Tuesday's Taste with Patrick Hylton
Updated: Tuesday, 28 Jun 2011, 10:19 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 28 Jun 2011, 10:19 AM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVBT) - RESTAURANTS ON THE RISE
It may be a good sign for the economy, but it is also a good sign for foodies: across Hampton Roads, a number of restaurants has either opened or changed owners, and a venerable area restaurateur is putting the final touches on a second eatery.
Todd Jurich’s 21st Century Burger Bar just opened in Rudee’s Inlet at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, offering a number of upmarket burgers, fries and milkshakes, along with a few other delish dishes. The space is open and inviting, with wrap-around windows on two sides offering outstanding views of the marina, as well as patio seating. A soothing color scheme with blonde wood and frosted glass accents is the backdrop for a menu that includes locally-sourced meats (and seafood) sandwiched between housebaked buns.
On a recent visit, I sampled the pizza of the day, a wonderful duck confit with a sweet tomato sauce and caramelized onions, and enjoyed the Parisienne, a perfectly cooked burger topped with frisee, lardons and a sunny-side up egg. For the sides: gigantic onion rings and beer battered bacon. A chocolate brownie sundae and banana-chocolate-peanut butter shake rounded out the experience.
Norfolk Chop House is on my radar to visit soon; located in Norfolk’s Ghent, this steak place offers Certified Angus Beef and other chops, including veal, lamb and pork, as well as fresh seafood. An extensive wine list and local beers on tap rounds things out.
The Peppermill Diner & Bar occupies the space of the former Retro Diner in Norfolk’s Ghent. From the folks who own Press 626, comes a myriad of Blue Plate Special-style from breakfast through dinner, including vegan and vegetarian offerings and even a nightly Happy Hour weekdays.
Find The Peppermill on Facebook
Fin, a longtime favorite seafood restaurant in Newport News, is under new ownership. The Port Warwick eatery is now run by Executive Chef Kenny Sloane, a Johnson & Wales Norfolk graduate whom many may know from his creative, delicious menu at his previous restaurant, Aqua S, in Duck, N.C. Look for fresh, often local seafood on the plate.
Conch & Bucket is coming very soon from Peter Pittman, a restaurateur who has flavored the region with his influence in such restaurants as Cracker’s, Peter’s Ten Top, Wild Monkey, The Flagship and the Taphouse Grill. The downtown Hampton restaurant will focus on Southern coastal seafood offerings.
There is no website for this restaurant yet.
BAR-GAIN MENU AT LUNA MAYA
Speaking of new – the paint is hardly dry at the new location of Luna Maya in Norfolk’s Ghent, and sisters Vivian and Karla Montano have expanded the offerings to include a weeknight Happy Hour Menu.
Look for deals on munchies, including the signature guacamole. On a recent visit, I has the Ensalada Verde, a beautiful mix of arugula and fresh greens with queso fresco and pepitas, as well as Taquitos Vegetarianos – pan-fried taquitos filled with cheese, onion and poblano peppers. Wine, beer, sangria and cocktail specials, including the fabulous house margarita, are also priced right during this time.
BATTLE OF THE RESTAURANTS
The second-annual Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association Iron Chef Wine & Food Expo takes place this Thursday from 6:30 until 9:30 at Windsor Meade of Williamsburg. This is a special evening of food and fun as chefs from such area eateries battle it out to create the best dish, centered around a secret ingredient.
There are dishes to enjoy from more than a half-dozen restaurant, as well as more than 50 wines from around the world to quaff.
Participating restaurants include: Berret’s, Blue Talon Bistro, Colonial Heritage, Great Wolf Lodge, Kingsmill, Riverwalk, Seasons, Williamsburg Inn and Windsor Mead in the competition. Providing food will be Kingsmill, LeYaca, Opus 9 Steakhouse, Second Street Bistro and Williamsburg Lodge.
Tickets are $65 per person or $120 per couple and on sale online or at The Aberdeen Barn and Second Street in Williamsburg.
www.WilliamsburgAreaRestaurants.com
For more of Patrick’s adventures in food, check out his blog, www.PatrickEvansHylton.com
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