Ipanema: The modern scene

Ipanema Cafe. Need I say more? Most modern Richmonders who go about their daily life working blue collar jobs and traveling from A to B on their fixed gear are well acquainted with this quiet, de-stressing spot. To say it stands as a scene-kid retreat might be an accurate phrase. Ipanema serves as an epitome of the terms "unique" and "unwind." It lies in the basement below a great tattoo parlor and serves something different almost every month. Don't mind the typical crowd for most of them are the cozy, friendly Richmond type who would probably visit europe at a moments notice if they had the spare change or the time.

Richmond life is busy, so the locals gather at this sanctuary to unwind from the idiocy of the world that is today. With good beer choices, a more-than-satisfactory wine selection, and superb food that always changes, the underground life doesn't seem too overwhelming nor full of anxiety. The impression that comes with this setting is one of an innovative nature.It almost seems as though Ipanema relies on its open-minded venue to impact the way people look at food. Pressure seems to evaporate from the pores as one steps foot through the small hidden doorway, so sit down and breathe because the pleasure of having contemporary Richmond host your evening is an appreciation different from any other.

11/1/09 I haven't had as much experience with tofu until after coming to Richmond, but I have found its potential to be a delicacy on par with that of steak. Having it grilled and placed on a sandwich was a first for me. It was flavored with a marinade possessing a taste close to that of balsamic vinaigrette. It was served with the usual sweet potato fries and a side salad. The fries had there typical sweetness, but weren't quite as crisp as usual. Though my sandwich was delicious, my partner's however was quite overdone and wasn't very satisfying, so we had to make a return trip. Everyone has their mishaps. However, my meal was savory and no condiments were even needed. The sandwich consisted of caramelized onions, spinach, hummus, and tomatoes. This experience with Ipanema leads me closer to a conclusion that they are a spectacular sit down, but their "To-Go" is just not quite worth the wait. Rather than waiting on some food for take-out, just spend that time sitting down to enjoy it.

They serve a wide choice of fare, but mostly dish out the vegetarian cuisine.

The menu is an original one and happens to be an ever-changing chalkboard to the right of the doorway once you enter.

Menu prices change and are available at walk-in on the chalkboard, but I wouldn't label this place as expensive. Just give them a call.

Ipanema Cafe is located at 917 W. Grace st. (Just under Absolut Tattoo parlor)

804-213-0190

The Black Sheep: A little taste of home

I don't wish to make the U.S. sound pompous, but we have been one of the greatest melting pots to have ever existed in this world. The mingling of culture in our nation is endless and the number of cuisine combinations is inexhaustible. With such a rich base, we have deemed our restaurant setting to be quite admirable, but one quality I truly admire is no matter how unique we make serving food, nothing beats the close-relation of a home-cooked meal.

When one is raised in any rural part of the United States, or even more-so, in this case, rural Virginia, it is naturally understood what it means to enjoy homemade food. At The Black Sheep, it truly enlightens someone when they sit down and open a menu to find a "Jerk Barbecued Chicken" sandwich, "Baked Seasoned Sweet Potato" turnovers, or "Pioneer's Porridge" grits. Pardon me for sounding too biased, but I felt quite at home in this little carefree locus. The menu is "subject to change," so the food selection may vary, but don't expect anything too spicy or aromatic. When applying the term "home cookin'" to the food, it implies that the menu consists more of comfort food than an exquisite fragrant selection. If i met someone not of this country and they had merely asked what our traditional Virginian cookery actually consists of, I would think no further than to send them to The Black Sheep.

My favorite menu item happens to be the "Dixie Dinner" with an Abita amber ale and a dessert of their delicious "Haystacks" (something I had only believed had been running in my family and I recommend everyone try them).

The building itself is a small, brick corner spot with an interior giving off the atmosphere of age, comfort, and hospitality.

The menu prices vary anywhere from $4.00-$18.00

The Black Sheep is located at 901 W. Marshall st. (at the corner of W. Marshall st. and Goshen st.) 804-648-1300

The Nile: Being in two places simultaneously

At times, we all find ourselves trying to escape from our daily schedule, our so called narrow path of work and play. Where would this fantasy lie and in what way is it different from the reality which is now? A simple answer is to take the tongue and place it in a world not of our own; to perform an act with the fingertips that in one way feels entirely novel and in another way brings back a sense of youth. The Nile restaurant brings to Richmond a side of the world that most of the people in the city never experience through their entire lives. Without leaving the shores of the U.S., there is a cultural cuisine to indulge your primary senses in and open your mind as well as your sinuses.

The Nile uses a wide variety of Ethiopian dishes and spices that will surely change your outlook on food from here on out. Many of their dishes are served with a very unique and very healthy type of bread called "Injera." The bread is made from one of the smallest grains in the world. They allow the grain to ferment in water, then after a set amount of time, they bake the grain. It comes out to look like a grey, sponge-like pita that is torn and happens to be the utensil in eating the meal making it an experience that almost takes one back to eating finger-food as a child.

Much of the menu consists of "Tibs" which consists of red meat, poultry, or seafood that is sauteéd with jalapeño, onion, and a variety of spices and is cooked to the preferred state. "Wat" which is another constant on the menu is a thick stew primarily prepared with either meat or beans and cooked with shallots and/or onions and "Berbere," a multitude of herbs that have been ground to a powder. Their cuisine is quite fragrant and spicy (not the "HOT" type of spicy either) and there is plenty to choose from for those picky eaters out there. Another interesting perquisite is the combination option on the menu which includes the privilege of combining five different selections from particular areas of the list. They also have vegetarian choices and their drinks are exceptionally flavorful.

My personal favorite on the menu is a Combination platter with one of their Guava martinis.

The menu prices vary anywhere from $5.00 to $14.00

The Nile is located at 309 N. Laurel st. (Between W. Grace st. and W. Broad st.) 804-225-5544