You wouldn't think it would be so difficult to get six people (three couples) together for one evening meal out once a month! But apparently we are very busy people. And it has not been easy. Life just seems to get in the way.
Last month, November, we were supposed to all go to Mama Zu restaurant. This was after much back and forth, trying to find an evening when we were all in town and available. We finally settled on a Monday evening. And we settled on Mama Zu restaurant. But on the appointed evening, Shelia and Steve ended up in the hospital emergency room with their son. Fortunately nothing major came of the hospital visit for son Jordan. But we still didn't all make it to the restaurant.
I can report, however, that the remaining 4 diners were all impressed with Mama Zu. As has been widely reported by various Richmond restaurant reviewers - Mama Zu does not look like much from the outside. In fact, it looks like a place you definitely would not want to go! But once inside, the atmosphere was cozy and crowded with diners. And all of us really liked the food. Each of us said we would definitely return.
The Northside Grille, December's pick did not fare as well. Once again, life got in the way of all of us making it to the dinner out. Peter was called for jury duty and ended up serving on a jury that did not adjourn until late in the evening. I think he got home around the same time we diners were finishing our meal. Mary Beth, good wife and partner that she is, stayed home to fix Peter a meal when he returned from jury duty. So Steve, Shelia, David and I tried the Northside Grille. I enjoyed the hot crab dip (I liked the pita chips it was served with) and my crab cake sandwhich was good too. It wasn't anything to write home about -- but it was fine. Shelia liked her chicken sandwich - said it was moist and tasty. David did not like his Pasta Carbonara -- and I took a bite and have to agree that it really had no flavor. He didn't even eat most of it. But I will say that the waitress had it taken off our bill which was surprising and nice.
I'd say that it isn't a restaurant I'd hurry back to visit -- but it also wasn't one that I'd purposely avoid. I'd give it another chance if the opportunity arose to go again. Hopefully next month we'll get the entire gang of six to the table on the same night!
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It is hard to get 3 couples to agree on dates for dinner. We go through the same thing with our supper club. As for Northside Grille - I like it because it is in my neighborhood and within walking distance. And it was the first non-smoking bar in the Northside. Stick to the sandwiches instead of the entrees. And they used to have cheap date night that was decent.
ReplyDeleteIf you back in the neighborhood, try Tastebud's. They are awesome!
Most of the stories I hear about Northside Grill seem to read like this one. But, if they have fish tacos, then I'll have to venture in. How did the fish tacos fall short?
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