Hold the Molasses-Glazed Salmon

Reports are wrong that actor Morgan Freeman plans to open another branch of his popular Mississippi restaurant, Madidi, in Richmond. Though the Charlotte Observer wrote that Freeman and partner Bill Luckett were looking to extend their Delta blues scene here, the story was recently retracted. Madidi management says no such plan is being considered, but they’d love to see Richmonders visit Clarksdale for some rabbit confiture with caramelized cabbage.

Starters and Endings

A gourmet market coming soon to Chimborazo is already the buzz of Church Hill. Entrepreneur Mason Wyatt is in the process of converting a corner market into a foodie paradise with an emphasis on prepared meals to go.

Look for changes soon on two prominent Carytown corners. Old, familiar businesses are going out, and new restaurants are coming in. Owners aren’t ready to announce details, but plans are in the works for upscale drinking and dining experiences at both. And the Great Wraps sandwich shop at 3145 W. Cary has moved out, awaiting conversion to another Thai restaurant in a neighborhood already teeming with the popular cuisine.

In a restaurant space that’s been vacant for months, a new Mexican eatery is set to move in by July. Las Casas Grande will open where the former Charley’s (and for a short time Sophia’s) restaurants were located in the Stony Point shopping center off Huguenot Road; it’s another venture by the owners of Casa Grande in Short Pump Crossing.

Family of Friends, the free Thanksgiving dinner that local restaurateurs served to those in need since 1999, won’t be happening this year. One of the group’s volunteers, Jay White, says the process of getting donations of food and services has become too challenging since the number of diners has grown to as many as 5,000. — Deveron Timberlake

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