Global Approach
A chef's best-case scenario is to dine at the world's greatest restaurants — and then to borrow the tastiest ideas for the repertoire. So goes the thinking at Dd33 Asian Bistro, where the new executive chef, Bernard McDonough, is busy retooling flavors and cooking methods as the Innsbrook-area bistro moves into its third year.
The well-traveled McDonough has worked among master chefs and James Beard winners in Boston, Atlanta and the British West Indies, among other places. Dd33 owner David Du describes the 37-year-old chef as “quite incredible, with an extremely unique style and exposure to global cuisine at the great restaurants here and overseas. You can't teach someone that.”
McDonough will introduce new menus with fewer Asian and more French influences. “We're trying to bring new flavor profiles and cooking techniques to Richmond,” Du says. For example, 48-hour braised short ribs are prepared sous vide — a vacuum-sealed, slow-cooking method that intensifies flavors. Lamb chops will be served with braised shoulder and fig crepinette (sausage-like morsels), and unusual side dishes include gailan (Chinese kale) and corn ragout, and Chinese sausage and jalapeno corn bread. Daily crA”me brulee samplers and ice creams are made in-house.
Dd33 serves lunch weekdays, and dinner and bar menus Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. 3601-A Cox Road. 747-8333. www.dd33va.com.
Feast and Fodder
Tastes like NASCAR: Kyle Petty returns to sing and strum original music at Grandpa Eddie's Alabama Ribs & BBQ in its second annual NASCAR bonanza; he performs with Speed Channel host Rutledge Wood and syndicated columnist Monte Dutton in a free concert Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. A parking lot pig picking with race merchandise and Ms. Sprint Cup is Sept. 11 from 4-7 p.m. Plates of smoked whole-hog barbecue, slaw and beans will sell for $5. www.grandpaeddiesbbq.com.
Chefs as gods: Three food and wine experts discuss American obsessions with celebrity chefs Sept. 12 and 13 at the Wine Festival of Virginia at the Plains. Author Joe David, chef Terry Sheehan of the Boar's Head Inn and winemakers from the Philip Carter Winery will serve appetizers and chardonnay as they discuss the foodie phenomenon. A polo match, the 25th annual Commonwealth Cup, is the event's centerpiece. www.winefestivalattheplains.com.
Pizza props: Chef Jimmy Stump is tasting success at a second Brandermill-area eatery, the Twisted Tomato, at 13544 Waterford Place in Midlothian. Customers line up for the subs, Italian takeout and specialty pies and personal service; the business is near the Grill at Waterford, another suburban favorite with Stump at the stove. 726-8888.
Where to drink local: If it's Wednesday the price is right at Stronghill Dining Company, where beers are $3 and a handful of wines are $4 all night. Blue Mountain Rockfish, Highland Gaelic Ale and other brews are part of the restaurant's keep it local-ish theme. www.stronghilldiningcompany.com.
Suburban Indian: Now serving North Indian cuisine from owners of the former Punjab Restaurant, Tandoori Tikka & Kebab is open at 11400 W. Huguenot Road in the Shoppes at Belgrade. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. 379-5694.
