Read Drink & Be Merry

Against my doctors orders I accepted an assignment from Richmond Magazine.  Twenty breakfasts later, an increase to my Lipitor dosage, and my work was done.  Managed to visit quite a few interesting places.

Best Overall?  Black Sheep – good food at a good price.

Most Creative? Stronghill – sorry, I’m a sucker for foie gras at brunch.

New Find?  Perly’s – loved the space, the whole experience was like stepping back in time.

The Worst?  Zeus Gallery – overpriced mediocre food and awful, awful service.  After a string of bad experiences there a few years ago I decided to try it again.  In the interim food portions shrunk, prices increased and plating became an afterthought with the food slopped carelessly onto the plate.  The waitress probably could have handled the half-full restaurant except she spent her time chatting with friends and telling customers how busy she was instead of actually doing anything.  When our food did arrive the kids got their pancakes first (half the size of the portions 4 years ago), M got her dish 5 minutes later and mine took nearly another 10.  The waitress’ friends always had full water and coffees.  Everyone else in the dining room had to ask as they were not a real priority.  It’s sad, Zeus used to be our favourite brunch place and we would also go frequently for dinner.  Looks like it may be another 4 or 5 years before we try again.

Anyway, all this and more, except for Zeus, can be found in the July Breakfast issue of Richmond Magazine.  Rush out and buy a copy today!

Kind of. Since I won’t post this till I’m finished it’s more of hit by hit series of thoughts on the new ‘hot’ spot in RVA.

Cold, windy night. Finn went to his first dentist appoint today and as a treat got McDonald’s. M did as well. She said she would cook whatever I wanted when I got home or I could just pick something up. Wasn’t really in the mood for fast food and restaurant food doesn’t always travel well, especially on a night like tonight. So, I decided to stop at Stronghill since it was on the way home and find out what all the fuss was about.

The restaurant is full of nice soft woods and exposed brick-work. It reminds me of establishments in the Pacific Northwest rather than Richmond. For such a cold and rainy night they had a pretty good crowd. Between the brick and the wood the acoustics are nice. Just loud enough to know your not alone but not the din of Can-Can. I would describe the place as warm and relaxed.

For a cocktail I ordered a Hendick’s and Tonic. The bartender poured the drink and excused himself to go see if they had any cucumber for the drink. Nice touch knowing that cucumber goes better with Hendrick’s then lime.

Just ordered an appetizer…. Fried Frog Legs (from the special board).

Served on a grilled pineapple with a jicama salsa on top. The smell is fabulous. The legs are juicy and tender. They would be perfect except they seem to be a bit bland. A little seasoning or salt would have made them perfect.

For a wine I ordered a bottle of Layer Cake Primitivo. Very nice.

Notes on the staff. They all seem very professional (career people not college students making some drinking money) and it looks like they frequent the establishment across the street quite often.

Dinner ordered…. Pan Seared Venison Medallions – the perfect dish for a cold wet night…

The wife, at home, and I are IM’ing as I eat. See…. I’m not a lonely diner…

Went to use the rest room. Nice back of house. Quiet professional sounding kitchen. Someone really thought this design through.

Entree arrived. Wow! The venison is more like twin fillets rather than medallions but cooked a perfect medium rare. Sitting on a bed of navy bean puree with onion and garlic with rosemary is a nice departure from the usual berry based sauce for venison. To top it off is one of the most amazing side I have ever had…..

Okra and tomato with bacon. The okra is not overcooked to the point of a Campbell’s soup veggie, the tomato gives colour and a little bit of flavour, the bacon crispy and smoky. The venison was good but I would eat a bowl of this.

For my very, very, very, very pregnant wife at home I order a slice of the chocolate peanut butter pie…. She’ll have to give you feedback on that.

Bottom line… We are going to try to squeeze one more dinner into the schedule before the new baby arrives… I think we’ll be coming back here.