“Today, there are a host of great chefs in this wonderful city who continue to push the envelope and essentially challenge each other to be better everyday.”
By Chef Walter Bundy
Richmond Food Scene
Richmond has come a long way since I returned from Napa Valley way back when. There was only Dale Reitzer of Acacia, who was putting out really -thought out food. Today, there are a host of great chefs in this wonderful city who continue to push the envelope and essentially challenge each other to be better everyday.
The biggest misconception about Richmond is... that we are conservative, old school, and not up to date with the times. (everything from food, art, festivals, events, and ....)
In reality, Richmond is... more relevant than most people would think. Everything from our wonderful, creative food scene to the arts (Center Stage, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond Ballet, Virginia Commonwealth Univ., etc.) We are a town that is constantly pushing, growing, and embracing meaningful things.
Chef Bundy's Richmond Guide
Photograph courtesy of Sub Rosa Bakery
Morning | Breakfast & Coffee
Sub Rosa Bakery
They have a wood-fired oven and the croissants are crazy good (chocolate is my favorite.) They have that toasty, melty, crunchiness that you can only achieve in a wood-fired oven.
620 N 25th Street, Richmond, VA 23223
T: 804.788.7672 | www.subrosabakery.com
Westwood Fountain
The fountain is also a pharmacy, but their breakfast is fast, consistent, and good. It's a little like going to Cheers where everyone knows your name. Faisel does a great job.
Patterson at Libbie Shopping Center
5823 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
T: 804.282.4828 | westwoodfountain.com
Shops | Markets
Bread from Billy's Bread Bakery
Billy Bread at Lecker Baking Company
It’s incredible sourdough, naturally leavened bread. It is simple, but it is perfect. A beautiful crust, wonderful aroma, and nice gentle sourness to it.
1 South Allen Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220
T: 804.257.5926
Yellow Umbrella Provisions
David Whitby has taken over what his father started as a roadside seafood truck stand and turned it into the best place to buy seafood in town. He also sells wine, local meats and cheeses, fresh farmers market vegetables, etc. It is deserving of a visit.
5603 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
T: 804.282.9591 | yellowumbrellarva.com
Photograph courtesy of Metzger Bar and Butchery
Metzger Bar and Butchery
During the day, Metzger is a butchery, but at night, watch out, they serve some fantastic rustic German-influenced food. Their chicken liver mousse with grilled Sub Rosa bread is insane! Also their rabbit with black truffle is crazy good.
801 N 23rd Street, Richmond, VA 23223
T: 804.325.3147 | www.metzgerbarandbutchery.com
Restaurants | Lunch
Photograph courtesy of Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue
Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue
I always seem to gravitate to this place when I want a BBQ fix. Who wouldn't when good old Buz took down Bobby Flay in a cook-off! I thought the barbecue was the best thing here until I watched my son destroy his t-shirt sucking the remaining meat off the beef ribs. I had to try them and I will say that I keep coming back for those wonderful freaks of nature.
1119 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230
T: 804.355.6055 | buzandneds.com
Lulabelles Cafe
This is a tiny little place that does everything from scratch and it shows. They put out great sammies and their sides are so comforting (potato salad, mac-n-cheese, kale slaw, collards, deviled eggs).
5714 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
T: 804.658.3617 | lulabellesrva.com
Bernie's Sub & Pizza Shop
Located in a strip mall in the Near West End, Bernie’s has been around since the begining of time. They pretty much cater to the University of Richmond crowd and are a no-bones-about-it college sub shop. Their hot Italian sub is to die for and keeps me coming back. Just make sure that you get it heated and loaded with the hot peppers.
415 N Ridge Road, Henrico, VA 23229
T: 804.285.2777
Afternoon | Snack
Photograph courtesy of Gelati Celesti
Gelati Celesti
I would think that if you are out that way, this would be the place to swing in for some fabulous, heavenly house-made ice cream. I work out so I can eat ice cream. That's the story and I'm sticking to it. My favorite would have to be the ‘Just Ask’ -- try it and you'll see.
8906 A West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294
T: 804.346.0038 | www.gelatiicecream.com
Sally Bell’s Kitchen
It is a time warp that has stood the test of time. The deviled eggs and Smithfield ham rolls are amazing. For an afternoon treat, head here for their famous cupcakes and tarts.
708 W Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23220
T: 804.644.2838 | sallybellskitchen.com
Restaurants | Dinner
Photograph courtesy of The Roosevelt
The Roosevelt
Chef Lee Gregory is a great guy, but an even better chef. He has done amazing things to help this city move forward with his unique cuisine.
623 North 25th Street, Richmond, VA 23223
T: 804.658.1935 | www.rooseveltrva.com
Acacia Bistro
Whenever my wife and I can find the time to get out, this is our go-to. Dale is known for his ‘velvet’ soft shell crabs from Urbanna, VA. that he personally picks up. He is such an artist with food and flavors. Trust me on this one.
2601 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220
T: 804.562.0138 | www.acaciarestaurant.com
Photograph courtesy of Mamma Zu
Mamma Zu
Sorry but Ed's veal sweetbreads are something dreams are made of. I continue to return and tell myself I am going to order something else, but every time I come here, those damn sweetbreads end up in front of me. Go figure. I also like being cool and ordering the white pizza that isn't even on the menu.
501 South Pine Street, Richmond, VA 23220
T: 804.788.4205
Peter Chang China Café
I know a lot has been written about Peter and for good reason. To think that this roving, where is he gonna be next chef set up camp here in Richmond, we are truly blessed. If you love spicy, Szechuan style cuisine, this is your place. Everything from the dry fried eggplant (with mind numbing Szechuan peppercorns and cilantro) to the Hunan fish with fermented black beans, you can't go wrong. It has become an addiction.
11424 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060
T: 804.364.1688 | www.peterchangrva.com
Late Night
Photograph courtesy of Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Donuts
I know this is a chain, but there is nothing better than going into the store and watching the doughnuts coming out of the fryer and onto the conveyor belt to be glazed with that oh-so-goodness sugar coating. The hot doughnuts melt in your mouth with the greatest of ease. There may not be anything better.
4910 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230
T: 804.355.9111 | krispykreme.com
About Chef Walter Bundy
“Walter Bundy is a great chef and he’s also a hunter. So his menu at Lemaire has tons of game. His venison dishes are really incredible. He does one with hand-foraged blackberries which is crazy.”
Walter Bundy is the executive chef and owner of Shagbark which which showcases Virginia’s farmers, fisherman, and food artisans.
SHAGBARK
4901 Libbie Mill East Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230
T: 804.358.7424
www.shagbarkrva.com
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