The804.com–Richmond VA Real Estate Blog

May 31, 2008

Glutton Opines: Madness? THIS IS Greek Food Festival!

Filed under: restaurants — the804.com @ 12:53 pm

You know, Jon Baliles is right when he calls “eating,” Richmond’s only professional sport.  Fresh off the wildly successful heels of the Lebanese Food Festival and Broad Appetit (did you see the writeup in TIME magazine…hell yeah, national story!), the Greek Food Festival  made its glorious return this weekend, bigger and badder (including a stage fit for a rock show.  The rows and rows of grills were most impressive.).

My quick summary: Got there fairly early after work. The crowds were heavy, so our strategy was to start drinking and wait out the lines.  Big mistake, sort of.  We start off with a bottle of the red ($20, “premium” version).  It was a decent Shiraz mix that was going down smooth as we listened to the BAND. You know the one.  Those guys probably deserve a statue on Monument Avenue.  Watched the adult dancers and kid dancers for a while….early on, they were taking it easy to conserve energy (the Oopa! show-off moves would happen towards the end).  On to the second bottle.  Just to give it a Pepsi challenge, we downgraded to the $12 house wine.  Not bad, no appreciable quality difference IMHO.  If you are going today, save the 8 bucks and buy some pastries or something.

So another one of our friends shows up, and we decide to wait it out some more as both food lines were actually increasing (45 minute wait).  More wine.  Switched to white to accommodate our new party.  Repeated the whole Pepsi challenge.  4 bottles, no food.  Yep, a good buzz was setting in (btw, I can’t really comment on the qualitative differences between the premium and house whites. You could have given me Boone’s for the fourth bottle, and I would have been good to go).

Finally, at the end (9ish), the lines got short.  PILED up the food (both kinds of kabobs, chicken and pork, rice, Greek lasagna, etc, etc).  Wow, this was the best meal I’ve had in a while, I think.

Postscript: Check out Tobacoo Avenue’s really funny post about Tips for Attending: Friday Cheers.  RULE #1 is universal and can be said of any big Richmond event, including Greek Fest….

Understand going into it that you will see your ex. If the breakup was bad, whisper “whore” or “asshole” under your breath as they walk by. However, should you encounter them and yours was an amicable separation, whisper “whore” or “asshole” under your breath as they walk by.

May 28, 2008

Richmond Mayor Race Tracker

Filed under: Advocacy — the804.com @ 11:09 pm

I’ve been cataloguing so many mayoral candidate stories over at the Good Life that I have created a special sub-section devoted strictly to the upcoming election.  Click here.  My ultimate goal with this page is to create a side-by-side scorecard of issues and where the candidates stand (in their own words)…I’ll wait a bit for the dust to settle.  You gotta wonder who else is considering a run as this thing is sooo wide open.

PS: Does anyone know whether Paul Goldman, Robert Grey, or Lawrence Williams have websites up?  I don’t want to exclude anyone.

May 18, 2008

Last Minute Broad Appétit Planning…

Filed under: restaurants — the804.com @ 4:27 am

Before heading out, go ahead and download your map and battleplan (pdf).  After chowing down on some fantastic Lebanese yesterday,  this’ll be a weekend of earthly delights to rememeber.

May 17, 2008

Shady South Carolina Google Tricks

Filed under: Advocacy — the804.com @ 7:53 pm

Totally unethical (from WRIC/AP)…

Myrtle Beach won’t drop a Web ad trying to steer tourists to the South Carolina resort instead of Virginia Beach, at least for now.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce said in a statement yesterday that it has run the ad on Internet search engines since fall 2006. For example, when someone searches Google for “Virginia Beach vacations,” a sponsored link called “Escape to Myrtle Beach” also is displayed.

Virginia Beach tourism officials recently discovered the ad and sent a protest letter to the chamber.

Gosh, as interested Virginians, we should all click on those ads to learn more about South Carolina.  Click on those ads multiple times to really get a feel of the greatness that is Myrtle Beach.

May 16, 2008

Thanks Doug

Filed under: Advocacy — the804.com @ 7:40 pm

I’ve always reserved the softest part of my heart for a one, Lawrence Douglas Wilder.  One of the fondest memories of my childhood was going to his Honor’s pre-inauguration church ceremonies.  Even as a youngin’, I think I recognized the gravity of the moment.  It felt like I was taking part in history that day, the first black American being sworn in as Governor in the former capital of the Confederacy.  I vividly remember Jesse Jackson strolling in (all eyes on him).  I even remember the bagels (outstanding toasted, buttery ones) and freshly-squeezed orange juice they served that morning (a young glutton in the making).

So now, he’s hanging up the cleats.  Though a sports analogy could work here (ie, his mayoral term was like Jordan and the Wizards or Joe Gibbs part 2), it actually wasn’t a total disaster as some are arguing.  Despite all the nagging controversies, the most important legacy of the Wilder administration is that he brought a strong mayor back to Richmond.  

There was a Style article this week that made me pause and scratch my head.  It was about the only man in Richmond who actually was looking forward to Chief Monroe’s imminent departure.  Despite real decreases in crime, police union chief David Childress was strangely decrying the move to 10-hour shifts for sector policing.  Huh!?  That got me to thinking: could Chief Monroe have forced this policy change (that has clearly saved Richmond lives) with one of those weak, council compromise mayors (no offense, current Governor)?  I doubt it.  When there’s no zookeeper, the lions distribute the meat.

With a weak mayor, could there be an Umesh Dalal finding waste and fraud in every nook and cranny of city government?  Again, no.  Though Monroe and Dalal get all the praise, it’s been Doug, playing bad cop and taking the flak, that has empowered his civil servants to serve the people.  Yeah, he could take things way too far (locking out the School board), but, dammit, if he wasn’t sort of right even with that one.  In the end, I believe history will judge this man very kindly, even, the Richmond mayor years.  His statue will one day stand big and tall on Monument Avenue, the bronze grandson of slaves overshadowing Lee and his mighty horse.

May 12, 2008

Glutton Opines: 2008 Restaurants w the Most Buzz (Phoenician, Lulu’s, Verbena, Cafe Rustica, DeLux)

Filed under: restaurants — the804.com @ 7:04 am

In addition to being known for their food, the folks at LuLu’s can take the crown as the city’s most reviewed restaurant in the past 6 months or so.

This recent quote off a River District News article is almost true (I think The Phoenician would actually get the award) and got me to thinking of other restaurants in this category of “most reviewed in 2008.”  From my cataloging activities, here are the Top 5 (links will take you to all the reviews):

Some other restaurants with serious recent buzz include Zed’s, Umi Sushi Bistro, Tarrant’s, Six Burner, Edible Garden

May 10, 2008

Media Notes: Butter Room, Twitter @ Brick, Where’s my Arby’s Weather, NBC12?

Filed under: Media — the804.com @ 6:29 am

Two consecutive days of Media Notes?  In this highly competitive business where they fight for our eyeballs, things change fast!

  • Looks like someone bought a CMS (.net architecture).  Check out the spiffy new NBC12 website.  A couple of thoughts:
    • It was good that they kept the old navigation-feel essentially intact (annoying Victory Nissan ads and all! :)). Thank God, weather is essentially unchanged (best out there).
    • Mirroring 6 and 8, they added that scrolling “top news stories” navigation widget.  I personally am not a big fan of those.  It really doesn’t add value, and load times suck.
    • You just messed up a bunch of people’s bookmarks (ie /weather)…should consider building some web forwarding (maybe, top 10 most popular sites)
  • Brick is prominently banner advertising their new Twitter functionality.  Hmmm, gotta wonder who pushed that?–
    • Tripp Fenderson has some interesting observations on how media companies can leverage Twitter: Many local media outlets aren’t connecting with their audience in the way they used to - or rather, the local audience wants a different kind of connection. Adopting Twitter and using it to meet the needs of their audience (a crucial point that will be missed by many media companies) adds capital to the social connection that needs to exist between local media and the informed citizen. I’m interested in following media companies using Twitter to learn more about how they use the service. 
    • I would agree that media outlets need to improve their connection with their audience.  I wonder whether Twitter with its spartan word minimums is that solution.  The initial Brick twitters aren’t really groundbreaking stuff (”Is this going to post?”, “cameron, thanks so much for keeping me fresh”), but, of course, it’s still way too early to make any judgments.  
  • If the Times Dispatch twittered…
    • “iron man is the leet” Daniel Newman
    • “help! i’m being repressed.” Michael Paul Williams
    • “So, we’re going to streamline things a bit starting next week.  All Twitter posts will have 10 character minimums henceforth.  LOL.”  Peggy Bellows
  • Check out the fairly new Butter Room.  It’s billed as a collective blog with a “Virginian view on music, the arts, technology, food, sports and … “  Though they have a Charlottesville slant (there is one Richmond-based writer), their music critics are really good and thorough.  Fantastic review of the recent Widespread Panic Show @ the Landmark (there’s even a food report of their pre-concert meal at Sticky Rice).  BTW, they’re twittering too.

May 9, 2008

Media Notes: Wilder 2.0, Richmond.com Rising, Brick Weekly Finally Part of InRich

Filed under: Media — the804.com @ 7:55 am
  • Now that they’ve downsized the Weekend section, does Brick become that de facto vehicle?  No longer the black sheep of the Richmond Media General family, their website was prominently featured on yesterday’s Inrich.com home page.
  • Kudos to RVANews for breaking the story of Mayor Wilder’s new website.  For a Seventysomething, the guy is sure showing his internet savviness (so much so, the haters are lining up all jealous).  Perhaps, inspired by his protégé Obama, the website is fantastic, employing all the latest media tools (blogging, video, RSS, timely updates, clean aesthetics).  I mean, Christ, I think I just saw his site on the rvablogs blogroll (it’s under “blog”…need to change the title tags on that page, Jon, I mean, Doug). 
  • In a previous Media Notes, I snidely said that if Richmond media were the NFL draft, Richmond.com would be sliding down the boards.  Well it looks like they just ran a 4.3 40 at the combine.  Within just a few couple of weeks, Richmond.com has gotten dramatically better, primarily, driven by new writers:
    • James Bacon has just ran with the R’Biz.  Over night, it has become the best local business news site out there (even trumping the Times Dispatch).  Let’s hope, he can sustain this fast start.
    • Wow, did the Pollyanna dining section just put out a balanced review of LuLu’s? “Service was perfunctory, also reminiscent of my New York days”…that almost sounds like a criticism!  Again, credit this to a new reviewer Ginger Warder. 
    •  Richmond.com was the first mainstream media to finally pickup the “Richmond as the #1 blogging city” story (albeit, a month late. see A Hotbed of Citizen Journalism).  Here’s what I said back in April: “The BIGGER “conspiracy” question I have is why hasn’t the mainstream press covered the Project for Excellence in Journalism study?  When is Richmond ever #1 for anything?  The PEJ is as legitimate and national as it gets (Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and The Pew Research Center!?!).  Something like this story should have warranted at the very least a mention (if not a full blown “above the fold” story).  As far as I can tell, zero local coverage.  What gives?  Is it because the study failed to mention Barticles?“  My addendum for today: So the Times Dispatch writes a self serving bullshit story about how they won 7 VPA awards for ADVERTISING, and they still won’t cover a national Pew study about Richmond?
    • What does all this improvement get you?  Traffic from here, here, here, here, here, but most importantly here (all those other links bring your stories to the top).  Traffic = Advertising $.

May 8, 2008

3,000 Pounds of Nachos = Heaven on Earth

Filed under: restaurants — the804.com @ 7:05 am

The River City Fan Festival is this weekend (Sat, May 10, 2 PM) @ Banditos (2905 Patterson Ave x Colonial…ok, technically, that’s not “Fan” but who’s nitpicking):  

Live music from five bands, vendors and and attempt to get in the Guiness Book of World Records for the Largest Serving of Nachos Ever. That’s over 3000 lbs. of cheesy goodness! 

According to Richmond.com, “a $2 donation at the door goes to Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center at Bon Secours.” (ironic as 3,000 ilbs of nachos and Velveeta could probably cause a stomach tumor).

In this cruel world of counterprogramming, the CitySlickers Bluegrass Festival (w Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys along with Special Ed and The Short Bus and Jackass Flats) is happening at the same time and not too far away (The Fan’s Science Museum).

Maybe, you can do both.

May 7, 2008

Richmond Golf Happy Hour This Friday

Filed under: trends — the804.com @ 7:04 am

…Golf n drinking.  No better combination in the world…

Richmond Co-Ed Golf Happy Hour, “Six at Six”
 
Richmond, VA - May 6, 2008 - Sycamore Creek Golf Course is offering “Six at Six,”  every Friday from May 9 thru June 27.
 
$29.00 - includes cart, balls and two cold beverage tokens.  Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or beginner, this golf happy hour is great for couples and “swinging singles” alike.
–If you’re a woman who’s never picked up a club but always wanted to try, the beginners’ clinic is a good way to start.  It’s a no-pressure, non-pretentious way to learn the game without having to worry about a bad shot!
–If you already know how to play and want to meet new people, play six holes of a Captain’s Choice format.
–If you don’t need a lesson or don’t feel like playing six holes, grab a bucket of balls and practice your swing on the driving range or putt on the practice green.
Don’t forget about the social under the stars afterward in the pavilion.  What better way to enjoy the beautiful Spring scenery, just 10 minutes from Innsbrook.  Every Friday after work from May 9 through June 27.  Richmond’s newest “club” scene.
     
Call Sycamore Creek to pre-register, 804.784.3544.  Or check the website for more information.

May 6, 2008

Richmond Would Have Sold Out Van Halen

Filed under: Advocacy — the804.com @ 6:09 am

Just like it did back in 1984!

You know, lost in all these great Van Halen reviews  (Daily Progress | Style | Times Dispatch*) was this very interesting statistic: less than 10,000 attendees showed up.  When you consider JPJ’s capacity is 15,219, by my calculations, that’s 66% capacity for a “once in a lifetime” kind of show from an iconic band.  Pretty lame.

A couple of months ago, I went on a verbal warpath regarding issues around the management of the Richmond Coliseum.  At that time, I said I would refrain from going to Charlottesville for “coliseum music”** because it damages chances for Richmond hosting significant shows ever again.  Charlottesville seems to be taking us for granted.  For Van Halen, maybe, it was fuel costs; or, maybe, it was the Bush race, or, maybe, others are sharing my views of civic pride/protectionism….but, the luster of the JPJ is starting to fade, and, hopefully, the pendulum is swinging back to Richmond.

There’s no question, I would have paid $125 to watch Van Halen play in Richmond.  I truly believe in my heart of hearts that we would have easily sold out the Richmond Coliseum for that particular band***.  OK, our capacity is a little bit smaller than JPJ (13,481 versus 15,219, thanks wikipedia), but here’s my estimate:

Sold Out Richmond = 3,481 more tickets x ($125 tickets + $20 average merchandising/concessions/parking) = $504,745.  Promoters (that means you Live Nation), Please note the math!  Whatever they tell you, Richmond is NOT part of the Charlottesville MSA….it’s the other way around!

*BTW, why is the local Richmond press giving Charlottesville shows so much ink?  We don’t usually review DC or Virginia Beach shows.  Charlottesville has a daily and two alt weeklies…they got it covered.  You will never see an out of town event on my music page.
**I would only break my personal covenant for a Zeppelin reunion.
***Not so sure about the Eagles.
****If I sound envious and bitter it’s because I am.  Apparently, Roanoke feels the same way.

May 5, 2008

April in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand Eight

Filed under: Media — the804.com @ 7:24 am

Wanna’ catch up on all the news you missed this month.  Check out the Good Life’s April Archives to get a sense of our city’s volksgeist (Style has dibs on zeit).  It’s unbelievable how quickly the month went by…at the same time, some of these news stories seem really old….

Slaughterama, Velvet trial, Claudette Yamin, James River Film Festival, Monument 10K, Top Blogging City, Tyler Binsted, University of Richmond Black Doll story, Strawberry Hills, James River Tree Cutting, Jewell-Sherman and School Audit/Keith West fury, Employer crisis (Circuit City, Media General, Wachovia, etc, etc), Coach Dave Robbins, Music is back! (The National, Bopst Show, Style CD issue), Ukrop’s Fan Closing, Benjamin Johnson car stipend, 1 Year Anniversary of Virginia Tech tragedy,  Last graffiti, Free Tibet, Dirtwoman, Tornados, Henrico, Virgina, Wilder, Wilder, Wilder…

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