Shackelford’s Restaurant and Raw Bar
11500 Busy Street
Richmond, VA 23236
804-794-4900
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We arrived for Brunch at 12:50PM on Sunday 11/08/09. We were promptly seated in a large over sized spacious booth and really liked the seating. The layout of this new restaurant was very open and spacious as well. We saw a full bar complete with a couple flat panel TV’s and also another TV mounted in the dining area.
Our waitress was very friendly and attentive as she took our order and then came by numerous times just to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal. We certainly never had to wait for service. She was there on the spot every time.
Rhonda had pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and country ham. I had crab cakes benedict and asked them to add country ham for an extra kick. They did and man was it good. We really liked the thinly sliced, very well prepared ham. It was sliced really thin but not shaved. It had a great flavor. I also had a salad which included very fresh assorted greens and also roasted red peppers. I chose a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette which really pulled it together very nicely. And we can’t forget about the mini muffins they served us while we waited for the meal to be prepared. They were tasty and just the perfect appetizer.
Over all we really enjoyed this place. It was not to loud and just spacious enough so that we didn’t feel crowded. It was really clean and well maintained. The staff was very friendly and attentive to our needs. The manager personally checked on every table and the whole experience was very enjoyable.
We were invited to come back for one of their nightly specials such as 1/2 price shrimp on Mon. and Wed., 1/2 price burgers on Tue., and 1/2 price snow crablegs on Sun. Kids under 12 eat for 1/2 price also. And they have happy hour from 3PM to 7PM daily. The menu offers something for everyone and the food is really good.
Our meal was $34.49 and out of 5 stars we rate this restaurant 3.5. We will certainly go back and sit on the cool outside patio.
This location is easy to miss unless you happen to be riding by the side street and see it. The easiest way to get to this restaurant is to travel East on Midlothian toward the Ukrops. Turn right like you’re going to Ukrops and travel down the side street looking for Shackelford’s on your right.
Belle Vie European Bistro
1244 Alverser Plaza
Midlothian, VA 23113
804-379-3338
We arrived at Belle Vie on a Friday at about 7:00 PM. We were greeted warmly by two staff members upon entry. We were seated moments later.
We had been inside this building in the past when it was the Bookbinders restaurant. We thought the new look was well executed given the previous buildings cosmetic limitations. They did a good job giving the place a European flare with simple fabric, lighting, and miscellaneous decor.
We opened with Tomato Basil soup. It was good but definently different then we are accustomed to around the city. For me it was really thin. It tasted like it was diluted heavily with water. As a result I felt as if the taste was diluted as well. Rhonda enjoyed it.
I ordered the Orange Glazed Duck with potatoes au gratin and veggies. I chose the duck because there was not a chicken entree on the menu. Rhonda suggested I be a bit adventurous so I went for it! I liked the orange glaze more so than the duck. To be fair I’m not really a duck fan. I did have several bites and despite not really caring for the dish, I have to say that had a been more of a duck person, I think I would have really enjoyed it. Our waiter said it was one of their most popular dishes. The potatoes were VERY hot but also very bland for my tastes. I asked for sour cream but was told they didn’t have any. The veggies were mixed and had more onion than anything else. They were also cut in thin strips making it hard to get a bite without all the over powering onion. The salad however was extremely tasty. The mixture of greens and the special house dressing was an excellent combination. I really enjoyed it.
Rhonda had the Pork Tenderlin with Belgian mustard sauce. She said it was nicely balanced and seasoned well. It was light but very tasty. We shared the veggies and potatoes. Rhonda enjoyed the potatoes but agreed with me on the veggies. We both enjoyed the bread as well.
We enjoyed this restaurant and will return in the future. We recommend it. The menu is diverse. They offer unique entrees and multiple deserts. A full bar and ample seating inside as well as a patio outside make this an interesting place worth a look. Our meal was $72.22 and we rate ir 3.75 out of 5 stars. When you go be sure to come back to this blog and let us know how you liked it!
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Qdoba Mexican Grill11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23235
We arrived at Qdoba on 6/14/09 at 1:35pm. The place was packed. In fact this is usually the case from several occasions in the past.
This establishment is semi buffet style. You walk up to the large wall mounted menu and tell the server your selection(s). The server then prepares your meal in front of you as you walk down the ingredient line. The ingredients are very fresh and appealing. There are many menu choices and combinations. And I’ve always found the staff to be very accommodating when asked to give extra portions and to customize our selections.
We each had a taco salad which consists of a large crisp bowl shaped shell, greens and many optional ingredient choices. Personally I love the chicken, rice, pinto beans, peppers, lime citrus sauce, sour cream, and mango tomato mix! I had chicken in mine while Rhonda chose steak. I especially like the way they prepare their chicken. It’s cooked the way I like it. It also has a very southwestern flavor. It’s really good. It makes me want to go there today for lunch! And I think I will!
You’ll have to check out the video below to see why Rhonda and I are split on this restaurant. I absolutely love it and recommend it very highly. She on the other hand isn’t a big fan.
The service is always great. The place is always clean and very busy. The food is great. The prices are very reasonable. We usually eat there for around$15. They offer a free frequent diner card which saves you money the more you go. I also appreciate the fact that it’s located in front of Chesterfield Town Center which makes it really convenient when running errands etc.
Our bill was $16.85 and we rate Qdoba 3 out of 5 stars. And if it were up to me the rating would have been higher!
Magnolia’s Wine Bar & Bistro
7201 Three Chopt Road
Richmond, VA 23226
804-673-WINE
We arrived at Magnolia’s Wine Bar & Bistro on 3/8/09 at 12:50pm. We were warmly greeted by a very friendly host as we entered the wine selection room which doubles as the main entrance to the bar and restaurant. Upon entering we were drawn to the relaxed layout. It offered clean lines with a touch of casual elegance. We were promptly seated, given menus, and placed our drink orders. Our waiter was very attentive and an all around nice guy who answered our questions and offered great recommendations.
Drinks were served really fast and it seemed like no time before complimentary blueberry muffins were on the table. They were good and an especially nice touch to get our meal started. We ordered a salad which came with a wonderful presentation in a very timely manner as well. It was very fresh and contained homemade dressing and an edible orchid flower. The dressing was simply marvelous. It was really really good!
The menu is limited. Soups include Crab & Red Pepper Bisque and Truffled Butternut Squash. Salads include Cobb, Classic Casear, and Manolia’s Garden. Main entrees include Belgian Waffle, Monte Cristo (ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese with a Pomegranate Aioli sandwiched between French Toast) Grilled Duck Breast, Fruits de la Mer in Foil (Seasonal fish stuffed with peppers, onions, garlic, squash, and zucchini grilled in foil and seasoned with fresh herbs and butter) Dr. B’s Burger and a couple more selections.
We had the Aged Center Cut Beef Tenderloin with mashed potatoes, sugar snap green beans, and a light brown sauce. It was very tasty and refreshing. We also had the Chesapeake Benedict consisting of two pouched eggs atop a couple of crab cakes with hollandaise sauce. This was a very familiar dish which stood out among many forms of it eaten elsewhere. This one was prepared perfectly. The crab cakes were fresh as was the sauce. This was a very well prepared dish offering incredible taste and satisfaction. This is a great choice.
The atmosphere is cozy, quiet, and a perfect brunch spot on Sunday. We especially liked the open area extending on to the outdoor patio with patio seating. It’s right off the bar / eating area and extends brings a nice breeze in to the room. The place is very clean and well kept. The staff is very friendly and seem very genuine. They offer a full bar and a very large wine selection. Although the menu is small, they do the few items offered extremely well. Our bill was $55.94 and we rate it 3.5 out of five stars.
Comfort
200 W. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804-780-0004
We arrived at Comfort located in the heart of downtown Richmond at 5:10pm 2/27/09. Despite the fact that Comfort opens at 5:30 there were several people standing in line to get in. At 5:32 the door opened and we were warmly greeted. We were seated promptly and given menus. We sat at one of the two front window tables. This is a pretty cool vantage point as you can see the whole restaurant as well as happenings on the street.
The menu includes an extensive wine and beverage selection. Entrees include fried green tomatoes (which were very tasty and light) shrimp & grits, surry sausage, potato cakes, shad roe, and soup du juor. We enjoyed the tomato bisque. Entrees include roasted chicken (it’s free range and incredibly tasty!) meatloaf, fried catfish, grilled trout, grilled pork chop, top sirloin, pulled pork BBQ, pork tenderloin, hangar steak (which had a little sweetness to it without being over powering and although it contained a bit more fat due to the cut of meat, it was great tasting.) mahi, rockfish, and a vegetable plate.
Sides include macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts, braised greens, mashed potatoes (which were light, creamy, and very good, especially with a touch of brown gravy we asked for.) cheddar cheese grits, creamed spinach, fried okra (which had a great light taste without being greasy at all. Next time we will order a double order of these!) asparagus, green beans, squash casserole (which was for me a bit different than what I’m used to in this recipe. Leaning more toward the loose stewed side rather than a traditional casserole) roasted beets, scalloped potatoes (which were good but had a strong bacon flavor to them. Personally if the bacon was less prominent they would have been much better.) and sweet potato puree.
We each had a salad which consisted of a variety of fresh mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Topped with their home made creamy cucumber dressing, these salads were packed with taste and goodness. Drinks included sweet tea (which was much better than average) and Saratoga bottled water which was nice.
For desert we opted for the banana pudding which was presented in sort of a unique fashion. Prepared with vanilla wafers, custard, and bananas and served in a creme brulee fashion, we loved every bite!
The atmosphere at Comfort is what we would describe as rustic appeal meets casual elegance. The place is very clean and includes a large bar area and about 20 tables and a few booths tucked away in the back corner. The decor is simple yet appealing. Despite the place being filled with several people deep in conversation, we were able to enjoy great food and pleasant conversation without feeling distracted.
Comfort offers really good food, great service, wide selection, friendly atmosphere, and an enjoyable place to meet for dinner in the heart of downtown Richmond. What else could you ask for? Our bill was $81.97. We rate Comfort four out of five stars.
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