Posts Tagged ‘Restaurant Review’
I’ve tried to think of about three different ways to start this review, but it always boils down to one simple thing: go to Verde! I’m a big fan of Panera because of their fresh breads, sandwiches, soups, and atmosphere. My only complaint about Panera has been that they don’t serve wine. Verde does.
My wife and I had been meaning to dine their for quite a while, and finally we did last week. We were greeted soon after entering and walked up to the counter to order our food and a bottle of wine. The man waiting on us offered to put our bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in a bucket of ice to keep it cold (which we accepted) and invited us to choose a place to sit as he would bring our food out to us.
The atmosphere in Verde is what I love – there are a couple of high tops with chairs, a couple of tables with booths and chairs, and then a pair of very comfortable arms chairs and a couch with tables that are perfect for enjoying your meal, some wine, and the company you’re with. We chose the two arm chairs.
Our food was soon delivered and it was delicious. I chose their Italian Panini and my wife chose the Chicken Pesto one. Each was freshly pressed and warm when brought out to us. The only ones in the restaurant at for dinner (I assume they get more business at lunch than dinner), we were able to enjoy our meal and each other’s company in peace.
The menu at Verde isn’t huge, but it does have a wide range of foods that should appeal to most tastes. Their wine selection is very impressive and they have wine available by the bottle or the glass, or to be taken with you, as well as small selection of beer.
The only complaint that I can levy against Verde is that all of their food is served in to-go style packaging as opposed to plates when you’re dining in. I don’t know if this will change, but I suspsect it’s because they offer delivery service and most of their diners are workers on their lunch just running in to grab something to take back to the office.
If you’re in the West End of Richmond and looking for something like Panera but not Panera, I really do recommend Verde. I’ve only been once, but I’m already planning my next trip there. Check out their selection online at: http://www.verdefreshfood.com .
First of all, if you don’t have a Melting Pot in your area, I feel sorry for you. For those unfamiliar with The Melting Pot, it is a fondue restaurant with a wine list that borders on the ridiculous (at least for a restaurant outside of Vegas). My wife and I visited The Melting Pot in Richmond, Virginia for our one year wedding anniversary and while I’ve never had bad service there, this time we had service that was nothing short of amazing.
Megan, our waitress, was great in not pushing anything on us, being present without being a nuisance, and for getting a pair of free glasses of 20 year old Port (after trying to get us champagne) for our anniversary, which happened to fall on Father’s Day this year.
The meal itself was spectacular, with chicken, pork, lobster, shrimp, sirloin, and filet mignon being on the menu. This was preceded by salad and a cheese fondue of Wiscosin cheese, only to be followed by a chocolate fondue of white chocolate and amaretto (flambe’ no less).
I’m not the pickiest diner simply because I’ve worked in restaurants and I know what a rough job it can be, but the melting pot in Richmond continued their trend of delivering on amazing meals, amazing wine (we had the Horon Vineyards Cabenert Franc), and service that is to brag about.
If you have a Melting Pot in your area and you haven’t gone, go visit it as soon as possible (it’s not cheap, I won’t lie to you. About $100 for a couple), and if you’re ever in the Richmond area, visit the one off of Gaskins Road, they do a great job.
Find the Melting Pot nearest you. http://www.themeltingpot.com .
