Meat and Greet
Chef Philip Denny and manager Dave Martin, both new to Six Burner Restaurant, figure that a good deal might be the best way to introduce themselves to diners at the popular Fan District business.
This week through Oct. 10, in addition to the regular menu, it's serving a four-course tasting dinner for $35, paired with wines for an additional $20; it features homemade pancetta with bourguignon sauce over scallops with lentils and chard, cashew-encrusted duck confit with glazed parsnips, roasted lamb loin with Tuscan kale, and chocolate-coffee soufflAc with chai crA”me anglaise. Pork belly, rabbit terrine, fresh fish and foie gras appear on the seasonal menu, with updates posted online.
Denny is enthusiastic about Six Burner's reputation and the reception he's getting from discerning clients and restaurant watchers. “It's a little surprising, the buzz,” he says, “and I'm psyched to put out food that will please them. I know that local ingredients are a catch phrase, but here it will not be a fad. I want to build strong relationships with local farmers, and to do a lot of the things I've learned that are bouncing around in my head. This is the opportunity.”
Dinner Monday through Saturday, with first-Sunday suppers of rustic, hearty dishes served family-style for sharing. 1627 W. Main St. 353-4060. www.sixburner.net.
A bigger rib: Now that he's caught the eye of the Food Network and salivating media types, Ronnie Logan is taking the next step in his business, Ronnie's Ribs, Wings & Other Things. He'll move back-office operations, including food prep, to Rocketts Landing. Logan will continue to sell smoked meats and sides at 25th and Main streets, but the new space gives his business a chance to grow.
Beefier at Bank: Look for more burgers and steaks on the fall menu at Bank, now serving ground beef from Belmont Butchery and steaks from natural farms in Charlottesville. Sides include squash in pesto and sweet-potato fingerlings, set off by starters of oyster stew or beets with local goat cheese. Bargain hunters, here's a new option: $3 burgers with beverage purchase at the bar, Monday through Thursday after 5 p.m. 1005 E. Main St. 648-3070. www.bankandvault.com. Update 10/7: Tanya Cauthen, who owns and operates Belmont Butchery, calls to say that although Bank's new menu mentions her ground beef as a feature ingredient, she's not providing that or any product to the restaurant.
Generational coffee: Tammy Rostov celebrates 30 years of caffeine in a forward-thinking business started in Carytown by her father, Jay Rostov. Now at 1618 W. Main St., Rostov's Coffee & Tea is a Richmond staple, stocking 50 flavors of Arabica beans, 60 international teas including the Richmond blend, accessories, advice and a smattering of pastries. Longtime customers are guests of honor at an anniversary party Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m. 355-1955. www.rostovs.com.
Price watching in Goochland: Manakin Grill put lower tabs on its new fall menu and added wrap sandwiches, Mongolian duck breast, braised lamb shank, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and wine-friendly comfort foods. 12912 Plaza Drive west of Short Pump. 784-0544. www.manakingrill.com.
Bottle fed: Susan Foppiano Valera joins Avenue 805 for a five-wine, five-course dinner Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Century-old Foppiano Vineyards is best-known for its signature petite sirah, which will be served. Big fall flavors complement the wines: mushroom and goat cheese tartlet, pumpkin risotto with duck prosciutto, seared salmon in plum sauce, and braised beef cheeks over gnocchi with pancetta and Swiss chard. Vegetarian options are available by advance request. $60 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reserve at 353-2505. 805 N. Davis Ave. www.avenue805.net.
True Confections
Artisanal Virginia products just got closer and more alluring. Gearhart's Fine Chocolates, the hottest thing to hit the Libbie and Grove district since Coast and CafAc Caturra, now sells its acclaimed-for-a-reason chocolates by the piece or box in Richmond (above). All are made with local butter, cream and fillings by chef-chocolatier Tim Gearhart, whose brother, Matt, runs the Richmond shop. Fans of the Charlottesville-based business might agree on quality, but not on favorites. Pistachio toffee or raspberry zin? Chocolate-dipped apricots or striped Earl Grey? You decide. Open Monday through Saturday until 6 p.m. at 306-B Libbie Ave. 282-1822. www.gearhartschocolates.com.
