Richmond Dining-Out scene

[burt]

525 AT THE BERRY BURK is hoping to open on May 25th. That's four days after my return to New York, much to my dismay. Check out their facebook address posted somewhere above and click previous pictures for some up-to-date shots of flooring and false ceilings.

[burt]

This thread is on its way to topping 300,000 views.

Have recently dined at ARCADIA in Shockoe Bottom, HARD SHELL at Belgrade, and SELBA in The Fan.

Also, returned to PETER CHANG's in Short Pump for a dazzling spicy meaL with friends. Mr. Chang made an appearance toward the end of the evening and received applause from the diners -- some of whom posed for pictures with the famous chef.

Will be back on home turf tomorrow in New York.

[burt]

I'm thinking Deveron Timberlake is taking some time off at Style Weekly, because she has no "Short Order" column in the current edition -- at least, as of this hour (10AM.)

The weekly Style restaurant review is also missing, but delightful writer Robey Martin wrote about BURGER BACH at the top of Carytown on May 15th.

Here's her review of the New Zealand themed restaurant (the last name of which is pronounced batch)where Happy Hour from 4 to 6 every day features half-priced seafood -- like New Zealand mussels as well as oysters and shrimp.

But burgers are the mainstay -- and they're on the pricey side, especially if you ask for lettuce ($1), tomatoes($1) and other toppings.

From the May 15th issue of Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1709610

BURGER BACH

#10 South Thompson Street (wasn't that once the location of High's Ice Cream?)

804/359-1305

Edited May 23, 2012 by burt

[burt]

When The Cordish Company contracted with the city to bring entertainment and activity to Riverside on the James, expectations were high.

However, only one major attraction was developed and that was a chain operation called BLACKFINN. It proved to be a popular watering hole and restaurant that lured many of Richmond's "beautiful people" for several years.

Karri Peifer reports in today's Richmond dot com that BLACKFINN will shut down its Richmond operation, but that it will revive under local ownership with a new name.

Many of you may have noticed that factory buildings across the Haxall Canal from ROJ are undergoing reconstruction on the former Reynolds property. About 200 new apartments will be created as well as some commercial space. It is expected that the Cordish property will benefit.

This information was provided to Karri Peifer at Richmond dot com by Nathan Hughes who once was an occasional contributor to this page.

http://www2.richmond.com/entertainment/2012/may/24/3/blackfinn-restaurant-closed-ar-1939780/

[burt]

Dana Craig joins others who have visited BURGER BACH and grades Michael Ripp's new restaurant at 3 stars.

The Ripp family is a prodigeous group of restaurateurs. The father, I believe, owns many if not all the Arby's in the area; a son created the Carytown brasserie known as Can Can, and Michael made a hugh stir some years ago when he opened Havana 59 in Shockoe Bottom (now under new management.)

"The Batch" is packing 'em in on Thompson Street and despite pretty high prices, is off to a big start.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ost-ar-1937931/

BURGER BACH (New Zealanders pronounce it as "batch."

Dana's Rating: 3 Stars

10 South Thompson Street

804/359-1305

Twitter: www.twitter.com/burgerbatch

Noise Level: High

Tab for two: $51

[burt]

Dana Craig joins others who have visited BURGER BACH and grades Michael Ripp's new restaurant at 3 stars.

The Ripp family is a prodigeous group of restaurateurs. The father, I believe, owns many if not all the Arby's in the area; a son created the Carytown brasserie known as Can Can, and Michael made a hugh stir some years ago when he opened Havana 59 in Shockoe Bottom (now under new management.)

"The Batch" is packing 'em in on Thompson Street and despite pretty high prices, is off to a big start.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...ost-ar-1937931/

BURGER BACH (New Zealanders pronounce it as "batch."

Dana's Rating: 3 Stars

10 South Thompson Street

804/359-1305

Twitter: www.twitter.com/burgerbatch

Noise Level: High

Tab for two: $51

Correction: Twitter address is:

www.twitter.com/BurgerBach

[burt]

RVANews reports today that Chefs Manny Mendez of KUBA KUBA and Chris DiLauro of BACCHUS are collaborating on a project to convert the old Stratford Grill on Hathaway Road (in the shadow of the high-rise Hathaway Tower) into a new dining option for Stratford Hills. A name has not yet been selected.

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METRO GRILL on Robinson Street near Buddy's in The Fan is closed but has been purchased by Tony Hawkins of THE REPUBLIC. METRO GRILL, after some renovation, will reopen on Memorial Day.

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LEMAIRE will soon offer al fresco dining on its terrace. (I thought the terrace facing Franklin Street had been enclosed in the last renovation at The Jefferson.) We'll have to wait and see, since there was no further explanation.

[burt]

Richmond dot com's reviewing couple, Jon and Leah Nelson, found MINT quite satisfying. They like its southern themed menu as well as other features of the new restaurant now occupying the former Davis & Main in the Upper Fan.

From today's Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...iew-ar-1940216/

MINT (a stepped-down version of its Shocke Bottom parent, Julep's)

The Nelson's rating: 3 and 1/2 stars

2501 West Main Street

804/359-9690

[burt]

I went down to the docks when I was in Richmond.

Remember when a boat called MALCOLM was being outfitted as a restaurant? Then along came high water and the boat sank at its moorings, but it was raised and now sits wharf-side looking as if it is ready to receive guests. The name has been changed to "Celebration" but on two visits, there was no sign whatsoever of activity.

Celebration is docked directly downstream from a cruise vessel. Both ships are docked at Richmond's Intermediate Terminal which is undergoing some kind of construction.

Edited May 27, 2012 by burt

[burt]

525 at the BERRY BURK was hoping to pull a numerology trick and have its grand opening on May 25th (5/25.)

Does anyone know if it happened?

Since the Landmark Theatre is closed during the summer for renovation, a number of concerts have been booked into The Carpenter Theatre in June, July and August. And the nearby National has many concerts, so both venues should be a source of customers for BERRY BURK as well as PASTURE.

Also, around the corner on 5th Street 85% of the units at The John Marshall have been leased, and work will begin soon on 175+ apartments in the 700 Center tower at 7th and Franklin Streets.

The prognosis for success at The BERRY BURK at 6th and Grace would seem positive.

[burt]

525 at the BERRY BURK was hoping to pull a numerology trick and have its grand opening on May 25th (5/25.)

Does anyone know if it happened?

Since the Landmark Theatre is closed during the summer for renovation, a number of concerts have been booked into The Carpenter Theatre in June, July and August. And the nearby National has many concerts, so both venues should be a source of customers for BERRY BURK as well as PASTURE.

Also, around the corner on 5th Street 85% of the units at The John Marshall have been leased, and work will begin soon on 175+ apartments in the 700 Center tower at 7th and Franklin Streets.

The prognosis for success at The BERRY BURK at 6th and Grace would seem positive.

Also, Miller & Rhoads, directly across Grace Street from 525 AT THE BERRY BURK reports their 133 apartments are 100% leased.

Cirque du Soleil's DRALION show will play 7 performances at The Richmond Coliseum from August 8th thru August 12th. The Coliseum is only 3 blocks from 525 AT THE BERRY BURK, so that show should bring in more business to the restaurants in the area.

Edited May 27, 2012 by burt

[burt]

As I write this, 299,682 viewers have visited this Dining Out thread. Only 318 to go before it rolls over to 300,000.

[burt]

Restaurant critic Matthew Freeman, writing in the current Style Weekly, finds it difficult to differentiate between Punjab and Pakistan foods.

NOORANI KABAB HOUSE describes itself as a Pakistani restaurant in the northwest section of Metro Richmond on Hungary Springs Road, but many of its menu offerings sound similar to those in the line of Indian restaurants along East 6th Street here in Manhattan's East Village.

Anyway, the descriptions are mouth-watering and spicey.

From the current Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1716362

NOORANI KABAB HOUSE

2757 Hungary Springs Road

804/217-8055

Edited June 3, 2012 by burt

[burt]

Among the news items in Deveron Timberlake's Short Order column today are two announcements about restaurants in Shockoe Bottom.

MAXIMO's at 14 North 18th Street is open (although its webpage, http://www.maximostapas.com, says that won't happen 'til June 1st.)

MAXIMO's sounds intriguing to me with its Spanish tapas and Italian menu. I believe it is in the building that once was a euro-chic cocktail lounge a few years ago. They say on the webpage they have more than one dining area as well as a patio.

Another of Deveron's revelations is that chef Matthew Tlusty claims ARCADIA STEAK HOUSE in the former Gutenberg's has been named one of America's most popular high-end restaurants by Urban Spoon.

No question ARCADIA is a delightful new addition to The Bottom (I've had two great meals there in the last five months), but I'm hanged if I can find verification of Tlusty's claim at http://www.urbanspoon.com.

Here's more from Deveron's Short Order in today;s Style Weekly:

http://www.styleweek...ent?oid=1716364

Edited May 30, 2012 by burt

[burt]

Deveron Timberlake writes in Style Weekly that Malcolm Mitchell, a contestant on the TV show called FOOD NETWORK STAR, is going to open a restaurant in Shockoe Bottom. He says he is "close to inking a deal" at 2300 East Main Street.

Neighboring restaurants in that section of Shockoe Bottom/Tobacco Row are SENSI, SETTE, OLD ORIGINAL BOOKBINDERS, STATION 2, AZIZA'S, HONEY WHYTE'S, 2113, and MILLIE'S.

Mr. Mitchell is going to call his restaurant CHARLESTON BY CHEF MALCOLM.

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RVANews reports that actor Stanley Tucci, who you may remember from JULIE AND JULIA and THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, may do a film about the hottest chef in Richmond, Peter Chang.

JULEP's Chef Randy Doetzer and Chef Malcolm Mitchelle will prepare a four-course dinner this Sunday, June 3rd, in celebration of JULEP's 9th anniversary at the corner of East Franklin and North 18th Streets in Shockoe Bottom.

If you don't mind spending $120 per person, call and make a reservation .

As noted in the above post, Chef Malcolm of "Food Network" fame is planning to open his own restaurant at 2300 East Main Street which he will call CHARLESTON BY CHEF MALCOLM.

From today's Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...ner-ar-1948314/

[burt]

As I write this, 299,682 viewers have visited this Dining Out thread. Only 318 to go before it rolls over to 300,000.

It just rolled past the 300,000 mark today (May 30th) at about 2PM.

I may retire (probably not.)

[burt]

Once in a while an anticipated restaurant opening disappoints. In fact, the subject of Dana Craig's RTD review today of 2113 on Tobacco Row is a real clunker.

Comments on the Yelp website echo Dana.

A lot of effort went into transforming the former jail cafeteria into a sleek looking "restro" lounge, but too little attention was given to food and service.

2113

(at that address on East Main Street)

Dana's rating: One star

804/343-2113

Noise level: Low at lunch, deafening late in the evening

Tab for two: $37

[burt]

Karri Peifer has done an excellent piece on a new restaurant in Shockoe Bottom.

It is called MAXIMO's at 14 North 18th Street and it looks like it could be a winner.

From today's Richmond dot com:

http://www2.richmond...mos-ar-1955846/

Edited June 2, 2012 by burt

[burt]

Ft. Lee is getting a 1,000-room hotel as the base doubles in population.

But where to go for a good meal and entertainment?

Worry not, GI's and civies. Right down the road in Prince George is THE TILTED KILT.

Take a look at the website:

http://www.tiltedkilt.com/

THE TILTED KILT PUB AND EATERY

2070 Waterside Road

Prince George

804/861-0480

[burt]

The Broad Appetit Festival, http://www.broadappetit.com, is being bookended by a big affair at PASTURE Saturday night and an anniversary celebration Sunday night at JULEP's.

I've written elsewhere about JULEP's $125 per head 5-course dinner, and here is what PASTURE will offer at $150 per head Saturday night:

From RVANews:

http://rvanews.com/f...e-to-town/61270

[burt]

The 2900 block of West Cary Street now boasts 9 restaurants.*

DON'T LOOK BACK, a spin-off of Taco Truck, recently opened and pleased Leah and Jon Nelson, the Richmond dot com reviewing couple.

http://www2.richmond...iew-ar-1955928/

DON'T LOOK BACK

3 Stars from the Nelsons

2929 West Cary Street

804/353-8226

*The other 8 restaurants are:

Blow Toad

Bonvenu

Dixie Donuts

Capital Coffee and Dessert

Carytown Sushi

Coppola's

New York Deli

Secco Wine Bar

And the great, big, beautiful Byrd Theatre is also in that block.

[burt]

It was announced at Venture Richmond's Forum about downtown developments that what many call the "Italianate" building on the Haxall Canal will be the site of a new 6,000 s/f restaurant.

It will be part of the North Reynolds property project, and an official announcement about the restaurant will be made soon.

This photo is from Ryan Ramsey's April Gallery at Richmond City Watch:

http://richmondcityw...l-2012/IMG_6619

[TBurban]

It just rolled past the 300,000 mark today (May 30th) at about 2PM.

I may retire (probably not.)

Congrats, Burt! You're the pulse of this forum. I always enjoy reading your posts!

[burt]

The 2900 block of West Cary Street now boasts 9 restaurants.*

DON'T LOOK BACK, a spin-off of Taco Truck, recently opened and pleased Leah and Jon Nelson, the Richmond dot com reviewing couple.

http://www2.richmond...iew-ar-1955928/

DON'T LOOK BACK

3 Stars from the Nelsons

2929 West Cary Street

804/353-8226

*The other 8 restaurants are:

Blow Toad

Bonvenu

Dixie Donuts

Capital Coffee and Dessert

Carytown Sushi

Coppola's

New York Deli

Secco Wine Bar

And the great, big, beautiful Byrd Theatre is also in that block.

PS: Michelle Williams' Richmond Restaurant Group is working on yet another restaurant in the 2900 block of West Cary. It will be in the building on the northeast corner of Cary and Shepard (spelling?) Streets. Renovation is already underway.

[burt]

Lou Llovio's Biz Buzz column in today's RTD has a couple of restaurant news items, but in my usual ineptitude I'm unable to highlight and separate portions of the piece.

He writes about SIX BURNER reopening after a short hiatus. The space has been renovated somewhat and Chef Philip Denny has tweaked the menu to feature small plates while retaining popular entrees. He says the restaurant is trying to broaden its appeal.

"We've gotten pigeonholed as a special occasion place, which we're happy to be, but we want more", Denny said.

SIX BURNER is at 1627 West Main Street in The Fan.

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Another intriguing piece of Lou's column talks about the Croxton brothers who own Rappahannock River Oysters.

The Croxtons operate a very popular tasting room/restaurant called MERROIR in the White Stone/Irvington/Deltaville area south of the Route 3 bridge across the Rappahannock in Topping, Va. A table is hard to come by on weekends.

The Croxtons are talking of expanding MERROIR to Washington and possibly to downtown Richmond. The former Louisiana Flair at 4th and Grace Streets is under consideration.

Here's Lou Llovio's full column from today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...bro-ar-1962951/

Edited June 4, 2012 by burt