B's Richmond Food Digest for Jan/Feb 2008

.....well, it's come to this. After living & kvetching in Richmond for 3 1/2 years, I'm going to have to stop bitching about food and food resources in Richmond. Why? Well, here's my short list:

* Belmont Butchery made top 100 "Best" list in Saveur Magazine (and happens to be one of my favorite places in Richmond) http://wotbn.net/belmont-butchery-tanya-cauthen/
* Wholefoods and Trader Joes are coming to the West End
* Penzy's is moving into Carytown very soon
* Julep's and other wonderful local restaurants that don't sacrifice quality for quantity
* Organic farming that has made it's way to the 17th street Farmer's Market
* The Edible Garden- http://ediblegarden.org/default.aspx
* Jean-Jacques Bakery

I also want to warn everyone about DeLux-- the new hip, "hot" spot in town :) It is a FAB.u.lous. lounge/bar. But, don't go expecting good food. If you're hungry and not a foodie/not picky, this will be right up your alley. I blame VA's ABC laws-- you have to sell a certain percentage of food in order to sell booze. And thus we get a crappy menu b/c folks really just want to sell booze in some instances and really don't care about the vittles. All that aside, I really like the atmosphere, the staff is gracious and on their toes, not to mention the cool lights in the ceiling that change color. It's a perfect spot for a cocktail out with the girls.

Also on my short list to hit this next month or so are:
Si
Verbena
Avalon
Brunch at Bacchus (not my fav rest. but they just started serving brunch, so I have to try it!)
Caliente
Lift (coffee shop)
Phoenician

I'll end on a tribute and a sad note:

Jumpin' J's has closed it's doors. Allegedly, the owner of the building wanted to try their hand at their own restaurant and didn't even give J the option of buying or re-renting the building. J is so disheartened, she is convinced she will not be opening another place. Which makes Richmond a sadder place for not having a jewel like Jumpin' J's around-- we will miss you!!