Meal or Performance?

Is it entertainment or dinner?  At Kobe it can be hard to discern.  Shockoe Bottom's premiere Japanese steak and sushi restaurant offers both fun and function to the adventurous.  An average meal at Kobe is far from normal, even by hibachi standards.  You can expect a performance when dining in a hibachi style restaurant, but Kobe's presentation defies convention.  The sushi is arguably the best in Richmond, and each of the chefs are seriously skilled. If you think you have seen every hibachi trick before, I ask you to think again.  The level of performance found at Kobe is unparalleled.  Each time I visit, I am impressed anew and assuredly satisfied.  Though a dinner for two at Kobe is rich, it will undoubtedly leave you feeling wealthy.  For a dining experience that is sure to impress, give Kobe a try.  You will be pleasantly surprised!

Give me liberty, or give me a burger!

 Sometimes it is nice to slow things down and enjoy the moment.  Patrick Henry's Pub in historic Church Hill is just the place to relax on a sunny afternoon.  Located a stone's throw away from St. John's church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech, Patrick Henry's Pub is just about as all American as it gets.  Every dish is supremely hearty, and the comfortable, laid-back environment allows for a truly liberated vibe.  The outside patio area, superbly landscaped and often overlooked, offers a very private and personal experience.  In addition, Patrick Henry's signature burgers allow for great freedom of choice.  With an extensive menu of burger options, added to an already amazing patty, many folks will proclaim that Patrick Henry's burgers are the best in Richmond.  The wholesome nature of Patrick Henry's Pub is sure to delight, and the historical significance of the area really seems to add to the ambiance.  If you find yourself in Church Hill with a substantial appetite, Patrick Henry's Pub is definitely worth a visit.

Goats will eat just about anything

 Blue Goat is a restaurant on Grove Avenue in Richmond's near west end.  It is perhaps the most unique restaurant around.  The website for Blue Goat describes it as "an urban gastropub featuring euro comfort food, sourced locally, in a nose to tail concept". You may ask yourself, "What does this mean?".  It means that the food is deliciously european, it comes from somewhere nearby, and the recipes strive to utilize all parts of the animal.  It also means they serve great cocktails.  Both the food menu and the drink menu are equally creative and they are very conducive to experimentation.  I have tried things here that I did not even know existed.  If you are feeling particularly adventurous, give Blue Goat a try.  You should be pleasantly surprised!

Southern Comfort

Every now and again I find myself craving a juicy pork tenderloin with sautéed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes, all washed down with a choice bourbon. You know, comfort food.  Located near the union of West and East Broad streets, Comfort provides Richmonders with all of the delectable southern cuisine one could ask for.  With generous sides plucked straight from the pages of Grandma's cookbook, and hearty entrees that will quell any size appetite, Comfort represents the epitome of southern hospitality.  In the tradition of the true, laid-back, southern gentleman, Comfort offers a dizzying array of quality bourbons (pun intended).  If you are able to leave some room for dessert, the homestyle pecan pie never disappoints.  Comfort is certainly one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond, and it may soon be one of yours too.

Cheers!

 There are two types of people living in Richmond, VA, those who love Mekong, and those who don't know about it.  This lively Vietnamese restaurant on West Broad street has a faithful following among Richmond's beer connoisseur community.  Although the food menu is expansive enough to fill a three-ring binder, the beer menu dwarfs it by comparison.  Mekong prides itself on offering a larger variety of domestic and imported beers than any other restaurant around.  The food at Mekong walks the fine line between authentic Vietnamese cuisine and the American palate, and is as good as it gets in Richmond.  Though the food is decidedly choice, the atmosphere is the main draw at Mekong.  Weekly live music, unparalleled beer selection, and a devout local following make Mekong a very fun place to visit.

Mamma Mia!

Whenever I find myself in the mood for some killer Italian cuisine, Mamma Zu never disappoints.  This little gem hidden away in the Oregon Hill area may not look like much from outside, but the quality of the food will quickly dispel any misgivings the outward appearance may cause.  The atmosphere inside is decidedly intimate due to the dim lighting no matter the time of day.  The expansive menu is displayed across an enormous chalkboard accentuating the laid back vibe.  The wine selection is on par with many of Richmond's other fine Italian restaurants.  The thing that really sets Mamma Zu apart from its local counterparts is the food. Every dish is fantastic and it is easy to return time and again without eating the same thing twice.  The portions are fairly generous and serve to justify the slightly elevated prices associated with each selection.  Overall, I would rank Mamma Zu among the very best of Richmond's Italian restaurants.