Looking for Mr. and Mrs. Buddy
Things are looking spiffed-up over at Buddy’s, the longtime Fan bar and hangout at the corner of Robinson Street and Stuart Avenue. A new and larger black-patterned zebra-wood bar, flat-screen televisions and remodeled bathrooms give the popular place “a more contemporary look that’s long overdue,” says Marian Dealto, who helped transform the 25-year-old business with co-owners Mike Dealto and Greg Nevi. They’ll be adding dinner items to the menu and making a few more interior changes, but they are most pleased about a new beer cooler and other bar equipment that will keep those cold drinks coming.
Now there’s a search on for couples who met at Buddy’s and later got married. Marian Dealto is creating a photo collage of the newlyweds – “I know there are a bunch,” she says — and hopes those who found marital bliss at the watering hole will come forward to tell their stories.
Strawberry Birthday
Grayson Collins and Ron Joseph have reason to celebrate this month. Their Strawberry Street Café marks its 30th birthday, a big accomplishment in the often-fickle universe of Fan District dining. “These days it’s tougher than ever,” Collins says. “It’s amazing how much competition there is in this town. You have to make people remember you and want to come back. We’re known most for our bathtub salad bar, our crab cakes, our chicken pot pie and especially our employees who have been with us for years.”
Local charities, from the Children’s Museum of Richmond to Meals on Wheels, Boys & Girls Clubs, the SPCA, Virginians Against Domestic Violence and others, praise the restaurant’s many benefits that promote their causes and raise money for their programming.
Fun With Food
Fish on Earth Day: Eat fish after learning about them during Earth Day Richmond on April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the south side of the Mayo Bridge. Walk there from Art Works and Plant Zero in Old Manchester. www.earthdayrichmond.org.
Spring Wine at Grafiti Grille: Wine director David O’Neill presents a special pairings dinner with a menu that includes Salmon Three Ways, coriander-spiced New Zealand lamb and homemade ice creams. $55 per person plus tax and gratuity. April 24 at 6:30 p.m. 288-0633. www.grafitigrille.com.
Virginia Wine at The Trellis: Sample 15 wines with a seven-course dinner at The Trellis in Williamsburg on May 2. Chef Marcel Desaulniers and co-owner John Curtis are gathering owners and winemakers from each Virginia winery that’s featured in the dinner. $85 per person plus tax and gratituity. 757-229-8610. www.thetrellis.com.
Have a tip about the Richmond restaurant scene? Send it to sidedish@styleweekly.com.
