A great addition to Carytown....dinner at bonvenu

I had not heard a lot about this new place in Carytown, bonvenu, located at the former Track location, and what I heard had been positive. We were looking forward to checking it out.

Bonvenu did not disappoint. It scored on every level. The atmosphere is welcoming, the menu offers a great selection, service is spot-on and the food lived up to expectations and was reasonably priced.

We made a last minute reservation on Thursday. Upon arrival we quickly noticed that the dark wood of the Track was no more. The interior is contemporary and sleek and very inviting. We were seated in a booth and offered a cocktail. Bob had a Wild Turkey and ginger ($5.50) and I had a glass of Garbel 13 Prosecco ($10). We reviewed the menu and our server Dennis efficiently answered any questions we had.

For appetizers we shared the Beggars Purse with tasso, lump crab and chevre with lemon creme fraiche ($11) and the Manhattan Clam Salad with warm clams, mixed greens carmelized onions, roasted tomatoes and potatoes ($8). The two large crispy "purses" of phyllo were rich but not heavy and each of the ingredients shined and worked together very well. The Clam Salad was a nice change from the ordinary fares usually offered. The warm clams wilted the greens just slightly and blended well with the onions and tomatoes.

For his entree, Bob chose the Peppercorn Crusted Rack of Lamb with potatoes pave and wilted garlic spinach finished with cognac cream ($28). I chose the Stuffed Pork Chop filled with tasso ham, carmelized onions served with mascarpone garlic mashed potatoes and wilted spinach ($20). We also ordered a bottle of Laverjak Sancerre ($43) to go with the meal.

We were both very pleased with our selection. The large rack of lamb Bob was served was prepared to medium and he raved about the potatoes and enjoyed the spinach. My large bone-in chop was also prepared to my prefered medium and was moist and flavorful and the mashed potatoes and spinach were outstanding as well.

Our server, Dennis, did a great job all evening. Welcome bonvenu.

Be sure to check bonvenu out for yourself www.bonvenu.com

And a good time was had by all, dinner at Sensi

We hear the hype on the newer restaurants in town. We go to them often hopeful and often leave disappointed. I am often baffled by the hype, especially when I have dinner at Sensi. For food, ambiance, service and overall experience no place matches Sensi when it comes to Richmond dining. This place does not get the recognition it deserves and if this humble blog can change that for even a day, I will be happy.

Paolo and staff not only know food and wine, but they also are experts at giving phenomenal customer service in a lovely atmosphere and make every occasion special for their guests.

On Friday night we arrived to meet our daughter and her fiance for dinner. At the bar, I had a glass of Prosecco and Bob and Peyton each had a Bitburger on draft and Mckenzie had a cosmopolitan.

Our table was ready when we were and the bottles of wine (one red, one white which I did not take adequate notes on as I did not partake) Bob ordered were waiting. We each reviewed the menu and the specials and as always everything looked so tempting it was hard to decide. Paolo was kind enough to send out a few appetizers: poached shrimp, fried oysters and proscuitto with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. These were wonderful.

For dinner Peyton and I chose the King Salmon with "Sicilian" Capers, Limone "Puro", Manakintowne Micro Greens and Roasted Mediterranean Almonds. The large piece of salmon was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly and was as good as salmon gets. Mckenzie chose two first course pasta dishes: the Gnocchi with Light Marinara Sauce, Basil, Italian Fennel Sausage , Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Parmigiano Reggiano and the Tagliolini Pasta with Lump Crab, Capers Olive Oil Garlic ,Tomato and Peperoncino. Bob had the risotto special which was served with rosemary crusted lamb. Everyone raved on their dishes. For side we chose green beans, asparagus and red potato saute.

At Sensi, they use the highest quality of ingredients and prepare them wonderfully. The service is outstanding, they take reservations, have convenient free parking and a lovely atmosphere. There is no other place like it in Richmond. For a special night out, you will not be disappointed.
www.sensirestaurant.com.