Restaurant Review: Millie's Diner

The other day my sister, my cousin (who was visiting from Tampa), and I decided to go to Millie’s for lunch. We chose Millie’s because it’s down to earth, the food is really good, and though the cost for lunch is on the higher-end it’s definitely worth it. Plus, we had never taken our cousin to Millie’s. Millie’s is located close to Church Hill on Main Street. It’s a tiny restaurant that has a ton of charm. When you walk in you’re basically in the kitchen, the dining room, and the bar all in one. That’s right folks; the chef cooks the food in this tiny, tiny area by the front entrance next to the bar. Millie’s is big on waiting to seat you until your entire party has arrived. Fortunately, we were seated right away. And, as is the case in quite a few Richmond restaurants; the menu is on a chalk board above the bar.
The booths have little jukeboxes located on each table. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to work.

But, it’s fun to click the buttons and see what songs you could have played. I’m sure it would keep a 5 year old highly entertained. Millie’s does not take reservations…ever. The wait-staff is very knowledgeable of the food and also very attentive. They serve brunch (on the weekends), lunch, and dinner. Their menu ranges anywhere from omelets, to breakfast burritos, to hamburgers, to steak tartare to seared scallops. I’ve actually never been to Millie’s for dinner. So, I can’t offer an opinion on that but I’ve been to brunch/lunch and it’s always been excellent.

On this particular occasion, I ordered the BLT (minus the “T”)

and my cousin and sister split the Castro’s Mess.
My sister and cousin each splurged on a mimosa while I stuck with a good ol’ diet coke. I thought their mimosa’s were pretty pricy at $8 a pop.

Boy, was I glad I stuck with my diet coke at a measly $2. Perhaps the reason the mimosa’s are on the high-end is the orange juice tastes like it was freshly-squeezed? I tried the mimosa, and I agreed that it was really quite good. However, I don’t think it’s worth $8. Our entrees came out in relatively good time. My bacon and lettuce sandwich was excellent. The bread was toasted perfectly, and the bacon was nice and crisp (just the way I like it).
All of their sandwiches are served with fried new potatoes and a dash of sriracha. I think the new potatoes are okay. But, I’m not real big on that style of potatoes. The Castro's Mess was a big glop of Cuban pork, 3 scrambled eggs, black beans, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and cheddar cheese. Oh, and diced onion was thrown in as well. At a whopping $12 it’s best to split this dish. Plus, it is a lot of food. My sister and cousin really liked it a lot and were quite content they decided to share. All in all it was a satisfying meal. My only complaint about Millie’s is their prices are a bit on the high-end for lunch. But, at least the food and service are up to par!

Pros: Tasty food
Cons: Pricey

My rating: 4 ½ sporks out of 5
Location: 2603 E. Main Street
Website: www.milliesdiner.com
Cuisine: Diner
Pricing: $$$

Restaurant Review: Azzurro's

I'd been looking forward to trying Azzurro's ever since I saw it on Urbanspoon and checked out the website. Richmond seems to be a hotbed of delicious Italian restaurants from the ever popular Mama Zu's and Edo's Squid, to (my favorite) Maldini's, so there's a multitude of choices when you're craving pasta. I figured Azzurro's would have to be on par to stay afloat in this environment, but after the meal we had there last weekend, I am not so sure what's keeping them open. Well, okay, that's admittedly a little harsh. In truth, my meal was not so hot, but there were others who enjoyed theirs. However, the service was a real problem for everyone. Most of us only got to order one drink for the whole meal (the smart ones got a bottle of wine), and it took us forever to get the check. The waitress seemed pretty capable, but I think she had too many tables and we got the short end of the stick.

The appetizers and salads are all meals in themselves. I ordered the beef carpaccio (as I am wont to do) and was so excited to tear into it that I totally forgot to take pictures of any of the appetizers, so you'll have to use your imagination. My carpaccio was very good, although admittedly it's hard to mess up raw beef. I did take issue with the mountain of salad it was on top of and the fact that they used thickly shredded parmesan instead of shaved. It seemed like the generic shredded cheese you get at Kroger. But that's me being picky. I do give them props for letting Steve order shrimp wrapped in prosciutto off menu (an item that had been removed). Unfortunately it was so salty that he couldn't finish it. I can't remember the other appetizers, but overall I think they were well-received. 

(clockwise from top left: penne vagabundo, bucatini carbonara, tortellini azzurro, espresso martini, key lime martini, vitello parmigiano, toasted pepperoni pizza)

Steve and I both ordered the carbonara which is a favorite, but again it was waaaay too salty. I think the problem was the prosciutto they were using was extra salty, and they didn't account for that when seasoning the rest of the dish. I only ate about a quarter of the meal and declined a box which is almost unheard of for me. I think the rest of the dinner guests enjoyed their main dishes well enough although the salt issue was a common theme. The desserts were pretty decent, and again, gigantic portions. I had the espresso martini which was so good I wanted to drink it in one gulp (I resisted that urge.)

Overall, while Steve and I didn't enjoy our meals the rest of the table seemed happy enough, but the service just put a dark stormy cloud over the whole thing. In a restaurant of that quality, with those prices, having to look around for a server and never getting a drink refill is just unacceptable. Maybe they were just extra busy that night and we got unlucky, but unfortunately with the multitude of great Italian restaurants around here, they aren't going to get a second chance from us.  

Pros: We hear it's great for lunch

Cons: Salt! And really bad service. And did I mention the salt? 

My rating: 2 sporks out of 5

Location: 6221 River Road,

Henrico, Virginia 23229

Website: http://www.azzurros.com/

Cuisine: Italian

Pricing: $$$$

Restaurant Review: Made in Asia

Made in Asia was recently named one of Richmond’s 15 best new restaurants by Richmond Magazine. With an endorsement like that, we had to try it. The Pan-Asian restaurant is located way down Hull St. in an area of town that is starting to grow into a nice new area. From the outside, it looks like nothing special. Located in a strip mall, with a darkly tinted front window, revealing only the neon “open” sign, it’s a place you might just pass by. But I recommend you give it a closer look.

Inside, it’s like a whole different place. Decorated in white, gray and black it has a modern feel. Not sure I am completely on board with the style, but it also doesn’t detract. The presentation of the food is better than the decor. Not quite on par with the artistic platings of some chefs in NYC, but here in the RVA, it’s pretty nice.

(Shrimp tempura, Gyoza, Seared Tuna Tataki)

Foodwise, there were definitely some big hits for the night. The General’s chicken was pronounced the “best ever.” The seafood curry and drunken noodles were also well liked. But there were also misses. The seared tuna was completely bland, despite a slice of jalapeño on each piece. The cashew chicken was drowned in sauce. And the lettuce wraps were nothing more than strips of chicken with iceberg leafs. But there is a wide variety of dishes to choose from and almost Asian cuisine is represented in some way.

(Seafood Hot Pot, Drunken Noodles, Cashew Chicken, General Tso's Chicken)

Is Made in Asia one of Richmond’s 15 best new restaurants, as voted on by me, myself and I? Well… as someone who probably hasn’t tried any other new restaurants in awhile, I’d say… it could be. Depends on what you order. I do think it’s worth trying out, and I would go back and order something different.

Pros: Definitely some tasty dishes, variety, presentation, location (for Southsiders)

Cons: Food is hit or miss, location (for non-Southsiders)

My rating: 4 sporks out of 5.

Location: 7302 Hancock Village Drive

Chesterfield, VA 23832

Website: www.madeinasiacc.com/

Cuisine: Thai & Pan-Asian

Pricing: $$$

Ruchee Indian Restaurant

When it comes to Asian food, Indian has been my long-time favorite. Perhaps because it was my first branching out from Chinese buffets or Japanese hibachi grills. Perhaps it has something to do with a college freshman hall-mate who introduced me to Samosas. Either way, though, when I’m looking to go out for dinner and I’m in the mood for something a bit different, Indian is a choice I get excited about.

Rarely busy, but always delicious is Ruchee on Midlothian Turnpike. The service is attentive with refilling water-glasses, knowing that their mouthwateringly flavorful food is spicier than the American norm.

While I enjoy going for dinner where I can dive into a meal of my selection, (my favorites being Lamb Saagwala, Vindaloo, or Chicken Tandori), their lunch buffet allows guests to try a selection of ecxellent choices. If you’re not familiar with Indian food, this is a great place to start.

But few meals, in my mind, can compete with their dinners. The Indian beers, such as the Maharaja Pilsner or the Flying Horse Royal Lager, perfectly accompany the spice of the meals. I’m sure their desserts are great, but honestly, the meals themselves are such heafty portions, I rarely have the room to finish the main course let alone still be hungry for dessert. If anyone has thoughts on their desserts, please comment below.

I highly, highly recommend Ruchee for meals out that are nothing like your norm.

Website: www.rucheeuniqueindiancuisine.com

Address: 9930 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235

Price: $$$

Rating: 5 Sporks out of 5

Restaurant Review: Aziza's on Main

I guess you could say we are a service industry kind of family. My Dad worked for a long time as a Restaurant Manager for places like Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and Ponderosa. My first job in high-school was working as a salad prep at the Olive Garden on Midlothian Turnpike. My sister started out hosting at Applebee’s on Hull Street. I eventually stopped my service industry career as a server at Sundays’ in Brandermill my senior year in high-school. And, I say good riddance. My sister, on the other hand, has continued to work as a server (mainly part-time) for 10+ years. Her latest venture is at a little spot on Main Street called Aziza’s. I have to say of all the places any of us have worked in the restaurant industry this is by far the best one.
Aziza’s is a restaurant owned by a Lebanese family. The Chef is Billy of Billy Bread notoriety. The set up at Aziza’s is interesting. On the right side of the restaurant it has a bar with tables and chairs and is very quaint and cozy. On the left-side is their “deli.” They make pre-made desserts, hummus, and sandwiches. And, in the back of the restaurant is their new brick oven. As a side note; their pizza’s are delicious! And, they'll be giving classes on how to make bread!

My aunt, mom, and I went to Aziza’s one Sunday for brunch. The service is wonderful. Okay, I’m biased, but really they are very attentive and knowledgeable. We decided to order their hummus and taboli with sliced pita bread.

I love their hummus, however I’ve heard that people have had better hummus elsewhere. Maybe so, but I think their hummus is very fresh and flavorful. My aunt enjoyed it too.

For the main course, I had the ham and swiss sandwich. My mom and aunt had the black beans on toast with a fried egg.











I loved my ham sandwich. I thought the bread was toasted to perfection and the ham was very tasty. All of their sandwiches come with a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. I think the salad is okay. My mom and aunt very much enjoyed their black bean dish. They thought it was very warm and packed plenty of flavor.
I couldn’t resist getting one of their cream puffs for dessert. It ends up we took one of the last cream puffs and it was only noon! Seriously, if there are any left, get a cream puff when you go. It’s homemade creamy, chocolatey, deliciousness. It can easily be shared between 4 people. They're big!

I’ve been to Aziza’s many times, and I think it’s a wonderful place for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Please check it out and you won’t be disappointed.
My rating: 5 sporks out of 5.
Location: 2110 E Main Street Richmond, VA 23223
Website: http://www.azizasonmain.com/
Cuisine: Seafood, Meat, Pizza, Homemade Bread
Pricing: $$

Restaurant Review: Pescados on China Street

There are a lot of restaurant options in the City of Richmond. My family and I were contemplating where we wanted to go for dinner on Saturday night. We couldn’t decide between restaurants we had never been to before such as Zeus Gallery Café or our favorite, tried and true restaurants such as Edo Squid’s. Then we thought of trying the new Pescados located on China Street. We’ve been to the Midlothian location many, many times, and it has never once let us down. So, we went with the new Pescados in Oregon Hill. It’s a quaint little restaurant located on the corner of China and Pine Street. Pescados is a little pricey, so you probably want to go if you have a little extra cash or for a special occasion.

We got there around 7 pm and by that time it was already bustling with patrons waiting to be seated. This is a very busy restaurant and for good reason. The food is seriously excellent. The server was very attentive and even made a joke or two.

To start out, we ordered 3 different appetizers; the Arepas, the Ceviche,and Conch Fritters. Wow. The presentation for each dish was beautiful. The pork in the arepas was very tender and packed plenty of flavor. The ceviche was delicious, however it could have used a little more salt. And, the conch fritters were fried heavenly goodness. It was just the right amount for 4 people.

For dinner, three of us ordered the Fish Tacos and I ordered the Plaintain Crusted Grouper. Wow. Are you sensing a theme here? The grouper was silky, smooth, and cooked to perfection. The zucchini was a tad on the tough side, but the black beans were delicious. I was told the Fish Tacos were absolutely delicious with some heat added to it.

Though we were stuffed beyond belief, we went ahead and ordered a Flourless Chocolate Torte for dessert.
Boy, was that rich with chocolate. Usually dessert is such a let-down at most restaurants, but if you love dark chocolate then you will love this dessert. Overall, it was such a satisfying meal. Pescados on China Street definitely did not disappoint with their new location. For the next special occasion, I can’t wait to go back.

Pros: Food, Service, Cheap Date Nights on Thursday and $10 Tacos on Tuesdays
Cons: Parking, Pricey, Potential for Long Waits

My rating: 5 sporks out of 5.
Location: 626 China Street Richmond VA 23220
Website: http://www.pescadoschinastreet.com/
Cuisine: Seafood, Meat
Pricing: $$$

Restaurant Review: The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing

When someone talks about The Boathouse their first comment is inevitably about the great view. Well… we finally got around to trying this restaurant at 7pm in late October, so we didn’t really get much of the view as the sun had already gone down. But after trying the food and dealing with the slow service, I am guessing that there’s a reason why the view is the best part of dinner here.

(Clockwise from top left: spicy tuna roll, tuna tartare, lobster bisque, calamari)

The food wasn’t bad, per se. In fact, I very much enjoyed the tuna tartare (though the whole spoon thing makes it hard to eat in polite company). I heard that the calamari was also tasty. And the desserts were actually quite delicious. But the main course was a bit of a snore for me, and I know Steve was quite unhappy with his portion size. We went in expecting a great meal, and got just a fine meal. Similarly, the service. It wasn’t egregious. It was just a bit slow. Mostly in the beginning and end of the meal.

(Shrimp & grits, filet mignon topped with crab, grouper topped with crab, seared rare tuna)

For the money, I think you could do better. However, it might be a nice option in good weather to hit up happy hour and enjoy the apps and drinks. And of course, the view.

Pros: View, good apps and desserts, Wednesday 1/2 off wine deal

Cons: Main course is just ok, slow service

My rating: 3.5 sporks out of 5.

Location: 4708 East Old Main Street
Richmond VA 23231

Website: http://www.boathouserichmond.com/rocketts_landing/

Cuisine: Seafood, Steaks, Pizza

Pricing: $$$

Restaurant Review: Chopstix

I had seen the sign for this restaurant waaaay out off Midlothian in a new shopping center called the Watkins Center, and I really wanted to try it. Mostly because… I was confused. Asian Bistro? Sushi Lounge? This place has an identity crisis. And unfortunately, you can taste it.

The décor is nice-ish. Very dark, but I like dark in my restaurant. Service was fine as well. They have a full bar and the normal array of wine & beer. We started off the meal with two appetizers, the Gyoza which are pan fried pork dumplings, and Tuna Tataki, a seared tuna (which I get everywhere). The gyoza were probably the best things we had all night. Very tasty, great dipping sauce, perfectly cooked. The tuna was… a bit bland.

(clockwise from top left, Tuna Tataki, Gyoza, Rock n' Roll)

For our main course, Steve ordered the Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp. I got Pad Thai and the Rock n’ Roll. The shrimp was just ok, but Steve was very impressed by my Pad Thai. I thought it was good, too. The Rock n’ Roll was pretty good. The pieces were too big, which is a sushi pet peeve for me, but overall it was fine. For dessert we got the deep fried banana. It was... phallic. And not that great. There was just nothing special to it.

(Clockwise from top left: Pad Thai, Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp, Fried Banana)

We left the restaurant feeling just a little disappointed. There were some hits, but mostly misses. I don’t think we’ll go back to the restaurant, but we may order some food for takeout. Overall, this restaurant proved the occasional problem with fusion cuisine: you end up with a chef who specializes in neither.

Pros: Gyoza! Range of options. Gorgeous plating.

Cons: Overall lack of flavor. Hits & misses.

My rating: 3 sporks out of 5.

Location: 15801 City View Drive

    Midlothian, VA 23113

Website: www.chopstixva.com

Cuisine: Asian Fusion; Sushi

Pricing: $$

Secco Wine Bar

Secco has only been around for a few months, but in this moment in history when Carytown is having so many turnovers, I have no doubt this is one restaurant that’s going to stay. When perusing the wine-list, I had the chance to choose not only organic but also biodynamic varieties. When I didn’t know what ‘biodynamic’ meant, our waitress didn’t scoff or snicker. She explained the term with a smile as she told us her recommendations.

Of course, when you’re going out for wine, some sort of appetizer plate is a perfect complement, and again, we relied on the expertise of our waitress to help us choose three cheese selections ranging from Langa Bocconcino to Rosen Manchego. I feel so naïve in my cheese education, but her recommendations were amazing, as was the chutney served on the side.

Nice but not stuffy, relaxed but not sloppy, Secco is the wine bar that Carytown needed. I’m sorry Bin 22, but you have a new rival.

My rating: 5 sporks out of 5.

Location: 2933 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA (Carytown)

Website: http://www.seccowinebar.com/

Cuisine: European style eatery

Pricing: $$

The Bellytimber Tavern

Bright and open are not necessarily words that I would have associated with Border Café, the former establishment at 1501 West Main Street in the Fan, but Border is no more. The Bellytimber Tavern has taken its place, and this change is a great one.

A rugged open-faced brick wall mixes with a retro red tin ceiling, while a long wooden bar stretches down the length of the restaurant. There is plenty of room for seating and mingling while the tunes play, setting a mellow mood with a lot of natural light in the daytime.

When I look at a menu and find pirogies, I cannot help but order them, and these were definitely good ones rivaling the best of Table 9 memory. Of course, the sandwiches are also solidly done, well presented and tasty.

The Bellytimber Tavern is smooth and cool, taking the address up a notch in reputation. If you didn’t realize that this spot has a new restaurant, definitely check it out.

My rating: 4 sporks out of 5.

Location: 1501 W Main Street, Richmond, VA

Website: http://www.bellytimbertavern.com/

Cuisine: American

Pricing: $$

Restaurant Review: Friend or Pho

Combine the delicious Vietnamese soup of Pho 79 on Staples Mill Road with the indie style of so many Fan restaurants and you'll get Friend or Pho, a new restaurant on Main Street. When you walk in the door and down the steps, the cozy White Dog atmosphere has been transformed. A vivacious mural by local artist, Christian Detres, sets the groovy mood for a lunchtime bite or chill nighttime scene.

I don't think it's quite possible to finish a bowl of their pho. The portions are huge, and personally I found it delicious. I should give a fair warning that Vietnamese might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who love pho, this restaurant is great. We had the spring rolls for an appetizer, and I had the chicken pho for my main course. Adding my own basil, lime, peppers, bean sprouts, and sauces allowed me to perfect an already awesome soup.

Their outdoor signage was not all hung upon my visit on their 6th day open, nor did they yet have to-go containers. But I think that comes with the new restaurant territory. Besides a typo on the menu ("desert" rather than "dessert"), these were the only flaws I could find.

My rating: 4 sporks out of 5.

Location: 2329 W Main Street, Richmond, VA

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Pricing: $$

You should definitely check Friend or Pho out!