Julian's Richmond

No, sadly, not Julian's America redux. More of a discussion thread for the Richmond'ers.

Has anyone been to Balliceaux yet? It's went from "not open" to "hottest restaurant in town" in about 10 days and the menu and cocktail selection looks incredible. We're trying to get in tonite, but they only take reservations for 6+. Going to bite the bullet and just wait it out at the bar. Any reviews from any of you?

Julian, wrote:
No, sadly, not Julian's America redux. More of a discussion thread for the Richmond'ers.

Has anyone been to Balliceaux yet? It's went from "not open" to "hottest restaurant in town" in about 10 days and the menu and cocktail selection looks incredible. We're trying to get in tonite, but they only take reservations for 6+. Going to bite the bullet and just wait it out at the bar. Any reviews from any of you?

their dinner menu sounds interesting, and i like the way they seperated it up (field/farm/sea).  could have more selections in various higher priced ranges though, but what they have share pairing that seem honest to a foodie's tastebuds, plus the sides sound yum yum.  but on a serious note, their beer (tap and bottle) plus coctail selction make this place almost certain to be a hit.  i can see why they do not do reservations . . . they almost certainly know they're the "new" shit shit.

The "virtually no entree above $15" thing is kinda their niche. The richmond foodblogs are playing it up as farm-to-fork, top-quality cuisine at ridiculously low prices. And the decor looked incredible when we were there the other day. I'm sure it'll be in alot of Top 10 in Town lists for a few years, but it clearly will be better once the 'omg' buzz wears off.

are there any "strict organic" places in richmond, such as the dc offering of nora, and what was the fabulous beyond compare, now gone forever (i hope not), asia nora?

Not to the best of my knowledge, but there are certainly places that have alot of organic food. The cafe at Ellwood Thompson's, Ipanema, and Mezzanine would be three.

I was always partial to some of the places in the fan such as Buddy's, John & Norman's, The Robin Inn, etc.  It's been so long since I visited any of them though that I have no idea even if they are still open.

The Robin Inn, yes, I think so. The other two, never heard of.

I used to eat at The Robin Inn with my family all the time when I was young. It's still open - I often find myself driving by it going to and from VCU.

If you are a poker player, we have a weekly game on Park Ave.  Usually Wednesday nights.  PM me if interested.

in the latest issue of the washingtonian (which is a very good one and a keeper) called the fall getaway      issue . . . there is a section, though only 2 pages but still delightful, detailing the highlights of a funfilled day romp in the town of richmond.  represent, homeslices.

Proposed new slogan for the fair and lovely city of Richmond:

"Richmond, Virginia: It's a natural."

;D

Jaguar wrote:
Proposed new slogan for the fair and lovely city of Richmond:

"Richmond, Virginia: It's a natural."

;D

A natural WHAT?

I guess I neglected to give anyone a review of Balliceaux. In a word: wow! Exquisite menu from the chef from Millie's. I had the chickpea salad, cocoa roasted beats, gazpacho, and truffle fries and it was all exquisite. My friend similarly raved about the chickpea salad and mussels, but thought it odd the mussels were served in their shell. We also split a bottle of Torrontes, excellent, especially considering the cheapest wine on the menu.

The custom cocktails, though, were exquisite+++. They buy into the whole old-school ingredients instead of mixes and the 4 we tried were delicious and strong. And this is saying nothing about the decor which is unrivaled in Richmond (well, maybe Verbena), and the ambiance and furniture and music. One of the best restaurants in town from day 1, and will stay packed for years. Cannot wait to go back, if only to lounge around the couch in the back bar with a Sazerac.

Anyone else have any RVA recommendations or recent finds? Please do share – it's Julian's Richmond, but several of you live in it.

you see . . . that last sentence reeks of julian's richmond becoming julian's america.  no shame in denying the new world order of julian.  oh . . . and how long did you wait for your table?

walkonby wrote:  oh . . . and how long did you wait for your table?

Only 45 minutes, but at that bar with those cocktails (and sitting next to the owner, his wife, and Chris Bopst), it felt like 10.

Even by far more cosmopolitan standards (DC, NYC, etc), Balliceaux was pretty top-shelf.

cat pic at a fancy restaurant drinking a cosmo  ;D

Fan Rats…  Quite a unique breed!  :)

SPOTTED: Last night at Sticky Rice, ChokeyChicken (of scalping-Dismemberment-Plan-Charity-Reunion-Shows-Gate) performed I'm In A Boat during Karaoke Night. It was a show stopper.

A few quick items for the consideration of my Richmond'ers looking for something to do this fine fall weekend:

[li]Long Arms (featuring James Menefee River City High) plays at The Triple on Friday (followed by a Fun Size reunion!) and The Canal Club on Saturday, check it out. (Full disclosure: James has possibly served Julian at least 50 cocktails throughout the years at a popular Church Hill spot.)[/li]
[li]As the Times-Dispatch food writer highlighted, alliteration is in, and the letter B has taken over the Richmond dining scene. Bouchon, Belvidere at Broad, and the Boathouse at Rockett's Landing join the ranks of rave restaurants already populated with Balliceaux, Bacchus, and The Black Sheep. Catch me at Bouchon Saturday pre-Iowa/Michigan. Dress appropriately if you plan to speak to me. [/li]
[li]Speaking of Balliceaux, they've rolled out new craft cocktails. Go. Now.[/li]

Here is something to do for Saturday night in Richmond:

Capoeira Resistencia will be holding their 4th annual Capoeira Batizado this Saturday night at 6 PM at Martin Luther King Middle School. Capoeira is a Brazilian Martial Art disguised as a dance and a game and is a very big culture in Brazil. This event will feature performances by Resistencia members as well as visiting Masters and Professors and will be one hell of a show; you literally won't believe your eyes. The show starts around 6pm and is $10 to get in.

I'll be getting my next cord, so if you come by, be sure to say hey!