Another great neighborhood place in Northside....lunch at The Mill on MacArthur

Whenever I venture over to the Northside, I get "Northside envy". I love the older, beautiful homes, the tree lined streets, and the "real" neighborhood feel it has largely because of the number of restaurants catering to those who are fortunate enough to live and work close by.

Since I am not so fortunate, I took advantage of my trip to pick up Flying Squirrels tickets to have lunch at the newest addition, The Mill on MacArthur.

First impressions were positive. The restaurant is clean, bright and sleek. I was immediately greeted by two cheerful ladies and told to sit where I like. I was promptly brought my menu and water and shortly thereafter iced tea.

I love this menu. It has something for everyone, including you veggie-heads, and each offering appears to have been geared towards the customer with nothing seeming to be a mere afterthought.

After much consideration, I decided on the Oyster Po-Boy. This was made with breaded fried oysters, Virginia country ham, lettuce and tomato on warm ciabatta with remoulade and served with freshly made potato chips. I am one who is very picky about sandwiches...often there is too much bread, an in balance of ingredients, poorly chosen condiments, limp veggies, too cold, too hot, etc. Sandwiches tend to bring out my inner Goldilocks.

This sandwich was perfect. Perfect. And only $8. The bread was lightly toasted (not too soft, not too crunchy). The oysters were crisp with just enough breading, perfectly seasoned and the perfect temperature. The country ham was sliced at the right thickness and there was enough to give a salty contrast to the oysters but not so much as to overwhelm the sandwich. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and crisp. The remoulade was tart and garlicky and the right amount was on the sandwich. With the homemade chips (again the right thickness and just the right amount of seasoning) dipped in ranch rounded out my meal.

This is the type of local business I am excited to support. They are doing good things at The Mill on MacArthur. Please check them out. www.themillrva.com.