Richmond

Inn at Kenmore Hall, Richmond, MA., June 2024

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front – 1385 State Road, Richmond, MA 01254

The Inn at Kenmore Hall is a luxurious inn dating from 1792 in the wonderful landscape of the Berkshire Hills.  Lovingly restored by owners Frank Muytjens and Scott Edward Cole it is a fabulous place to stay in this area filled with pieces of history.  Normally this is a blog for restaurants but I include this inn as with your stay you get to enjoy a fantastic breakfast each morning you’re there.  There is a handsome dining room but what we really loved was the screened porch which looks out onto the lush grounds and garden with the birds chirping while we were pampered with fabulous freshly made food.  There was a daily menu with several choices and we got to try a number of things along with fresh juice and coffee.  The only way you get to try these options is to stay there.  I know it’s a little stretch from the usual restaurant posts but sometimes I am privileged to find a little hidden gem and I wanted to share that with my readers.  I’m including some photos of the rooms in this stunningly restored historic home and a few images from our breakfasts.  Check out their website, <https://www.theinnatkenmorehall.com&gt; and you might want to include it in your vacation plans.

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Longoven, Richmond, 4/8/23

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entrance – 2939 W Clay St., Richmond, VA 23230

Longoven offers a seasonal 10-13 course tasting menu highlighting local products.  Owned by a trio of chefs – Andrew Manning, Patrick Phelan and Megan Fitzroy Phelan – it opened about 5 years ago.  The trio united after varying careers to do a series of pop-up dinners for 4 years starting in 2014.  They didn’t start out intending to offer fine dining but evolution found them receiving tons of awards as they refined their concept of flavors.   Open for dinner Wed through Sat, there are few tables so get your reservation early.  Wine pairings are offered and cocktails can be acquired at the Lost Letter which is the bar in the front of the building.  The Lost Letter and the patio on the side also serve food made in the same kitchen, just a more casual and a la carte version. Fittingly the name refers to the community ovens of the Civil War period.  They do give you copy of the menu at the end of the meal.  The space is fairly dark with dark wood tables and carpet and excellent service.  It is star for the Richmond dining scene and a bargain at $155/person.  Go if you get the opportunity. Continue reading →

Garnett’s Cafe, Richmond, 4/8/23

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exterior – 2001 Park Ave, Richmond, VA 23220

Garnett’s Cafe is a small neighborhood sandwich/salad shop on the lower floor of a 1908 corner building.  Parking is on the street and seating is limited.  There are several small tables in addition to seats at the L-shaped counter.  Art and other objects decorate the walls.  Wine and beer are available and there was a special sandwich of the day on the chalkboard outside.  They are open daily for lunch and dinner and also have a selection of desserts from Laura Lee’s.  Opening in 2009 they received a local dining award, an Elby, as the city’s Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant in 2014.  The place was named for the owner, Kendra Feather’s, grandmother Garnett Beckham, who lived to 103.  The staff was friendly and the food was good, with large portions.  We were there to catch up with a friend so apologies in advance as my note-taking and photo taking were distracted. Continue reading →

L’Opossum, Richmond, 4/7/23

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entrance – 626 China St, Richmond, VA 23220

L’Opossum offers a quirky take on traditional French cuisine in a very eclectic interior, masterminded by Chef/Owner David Shannon.  Opening in 2015 it immediately won the Elby (Richmond-region award) Dining award for Best New Restaurant and in 2017 won the Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year.  You can see why it also has claimed fame as the most romantic restaurant with a number of sexual references in the food and art.  Inside you’ll find a small darkly lit place with booths on one side of the long room, cut-outs holding statues between tables on the opposite wall and small tables in the middle.  The tables are embossed with gold patterns underneath heavy plastic coating that brought Rorschach to mind and the lighting is from dozens of colored balls hanging from the ceiling.  The walls are covered with plates, paintings and statues.  Service was great – helpful and friendly, offering advice when needed.  It may not be the best food I’ve ever had but the place itself is worth a visit and a chance to soak up the vibe. Continue reading →