Every July the Richmond dining scene cools off. It's something you can count on, like constant construction on Belvidere and traffic jams in Short Pump. It's very Richmond.
The dining scene cools off for a month or so and then, like clockwork, come fall, it's hot again. New restaurants, tweaked menus and fabulous rising chefs are all in our future. But for now we're stuck with the same old, same old. What's a Richmonder to do, especially one with a bi-weekly restaurant news column to write?
Thankfully, there are a few glimmers of activity on the local dining scene.
Richmonders may have noticed that Amici Ristorante (3343 W. Cary St., (804) 353-4700), the beloved Carytown staple, is closed this month. Never fear, though, the closing is only temporary. This Italian spot is undergoing a much needed renovation. Amici hopes to reopen and unveil its new look by early September.
A few months without Amici brings to mind another Carytown favorite, one we've already gone far too long without. Don't worry, local foodies, the new Acacia is still in the works. Dale and Aline Reitzer planned to have the Cary Street restaurant opened by June, but zoning and permit issues caused a delay (a familiar story to anyone in the habit of following Richmond restaurants). The new opening date is scheduled for sometime in August.
End of summer should bring plenty of other cool dining options, we hope. The Southside is about to get a host of new restaurants. A national burger chain, Red Robin, is in the works for Chesterfield Town Center, Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill is slated to open on Robious Road, just around the corner from Chesterfield Town Center, and Sushi O, from the folks behind Osaka, will be opening on Alversar Drive, just across from the mall.
Of course, the "other" side of the river will be getting some new restaurants too. Sticks Kebob Shop, out of Charlottesville, should be opening in August near Willow Lawn and Carytown's Mezzanine should be open any day now.
As always, "Dish" will keep you posted on all the details.
Got some restaurant news you want to Dish? Send it to karri.peifer@corp.richmond.com. And you can always read the last Dish here.