1. Pimento Cheese
This retro classic gets a new flavor punch at Mosaic Cafe, Lemaire and Carytown's Water Grill, where it's served with fried green tomatoes.
2. Craft Cocktails
We love 'em at Julep's, Lemaire and Balliceaux, but Bosher has a favorite, sort of named after the chef at Acacia Mid-town: “I would pay good money for the recipe for the Dill Reitzer (pictured) — it's the best cocktail I've had in Richmond and my favorite kind of drink: light and citrusy, but not too sweet. The slight hint of dill is brilliant.”
3. Pickles
Bring on the relish dish. We're besotted with vinegary pickle goodness at Balliceaux, Mezzanine and Garnett's.
4. Sunday Suppah
Easygoing and usually served family-style, these have given us something to fall for, especially for the value on Sunday nights at CafAc Rustica, Balliceaux, Amici and Six Burner.
5. Prix Fixe, Perfected
Acacia: Three-course menu $23, weeknights; Friday and Saturday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Lemaire: Three-course menu 5-6 p.m., $30; add three 4-ounce wine pairings for $15; three appetizers at the bar, $20, 10 p.m.-midnight.
Sensi Italian Chophouse: Three-course menu $28; Tuesday date night $50 per couple.
Six Burner: Three courses until 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, $24.
Tastebuds: Three courses Tuesday-Thursday, $16; first glass of wine half-off.
6. French Press Coffee
Truly the best way to savor java, we appreciate this finishing touch at Acacia and Balliceaux.
