To start their 2012 tours, Real Richmond Food Tours and More offered their VCU: Alternative Eats tour to a sold out crowd on a bright, crisp Saturday afternoon January 14th.  Maureen and Susan, tour hosts, take ticket holders on a mile and a half walk through Richmond’s culture, architecture, history – and, naturally Richmond’s food scene.  The tours feature at least seven different areas of the city, seven totally different tours. But, even the same tour experienced several times provides a very different perspective by stopping in different eateries along the way.  Tours are rotated so not all areas are available at the same time.

Today’s tour began at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of the Fan, just a block from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus. After a quick briefing about the house, the two guest rooms, and William Miller (the marble carver who built the house in 1869), the group visited the dining room where breakfast is served to guests and the wine room where beverages and hors d’oeuvres are available for guests in the evening as they make their dinner plans.  Pat and Mike explained they began renovations in 1996 (still on-going, an old house is never done!) and opened as an urban inn/bed and breakfast in 2000. Then to the inn’s best feature – the Kitchen, where gourmet breakfasts are prepared for guests!

Real Richmond Food Tour tasted creme caramel at the William Miller House B&B during the VCU: Alternative Eats tour

First Mike had prepared creme caramel!   He explained that this version was a little sweeter than we serve our breakfast guests but it is an alternative for our fresh fruit course. Other options include a lavender panna cotta, surprise yogurt, fruit crepes or any other seasonal offering to feature Virginia’s bounty as a first course. That’s right – it’s just a first course.  After the first course, guests are treated to an entree course served on individual platters.  Real Richmond Food Tours is all about tastes, as they visit 5 or 6 stops along the way – so no entree today!

Mike has been perfecting his sous-vide technique for three years now and decided to spend a few minutes introducing the tour to sous-vide process to the tour.  Sous vide or cooking under pressure is a method of cooking foods in an airtight plastic bag in a water bath at an accurately determined temperature.  The temperature is lower than normally used for cooking, usually around 140 degrees F.  The concept is to cook the item evenly, not overcook the outside. The inside then has the same overall “doneness” and the food stays juicier.  This method is often used for meats and can be used for vegetables, etc.  Eggs come in their own airtight container (their shell) – they don’t need a plastic bag!  Mike offered tour-goers the opportunity to taste one of our fresh from the farm eggs prepared soft-boiled in the sous-vide, served on a toast square.  He was surprised how adventurous this group was; he had many takers. The sous vide technique was introduced to the US mainly through the efforts of Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Napa Valley.  Here in Richmond, Philip Denny, chef at Six Burner, just a few blocks away and also in the Fan, was the first chef in Richmond approved by the health department to use the technique for guests.

Farm Fresh Eggs ready for their Sous Vide bath

Meyer Lemon Sorbet to cleanse the palate between tastes

To cleanse the palate, tour ticket holders were offered a Meyer Lemon sorbet, served on a Chinese spoon, and garnished with a mint leaf from the inn garden.  Next up, guests were offered pecan squares to go as they hit the streets of the  Fan for their next stops.

Miller House Pecan Squares

These tours are so popular that they sell out quickly and you need to plan in advance to purchase your ticket on-line to reserve your spot. It is a wonderful way to experience Richmond up close and personal!

August 1 through 6, 2011, prepare to entice your taste buds with amazing Carytown dining during “Taste of Carytown” Restaurant Week.

Taste of Carytown Supports Richmond Public Schools Foundation

The week before the Watermelon Festival, participating Carytown restaurants are offering special pricing and menus to showcase their most popular dishes and raise funds for the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, to assist the organization in its goal to support the school system by seeking monetary donations and other resources that will enrich the learning experience of public school students by establishing an environment that prepares them for jobs that aren’t available yet, using technologies that haven’t been invented, in order to solve problems that we don’t event know exist.

During “Taste of Carytown” Restaurant Week, the neighborhood’s fine dining establishments will feature a one-time-only, $25 three-course prix fixe, while it’s more casual compatriots will offer special bargain menus of their own.  Some menus will include servings of watermelon gazpacho, a salad featuring watermelon,  or fried green tomatoes with watermelon! Each participating restaurant will donate 10% of the proceeds to the efforts of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation.  More Info and Sample menus.  This event is going to be a big draw, so make your reservations today!

To take your donations to the next level, there are two drop off points designated in Carytown for school supply collection. You can drop off  school supplies (pencils, notebooks, backpacks, rulers, etc.) at Pink or All Fired Up!

Did you forget to make dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day dinner?

SIx Dining Options in Richmond Virginia for Valentine's Day. But hurry and make your reservations today!

We’ve assembled a list of six neighborhood eateries with Valentine’s Day Specials; if you call today, you may be able to get a reservation!

Six Burner, one of our personal favorites, is celebrating Valentine’s Day all weekend long and Monday – the actual Valentine’s Day – with their regular menu and chef’s specials as well. Chef Philip Denny’s reputation is built on local seasonal ingredients combined with a unique combination of flair, elegant presentation, and superb service. Six Burner is the first Richmond restaurant approved by the Health Department to employ the sous vide method of cooking in addition to more traditional kitchen techniques in food preparation. Check their website for more detail.  Six Burner is a local favorite; the weekend events like the Richmond Ballet’s Giselle and the Maymont Flower and Garden show, will be a big draw – so call and get a reservation right now! (804) 353-4060

Acacia Mid-Town, Dale Reitzer’s restaurant on West Cary Street, is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu on Monday as well – a four course Chef’s tasting menu. Located at the corner of West Cary and Robinson Streets, Chef Reitzer and his wife, Aline, offer a tradition of fine cuisine with an emphasis on regional favorites.

Avenue 805 features its Cheap Date Night menu every Monday and Tuesday – and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Located in the Historic Fan District at 805 N Davis a block away from the Jefferson Davis monument, it’s hard to beat — but guaranteed to be busy.

From February 11 through 14, beginning at 4 PM, Strawberry Street Cafe, a Fan District locals’ favorite, will be offering three-course dinners for two. Click on their Upcoming Events to get the latest!

In nearby Oregon Hill, Pescado’s China Street is offering a three-course reserved seating dinner for $49 per person with an optional wine pairing. Pescado’s China Street offers a mix of Latin and Caribbean flavors to their ingredients. Available only on Monday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day, seats are filling up fast!

Just west of the Historic Fan District in Carytown, Ellwood’s Cafe is offering a STUPID CUPID Valentine’s Day wine pairing and dinner, on Valentine’s Day only between 6PM and 8PM. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online for this very casual, low-key event. Ellwood Thompson’s Market and Cafe is a local independent market offering products and produce from local growers and producers.

After New Year’s Day, the year marches on very quickly and the next thing you know – it’s Valentine’s Day.  Even worse, time slipped by and plans for something special just never happened.  Well, it’s not too late, just don’t wait any longer – or you’ll be out of luck again this year.

It’s official! Not only is Six Burner Restaurant, a local dining option a few blocks away at 1627 West Main Street, our guests’ favorite, Dana Craig, restaurant critic for Richmond’s Times-Dispatch has given it 4 stars, the highest rating, excellent.  Six Burner has been at the top of our suggestion list since it opened and guests who dined there have raved about the menu options, selection, ambiance, and service PLUS it is a short five-block walk from our bed and breakfast.   Here’s Dana’s Review from January.

Recent Raves August 19 2010

And, this list of Recent Raves appeared in the August 19th edition of the Times-Dispatch.  Guests last week had such a wonderful time that they dined there 2 evenings of their stay. A single traveler felt so comfortable she also went back both nights of her visit to Richmond.  We dine at Six Burner ourselves with friends and/or to celebrate special occasions and often run into our Fan District neighbors. We view it as one of Richmond’s best-kept secrets. Ry and Beth Marchant, owners of Six Burner, have created and developed a neighborhood asset that draws guests from near and far. Chef Philip Denny relies on fresh ingredients to create his culinary delights, so menu choices vary by what is in season. Check out the menu! But, realize that it changes weekly!

Guests who choose our gourmet bed and breakfast for their in-town get-away are definite foodies as is indicated by our focus on a hearty gourmet breakfast.  After all, breakfast is more than half our designation: bed and breakfast.  So, Six Burner restaurant is right up their alley and a great end of the day.  Make your plans today!

Tiffany: Color and Light’s closing is imminent – just 3 weeks away on August 15th!  Have you seen the glass master’s exhibit at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts? Better make your plans now.

Don't Miss the wonder of Tiffany's Glass

The Richmond VMFA is the only museum in the US to feature this exhibition and, once it closes, the items will be dispersed back to their owners: museums from around the world. Drawing on the finest collections in Europe, North America, and Russia, the exhibition presents Tiffany as an artist of international stature and significance. Curated by the world’s leading scholars, the exhibition focuses on his primary achievements – the innovative techniques and artistry he developed to achieve original and spectacular effects in glass. Among the exhibition’s more than 180 objects are examples of the leaded-glass windows and lamps for which he is best known as well as blown-glass vessels and decorative objects such as mosaics, jewelry, bronzes, paintings, watercolors, architectural elements, and silver. Eight newly restored windows from the Erskine and American United Church in Montreal – considered one of his most spectacular commissions – have never before been shown in the United States and will form a dazzling and memorable centerpiece to the presentation.  And, save your ticket stubs for the exhibition to take advantage of our special: stay at our inn for two nights Monday through Thursday, present your used ticket stubs, and we will refund your admission fees by applying a credit to your invoice! Subject to Conditions.

To round out your Tiffany-focused trip, don’t forget to check out the Tiffany Driving Tour.  Focusing on glass works, make time to explore Hans Godo Frabel’s Glassworks in the Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Richmond is rich in its art – don’t miss it!

Can a restaurant be a work of art? Take time to check out Amuse, the restaurant in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that overlooks the the sculpture garden. A recent review by Dana Craig was very positive and limited hours make reservations hard to get. The secret: Plan ahead!

When the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opens this weekend, two restaurants will be offering dining options.  Casual dining at Best Cafe on the first floor of the museum features elements like pizza, panini, entree salads and a daily special – along with grab and go selection of wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Amuse is the name of the sit-down restaurant on the second floor with food offerings that focus on locally produced food.  The most spectacular  thing about these two dining options – is the VIEW!  Here’s Chef’ Danny Ayers point of view.

All of this is about a mile from our Fan District bed and breakfast. A leisurely stroll westward will take you through the heart of the Fan District and its fabulous architecture on neighborhood streets, lined with trees (young and mature!), leading you right to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A weekend full of activities are planned including an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Mary Morton Parsons Plaza at 10 AM on Saturday, May 1, with government officials, donors, and trustees in attendance and the Huguenot High School Marching Band providing music. Roving performers including dancers and puppeteers are also programmed. Check the schedule here.

Join us in Richmond Virginia as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts takes its place as the 10th largest museum in terms of square footage and, now, adds dining with a view. Don’t forget the special exhibition of Louis Comfort Tiffany: Color and Light begins on May 29th.  This is the only US appearance of this exhibition.  Combine it with a tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Glorious Glass exhibition of glass art by  Hans Godo Frabel installed in the garden and conservatory. Make your plans now!

Just 5 blocks from our Richmond Virginia bed and breakfast, Six Burner restaurant is offering a special Spanish Wine Dinner.  Dave Jones of Michael Downey Selections will offer comments on the evening’s wine pairings for this very special four course dinner.  Dinner begins at 6:30 and reservations are required. You won’t want to miss a single course, so spend the night at an in-town inn and put your parking worries to rest. The menu starts with foie gras y queso, the second course is chorizo, roasted potatoes and cherry tomatoes, the third is Andulsian stew and the dessert course is flan with wild berries.  Wines will be paired with each course and are available  for an additional charge.  Take a quick trip to Spain without leaving central Virginia.

So book your room and walk to Six Burner for a delightful evening.  Wake the next morning to fresh ground coffee and a hearty gourmet breakfast. Truly a gourmet experience!

On Wednesday, April 21, ACACIA Mid-town, is offering a fabulous 3-course meal paired with wine for $35 per person. The menu is focused on Spring, featuring ingredients like salmon, tuna, asparagus, spring peas, and pork loin. The menu is paired with wines from Spain and a representative from the distributor will be on hand to discuss each wine.  You won’t find this menu on Acacia’s website, but here is a sneak preview….

First course: local asparagus, housemade mozzarella, lemon caper, olive vinaigrette served with Cava, N.V. Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut

Second Course: hot pastrami smoked salmon, rye gnocchi, light fennel kraut offered with Albarino, Mar de Frades Rias Baxas

Third Course: choice of

lime-crusted rare tuna, fava bean mash, red pepper compote, spring pea cilantro sauce served with Chardonnay, Raimat, Costers del Segres 2007

OR

roasted pork loin, wrapped with pork belly with celery root gratin, apple pecan pork sauce served with Tempranillo, Vina Zaco, Rioja 2006.

Space is limited – so make your reservation now. Make it a special evening by reserving a room at our Richmond Virginia bed and breakfast – less than a mile away from this restaurant.  And, we have tips and suggestions on other neighborhood eateries that will tantalize your tastebuds.

Adam Richman, star of the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” has been spotted in Richmond Virginia.  His first stop was Caliente, a Museum District eatery known, as its name suggests, for its spicy food.  Adam taped a food challenge: conquering Caliente’s own “stupid wings.”  From Caliente’s menu their stupid wings “are the hottest wings you’ll never eat – if you somehow manage to finish ‘em, Caliente’ll buy ‘em!”  Those in attendance was sworn to secrecy, so the outcome of the food challenge is unavailable – but the schedule indicates the episode should air on July 4th.  Adam is still in town and has plans to film additional challenges at other neighborhood and city eateries through the weekend.

Television network food stars have been visiting Richmond’s food scene for some time now, including Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri. Innkeeper Mike, a foodie himself, will be happy to assist you with dining plans that follow in their footsteps — or better yet, trace your own tailor-made path. So make your reservation and stay at Richmond’s finest bed and breakfast for a taste of the unique flavors of Richmond’s dining scene.