Millie’s opened in 1989 way back before that end of the city was being redeveloped.  The original building was a mom and pop diner that served the workers from the nearby cigarette and tobacco factories.  The building was vacant for years until 1989.

The first thing you realize at Millie’s is that they don’t take reservations for Sunday brunch.  But we didn’t mind the thought of waiting, especially when they offer a Bloody Mary or Mimosa to help you enjoy the wait.  It’s a little interesting though, because there’s no real room to wait.  So we stood in line behind the people seated at the bar and across from the people seated at the booths.  There’s another room toward the back but we didn’t make it there.

The décor is, well, eclectic but fun.  Standing there felt a little awkward at first until we realized that, at Millie’s, that’s just what you do.  Plus it gave us time to read and re-read the chalkboard menu.  If you go and have to wait take advantage of that time because they don’t bring menus to the table.

While waiting you can also watch two young men preparing the meals right there behind the counter.  The experience is as much a part of the meal as the actual food.  Our wait for Sunday brunch was about 25 minutes.  But there’s so much to watch and take in that it didn’t seem bad at all.

There’s also the chance to listen to Millie’s Jukebox. It houses a collection of 60s, 70s, Reggae and more all played on 7’’ vinyl disks.  They’re always looking for old 45s to add to their collection.    The actual jukebox resides in the basement, but you can play your favorites at your table on authentic Seeburg 200 Wall-O-Matics.

Because there’s no printed menu, the food selections tend to change. But there’s never a shortage of great choices and food combinations.

I went with the Grilled Angus Beef Loin which is served with two poached eggs, grilled asparagus and hollandaise.  I wasn’t sure that I’d care for the poached eggs, but the flavor combination was delightful.  The beef was cooked to my liking and I found myself wishing they’d included just a little more asparagus.

My wife and more adventurous son had the Soft Scrambled Eggs with Lobster which includes bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, puff pastry and hollandaise.  They both seemed pleased with their selection.  T

The less adventurous son went with a basic burger which he said was awesome.

I want to go back and give Castro’s Mess a try.  That’s three scrambled eggs with Cuban spiced pork, onions, black beans, tomatoes, cheddar, and tortilla strips.

We were too stuffed to try dessert, but plan to go back next time to try the cobbler and what we hear is great coffee.  Millie’s is also now offering a three course tasting menu that offers soup or salad an entrée and dessert.

Millie’s owners are as unique as the Diner itself.  Millie’s is owned by Paul Keevil and Lisa Edwards.  Originally from London, Keevil came to the U.S. to pursue the music business. He lived in Los Angeles where he opened the first Millie’s in 1983.  He named the place after the owners of the existing restaurant Millie and Jack.  He left Los Angeles in the late 80s and came to Richmond where he opened Millie’s Diner in 1989.

Lisa Edwards is originally from the Hampton Roads area and came to Richmond to attend VCU. She joined the staff of then State Senator, and now Congressman Bobby Scott.  She met Keevil in 1991 and not long after became his partner in Millie’s.  Edwards is the wine director and catering director for Millie’s.

Millie’s Diner, 2603 E. Main Street, Richmond

804-643-5512

http://milliesdiner.com/

Inter China has been operating in the shops at the corner of Midlothian Turnpike and Courthouse Road since the 1980s.  They offer dine in, carry out and delivery options.

Inside the décor is very traditional Chinese.  Or at least what we Americans have become to believe is traditional Chinese.  Dark wood with lots of accents of gold and red.

Since it was an early Sunday lunch, the restaurant wasn’t crowded.  We were seated right away.

The menu is what you’d expect from a Chinese restaurant with the traditional poultry, beef and seafood options.  House specialties include Orange Shrimp which has jumbo shrimp lightly battered and deep fried with special orange peel sauce.  Szechuan Steak Kew which is beef and sautéed vegetables in a hot tangy Szechuan sauce or Chystal Chicken Hunan Style which is chicken fried with a tangy sauce and sesame seeds.

It worked out well for us that the lunch special was available on Sundays.  Sometimes you’re only offered that during the regular work week.  But my wife, son and I were all able to choose the lunch special which included choice of soup, choice of egg roll or spring role and choice of entre.

We opted for the hot tea and water. Our son added a soda.  The tea came hot and remained hot throughout the meal.  And our water glasses were replenished regularly.  The soda came in a can, so refills weren’t unlimited.  We limited him to two.

The Wonton Soup was good, but not spectacular.  But my wife said the Hot and Sour soup was some of the best she’d had.  The crispy noodles were plentiful and fresh.

The egg roll and spring rolls were tasty, but a little dry.  It was pretty obvious that they weren’t fresh that morning, unless it was very early that morning and they’d been keeping them warm.

The main course was okay.  I went with beef and broccoli, one of my standard choices for Chinese.  It wasn’t bad, but wasn’t the best I’d had.  It was cooked well enough but the sauce was a little bland.

My wife had the Crispy Shrimp, jumbo shrimp quick fried and sautéed with honey coated walnuts.  She enjoyed the spicy flavor.

The 12-year-old never misses an opportunity to include seafood with a meal, so he went with the Imperial Twin which is beef, jumbo shrimp and vegetables in a brown sauce.

According to others who have frequented Inter China, prices have crept up over the years.  But the reality is that’s true just about everywhere.  We thought the meal was reasonably priced.

The service was excellent.  Maybe that’s because there were still only three tables of customers by the time we left and the staff needed something to do.  But they hostess and the wait staff were gracious and accommodating.

Is Inter China the best Chinese I’ve had?  Probably not.  But if you like the Americanized version of Chinese food Inter China is pretty predictable and a good value.  For dining in the interior is quiet and enjoyable.

In 2011 Inter China was named one of the top 100 restaurants in America by Chinese Restaurant News.  Also in 2011 they received the NBC12 Hall of Fame award which is based on consecutive high scores on health inspections.

We won’t rush back to Inter China.  But when we’re considering Chinese food, they’ll be on the list.

Inter China

11623 Midlothian Turnpike

Midlothian, VA 23113

804-794-0866

www.interchinatogo.com

We walked in and were easily seated, having been dismissed from church ahead of the always-end-at-noon crowd.  Inside the atmosphere is that of a casual neighborhood bar, of the “where everybody knows your name” type.

Our waiter informed us that he was actually the bar tender, but really a high school principal who just works there on Sundays.  Still, for the most part, he did a fine job of taking and delivering our order.

The regular menu has traditional sandwiches and wraps.  Along with that you’ll find entrée salads and a few pastas.   A kid’s menu offers hot dogs, grilled cheese and spaghetti.

Brunch is served on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with drink specials all day.  On the brunch menu you get the standards such as eggs with bacon or sausage.  Or you can order an omelet or traditional Eggs Benedict.  Upgrade to the Crab Cakes omelet or if you have a sweet tooth, try the Berry Mix Pancakes.

With six of us, we got a pretty good cross section of the menu.

I had The Spencer, which is a burger inside a grilled cheese with grilled onions.  For some reason, I thought it sounded healthier to order it with the wheat toast.  To balance that out, it came with a side of hand cut fries that could have been seasoned, but opted not to have them.  The sandwich was great and every bit as decadent and it sounds.  I could have another right now.

My wife got the Berry Mix Pancakes.  She did ask first what the filling was to be told it was mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar.   But the pancakes were well made and the berries fresh, which may or may not change, come mid-winter.

The others in our party went for breakfast and their plates came with home fries and a nice portion of scrambled eggs that made me wish I’d reconsidered the sandwich.

On Thursday nights the burgers are $5.00.  Other specials are available throughout the week.

The menu is large and reasonably priced with most items being less than $10.00 A few things creep up into the $15.00 range so you can spend more if you want.

We didn’t opt for beverages but our ears did perk up when we heard the champagne cork pop for someone’s Mimosa.  And we made a note to come back and give the Flintini a try.

Those at our table that ordered coffee saw the pot return several times.  Refills on the ice tea came, but at a much slower pace.  And, our principal turned bar tender turned waiter didn’t come back often to check on us. Not that we really needed anything other than ice tea.

All in all, Flinn’s was a good, casual dining experience.  The service wasn’t five star, but neither were the prices, so it’s all good.

Flinn’s is owned by Tammy Flinn Farley who also owns and operates Cuisines Restaurant and Catering.   Flinn’s is located at 403 N. Ridge Road in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center.  They’re open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Saturday they open at 9:00 for brunch and stay open for lunch and dinner until 10:00 p.m. Sunday brunch is from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Stepping inside is somewhat like stepping into the general store of my childhood, or maybe even Grandma’s house.  The rustic décor gives the feel of a farmhouse kitchen.  Grandma’s kitchen however was never this crowded.  That’s a great sign for business, but not always convenient.

The restaurant accommodates around 50 patrons.  There were at least that many there on our visit.  Still, we found a table and were able to enjoy our lunch near the massive open windows.  It was a bit like eating out side without the eating outside part.  Even the Richmond lunch crowd is fun to people watch on Cary Street.

The concept of The Urban Farmhouse Market and Café was created by Kathleen Richardson and Justin French, of FRENCH Consulting Company.  French said “The location of The Urban Farmhouse Market and Café represents the ideals of both organizations in urban renewal, representing a rapidly growing interest in eco-friendly options where we life and what we eat, including the heart of our city neighborhoods.”

Kathleen Richardson said “From a professional and personal standpoint I feel Richmond was the ideal place to launch the Farmhouse.  I grew up here and started my career in the restaurant industry, so personally I was happy to return to my roots.  Richmonders have shown they want good, straight-from-the-earth food where they know where it’s been and how it’s been grown.

Sandwiches and salads are made with fresh produce, dairy and naturally raised meats that come from local suppliers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, good straight-from-the-earth-food that’s delivered fresh daily doesn’t translate into an economical choice for lunch.  I dropped about fourteen bucks which is roughly about fourteen bucks more than I usually spend on lunch.

In spite of the price, the service was quick and the food was great.

I had the Turkey and Raita with Fresh Mint.  That’s described on the menu as “sliced turkey breast topped with fresh mixed greens and our creamy cucumber and fresh mint yogurt spread on Campagne loaf.”  It was quite tasty, but to be honest, I tasted a hint of the mint, but I don’t remember the creamy cucumber spread.  As sandwiches go, it was a bit dry.  But not overly so.  If you’re looking for a large deli-type sandwich, large is not the word I would use here.  You’re paying for quality, taste and natural, not piles of deli-meat.

I made the right choice of selecting the soup and half sandwich and enjoyed a nice bowl of ginger carrot soup.  Soups change on a seasonal basis. The best part is that they’re made with no preservatives, additives, hydrogenated oils or modified food starches.  And there are plenty of vegetarian options on the menu.

My friend enjoyed the Farmer’s Grilled Cheese with Hanover Tomatoes and a bowl of gazpacho.

At the counter, with bottle fruit drinks in hand, the server suggested we try the strawberry iced tea.  That was a good refreshing choice.

The Urban Farmhouse seems like a great place to hang out for a cup of coffee. And while the food is pricey, the internet is free.  It’s the kind of place you go for a nice meal, the experience and maybe to hand out for a while. If you’re looking for a cheap and quick lunch, this isn’t it.

But The Urban Farmhouse is worth a visit.  It’s nice addition to Shockoe Bottom.  I won’t go back often, but I’ll go back.

Good news for me is that The Urban Farmhouse just recently announced that they’ll be opening a second location in MillWorks at the Green just off of Midlothian Turnpike near Woolridge Road.  Plans are for an early November opening.

The Urban Farmhouse Market and Café
1217 East Cary Street

Richmond, VA 23219

804. 325. 3988
http://theurbanfarmhouse.net/

CinéBistro is located in the Stony Point Fashion Park in the spot where Cheesecake Bistro used to be.  We drive by there often and have talked about visiting for a long time.  But CinéBistro is specifically designed for guests 21 and over, so we had to take advantage of the youngster being out of town with family.

CinéBistro is not your typical movie viewing experience. It’s not even your typical dining experience.  From the moment you walk in, you recognize that you’re in a luxurious, upscale establishment.  Granted, walking in could be a little tricky because, while you can see the sign from Chippenham Parkway, the entrance is on the interior of the mall.  But, we know that now, so problem solved.

Movies featured are first-run and independent films.  Special events include opportunities to watch the Super Bowl, the Oscars, the Metropolitan Opera and more.

If you plan to visit, keep these things in mind.  You must be 21 and have proper ID.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  If you plan to have dinner with your movie, you must arrive thirty minutes before movie show time. Your server will take and deliver your order, all before the movie starts.

Tickets are available for purchase at the theater or online at. Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive your seat assignment.  Inside the theater you’ll be treated to roomy high-back leather rockers.  Your tray table conveniently pivots to the side for you to sit and for after your meal.

But the meal is full service inside.  Or you can opt for traditional movie snacks of popcorn and sodas.  Refills are available for both, but you’ll need to go out to the bar to get them.  Service stops once the movie begins.

It didn’t seem right to be in a theater that serves alcohol and not drink.  So I had a beer and my wife had a Cosmopolitan.  Both were served in plastic, which seemed to make sense in the theater.  I could have ordered a pitcher of beer to enjoy through the movie.  I noticed that they were served on their own stand and with an ice rod through the middle to keep the beer cold.  I may have to go back and investigate.

Inside the lobby the atmosphere is impressive.  Over the bar, black and white movies are playing on the brickwork.  But you may not notice the bar for the impressive array of liqueurs, liquors, beer and wine that are available.  We didn’t have time to stop at the bar.  But we wouldn’t have minded it.

We got there just as seating began for our movie.  At the door, we were escorted to our reserved seats and our server was there almost immediately.  She explained the menu, offered some suggestions and explained just how the evening would work.

Here’s the thing.  You can order your drinks, your appetizer, entree, dessert and popcorn and they’ll all be delivered to you at the same time, before the movie. That didn’t turn out to be a bad thing for us.  But once we got to dessert, we would have liked to have had some coffee.  We told our server that carafes of coffee might be a really good idea.  While it’s not the typical way to have your meal served, it makes sense to not have the viewing of the movie disturbed by the wait staff.  Not only is your full order served prior to the movie, you also take the opportunity to settle up the bill.  A 17.5% gratuity is automatically added to your bill.  Our server made a point to tell us that several times.  While I generally wouldn’t care for that, they have to employ a good amount of servers, food-runners and bartenders to make the experience enjoyable and seamless and the gratuity is shared among the entire staff.

I didn’t find out until later that I could have gone out to the bar for a refill or for coffee.  Even better, if we’d wanted more food we could have ordered it at the bar and would have been given a pager so we’d know when it was ready.  That works if you decide you want something else during the movie, but it also would seem to work if you arrive too late for the in theater service.

The menu consists of American Bistro food. Everything is prepared in-house and fresh on a daily basis.  There were many tempting options.  White the appetizers looked tasty, we decided to pass on that and opt for dessert instead.

I had the Sweet Tea Chicken which is a chicken breast brined in sweet tea and served with corn succotash and smoked Gouda grits.  I was not disappointed.  The menu says bone in, but the chicken breast was boned with the only bone I found being in the attached wing.  The chicken was juicy and had a good flavor.  And the grits and succotash seemed to disappear too quickly.

My wife had the Penne Fra Diavolo with added chicken.  This is penne pasta tossed in spiced tomato sauce with fresh mozzarella and basil.  She enjoyed it, and I had a taste as well.  It was great, but it had a good little kick to it.  Our server was kind enough to bring out some cheddar biscuits to help counteract the spice.

For dessert we decided to share the Crème Brulee Trio.  Three tasty portions of vanilla, raspberry and rum-cherry chocolate.  My only regret is that I didn’t think about going to the bar for coffee and it was too dark in the theater to figure out which I was tasting.  Then again, that didn’t really matter because they were all delightful.

You can enjoy a movie at CinéBistro without ordering from the menu.  But for the life of me, I can’t imagine why.  This was our first visit.  It won’t be our last.

Owner Mike Barber daily buys the best fresh ground beef which he uses to grill your burger to order.  This is not a fast food burger restaurant.  Nothing gets cooked ahead of time and kept warm under a heat lamp.  At Carytown Burger and Fries, you place your order.  Then they cook it to your specifications.

Located at 3500 1/2 West Cary Street, Carytown Burger and Fries doesn’t grant you the luxury of great service where the server comes to your table to pamper you.  Instead you go inside to the small counter area to place your order.  From there you go wait either in their upstairs room or out on the covered patio that provides a nice outdoor eating experience in the warmer months, but is also covered and heated during the winter.

But not to worry, you may have to place your order inside, but the wait staff will bring it to your order to your table. And when they do you will be amazed at the portions and then the taste of your burger.

The family went there on a Saturday afternoon at the recommendation (or pleading) of the college boy.  They were plenty busy but we still had no trouble placing our order and finding a seat outside.

Unless otherwise specified, the burgers are 1/3 lbs. of 100% Angus ground beef.  They’re served on a sesame seed bun with the works, including lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo and pickles.

Carytown Burger and Fries

But to me, it doesn’t seem right to go to a place that’s famous for their burgers and just order the standard with just tomatoes and lettuce.

So I went with “The Greek Geek” which has Tzitziki sauce.  Okay, I liked it, but had to look it up.  It’s a Light and creamy cucumber and dill dressing.   But the burger also had Feta cheese, roasted peppers, lettuce, tomato and onion.  And, like all of the burgers at Carytown Burgers and Fries, it was huge.  You could call it “My Big Fat Greek Burger.”

But don’t forget the “and fries” part.  They’re great as well.  And the portions are also very generous.

The rest of the family wasn’t quite so adventurous.  But no one was disappointed.

So who is Mike Barber and why Carytown Burger and Fries?  He’s serious about quality cooking and food.  Not only does he have a degree in business as well as attending the Hotel and Restaurant School at Sierra Nevada College, he named his two golden retrievers “Burger and Fries.”  He moved to Richmond in 1997.

Some of the awards received by Carytown Burger and Fries include being named Best Burger in town by several publications and being listed as one of the “50 Best Food Finds in Richmond” by Richmond Magazine.

Prices are reasonable for a great burger and fries.  But the menu isn’t limited to just burgers.  You can get soup and salad, or some great chili. Or there are options for chicken or fish and chips.  You can also get any of their specialty burgers served as a veggie burger.

Mike Fletcher (Instagram)

So don’t not go just because you don’t eat burgers.

Wait?  You don’t eat burgers?  That’s a shame, because Carytown Burger and Fries makes some great ones.

The original building for Carytown Burger and Fries was built as a toll house for Westham Plan Road, long before the Interstate came through town.  So how can you miss with the charm of Carytown and one of the best, if not the very best burgers in town?

Carytown Burger and Fries also has caterings options to bring their great food to your event.

Website: http://www.carytownburgersandfries.com/

Kitchen 64 opened in 2007 as Johnny and Katrina Giavos added to their collection of Richmond restaurants that already included Kuba Kuba, Three Monkeys and Sidewalk Café.

My family and I went there for Father’s Day brunch.  While the parking lot is small fortunately for us, although perhaps not as fortunate for her, my wife had a broken ankle and her temporary disabled driver tag parked us right by the door.

Near the Diamond one would be inclined to think more sports oriented bar type fare.  But Kitchen 64 has a wide menu of great selections.

Inside the building you’ll find blond maple booths, a pressed tin ceiling and great artwork on the walls.  Adding a touch of diner flare is the revolving dessert case and the stainless-steel window providing a view into the kitchen.

We got there just before noon and were ready for a good meal.  Fortunately we were seated right away.  Service was great, but it was a tip on Foursquare that cued me into the free basked for blueberry and banana nut muffins.  And they were worth it.

In the mood for brunch I ordered the steak and eggs.  I got a plate full of scrambled eggs, hash browns a biscuit and a good size steak.  While the cut of meat wasn’t what you’d expect to find in a place that specializes in steak, they don’t make that claim at Kitchen 64.  But it had a good flavor and was cooked the way I liked it.

My wife went for the Shrimp and Grits which came with jalapeno corn bread, sautéed onions and mushrooms.  She enjoyed her choice but wasn’t quite able to finish the huge bowl of grits.

As for the 12-year-old?  What can I say? He’s generally an adventurous eater but this time went for a pizza with bacon, chorizo sausage and pepperoni.  He was pleased and had enough to take home.  He also eyed the Boulevard Minis, which are three mini burgers served over homemade sweet potato fries.  In the end he was happy with his choice.

We also could have chosen from six different types of Eggs Benedict, ranging from the traditional to crab cake to fried green tomato.  Working our way through the menu may take some time.

Our food was good and the portions were good sized.  On most occasions we would have turned down the offer of dessert.  But we’d been staring at the revolving dessert case, and it was Father’s Day.  Let’s face it.  Where else are you going to be offered coconut cake?  Yes, I happily finished it all.  On the other hand my wife couldn’t finish the huge piece of chocolate mocha cake.  And while he couldn’t finish off the pizza, the 12-year-old had no problem putting away his whole piece of chocolate peanut butter Reese’s pie.

And the prices were reasonable.  The three of us had our entrees and dessert for about $60.  We’d generally spend that much or more at your average chain restaurant.

We enjoyed eating in the dining room and telling our son about the construction with the pressed tin ceiling.  The enclosed patio offers additional seating.

There was a good crowd. Maybe because it was Father’s Day.  Maybe because it’s just a popular place on Sundays. When we left there was a line of people waiting to be seated.

Like Kitchen 64 on Facebook and get up to date announcements about the daily specials.

Kitchen 64

3336 North Boulevard

Richmond, Virginia 23230

804-358-0064

Monday through Thursday, 11-12

Friday 11-1

Saturday 9:30 -1

Sunday 9:30 – 12

Buz and Ned's BBQ Sign

Since they opened their second location in the old Fuddrucker’s building near the intersection of Broad and Parham, we’ve been wanting to try Buz and Ned’s.  So today, after standing outside a crowded Tae Kwon Do studio next door while my son got his red belt, I kept smelling the great aromas coming from Buz and Ned’s huge cookers next door.  We gave it a try.

Sadly, we were underwhelmed.

The Boulevard location of Buz and Ned’s has been a Richmond favorite since they opened in 1992.   I’ve heard nothing but good things from friends and family who have been there.

Maybe some of it can be chalked up to the fact that they’ve only been open in this location a little more than a month.  So there’s no permanent sign.  I’m sure it’s coming.  So the table for the ice tea looks a little temporary.  So, the tables are sticky.  Wait.  What?

After we placed our order and took our seat, we hoped a server would soon be by with a wet cloth because we were literally sticking to the table.  Unfortunately when a server came by, who incidentally and also unfortunately did not turn out to be our server, told us that “he ordered the wrong sanitizer.”  Apparently the sanitizer reacted with the polyurethane finish of the tables and they are all sticky and in need of re-sanding.  Okay, things like that happen.

The interior is simple, brick walls, concrete floors and an industrial feeling.  Somehow, they’ve opened it up and made it feel smaller than Fuddruckers.  But it’s an okay atmosphere.  On a night that’s less warm, we might have enjoyed the patio.

But, what about the food?  The menu is on a huge chalkboard as you walk in.  I saw some people holding more permanent menus, but I couldn’t figure out where they go them.  You stand in line to order and pay, then give your name to the cashier.  At your table, your server takes your ticket to identify your meal.  Your server gets your name and it’s called out over a very loud intercom when it’s ready.  Okay, that works.

I thought it a little odd that everyone drinking was going up to the bar for their own drinks. I asked and the bartender told me the servers could serve at the table, but that most people came to the bar.

Well, it works when they get your order right.  My son got the beef brisket sandwich with fries and mac and cheese.  No problem.  He enjoyed it.  I got the BBQ chicken sandwich.  The meat and flavor were good, but not outstanding.  My wife got the chicken skewers.  She liked them, except for the fact that everything is served in plastic baskets with wax paper liners.  With the chicken and the sauce she found out herself peeling paper off the chicken before she took a bite.  When she casually mentioned that to our server, he said “oh, they’ll wash that off in the back.”  Um, no, she meant that she was afraid of eating the paper.

The biggest mix up came with the side orders.  My wife and I both ordered the cucumber and onion salad and the apples.  My wife also ordered an extra side of hushpuppies for our family to share.  When the meal came, my wife’s plate was correct.  Mine, however, had the apples and the hushpuppies, but no salad.

It’s not so much that our waiter was clueless when we tried to explain what was wrong.  It’s that he was rather belligerent in arguing with us.  We finally got him to understand what was missing, but not before he brought a copy of our order receipt over and said “see it’s not on there.”  To which I replied, “then they got it wrong.”  He wasn’t really concerned about that nor was he going to do anything about it until we insisted.  He finally agreed to bring me a salad and a container for us to move the hushpuppies from my plate to a convenient sharing place on the table.  The salad came.  The container never did so my wife got up and got it herself.  Maybe taking it up with a manager would have made a difference.  Maybe not.

While it wasn’t a bad meal, it wasn’t the greatest experience either.  And, when I’m paying $42.00 for just three people, I expect better service, and maybe some real plates.  There are other barbeque places in town where I can get that.  And will next time.

Maybe Buz and Ned’s just needs some more time to get settled in to a new location.  Sure they had to hire new staff and are in new surroundings.  But after 20 years in one location, you’d think they’d be better prepared to expand.

Thankfully, Q is on my side of town.

Candela’s is one of those local places you have to know about to get to. It’s located in the Huguenot Village Shopping Center at the intersection of Huguenot and Robious. But it’s tucked away in a corner. And, just like the PTA night, they’re a great supporter of the local community.

Once inside, the atmosphere is nice, but casual. There are plenty of booths and tables, along with a big screen TV usually showing sports. I can imagine it fills up on game night. When we were there it was busy, but not crowded. Some classic arcade games help the kids, and some adults, pass the time while the food is being prepared.

The menu is pretty authentic Italian. Owner Rocco Demasi brings more of a New York flavor to the pizza and food. The New York style pizza is great and very similar to the type of pizza you can buy by the slice in New York City. Large slices that are foldable just like some think pizza should be. There are plenty of toppings to create your pie just as you like it. Not a traditional red sauce fan? Try the white sauce pizza with mozzarella and ricotta, and then add your choice of broccoli or spinach.

Not in the mood for pizza. Not to worry because that isn’t the only menu choice by any stretch. I was pleasantly pleased with the lasagna. The sauce was rich and had a good tomato flavor. But you can also choose from house specialties like Gnocchi Bolognese, Chicken Modena or Fettuccini Shrimp, Scallop, Crab Alfredo. Whatever you choose I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with your selection.

A generous soup and salad bar is available to accompany your meal, along with fresh garlic bread brought to your table. But don’t fill up on those before your entre gets there. I haven’t tried the cheesesteak, but other reviewers give it very high marks. The menu also comes with a good selection of burgers and subs.

We did notice that the prices had gone up since the last time we were there, but that’s to be expected over time. Still the servings were generous and we didn’t think it was overpriced at all.

Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and offered some helpful suggestions. She was the one who helped me decide on the lasagna, and like I said, I wasn’t disappointed. She kept our drinks full and gave our table plenty of attention even though she was pretty busy.

Candela’s is a great place to go if you’re looking for good pizza and good Italian food. There aren’t a lot of non-chain Italian restaurants in Midlothian. So if you’re looking for an option that’s not CiCi’s or Olive Garden (those places are fine, but predictable), then Candela’s might be just the place for you to try.

Candela’s Restaurant is located at 2021 Huguenot Road, North Chesterfield. You can call in an order at 804-560-1678. But give dining-in a try. You’ll find it a pleasant experience in a great, casual, family atmosphere. Keep in mind that they’re closed on Monday.

Shockoe Bottom contains much of the land included in Colonel William Mayo’s 1737 plan of Richmond, making it one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods

Anchoring the Slip since 1999 has been Siné (pronounced “Shin-áy) Irish Pub and Restaurant.  Like many of the establishments in the Slip, Siné is houses in a renovated warehouse.  But rather than just refurbishing with American made products, the interior of Siné was actually designed and built in Ireland and then shipped across the Atlantic Ocean.

It doesn’t take St. Patrick’s Day to remind us that the pub was a central gathering place in Ireland.   And Siné is designed to be just that.  They throw one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parties in town.  There’s a large bar but with plenty of spacious dining area, and when weather permits there’s the patio out back.  The patio doesn’t give a great view of the Canal Walk, but still it’s a pleasant space when the weather is just right.

Truth be told, this is more of a restaurant than a pub.  But don’t let that stop you from giving it a try.  The all wood interior with brass fixtures makes feel warm and authentic.  There’s a good selection of beers and a good menu with lots of favorite choices.

The menu at Siné includes traditional Irish pub fare as well as American favorites.    Menu choices include a great beer batter fish ‘n chips, crab cakes, and more traditional Irish fare like Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage.  While you wouldn’t necessarily call it fine cuisine, the food is good pub food, is filling and is reasonably priced.   We’ve been there several times, not always for the beer, and we’ve never been disappointed with the menu choices.

As for the beer selection you’ll find the standard American Irish Pub beers, including Bass, Guinness, Murphy’s Amber, Murphy’s Stout and more.  While Richmond may offer better options for craft beers, with some seventeen draft beer choices, you’ll have plenty to choose from and you won’t be disappointed.

Live entertainment is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  If you choose to go then you’ll typically find yourself in a crowd of young professionals out for a night on the town.    But it’s also a popular lunch spot for the weekday crowd.  It’s convenient to the Capital as well as the Main Street business section of town.

The service at Siné is warm and friendly.  You’ll find better table service on the less crowded weeknights.  Still the bartenders and wait staff are there to make sure that your meal, and your beverages are enjoyable.

If you decide to give Siné a try, you won’t be disappointed.  That’s particularly true if you’re a fan of Irish brews and food.  Consider giving it a try on a week night or perhaps a weekday lunch so that you can experience the atmosphere and the food without the crush of a weekend crowd.

Siné Irish Pub and Restaurant is located at 1327 East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip. Restaurant hours are Sunday through Tuesday 11:30 a.m. until 12 midnight; Wednesday -Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.