Food find: Richmond

Historic downtown Richmond has what food lovers want-all the advantages of a big city with the charm and warmth of an intimate community.

This will get you started to eating your way through the historic area of Richmond. From old landmarks to new digs, and from posh to practical, all are wonderfully delicious.

Perly's Restaurant

Perly's makes the best biscuits in town, and it's where the locals go for a real made-to-order breakfast. Get there early on weekends, or you'll have to wait in line for a seat. On Saturdays, you can enjoy early bird kinds of food anytime from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If breakfast is not your meal of choice, stop in for lunch. The Downtowner (their most popular sandwich) is a masterpiece of turkey, bacon, tomato, and Muenster cheese on a flaky croissant. It's a bargain at $7.25. 111 East Grace Street; (804) 6492779. Entrees: $3-$7.25.

Sam Miller's

For a taste typical of old Richmond culinary tradition, stroll the cobblestones on East Cary Street's restaurant row, and stop at Sam Miller's. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the establishment anchors the area.

Whether you go for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, don't miss the legendary crab soup. It's thick and creamy with lots of crabmeat and a hint of sherry that rounds out the flavor.

I couldn't decide between the crab cake and the scallops-so I had them both. I ordered the crab cake fried and the scallops broiled-a delicious decision. The 2-inch-thick crab cake was crisp and golden with barely enough breading to hold the lumps of crab together. Tartar and cocktail sauces were served, but slathering them on top would have spoiled the pure goodness of the crab. Eight large, perfectly broiled sea scallops shared a plate with steamed broccoli. All I added was a generous squeeze of lemon... aah, just right. As taste buds sing here, live jazz provides the tune late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. Dinner reservations recommended. 12 10 East Cary Street; (804) 644-5465. Entries: $16-$29.

17.5 Uncommon Cafe + Books

After you browse the stalls of the 17th Street Farmer's Market, step into 17.5 Uncommon Cafe + Books. This tiny shop serves a variety of teas, homemade biscotti, and tea breads. Owner Margaret Doyle bakes fantastic scones. I loved her lavender-blueberry and rosemary-cranberry flavor combinations. You'll likely want to ask for a few to go. Enjoy perusing magazines and newspapers while you sip one of their special teas.

The cafe's narrow aisle directs serious readers to the second floor of books. Don't miss an opportunity to visit this eclectic blend of tea and text. 1712 North 17th Street; (804) 7802665. Baked goods: $2.25-$6.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2003
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