The Hill Cafe – A Cool Place in A Cool Neighborhood

I’ve been spending Tuesday evenings in Church Hill.  That’s it.  I’ve confessed.  The neighborhood is my favorite – I rue the day I bought a house in the West End – and in the short time I lived in Church Hill (2001-ish?) I grew to love, love, love The Hill Cafe.  So, with my Tuesday night class getting relocated to Libby Terrace, I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to reconnect with the seared ahi tuna appetizer.  And I was right.

In the name of “research” I have returned to The Hill Cafe every week in order to offer you, Gentle Readers, a very good idea of what they have to offer in terms of food, ambiance, and libation.  I’ll get to the food in a moment.  As for ambiance, it’s a neighborhood restaurant/bar in a great historic neighborhood.  People are walking their dogs outside.  The houses are cool.  The people who work there are calm, and aloof, but still friendly.  At least the people who work on Tuesdays are.  I’ve been sitting at the bar, and the Tuesday bartender (hi Bobby!) is courteous and prompt.  That’s a big deal when you’re trying to have some “me time” and then rush to class.

The Hill Cafe is part of the Richmond Restaurant Group.  Other members of the group are Water Grill, Delux, Europa, and The Hard Shell.  I’ve been to Europa and The Hard Shell and have no complaints whatsoever on the food or the service.  Of course, it might take another visit to be able to really establish an opinion….

Anywhoo.  The Hill Cafe.  I had heard that the fried chicken was the best in town (even better than Lee’s) so of course I got that one night.  I’m sad to report that I wasn’t able to photograph it, because I was far too hungry and it was far too delicious.  I don’t know how they get white meat, skinless chicken to stay that juicy, but…whoa.  It’s juicy and seasoned just right and I could probably eat about four servings of it at one sitting, though you might find me crying in shame later.

One night I got the filet mignon.  It came with some yummy taters, a green vegetable, and these crispy onion rings.  Again, I dug in before I remembered to take a photo.  I guess that’s why we have a proper Richmond food site – I am too eager of an eater.  I’m sure David Mattera (blog and foodmaster extraordinaire) remembers to photograph food before he starts eating it.

Other favorites (according to the people hanging out inside and people I randomly quizzed on my way to and from the ladies room) are the shoestring french fries (crispy and delicious), the BBQ sandwich, the meatloaf (fried with seasoning), and pretty much anything on the Sunday brunch menu.  Get thee to The Hill Cafe, and make sure you go hungry.

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Greater Richmond Warehouse and Logistics Conference

Local consulting firm F. Curtis Barry & Company is hosting a warehouse and logistics conference on Monday, May 5th entitled “Increasing Profitability in a Challenging Economy.”  While the conference is currently full, you can still register to be on the waiting list, and at the same time get the scoop on future conferences that can help your business.

F. Curtis Barry & Company provides consulting services on all types of things, like eCommerce systems, warehousing and distribution strategies, freight rate analysis, and more.  They’ve been in business since 1984, and they really know their stuff, which is great in an economy where good advice is priceless.

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Short Pump’s The Wine Loft – A Review By The Good Wine Guru

Local Tweep, Snark, and candidate for Mr. Awesomeness 2010, George R. Perry, everyone!  Remember, behind every man is an awesome woman, and Mr. Perry’s awesome woman April is pictured with him below.

In addition to being one of Richmond’s cutest couples, most dynamic twitterers, and social media sweethearts, the Perrys also enjoy a nice glass of wine every now and then.  George is actually the Good Wine Guru, so who better to review The Wine Loft than him?  Here begin the words of George…

Just inside the border of Short Pump, across from the Kohls and Best Buy on West Broad Street is a new shopping center – the West Broad Village Community in Short Pump.  Featuring numerous new restaurants, grocers, shopping, and living space, West Broad Village has quickly become home to some of the most popular new spots in Richmond.  One of these is the Wine Loft.

A cross between a casual lounge and an upscale wine bar, the Wine Loft offers atmosphere mixed with great food and drink.  The food offerings aren’t your typical faire, being tailored more towards groups of diners with their tapas style of delivery.  However, any conversation about the Wine Loft must begin, obviously, with their wine selection.

As a regular wine drinker, I am always looking for places that offer a wide selection of wine at a wide range of prices.  Sure, there are nights that I’m willing to spend $50 or more on a bottle of wine, but there are just as many nights that I want to drink a couple of $7 glasses.  The Wine Loft caters to both of my moods.

With wine available both by the glass and bottle, there is something for every palate and pocketbook – red or white, sweet or dry, Old World or New World – and the staff is knowledgeable and willing to help you find something to fit your tastes if you’re not familiar with their offerings.

As for their food selection, they’ve done an excellent job of putting together a menu that allows you to pick what will best compliment your wine, or pick your wine to compliment what you’re eating.  While I’ve yet to have anything that I didn’t enjoy, the Baked Brie en Croute for two (and really more than that) is a must-have any time you go there.

Vanilla infused and topped with spiced pecans and a balsamic reduction and served with sliced baguette – which you’ll need more of and they’re happy to provide – the baked brie is a can’t miss no matter what you’re drinking.  For those looking for something more robust, the oven roasted lamb lollipops, shrimp and blue cheese in puff pastry, and shrimp and lump crab four cheese empanadas are all nothing short of amazing.

The food and drink aside, the Wine Loft itself has set itself up as a great place to spend an evening either for an intimate dinner date or for a casual gathering of friends or co-workers.  Low couches, chairs, and tables abound on both levels (that’s right, it has an upstairs), and a center communal table – raised and lighted – is a great gathering place for groups or couples.

No matter the occasion or the size of the dining party, the Wine Loft is the perfect place to spend an evening and one you’ll want to return to time and again.

The Wine Loft
4035 Whittail Way
Glen Allen, VA  23060
804-368-1768

(located between Kona Grill and Mimi’s Café)

Post sponsored by MaverickLabel.com – providing custom wine labels.

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