Get thee to Mezzanine pronto.That's really all I need to write for this one. The girls and I were having a leisurely evening out and first ventured over to Si. Cute interior and amazing smells wafting throughout the place. But, alas, there was a 45 minute wait and the bar area was awkward and could not accomodate the three of us adequately. So, we decided to roll out and find another spot.
Walking to the car, I'm running through the "list" in my mind of places I'm always meaning to drop in on. For some reason, Mezzanine rose to the top. And boy, am I glad that it did.
Richmond has really been needing this gem.
Open just six months, their "claim to fame" is a focus on local and organic items on their menu. The food is as fresh and as inventive as touted. Our party had the fried green tomatos with crab, shrimp and grits, seafood risotto, free range chicken (skin stuffed with THE GOAT!) celery root and haricot verts and the banana spring roll for dessert.
Open just six months, their "claim to fame" is a focus on local and organic items on their menu. The food is as fresh and as inventive as touted. Our party had the fried green tomatos with crab, shrimp and grits, seafood risotto, free range chicken (skin stuffed with THE GOAT!) celery root and haricot verts and the banana spring roll for dessert.
Alas, I am allergic to shellfish so I could not taste the first menu items, so I'll report those second hand to you. Our girl who had the shrimp and grits is a proper southerner who KNOWS her grits. She could not stop raving about this dish.
Our other girl who had the seafood risotto loved it so much, she was trying to break down the components so she could recreate it. Generous hunks of scallop and shrimp, it was surrounded by a roasted red pepper creaminess. The fried green tomatos were thick, but tender inside(difficult to achieve). The coating was cornmeal, thin and perfectly crisp. They were a wonder to all who beheld them.
Myself, I had the chicken and didn't talk until I was finished. Perfectly seasoned, tender, with a punch of goat cheese waiting under the skin. Combine this w/the tomato puree underneath and a swatch of pureed celery root and you have nirvana my friend.
We all opted to share the banana spring roll dessert and it was the perfect ending to a stomach pleasing meal. Sweet cream cheese and banana inside a crispy shell. cut into 4 bite sized pieces, there was a chocolate dipping sauce and toasted coconut on the plate to top things off. Delectable.
We were informed that they do brunch and have a bloody mary bar. *raises eyebrow* Now there's something to get excited about, as I have yet to imbibe a good one in this town. So, hopefully I'll be reporting back when I have one. (notice, I did not say IF)
This one is a treat for the senses, it's priced well, great staff and warm atmosphere. Can't miss.
Personally, I think it's my new favorite spot.
App's average $9
Entrees $14- $30
Entrees $14- $30
Mezzanine
3433 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 353-2186
