already) it has seemed pretty packed and popular.... that is certainly a good sign. It really livens up C-town.

RVA, have you been to LEHJA near the hotel at Short Pump Town Center? It's a beautiful place and I understand it is quite good. In fact, I believe its parent operation is in Newport News where you once lived.

http://www.lehja.com

Edited February 17, 2012 by burt

[burt]

Paul Hammond of Greater Jackson Ward News is bugged-eyed while trying to down one of those gigantic sandwiches at THE BLACK SHEEP.

I'm sure you all recognize the guy in the video.

http://www.gjwn.net/news/2010/11/04/man-vs-food-at-the-black-sheep/

[burt]

Virginia's 10th Off-Track Betting facility will be in MAJOR WILLY MAYO's bar and restaurant at Dock and 15th Streets in that stretch of Shockoe that lies between The Slip and The Bottom.

It was tried at MULLIGAN'S in The Lower Fan but was discontinued for one reason or another. I'm not sure if there's still a betting room at FINN McCOOLS at Innsbrook.

Anyway, if you recall a separate room with pool tables at the Dock Street location formerly known as Stoole Pigeon's you can slip in with your drink and play the horses.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2012/feb/18/tdbiz01-off-track-betting-center-opening-in-shocko-ar-1698231/

[burt]

I found these photos of Richmond's 5-Star/5-Diamond Jefferson Hotel on Google.

Enjoy:

http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

I found these photos of Richmond's 5-Star/5-Diamond Jefferson Hotel on Google.

Enjoy:

http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/

I'm just a sucker for that Grand Staircase and overall lobby. The open, spacious lobby kind of gives you that grand, classic, almost fairy-tale like movie set feel. It really is a grand hotel. I just wish alligators still greeted guests in their signature pools. That gave the hotel that eccentric and lovable edge.

[burt]

Richmond's first Restro-Lounge is having soft-openings this week and will probably be THE place to explore in the near future.

It is called 2113 and is next door to the old mansion that served as Henrico County Court House for decades even though it is located in the midst of the city.

2113 is part of the Haxall View complex of former tobacco warehouses and will surely benefit from the influx of new apartment dwellers along 21st Street as well as Church Hill and Tobacco Row residents.

I think the owners have William & Mary connections.

http://www.facebook....&type=1

[burt]

Deveron Timberlake's lead story in her Short Order column this week is about Ted Santarella, owner of TARRANT'S CAFE, and his plans for another restaurant about a block and a half away that will be called TARANTINO (or TINO's for short.)

Apparently TARRANT's is thriving and does turn-away business on week-ends. (Seems to me he opened a pizza place in the rear of TARRANT's a few years ago that he called TARANTINO's.)

Anyway, he is not devulging much about the new place except to say that it was formerly Crowder's Ham Shop and is located at 305 Brook Road. The site is in that triangle formed by Emerick Flats which divides Brook Road and Adams Street between West Broad and West Marshall Streets.

TINOs will have a second floor balcony.

From the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/short-order/Content?oid=1669960

[burt]

Blues musician, Otis Taylor, will be on stage at The Hippodrome Theatre tonight at 9PM. I believe he is the first artist of national statue to appear at The Hipp.

Why not have dinner at either of the two next-door restaurants before the show -- MANSION FIVE 26 or ETAMAE's CAFE(804/888-8058?)

The number for MANSION FIVE 26 is 804/266-2021.

http://www.hippodrom...aylor-the-hipp/

Edited February 24, 2012 by burt

[burt]

If I read this poll correctly, Richmond has 63% of votes cast as America's "hippiest city."

As of this posting (10:10AM on Saturday, Feb. 25th) there's about an hour and forty-five minutes left to vote for your favorite among six cities.

http://austin.culturemap.com/poll/the-new-hipster-cities-of-america-whos-emerging-as-the-next-austin/

[burt]

I have been unable to find a restaurant review by Dana Craig in this week's Richmond Times Dispatch.

I always look forward to her column.

Perhaps she's on vacation.

[burt]

Karri Peifer reminds us that you still have a day-and-a-half to enjoy The Virginia Wine Festival at the downtown Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Tickets may seem a bit pricey, but you'll have plenty of wine tastings from the 74 wineries represented as well as some tasty noshes from restaurant vendors.

AND, you get a free crystal wine glass to take home with you.

From Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...xpo-ar-1703059/

[wrldcoupe4]

If I read this poll correctly, Richmond has 63% of votes cast as America's "hippiest city." As of this posting (10:10AM on Saturday, Feb. 25th) there's about an hour and forty-five minutes left to vote for your favorite among six cities. http://austin.culturemap.com/poll/the-new-hipster-cities-of-america-whos-emerging-as-the-next-austin/

Next hipster city, Burt... different than hippies Richmond is killing the poll, and I'd have to agree.

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Next hipster city, Burt... different than hippies Richmond is killing the poll, and I'd have to agree.

Agreed. I just voted for RVA (duh ), and after seeing the Facebook comments below, most of them seemed to be quite supportive of Richmond winning. And with Richmond snagging over half of the votes with only today left to vote, I know I'm ready to declare our city as the :"next Austin".

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Agreed. I just voted for RVA (duh ), and after seeing the Facebook comments below, most of them seemed to be quite supportive of Richmond winning. And with Richmond snagging over half of the votes with only today left to vote, I know I'm ready to declare our city as the :"next Austin".

Just emailed my friends that live in RVA too and told them to vote for their city. All gladly did and replied back to confirm. I'm happy to report that now Richmond has 70% of the votes, compared to earlier today's 63%. As the page says, we are on the verge of hipsterfication.

[burt]

Even though it hasn't been announced on the web site I guess Richmond has been "hipsterized" because the polling has ended with 72% (or is it 73%?) votes cast for RVA.

http://austin.cultur...he-next-austin/

[burt]

I found these photos of Richmond's 5-Star/5-Diamond Jefferson Hotel on Google.

Enjoy:

http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/

I'm sure I read a blurb on Paul Hammond's GJWNews about a permit being requested for out-door dining at 101 West Franklin, but I can't find it.

Anyway, I'm sure that address is The Jefferson Hotel. Wonder where the alfresco dining area will be?

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Even though it hasn't been announced on the web site I guess Richmond has been "hipsterized" because the polling has ended with 72% (or is it 73%?) votes cast for RVA.

http://austin.cultur...he-next-austin/

Umm.... I just found out by commenting to show my support for RVA that being "hipster" is a bad thing, or so one person replied to my comment, and then 2 people agreed to the comment... is being hipster a bad thing?? Cause after searching on forums and sites, I learned most people find it as an insult.... :dunno:

[burt]

Befitting a "hipster" city like Richmond, every neighborhood has its favorite watering holes.

Staffers at Richmond dot com have selected their choices for the best of The Fan:

http://www2.richmond...now-ar-1711199/

[burt]

Karen Newton is (I think) the gal who pens the intriguing blog titled "I Could Go On and On and On...." Occasionally she writes for other publications including River City Rapids and Style Weekly.

Today, she shares her opinion of a new restaurant on West Main Street in The Fan. It is PEACOCK'S PANTRY which Karen likens to a private dinner party in a gussied up home.

The restaurant serves only three nights a week and offers brunch on Sundays. Background music is swing and old standards and the menu would probably appeal to old folks like myself.

From the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1672581

PEACOCK'S PANTRY

1731 West Main Street

804/732-3333

http://www.thepeacockspantry.com

[RVA-Is-The-Best]

Okay, so it's not exactly dinner....

But how 'bout the newest dessert treat to come out of RVA?

The CANDY VALLEY CAKE COMPANY is a business started by a former Circuit City employee who cleverly put a cake ball on a lollipop stick and coated it with fun and flavorful designs, to create "cake pops". It is one of RVA's newest crazes and phenomenons, but that too a delicious one They come in many different flavors and designs, including the "RVA Red Velvet" and "King of Pops" Chocolate.

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2012/02/29/no-fork-required/

Even though Sweet Frog is a tasty summer treat, cake pops are all year round! I have just sent in my order of a two dozen cake pops for my wife's baby shower.

http://www.candyvalleycakecompany.com/