, a Caribbean-themed restaurant in Shockoe Bottom, has closed its doors as fast as they were opened. We didn’t even have time to swing down Cary Street to visit the little establishment. But not to worry, a call to the restaurant last week informed us that Jamaica Joe’s is closing only temporarily for renovations. Renovations? Didn’t they just open over the summer? Wait at least two weeks before looking for the “open” sign at this restaurant. 1727 E. Main St. 421-2055.

at the Shops at Willow Lawn has reopened. The grill still specializes in Mongolian barbecue, dishes you combine to suit your taste. The Graywolf is also a haven for the Barksdale Theatre crowd. “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” opens the theater’s season Friday, Sept. 29. The Graywolf is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 673-4110. Call the Barksdale at 282-2620.

The State Fair? If you haven’t figured it out already, Midway rides and traditional State Fair foods are a dicey pairing at best. Some folks can boast of the cast-iron stomach. Others get the dry heaves just thinking about the combination of hotdogs and flying chairs whirling in the ether.

Maintain your sanity. “Would I eat this if I weren’t at the Fair?” should be one of your foremost thoughts. And besides, scarfing that gigantic kielbasa on top of three sodas and a couple of pizza slices is not only risky, it’s just plain gross. The State Fair is on Strawberry Hill through Oct. 1.