reopened in mid-July after about a month of inactivity. Seems the former owners have given up their bistro dreams — they sold the place to Andy Howell, known for opening the Portabella in Petersburg and Zeus Gallery Café.

Howell turned up the lighting just a tad, and turned down what he describes as the restaurant’s former “art-deco” look. It’s now a little more “eclectic,” he says.

The menu features Italian-inspired creations. “I’m not Italian by any means,” Howell says, “but we’re calling it Italian.” We hear the rotating dinner specials are the way to go.

Avenue 805 still has its cozy bistro feel. And lounging around the bar or at a table for a few hours with several drinks is still acceptable behavior. In fact, Howell says he encourages it. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday. 805 N. Davis Ave. 353-2505.

, in the Uptown area of the Fan on Main Street, has closed its doors temporarily. The owners are taking a vacation and will reopen the doors Aug. 14.

The most mouth-watering sight this week is the peek we had inside of Richmond’s newest Greek restaurant. Though is definitely not your average Greek restaurant. Owner Thomas S. Sotos’ menu offers the more common variety of Greek food. “Simple Greek fare,” he says. “It’s like what Greeks eat as opposed to what they sell people.”

The house specialty is the white-style spaghetti with Parmesan and feta served with shrimp, lamb or chicken. The place will also be a haven for beer connoisseurs, with its rotating selection of craft beers, including Brooklyn Brown Ale on tap. 3336 N. Boulevard.