Editors' Picks
My Windup for Takeout
By Brandon Fox
Dining Columnist
Cooking is my favorite thing to do, but I always seem more pressed for time this time of year. Although some people at my house could eat pizza every night, others like a change-up every once in a while.
Nate's Taco Truck
http://twitter.com/NatesTacoTruck
My newest favorite ready-made dinner, however, can be found in all of its infinite variety at Nate's Taco Truck on Tuesdays at the Byrd House Market.
8 1/2
401 Strawberry St., 358-8505
My first choice here is the sausage, polenta and white beans.
Mekong
6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929
If I want something cooler and less heavy, there's always Mekong's do nuong dac biet, a platter of grilled chicken, beef, shrimp and pork you roll up with lettuce, cucumbers, basil, scallions and pickled shreds of carrot in steamed rice paper.
Q Barbeque
2007 Walmart Way, Midlothian, 897-9007
With its outstanding pulled pork and ribs, Q is fast and gets bonus points for its excellent sides.
Ellwood Thompson's Local Market
4 N. Thompson St., 359-7525
If everyone's cranky and demanding different things, I can usually find something that will please them all between the hot bar and the deli.
Readers' Picks
Best Nonchain Lunch Spot
Adam Ewing photo
Kitchen 64
3336 N. Boulevard, 358-0064
Katrina Giavos, known for the popular Fan restaurants she and her husband, Johnny, operate, ventured outside her familiar turf to open Kitchen 64 on North Boulevard two years ago. She says, "When we took over the building, I'd wonder, ‘Is anyone going to come here?' " She needn't have worried: The first night, there was a line around the building. Since then, Giavos notes, the start-to-finish time has improved, an important factor for lunchtime dining.
2. (Tie) Mosaic Café & Catering, 6229-A River Road, 288-7482; Zuppa, 101 N. 18th St., 249-8831
3. (Tie) Café Caturra, cafecaturra.com; Philip's Continental Lounge, 5704 Grove Ave., 288-8687
Best City Bar
Siné
1327 E. Cary St., 649-7767
According to Bob McNulty, manager at Siné for eight of its 10 years in Richmond, "There is an old saying that an Irish pub is like an overgrown living room. There are no strangers here, just friends you haven't met yet." McNulty's parents came over from Ireland, and Siné resembles the Emerald Isle herself, situated on an urban island at 14th and Virginia streets, and the restaurant is constructed from components of an old Irish pub. The combination of weekend live music and events — like Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day, held Sept. 18 to 20 — keep the "living room" hopping.
2. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; deLux, 2229 W. Main St., 353-2424
3. (Tie) Buddy's, 325 N. Robinson St., 355-3701; Capital Ale House, 623 E. Main St., 780-2537; Three Monkeys, 2525 W. Main St., 204-2525; Tobacco Company, 111 S. 12th St., 643-6560
Worst Restaurant Service
Mamma 'Zu
501 S. Pine St., 788-4205
Richmonders possess a limitless capacity for badmouthing the places they love. Maybe it's reverse psychology: If we diss it, the tourists will stay away. After all, somebody is standing in line to get into this Oregon Hill restaurant — elsewhere in this survey it took top honors for Best Nonchain Italian. Mamma 'Zu is the place you take out-of-towners for a "Richmond experience," akin to sharing some hole-in-the-wall New York City eatery nobody's heard of, yet everybody goes there. Of course, the more tourists who learn the secret, the louder the badmouthing will grow.
2. Edo's Squid, 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488
3. Kitchen 64, 3336 N. Boulevard, 358-0064
Most Innovative Cuisine
Mezzanine
3433 W. Cary St., 353-2186
The frequently changing chalkboard menu features mainly produce and meat from within a 50-mile radius. Depending on the season, you might see beet salad, softshell crabs or venison shepherd's pie. Partner and chef Todd Johnson, a Martinsville native, brings to the table Asian, Polynesian and southern Lowcountry influences — along with a Culinary Institute of America degree and experience at the Trellis in Williamsburg, Spago in San Diego and Four Seasons with Wolfgang Puck.
2. Pescados, 13124 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, 379-7121
3. Acacia Mid-town, 2601 W. Cary St., 562-0138
Best 'Burbs Bar
Capital Ale House
Visit capitalalehouse.com for locations.
Matt Simmons, Capital Ale's president, explains the pub's mass appeal thusly: There's a brew for everyone, almost literally. The Midlothian location counts 82 taps, Innsbrook has 77 and downtown clocks in at 48. "All those include cask-conditioned ales, served at 50 to 55 degrees," Simmons says. "No carbon dioxide is involved in the tapping process," and the kegs are hand-pumped. A strip of ice, running down the middle of the bar at each location, keeps brews cool for quaffing pleasure. It also helps to have good food, and a full bar to complement the beer.
2. Bar Louie, 1178 W. Broad St., 440-7301
3. City Limits, 7007 Three Chopt Road, 282-4232
Best Restaurant With Vegetarian Options
Ipanema café
917 W. Grace St., 213-0190
Ipanema owner Kendra Feather says she's pro-vegetable, not just vegetarian. Almost everything at the restaurant is made from scratch, even the breads and the hard-to-find vegan desserts. David Rohrer, one of Ipanema's two chefs, has been there for eight of the restaurant's 10 years. "We just got a patio," Rohrer says, so at last there'll be some UV rays making their way into the basement restaurant named for a Brazilian beach. As for entertainment, local Web site RVANews recently started a once-a-month "Live at Ipanema" music series, with performances at the restaurant available online after each show.
2. Cous Cous, 900 W. Franklin St., 358-0868
3. Sticky Rice, 2232 W. Main St., 358-7870
Best Neighborhood Restaurant
Joe's Inn
205 N. Shields Ave. 355-2282; 2616 Buford Road, 320-9700
General manager Tina Kafantaris came up in the family business of Joe's, and she's watched lots of others grow up there, too. "We see people come in on their first date, with engagement rings, rehearsal dinners, with their infants, with their toddlers, we see their full life change punctuated by their visits to the restaurants." And it's not unusual for college students to show up at Joe's all grown up after years of childhood meals. "I'll tell them, ‘I've been serving you pasta since you were 2,' " Kafantaris says.
2. Melito's, 8815 Three Chopt Road, 285-1899
3. Kitchen 64, 3336 N. Boulevard, 358-0064
Best South-of-the-Border Fare
Mexico Restaurant
Visit mexico-restaurant.com for locations.
The area's scarcity of national Mexican chains could be attributed to strong support for local establishments such as the eight run by the Garcia family. Although the group won similar recognition last year, Eduardo Garcia, whose grandfather co-founded the first Mexico on Horsepen Road in 1990, says the company continues to fine-tune its offerings: They've recently updated the menu, adding Chori Pollo, a grilled-chicken-and-chorizo dish, more desserts and a variety of quesadillas.
2. Casa Grande, casagranderichmond.com
3. Nacho Mama's, 3449 W. Cary St., 358-6262; 7610 Left Flank Road, Mechanicsville, 730-7311
Best Outdoor Dining
The Boathouse at Sunday Park
4602 Millridge Parkway, 744-2545
The Boathouse's panoramic perch — across the 1,700-acre Swift Creek Reservoir, with two miles of open water between the windows of the restaurant and Genito Road — has earned great affection among Richmond diners. It's a manmade lake, owner Kevin Healey points out, and people do swim in it and boat on it. The opening of Route 288 has brought a new clientele to the restaurant, which also conducts a busy catering service. But the Brandermill view is due for a competitor; Healey's planning to open up a Rocketts Landing location by Labor Day, "with an amazing view of the river and city."
2. Legend Brewing Co., 321 W. Seventh St., 232-3446
3. Beauregard's Thai Room, 103 E. Cary St., 644-2328
Best Barbecue
Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue
1119 N. Boulevard, 355-6055
When he started Buz and Ned's 17 years ago, Bruce "Buz" Grossberg decided that no matter how difficult things got, the food quality had to be maintained. At one point, "I cut out the entire menu when I couldn't find staff and boiled it down to a barbecue sandwich, coleslaw, beans and potato salad," he says. What ensures quality? Cooking with 100 percent wood. And the real test? "If I can please myself, I know other people are going to be pleased."
2. Q Barbecue, 2077 Wal-Mart Way (Shops at Stonehenge), Midlothian, 897-9007
3. Bill's Barbecue, billsbarbecuetogo.com, 353-2757
Best Wine Bar
Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Café
5805 Patterson Ave., 612-9232; 11747 W. Broad St., 364-0144
It all started in 2007 with two pals from Rhode Island — Ross Mattis, "the wine guru," and Ned Wheeler, "the business guy" — launching a venture together in Short Pump. Despite the conventional wisdom against mixing work and play, the two, who've known each other since first grade, are still friends and still in business.
All the shop's 400-plus wines are available at the café, and regular weekly tastings have built a community of regulars. Says Wheeler, "We do right by the palates of our customers."
2. Café Caturra, cafecaturra.com
3. Magnolia's Wine Bar and Bistro, 7021 Three Chopt Road, 673-9463
Best Nonchain, Bang-for-Your-Buck Restaurant
Joe's Inn
205 N. Shields Ave., 355-2282; 2616 Buford Road, 320-9700
Large portions and reasonable prices give Joe's Inn its reputation for being a good dining deal, says Tina Kafantaris, general manager of the original Joe's in the Fan. For example, two people can share the signature pasta dish, Spaghetti a la Joe (baked with provolone cheese) with two salads for $16.54, she says, "and a lot of times, people will have leftovers."
2. Kitchen 64, 3336 N. Boulevard, 358-0064
3. Mekong, 6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929
Best Nonchain Burger
Carytown Burgers and Fries
3500 1/2 W. Cary St., 358-5225
Here's the winning recipe, from owner Mike Barber: Start with Angus beef that's fresh, never frozen, shape it to create ridges that enhance the flavor when grilled, and top the cooked burger with a toasted bun from Weiman's Bakery — and, if you want, any of the 50 or so topping choices that include bacon, grilled onions, various cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, even pineapple, salsa and guacamole. And vegetarians, take heart: Veggie burgers come in almost as many variations.
2. (Tie) Cheeburger Cheeburger (national chain with local franchises), cheeburger.com; Melito's, 8815 Three Chopt Road, 285-1899
3. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; The Home Team Grill, hometeamgrill.com
Best Beer Selection
Capital Ale House
Visit capitalalehouse.com for locations.
Let's talk about the beer menu. It's 30 pages long and lists descriptions of each of the 300 or more beers served, including the dozens available on tap, with the brewery's name and location, the alcohol content, and the taste and style profile. If that sounds intimidating, ask one of the knowledgeable staff members to recommend something. "There's so much more to beer than a lot of people understand," says Matthew Simmons, Capital Ale's president.
2. Mekong, 6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929
3. Legend Brewing Co., 321 W. Seventh St., 232-3446
Best Cupcakes
Two Sweet
3422 Lauderdale Drive, 360-4284
In November, after almost two years of research, sisters-in-law Debra and Christina Pearlman opened Two Sweet, inspired by their shared love of flowers and baking. Word of the tasty treats spread quickly. Debra says the gourmet cupcakes, which sell for $2.95 each or four for $10, are a "sweet little indulgence." Popular varieties include red velvet and white-chocolate raspberry cheesecake. For gifts, they package a cupcake with about a half dozen pavé roses.
2. Ukrop's, ukrops.com
3. Frostings, 11331 W. Broad St., 360-2712
Best Nonchain Pizza
Bottoms Up Pizza
1700 Dock St., 644-4400
This Shockoe Bottom eatery attracts people who want pizza that's out of the ordinary, says Charles Lichter, general manager. The dough rises for six hours, resulting in a thick, yet airy crust. Signature pies include the Chesapeake, a white pizza with crabmeat, onions, mozzarella and Old Bay seasoning. This summer, Bottoms Up is adding Texas-style smoked beef brisket and barbecued pork ribs to the menu — giving Richmonders a new reason to head to the Bottom, baseball or not.
2. Mary Angela's Pizzeria, 3345 W. Cary St., 353-2333
3. (Tie) Maldini's, 4811 Forest Hill Ave., 230-9055; Superstars Pizza, 5700 Patterson Ave., 673-3663
Best Restaurant Overall in the Region
Millie's
2603 E. Main St., 643-5512
Millie's East Main Street setting says something about what voters like: an unassuming exterior countered by high-end food served in a warm, funky atmosphere with a music lover's jukebox selections. Reflecting on the restaurant's 20th anniversary this year, co-owner Paul Keevil says he feels lucky but adds, "That has to do with never being complacent." Millie's stays fresh by changing the menu every few weeks. "Our reputation is that people have never had a bad meal," Keevil says. "I'm very proud of that."
2. Edo's Squid, 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488
3. Ruth's Chris Steak House, 11500 W. Huguenot Road, 378-0600
Best Nonchain Subs
Coppola's Deli
2900 W. Cary St., 359-6969; 1116 E. Main St., 225-0454
Unlike places where the menu and décor are designed and put in place all at once, Coppola's New York-Italian feel has developed over the years. Tom Roukous, who bought the deli in 1990, points out the awnings, fans, hand-painted sandwich board, grocery shelf with Italian wines and olive oils, and deli cheeses such as imported hard provolone. The signature sandwich is the Industrial, an Italian hero with mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, peppers and tomatoes.
2. Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop, 415 N. Ridge Road, 285-2777
3. Stuffy's Subs, various locations including 324 Libbie Ave., 285-7995
Best Authentic Ethnic Fare
Mekong
6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929
Mekong's rice-noodle bowls, lemongrass tofu, softshell crabs and make-your-own spring rolls make it a must-visit for many, but the Vietnamese restaurant also has a reputation for another specialty: Belgian beer. Manager An Bui explains that when Mekong opened in 1995, he tried to emphasize wine but found that the popular varieties did not fit well with spicy food. Bui then brought his own passion for Belgian beer to the menu, resulting in a winning combination.
2. (Tie) The Nile, 309 N. Laurel St., 225-5544; The Phoenician, 4401 W. Broad St., 359-5590
3. (Tie) Cous Cous, 900 W. Franklin St., 358-0868; Kuba Kuba, 1601 Park Ave., 355-8817; Thai Diner, 8059 W. Broad St., 270-2699, and 3028 W. Cary St., 353-9514
Best Power-Breakfast Spot
Panera Bread
Visit panerabread.com for locations.
Panera's 12 area locations, combined with a 6:30 a.m. opening, quick service and Wi-Fi availability in many places, make the bakery-cafés popular for morning meetings. Doug Staib, district manager, says breakfast makes up about 20 percent of Panera's business and has been its largest growth area during the recession. Coincidentally, a "power-breakfast sandwich" — fresh egg, Vermont white cheddar and lean ham grilled on whole-grain bread — will be rolled out by late August.
2. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; Karen's City Diner, 2237 W. Broad St., 254-1974; McLean's Restaurant, 4001 W. Broad St., 358-0369; Perly's, 111 E. Grace St., 649-2779
3. Boychik's Deli, 4024-B Cox Road, 747-1030
Best Off-the-Menu Brunch
Millie's
2603 E. Main St., 643-5512
If you go to Millie's for Sunday brunch, don't be in a hurry. There's usually a wait — on Father's Day, the 40-seat restaurant served about 350 people — but that doesn't deter the many fans of dishes such as crab-and-scrambled-egg enchiladas. Paul Keevil, co-owner with Lisa Edwards, describes brunch as organized chaos but adds, "It's just good food, good value, a great party atmosphere."
2. The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., 788-8000
3. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; LuLu's Restaurant, 21 N. 17th St., 343-9771
Best Splurge Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
11500 W. Huguenot Road, 378-0600
"I think that a lot of people would say they're not splurging very often," says Mark Ainge, general manager of Ruth's Chris in the Shoppes at Bellegrade, where steak entrées run from $22 to $42. "If someone is choosing us to spend their money, that means they feel they're getting value for their dollar." Ruth's Chris topped two other categories as well: Best Steak and Best South Side Restaurant.
2. The Old Original Bookbinder's, 2306 E. Cary St., 643-6900
3. Buckhead's, 8510 Patterson Ave., 750-2000
Best Sushi
Osaka Sushi & Steak
11674 W. Broad St., 364-8800; 5023 Huguenot Road, 288-8801
Sushi competition is getting more intense. "There are a lot more players in the market than there were even two years ago," says Ren Mefford, general manager for the restaurant group that includes Osaka, Sushi O and Wild Ginger. Mefford credits the creativity of Hai Truong, an Osaka partner and head chef at the Huguenot location, for helping Osaka stand out. "He uses filet mignon, goat cheese; the list of ingredients he puts in his rolls is cutting-edge."
2. Sticky Rice, 2232 W. Main St., 378-7870
3. (Tie) Akida, 9039 W. Broad St., 762-8878, and 814 N. Robinson St., 359-8036; Moshi Moshi, 3321 W. Cary St., 359-1151
Best Restaurant for a Date
Melting Pot
9704 Gayton Road, 741-3120
What could be more romantic than fondue? "You're both cooking fondue skewers in the same pot," says Kris Peters, the Melting Pot's marketing and special-events manager. "You have to make eye contact." The lights are low, and the booth seating lends an air of privacy. At least once a month, Peters says, there's a marriage proposal, and the ring is often presented on a specially decorated chocolate-fondue dessert plate. Who could refuse?
2. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; Edo's Squid, 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488
3. (Tie) Avalon Restaurant & Bar, 2619 W. Main St., 353-9709; Bacchus, 2 N. Meadow St., 355-9919; Bottega Bistro, 11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian, 379-9899; The Hard Shell, 1411 E. Cary St., 643-2333; Verbena Richmond, 2526 Floyd Ave.,
359-3122
Best Street Food/Cart
Christopher's Runaway Gourmay
400-3663 or christophersrunawaygourmay.com for locations
When Chris Zechini proposed opening a downtown food cart, the health department was dubious about a vendor who wanted to sell cold pastas and salads rather than hot dogs. Almost 25 years later, he's happy to say that department employees are frequent customers. "They inspect me. They see how I do everything, and they eat at my cart." And in keeping with "green" trends, Zechini says, "I can serve 1,000 lunches a day without using electricity."
2. (Tie) Dominic's of New York, dominicsofnewyork.com; Nate's Taco Truck, twitter.com/natestacotruck
3. J&K Mobile Munchies, 900 W. Main St., home.comcast.net/~munchies/site/
Best Office Catering/Box Lunches
Homemades by Suzanne
102 N. Railroad Ave., Ashland, 798-8331; at The Colony Club, 10 E. Franklin St., 775-2323
In 1982, Suzanne Wolstenholme started a business serving the kind of food working people might make in their own kitchens if they had the time. Her bread is made from wheat grown and milled outside of Ashland, and, she says, "We sell produce that the Hanover farmers bring to our back door, especially the tomatoes." Wolstenholme also set up shop in the Colony Club downtown and began serving weekday lunch there. "It was a risky business when we started, and it still is, but I love every day," she says, while admitting that she has a little less love for the some 2,000 deviled eggs her kitchen prepares each week. "That's tedious."
2. (Tie) Mrs. Marshall's, 3125 W. Cary St., 355-1305; Sally Bell's Kitchen, 708 W. Grace St., 644-2838
3. Padow's Hams & Deli, padows.com
Best New Restaurant in 2008 or 2009
Mezzanine
3433 W. Cary St., 353-2186
As Mezzanine approaches its one-year anniversary on Aug. 29, co-owner Patrick Stamper recalls that when the restaurant first opened, "Every night felt like a miracle," particularly because the kitchen is smaller than some walk-in closets. "But it always worked out," he adds. Along with chef Todd Johnson's innovations, Stamper credits the many friends he and co-owner Randy O'Dell have made over the years working at Richmond restaurants with lending their knowledge and expertise.
2. (Tie) Acacia Mid-town, 2601 W. Cary St., 562-0138; Stronghill Dining Co., 1200 N. Boulevard, 359-0202
3. Kona Grill, 11221 W. Broad St., 364-5660
Best Nonchain Italian
Mamma 'Zu
501 S. Pine St., 788-4205
This Oregon Hill landmark is a favorite of Patrick Getlein, a former restaurant critic and food writer, who says, "What makes Mamma 'Zu so good is the quality of the ingredients, the consistency of preparation and the honesty of the place. One of my biggest frustrations with restaurants is when a place overreaches, puts on airs or is dishonest about its food. Mamma 'Zu doesn't do any of that." Evidently, lots of people agree.
2. Edo's Squid, 411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488
3. Maldini's, 4811 Forest Hill Ave., 230-9055
Best Steak
Ruth's Chris Steak House
11500 W. Huguenot Road, 378-0600
At Ruth's Chris, you won't get fancy French dishes or unusual flavors. You will get prime cuts of beef with the right amount of marbling for mouthwatering flavor. Says general manager Mark Ainge, "We just do a great steak and top it with butter on a sizzling plate."
2. Buckhead's, 8510 Patterson Ave., 750-2000
3. Morton's the Steakhouse, 111 Virginia St., 648-1662
Worst Parking for a Restaurant
Edo's Squid
411 N. Harrison St., 864-5488
People obviously like the restaurant and the food at Edo's, which was rated second in three categories: Best Italian (after Mamma 'Zu, owned by Ed Vasaio, a partner in Edo's with Brad Wein), Best Overall and Best Restaurant for a Date. Parking in the crowded VCU area? Not so much. Still, it's not exactly keeping people away. And as manager April Viar points out, there is a parking deck nearby at Broad and Harrison, and free street parking after 6 p.m.
2. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Stony Point Fashion Park, 253-0492
3. (Tie) Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274; Mamma 'Zu, 501 S. Pine St., 788-4205; anywhere in the Fan
Best on-the-Menu Desserts
The Cheesecake Factory
Short Pump Town Center, 364-4300
The menu lists about 30 kinds of cheesecake, plus layer cakes, sundaes and apple crisp. Assistant general manager Brad Peterman says the biggest seller is the original cheesecake with fresh strawberries, though his own favorite is lemon raspberry. Customers also crave the Godiva-chocolate cheesecake and the 30th-anniversary special: a mixture of cheesecake and fudge cake with chocolate pearls.
2. Can Can Brasserie, 3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274
3. Baker's Crust, 3553 W. Cary St., 213-0800; Short Pump Town Center, 377-9060
Best Ambiance
Can Can Brasserie
3120 W. Cary St., 358-7274
At Can Can, "You can get together with a large group of people and have a good time, or you can also tuck yourself into a corner and have a better time," says David McGregor, one of the house managers, who describes the vibe as open, lively, warm and welcoming. Worth noting are the 50-foot zinc bar imported from France, the fresh orchids and the racks of fresh bread baked in-house.
2. deLux, 2229 W. Main St., 353-2424
3. Ruth's Chris Steak House, 11500 W. Huguenot Road, 378-0600
Best West End Restaurant
Patina Grill
3416 Lauderdale Drive, 360-8217
Before opening Patina Grill, chef and owner Brian Munford spent more than a decade in the San Francisco area, where he became familiar with Mexican street food and spent time in Chinatown and observing cooking techniques. Now, he scours local ethnic markets for ingredients such as on-the-vine lychee fruit, seaweed and smoked chili peppers. Of Patina's food, he says, "It's fresh and it's done in small batches, and it's done with care and some creativity."
2. Melito's, 8815 Three Chopt Road, 285-1899
3. Maggiano's Little Italy, Short Pump Town Center, 253-0900
Best South Side Restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House
11500 W. Huguenot Road, 378-0600
It seems fitting for the steakhouse company's New Orleans roots that the Chesterfield franchise is in an antebellum plantation house. "You're coming into something that has stood the test of time," general manager Mark Ainge says of the restaurant, which opened in 1991. "We take a lot of pride in our service. Some of our staff has been here over 10 years."
2. Pescados, 13124 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, 379-7121
3. (Tie) Bottega Bistro, 11400 W. Huguenot Road, Midlothian, 379-9899; The Boathouse, 4602 Millridge Parkway, 744-2545
Best Downtown Restaurant
The Old Original Bookbinder's
2306 E. Cary St., 643-6900
The elegant Bookbinder's stands out for mixing traditional steak and seafood entrées with innovation. "Our chefs are open to new ideas," says manager Chris Watts. Lobster macaroni and cheese is a big seller, and nightly specials might include filet mignon topped with a wild-mushroom cake and cognac cream sauce.
2. Millie's, 2603 E. Main St., 643-5512
3. La Grotta, 1218 E. Cary St., 644-2466
Best Asian Restaurant
Mekong
6004 W. Broad St., 288-8929
"A lot of people try to compare us to Chinese, but it's more like Thai," Mekong manager An Bui says of Vietnamese cuisine. "We use a lot of fresh vegetables, but there's less spice than Thai." For first-timers, the menu might seem overwhelming. "It looks like a lot of items, but it's not confusing."
2. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Stony Point Fashion Park, 253-0492
3. Peking, pekingrestaurants.com
Best Local Milkshake
The Dairy Bar
1602 Roseneath Road, 355-1937
Bill and Patricia Webb, owners of this 63-year-old Richmond mainstay since 1997, have made some changes over the years, such as expanding the menu, but when it comes to milkshakes, they're sticking with a winning formula. "We start off with the right ice cream," from Winchester-based Garber Ice Cream Co., Bill says. Then they add 2 percent milk chilled to 32 degrees and fresh ingredients such as strawberries and serve it in footed glass.
2. Cheeburger Cheeburger, cheeburger.com
3. Bev's Homemade Ice Cream, 2911 W. Cary St., 204-2387
