Cous Cous – A VCU-Area Gem

Cous Cous – 900 W. Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23220

Cous Cous, a self-proclaimed Mediterranean/Moroccan style restaurant situated extremely close to VCU’s Monroe Park Campus, is absolutely deserving of the hype it received when it first opened in July of 2006.

Richmond restaurant whiz kids John Yamashita, Jason Henry, and Alex Copeland snapped up the former Chuggers bar on the first floor of the Chesterfield Apartment building right on VCU campus and turned it into one of the best places to go for pseudo-authentic Mediterranean and Moroccan food and killer ambience.

Why say “pseudo-authentic”, you ask?  Mainly because most reviews say that the food is not 100% authentic – but to this Richmond foodie the food was 100% to die for – and was authentic enough for me.

The décor is beautiful – high ceilings made of stamped tin, ambient lighting, rich jewel tone accents – and despite the restaurant’s central location, it serves as a cool, delicious-smelling oasis in a hub of activity.

Things to try on your first trip (and bring your appetite, because this is a lot of food):

• Curry Platas – Think French fries, but think sweet and salty, crispy yet tender, addictive French fries with a dusting of curry seasoning and curry sauce for dipping.  I guarantee that once you’ve tried them, you’ll crave them.  Often.
• Manchego Fritters – Melty, decadent balls of cheesy goodness.  The size and shape of hush puppies, these are served with a mango coulis that blends so well with the taste of the cheese that you’ll think you’ve died and gone to cheesy heaven.
• Gambas – Shrimp and artichoke hearts in a gorgonzola caper sauce.  Outrageous.
• Smoked Salmon – Tender smoked salmon folded top fresh potato cakes, smothered in a caper/dill/horseradish concoction that sets your taste buds aglow with complex and subtle flavor.

The dishes are served “Familia Meze”, so it’s not a huge serving.  They recommend that you order three or four dishes per couple for a full meal.  Of course, if you’re still hungry I suggest you go ahead and order a Pita meal.  You have your choice of chicken or pork for your meat, or you can go veggie and get your pita with falafel (some of the best I’ve ever had).  You also have your choice of hummus, tabbouleh, or babaghanoush.  I say go ahead and splurge and get the garlic hummus PLUS the tabbouleh.  Roll it all up in the soft, fluffy pita they give you and nosh.  You’ll be full for weeks.

For your drinking pleasure, Cous Cous offers many different kinds of tea, plus coffee, espresso, and cappuccino.  Or you could choose from their extensive menu of wine and spirits.

Cous Cous is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Richmond that will be near the VCU campus.  Take the time to go, sit down, and have a truly wonderful meal in a great little spot.

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Avenue 805 – A Cheap Date Restaurant

Nestled into Davis Avenue right near the intersection of Davis and Broad, sits Avenue 805.  Formerly owned by a veteran Richmond restaurateur, Avenue 805 has been under new ownership for a few years.  Owners Jeff and Sarah Baird have breathed new life into a cozy little restaurant, and Jeff’s culinary expertise make Avenue 805 a must-visit for Richmond-based and visiting foodies.

Located very near the Science Museum of Virginia, Avenue 805 is open for dinner every night of the week, and lunch every day but Mondays and Saturdays.  And we mustn’t forget the Sunday brunch – some locals spend every Sunday getting their brunch on with the Bairds.

The food is mainly Italian-inspired, and very good.  Jeff, a consummate professional in the kitchen, takes a lot of pride in his culinary creations.  To keep the menu from getting stale he changes it up every now and then.  He makes all the soups from scratch, and the bread pudding (even if you don’t like bread pudding) is absolutely to die for.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, Avenue 805 offers “Cheap Date Night.”  $35 gets you a bottle of wine (house choice), a family-sized salad, pasta bowl, and a dessert with two forks.  It’s a totally affordable way to dine out at a wonderful Richmond restaurant without completely breaking the bank.

When you want to go and have a full-out dinner, make sure you try the Chicken 805 – a specialty creation with Fontina cheese, sautéed spinach and mushrooms.  Maybe start off with the Caprese (classic mozzarella and tomato salad that is especially well done), and we suggest you trust the owners with your dessert order.  They won’t steer you wrong.

Avenue 805 – 805 N. Davis Ave Richmond, VA 23220

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