En Su Boca

On a hot August Saturday we had lunch at En Su Boca or the Taco Porn Shop. So glad to see the evolution of the adult bookstore into a cute oasis off of Boulevard.

On this day, it was crowded. Every bar stool was occupied. We were seated at a two top. Later on, we understood why this strip of tables were the last to be filled. They sit directly under the HVAC conduits and it was so humid/hot that the vents dripped. You are now warned and can strategize accordingly.

With an eye on where the condensation landed we ordered a cocktail. The Teeny Weeny Hot Bikini was a pink concoction containing Espolon Reposado tequila, watermelon, basil, agave, and lime. The watermelon was very refreshing, although I did not really taste the basil. Still, En Su Boca utilized one of my favorite tequilas, and I would gladly order it again.

We also ordered chips with three different salsas: roasted tomato, tomatillo verde, and grilled habanero. The chips were not gratis, but understandable with the not-your-average salsas. My favorite was the tomatillo verde. The chips were not your average chips either; more like fried tortilla wrappers. Very satisfying.

Burritos and tacos dominated the menu. The tacos were priced individually with discounts for ordering four or more. Four tacos seemed a bit much, especially after chowing down on chips. I ordered three instead; it turned out to be the right choice for lunch. And I ordered a variety: Marinated Grilled Chicken, Slow Roasted Carnitas, and Carne Asada.

The chicken didn't taste very grilled. A bit bland really. The pork was decent, but did not bowl me over. The beef was the clear winner. Great flavor with the right amount of spices. When I return, this is what I will be ordering.

I like the spot. It's cute. I will be judicious in where I sit in the future. And I'll continue to enjoy the tequila choices, the carne asada, and the chips.

Garlic

Garlic a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

From Tomten Farm at the South of the James Market

An Evening at The Viceroy

Most of you know that I am a huge fan of Ryan Baldwin from his days at Tastebuds American Bistro. I was distraught we he left to go to Accanto. I knew I would miss him not being here in the city. I am pleased to report that he is now at The Viceroy and showcasing a fairly ambitious menu. While it's a jaunt for me to walk there, it is closer to my humble abode, affording me an opportunity to dine on the offerings of an incredibly talented chef.

Hubby and I met at The Viceroy for dinner a couple of weeks after it opened. Lots of wood accents and almost as many high, bar-like tables as booths. Art work dons the walls along with a painting of The Queen of the Viceroy (my moniker) as one heads to the restroom.

Our cocktail of choice was The Baron - Maker's Mark, Byrrh, and Dry Vermouth, with Orange Zest.

We slowly sipped our Manhattanesque beverage and strategized our dining plan. So many options.

We decided that we had to begin with Torched House-made Mozzarella Wrapped in Prosciutto with Grilled Fig Balsamic Sauce and Arugula. Both of us are suckers for fresh mozzarella. I'm sure the kitchen revels in torching this dish. The creamy, melted cheese melded well with the salty ham. The balsamic sauce added just a touch of sweetness. The dish was definitely large enough to share.

We then ordered a Lyeth Meritage to enjoy with dinner. The Viceroy has a varied wine list with several Virginia offerings alongside the bottles from France, California, New Zealand, etc. Quite a few bottles are under $30 and very drinkable.

For the main attraction we decided upon sandwiches. It's nice that The Viceroy offers a variety of options for both small and large appetites. Hubby chose a classic Shaved Prime Rib-Eye French Dip with White Cheddar, Herb Au Jus, and Fresh Horseradish. The grated fresh horseradish was a wonderful added detail.

I ordered the the Charred Pork Belly Bahn Mi. While I enjoyed the pork, I enjoyed the topping even more which was a mix of watermelon, Napa cabbage, purple basil, radish, scallion, carrot, and jicama kimchee slaw. Lots of flavor.

Each sandwich comes with your choice of mixed baby greens, crispy frites, house-made slaw or potato salad. We got the frites. We really loved the frites. Very crispy on the outside, but soft inside. There are a few places in Richmond that make yummy fries. I now count The Viceroy in that category.

We were full, so we were not able to try any of the Bittersweet Endings. Ryan has put together a dessert menu that features some unlikely combinations, but are very intriguing, such as Avocado Key Lime Cheesecake Popsicles and Grilled Peach Trifle with Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream.

We will also have to head back soon to sample some entrees. The Grilled Rack of Wild Boar sounds fantastic.

Corned Beef Hash with Eggs, Grits, and Toast

Corned Beef Hash with Eggs Grits and Toast a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

Available everyday at Brook's Diner. They also have tasty Sausage Gravy Over Biscuits.

Fried Chicken Night at Comfort

Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

I think the picture says it all. Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans. Available at Comfort.

Haiku Sushi

Haiku Sushi is now open in Shockoe Bottom. We went a few weeks ago and had a delicious time.

The new restaurant inhabits the space that was one Sensei. Vestiges of the old decor now mixes with the new.

The owners of Haiku have (or had - not sure of the details) a connection with Eat Partners and parts of the regular menu resemble offerings from Wild Ginger or Osaka. But Haiku also presents a secondary menu listing 30 different rolls. Wow! What a quandary. So many choices.

We opted to order a bottle of wine - Roza Ridge Cabernet from Washington State

and Steamed Spicy Pork Dumplings while we made decisions on which rolls to try.

I fell in love with the dumplings. The dumpling skin was thin which thrilled me. So many places use a thick, bland skin that fills me up, but does not satisfy. The pork filling was tasty and the soy-based sauce, delicious.

And then it was roll time. We splurged and ordered two rolls each. We were not disappointed and left quite full. One of the things I generally get at a sushi restaurant is yellowtail sashimi; sometimes with rice, sometimes not. Haiku did me one better with the Silk Road Roll - spicy tuna topped with yellowtail and avocado and served with a wasabi mayo. I really got the best of all worlds. I could pull the yellowtail out and eat as is while enjoying the rest of the item as a true roll.

I also had the Shockoe Roll - spicy shrimp topped with avocado and beet. Yummy!

Hubby went with the Sleepy Hollow Roll - tempura shrimp, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, spicy kani as well as the Friday Roll - a tuna, goat cheese, and avocado roll tempura fried. Both were delicious. It's recommended to eat the Friday Roll first to enjoy the warm goat cheese.

I'm glad that Haiku Sushi has opened. They are closer to my abode than either Wild Ginger or Osaka, and I am a fan of the myriad choices in rolls.

The Green Fairy - I Dare You

The Green Fairy a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

Ah Absinthe. That seducing green liqueur. I am fascinated by the myth and tales of over-indulgence unto death, even. I tackled the fairy during a soiree at my humble abode a while ago. We drank Death in the Afternoon, a simple concoction of sparkling wine and absinthe. The next day I called it Death the Next Afternoon. I may have looked a bit green even.

However, for those of you uninitiated Amuse is able to serve the green nectar to you and three friends in the proper setting with a cube of sugar and a slow drip of water via a lovely apparatus designed just for said purpose. Make sure you are either walking home, engaging a designated driver, or employing a taxi. 

Cheers!

BBQ, Green Beans, and Potato Cake from King's

BBQ Green Beans Potato Cake a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

While I don't get to Petersburg often, I do like stopping into King's Famous Bar-B-Q for sliced pork. The pork plate is served with your choice of sides along with biscuits and hush puppies. The homemade potato cake was very tasty. And the barbecue has that wonderful smoked-pink tint that makes the eating a joyously delicious occasion.

Deep Run Roadhouse Ribs

Deep Run Roadhouse Ribs a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

Ribs from Deep Run Roadhouse were quite satisfying after a long day trip out of town. While they may not be the best ribs in town, they were enjoyable.