Swimming With Sushi

A strip mall in west Henrico has probably the best per-capita food service in one block: Shackleford's, Ichiban and Little Venice are standouts in the Glen Eagles Shopping Center on Ridgefield Parkway, doing a ton of covers most nights with a solid, if not exactly heterogeneous, base of regulars. Each does its thing well and consistently.

Now one of those spots is expanding its reach: Ichiban is getting a sister location and a new business arrangement. Sue Wang has sold the original location to her sister, Angela, who promises to maintain the place's popular menu and quality-minded approach; head chef Alex Wu will join Sue in a new venture at 11645 W. Broad St. across from the mall in Short Pump. Umi Sushi Bistro will serve the same dishes and some new entrees in a sea-themed décor (umi means ocean) with seats for 100 inside and more on the patio. They expect an opening by April if not sooner.

Grade A

Lee-Davis High School grad Teri Moll, a student at the Culinary Institute of America, recently scored a scholarship from Jones Dairy Farm to complete her studies. Her breakfast casserole recipe and an essay about family farm values earned the win; see her recipe at www.jonesdairyfarm.com.

After a stint at Ashland's The Ironhorse piqued her interest in food arts, Moll chose the 38-month program in Hyde Park, N.Y., and has finished an externship at Williamsburg's The Trellis, as well as stints along the school's restaurant row and a course in food history. "I have so much to learn," Moll says, "but I have the desire to be here and a passion for it, and for working together as a team." Student perk: a week-long food and wine seminar in the vineyards of Northern California, neatly coinciding with her 21st birthday.

Outta Here

More closings and leavings to report. Chef Nora Hickey has parted ways with Cirrus in the Fan. 4th St. Café and Hollywood Grill have closed -- but a rebirth to one is coming; watch this space for details in March.

But there's good news for Richmond's brunchaholics: Bacchus (Main at Meadow) has added Sunday brunch, as has Verbena (Floyd at Robinson).





Swimming With Sushi

A strip mall in west Henrico has probably the best per-capita food service in one block: Shackleford's, Ichiban and Little Venice are standouts in the Glen Eagles Shopping Center on Ridgefield Parkway, doing a ton of covers most nights with a solid, if not exactly heterogeneous, base of regulars. Each does its thing well and consistently.

Now one of those spots is expanding its reach: Ichiban is getting a sister location and a new business arrangement. Sue Wang has sold the original location to her sister, Angela, who promises to maintain the place's popular menu and quality-minded approach; head chef Alex Wu will join Sue in a new venture at 11645 W. Broad St. across from the mall in Short Pump. Umi Sushi Bistro will serve the same dishes and some new entrees in a sea-themed décor (umi means ocean) with seats for 100 inside and more on the patio. They expect an opening by April if not sooner.



Grade A

Lee-Davis High School grad Teri Moll, a student at the Culinary Institute of America, recently scored a scholarship from Jones Dairy Farm to complete her studies. Her breakfast casserole recipe and an essay about family farm values earned the win; see her recipe at www.jonesdairyfarm.com.

After a stint at Ashland's The Ironhorse piqued her interest in food arts, Moll chose the 38-month program in Hyde Park, N.Y., and has finished an externship at Williamsburg's The Trellis, as well as stints along the school's restaurant row and a course in food history. "I have so much to learn," Moll says, "but I have the desire to be here and a passion for it, and for working together as a team." Student perk: a week-long food and wine seminar in the vineyards of Northern California, neatly coinciding with her 21st birthday.



Outta Here

More closings and leavings to report. Chef Nora Hickey has parted ways with Cirrus in the Fan. 4th St. Café and Hollywood Grill have closed — but a rebirth to one is coming; watch this space for details in March.

But there's good news for Richmond's brunchaholics: Bacchus (Main at Meadow) has added Sunday brunch, as has Verbena (Floyd at Robinson).