Pork Osso Buco at Bistro 27

Typically made with veal, 27 takes osso buco to new heights with its pork version. A literal thigh of fork-tender decadent meat drapes itself loosely to its bone, and the portion is exceptionally lavish.

Bistro 27
27 W. Broad St.
780-0086

Salt and Pepper Ribs at King of Szechuan

Newly opened and serving Richmond's only hot pot, this up-cycled Chinese restaurant will be known not only for its Asian fondue of sorts. Szechuan shows up with its salt and pepper ribs, fried crisp with a big spice that creeps up on the palate. Order early and abundantly, these little gems have developed a cult following and are selling out.

King of Szechuan
3991 Glenside Drive
716-0414

Lamb and Eggs at the Empress

An earthy brunch gets a meaty place in the arena with juicy marinated lamb chops. Served over a cheddar scramble and at a dead-on medium rare, these are bound to please.

The Empress
2043 W. Broad St.
592-4000

ChicharrA3n at Don Pedros

A cafeterialike Mexi-Salvadorean restaurant churns out some serious chicharrA3n; skin-on chopped pig shoulder seasoned with pepper, adobo ajo and oregano. Piled into a fryer and turned attentively till tight and golden, it is matched with fat slices of texturally pleasing hot yucca.

Don Pedros
8700 Jefferson Davis Highway
275-3771

Carpaccio di Manza at La Grotta

La Grotta's sliced tenderloin exemplifies exactly what it should: raw primal sexiness. When faced with a forkful with all of the additions -- lemon, capers and parmesan -- sin seems doable.

La Grotta
1218 E. Cary St.
644-2466

[image-2]Roasted Beef Sandwich at Olio

Slow-roasted tomatoes and beef make this sandwich a highlight of Olio's menu. It's the perfect combination of acid from the blue cheese and balsamic and luxury.

Olio
2001 A« W. Main St.
355-5182

Veal Chop at Sensi

The fire-roasted veal chop at this Shockoe Bottom chophouse is generous and herbaceous, a showoff with its slight char. A butter knife may be too much when taking on such tender meat, served with delicious house-made pasta.

Sensi Italian Chop House
2222 E. Cary St.
648-3463

Short Rib Stuffed Poblano at Rowland Fine Dining

Tender meat plays well with a pepper in this dish reminiscent of a chile relleno. Manchego cheese tempers the red wine braise and a barely-there hint of smoke.

Rowland Fine Dining
2132 W. Main St.
257-9885

Lengua Taco at La Milpa

Flavorful tongue spills out with its perfect seasoning in these double corn tortilla-wrapped delights. Careful with the homemade hot sauce — this is one of those a-little-goes-a-long-way circumstances.

La Milpa
6925 Hull Street Road
276-3391

[image-3]New York Strip at Mamma 'Zu

I never want to steer someone away from the delicious Italian that Mamma 'Zu dishes up unless it's to guide them to the New York strip. Prepared with a perfect sear, this steak is large enough for two.

Mamma 'Zu
501 S. Pine St.
788-4205

Al Pastor at Habanero Mexican Grill

Marinated sizeable pieces of tasty pork make up this tiny place's al pastor. With the additions of sweet onion, tangy lime, bright cilantro and spicy habanero, this is an out-of-the-park hit.

Habanero Mexican Grill
9101 Quioccasin Road
750-2020

Steak Sandwich at Can Can

Medium steak piled perfectly on an airy baguette makes for a top-level “French” cheese-steak sandwich. Peppery arugula and the kick from paprika aioli take it to an upscale yet accessible tier.

Can Can Brasserie
3120 W. Cary St.
358-7274