I will be the first to admit that I am not a food critic...but I do like to try new restaurants -- and preferably those that are not attached to a local shopping mall. A positive dining experience all boils down to three things: atmosphere, service and of course, the food.
Last Friday night, we ventured out to Stronghill Dining Company, a relatively new restaurant located on the Boulevard. It is located directly across the street from the new Movieland and is owned by the folks at River City Tattoo. Their chef has worked at some of Richmond's favorite restaurants including The Track, Helen's and Bacchus. So we knew, although new, Stronghill had a pedigree.
The look: Sophisticated and hip yet inviting with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, moravian star pendant lighting over the bar and honey-colored wooden booths. The bar area is slightly separated from the dining area and there is also a more dimly-lit "lounge" area in the back of the restaurant.
The service: The restaurant was packed but we were seated on time and our server could not have been more friendly and helpful.
The food: One of my dining companions had heard that Stronghill offered Southern "comfort food". Banish all thoughts of gravy-laden meatloaf and instead think of upscale seasonal offerings with Southern influences. Among the dishes on our table: deviled eggs with jalepeno tomato relish, pan-seared rockfish topped with beer-battered onion rings and served over bok choy and a zucchini pancake and a rib-eye steak served with kale, macaroni and cheese and to-die-for hush puppies. Dessert could not be ignored - and we were quick to share and enjoy the homemade bourbon pecan pie and apple pie.
Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with one of the newer entries to the Richmond dining scene and look forward to repeat visits.
Last Friday night, we ventured out to Stronghill Dining Company, a relatively new restaurant located on the Boulevard. It is located directly across the street from the new Movieland and is owned by the folks at River City Tattoo. Their chef has worked at some of Richmond's favorite restaurants including The Track, Helen's and Bacchus. So we knew, although new, Stronghill had a pedigree.
The look: Sophisticated and hip yet inviting with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, moravian star pendant lighting over the bar and honey-colored wooden booths. The bar area is slightly separated from the dining area and there is also a more dimly-lit "lounge" area in the back of the restaurant.
The service: The restaurant was packed but we were seated on time and our server could not have been more friendly and helpful.
The food: One of my dining companions had heard that Stronghill offered Southern "comfort food". Banish all thoughts of gravy-laden meatloaf and instead think of upscale seasonal offerings with Southern influences. Among the dishes on our table: deviled eggs with jalepeno tomato relish, pan-seared rockfish topped with beer-battered onion rings and served over bok choy and a zucchini pancake and a rib-eye steak served with kale, macaroni and cheese and to-die-for hush puppies. Dessert could not be ignored - and we were quick to share and enjoy the homemade bourbon pecan pie and apple pie.
Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with one of the newer entries to the Richmond dining scene and look forward to repeat visits.
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