UPDATE: Congratulations, Maureen! You were chosen as the winner of the Tastebuds Giveaway! (chosen by random.org) Have a great time there, and if you order the pork tacos, think of me!
pjpink lives on the Northside of Richmond, and is a lover of good food. She blogs at River City Food and Wine, where she shares some killer recipes, photos, and great reviews about dining in Richmond. She writes about the neighborhood she loves, and one of her favorite places to eat, Tastebuds American Bistro:
I love the Northside of Richmond! I’ve lived just inside Ginter Park for nine years and have immensely enjoyed what Ginter Park and Bellevue have to offer. From stately mansions to oh-so-cute bungalows, the area features wonderful architecture from the turn of the 20th century through the 1940’s. Tudor, Spanish, and American Four Square are among my favorites in my ‘hood.
The area also holds secret treasures. The campus of Union Presbyterian Seminary emanates a peacefulness almost any time of the day, not to mention gargoyles. The library gargoyle is my favorite. Fauquier Avenue displays a delightful median garden. The fitness track on the campus features a labyrinth. And don’t forget the Tiffany glass windows at Ginter Park Baptist Church. Tiffany placed gold leaf in the glass. When the sun hits the windows a golden glow envelops the sanctuary.
I’m a great fan of the Northside citizens as well. Where else can one find Black Cat Alley? Or a family van replete with blue flames?? The Saturday before Mardi Gras Wilmington Avenue hosts a Mardi Gras parade with beads and candy.
Of course, being the author of River City Food and Wine, eating is extremely important. I’m blessed with a multitude of places to visit within walking distance. Since moving here the MacArthur Ave/Bellevue commercial district keeps improving. Once Upon a Vine offers free wine tastings every Friday. Stir Crazy is the local coffee hangout. Jazzbo’s Rollin’ Gumbo is our own neighborhood food cart and serves up some scrumptious gumbo. Enoteca Sogno is the newest Italian kid on the block (drool!). Other wonderful establishments include Shennanigans, Dot’s Back Inn, Northside Grille, and The Mill on MacArthur. Something for everyone and all good. Many of the proprietors live in the area, too.
I saved two of my favorites to feature: Zorba’s and Tastebuds American Bistro. Zorba’s is my go-to pizza delivery place. For a minimum $10 order, they will deliver a piping hot non-chain pie. My favorite is a Medium Pizza with Pepperoni, Onion, Green Peppers, and Extra Cheese. Yummy, yummy. Zorba’s has been around for a while and one of the first places I discovered when I moved to the area.
Tastebuds American Bistro is one of my very favorite restaurants in Richmond and so consistent that I’ve taken family and friends there on a regular basis.
The atmosphere is casual, but the staff are always attentive. They feature imaginative small plates:
Pork Adobo Tacos are slightly spicy and a satisfying small plate.
The duck spring rolls are one of my all-time favorites.
Also, lovely salads (my favorite is Spinach, Shaved Red Onion, Goat Cheese Crumble & Lemon-Parsley Dressing).
Entrees offer a variety of dining delights including Asian skewers:
Succulent sirloin and tasty shrimp are delicious! I also like the rise stuffed spring roll.
Specials in tune to the seasons are offered during the weekends (this summer Hanover tomatoes and softshell crabs have been a big hit). The wine list is small but offers wonderful bottles for $35 or less. And don’t forget the creative cocktails such as the Red Bison.
Tuesdays – Thursdays one can order a delicious three course prix fixe for $18. A true tasteful bargain.
So, if you are not able to live in the area, at least come wine and dine in the Northside on occasion. The Northside, a neighborhood that keeps getting better.
******
GIVEAWAY PRIZE:
$25 Gift Card to Tastebuds American Bistro
REQUIREMENTS:
Enter to win just by leaving a comment on this post!
-Contest ends 12 midnight on Monday, September 12. The winner will be chosen Tuesday, Sept 13.
-Due to the local nature of the contest, participants should be Richmond area residents.
Optional Extra Entries:
You can earn up to 3 extra entries by doing the following:
-Share the link for this post on your facebook wall. Leave an additional comment letting me know that you shared.
-Tweet it: Tell other people about the Giveaway! Just be sure to link www.realrva.com and @jay_mcgee in your tweet!
-Like RealRVA on Facebook
Be sure to leave a brief additional comment for each extra entry. Good luck!
Jay McGee used to live in Southeast Asia, doing language research and literacy development. Now he’s a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty. He gives a microloan to somebody in a developing country every time someone in Richmond buys or sells their home with him.
Contact: jaymcgee.kw@gmail.com
Zorba’s white pizza last night , delicious.
Tastebuds recently for for birthday celebration always a wonderful meal.
I was introduced to Tastebuds on a first date last summer. Haven’t seen the guy since that night but have been back to the restaurant several times since then! It’s my new favorite!
If nothing else, it sounds like he had good taste. At least for a little while…
I love Tastebuds and eat their everytime I travel to Richmond.
Tastebuds = all-time best restaurant in RVA!
I LOVE TASTEBUDS. They are amazing. They catered my wedding reception in October 2007 and I fell in love with them. My husband and I either eat there, or get takeout every year to celebrate our anniversary (and we go throughout the year as well). They are a hidden GEM in this town!!!
Hi – this is my second chance to mention how much I love Tastebuds since I like RealRVA on FB. Did I mention I love Tastebuds? Everything they have is amazing!
I’m unclear- are you saying you like Tastebuds?
Thanks for liking RealRVA on facebook. Just doubled your chances!
Thanks Jay for posting this. Northside is an awesome place and Tastebuds American Bistro makes it even more fabulous!
Thank you for a great post and ongoing quality writing and photos at River City Food and Wine
My family adores Tastebuds, great food and an affordable wine list!
Congratulations! Enjoy the meal!
Great job on the writing for this wonderful neighborhood! I grew up in that area and my grandparents lived in the neighborhood for years. I also find it very enjoyable.
I love waking up to posts that inspire my weekend destinations! My boyfriend and I are going to explore Ginter Park this weekend and then treat our tastebuds! We both grew up outside of Richmond and are always looking for new places/venues to explore!
Thank for the post!
Awesome! Let us know what you think of Tastebuds when you go!
I love love love the pork tacos – Tastebuds is soooo delicious!
I haven’t had them but that picture tells me that I must. And soon.
I’ve heard such great things about Tastebuds for the longest time and haven’t made it yet…. after reading all of these posts I want to go even more! Thanks for my next date night restaurant pick!
I just moved to the north side (Bellevue) a few months ago and have not tried Tastebuds yet! I can’t wait to eat there now.
Nice! There are some great Northside restaurants mentioned in this post. Looks like Tastebuds is a favorite for many.
Tastebuds is one of my favorites, thanks to you! This is a great post!
Hey Madelaine, really enjoyed checking out your mad about food blog! We did a CSA from Victory Farms this year and it was great. Part of our strategy with it has been to stock up on things we can preserve for the winter to keep eating organic and local. http://realrva.com/2011/08/04/an-experiment-in-canning/
Jay,
Thank you very much! That’s a great strategy…I’d love to get into canning and preserving, but I haven’t tried it yet. I enjoyed your post!
I liked RealRVA on Facebook!
Tastebuds = happy buds
The Northside is full of treasures. I haven’t tried Tastebuds, but it looks great!