Another good dinner at Millie's Diner

Tuesday night, Bob and I decided we were due a date night. Millie's always makes the date night short list and with good reason. Consistent but always surprising you...it's both the expected and unexpected.

We arrived and it was early enough not to be swamped and took our place in a booth in the back room and ordered two glasses of Graham Beck Brut ($8/each). This dry, crispy bubbly is a nice way to get the evening started.

We decided to share two appetizers: the fried green tomatoes with roasted red pepper, arugula, hazelnuts and blue cheese vinaigrette ($8) and the stuffed local poblano peppers with chorizo, corn, black beans, rice and white cheddar cheese ($8). The tomatoes were crisp with a corn break crust and this dish was a nice cross between a salad and an appetizer. The peppers were amazingly flavorful without being heavy.

For entrees Bob ordered the roasted pork chop loin stuffed with plantains, pancetta and sage with mascarpone grits and pea shoots (the dish is served with asparagus, but they made the substitution for Bob who doesn't like asparagus) ($26). I ordered the melted leek and asparagus risotto with baby spinach, squash and oven roasted tomatoes ($19). We also ordered a bottle of Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone, '07 France ($29).

Bob was very pleased with his. The pork was slightly overcooked, but the stuffing and grits saved the day. My risotto was outstanding and one of the best risottos and one of the best vegetarian dishes I've had. The vegetables were cooked perfectly and the rice creamy. I look forward to making my leftovers into risotto cakes this weekend.

Millie's is a Richmond standard and with good reason. Paul, Lisa and staff consistently provide good service (a shout out to our server Kendra who did a great job) and wonderfully innovative food in a funky atmosphere. http://milliesdiner.com/

A nice summer dinner at Chez Max

Chez Max is one of the closest restaurants to us and one we have a tendency to take for granted. Classic French food is often thought of as "old school" but I don't believe that is the case. It's a comforting cuisine that leaves one satisfied without the feeling of overindulgence other comfort foods often bring.

Last Friday, Bob and I had a great meal at Chez Max. One thing I love about Chez Max is they take reservations and even if it's last minute and they are busy, they will do all they can to fit you in.

We arrived and Annie (one of the owners and the hostess) welcomed us with the familiarity of seeing an old friend.

We were seated and each ordered a glass of the house Brut ($8.95) while reviewing the menu. Our server, Rollin, apprised us of the specials and we decided to share a bowl of the She Crab Soup ($7.95) and the Warm Vermont Goat Cheese and Portabello Mushrooms with Shallots and Red Wine Vinaigrette ($9.95). The soup was creamy and full of crab and had a touch of sherry. The goat cheese was tangy and the mushrooms and dressing cut the richness of the cheese to make for a very good appetizer.

For entrees, Bob chose one of favorite dishes, the Veal Tenderloin sautéed with mushrooms served with a Cognac Cream sauce ($26.95). I stepped out of my usual box (I've been doing that a lot lately and it's working well for me) and ordered the Grilled Lamb Chops with garlic, thyme, rosemary served with a Merlot sauce ($28.95). All of the entrees come with a simple but terrific mixed green salad with house dressing and are served with the chef's starch and vegetable (mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans). We also ordered a bottle of Chateau Ferrande 2005 Red Bordeaux ($48) to have with the meal.

Bob's veal was it's usual terrific self....tender and richly flavored. My lamb chops were great. Four lollipop chops, cut thickly, well seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium rare.

As always, Chez Max served a wonderful meal with terrific service in a welcoming atmosphere. Chez Max is located at 10622 Patterson Avenue, just west of Pump Road. They are open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. http://chezmaxva.com/home.htm.

Please say it isn't so..... is Sensi closed?

I called Sensi last night and again this morning and the message is the phone has been temporarily disconnected. Does anyone know what is going on? Phone fluke? Or worse, have they closed?

I am very much hoping it's a fluke or something other than them closing. Sensi