Fans of Libbie Market (formerly Joe’s Market) may be interested in this update that owner, Dave Taylor, sent to the Facebook Fans of the small Near West End neighborhood market:

Hello Libbie Market facebook fans. Here is a quick update on what’s happening at Libbie Market. We are beginning the process of re-merchandising our store and you will see a transformation over the next two weeks (please pardon our mess!). Our meat department is fully converted to “Certified Angus” and “Prime” beef. Beginning Monday March 1st we will have weekly meat specials. This week’s lead item is New York Strip Steaks for $6.99/Lb. As well, (drum roll)…donuts are back at Libbie Market. Krispy Kreme donuts are now available 7 days a week. Did I forget to tell you, we are also open Sundays, so be sure to come in and check-out our fabulous Sunday Brunch. More to come later, thanks for all of your support.

David.

Here’s that photo I promised you of the almost completed restaurant — The Grill at Patterson & Libbie.

The Grill at Libbie & Patterson

Yesterday, I discovered a neat new locally owned shop baking a new delicacy for Richmond’s Near West End. The Cheese Roll Bakeshop is on the back of an alleyway in a strip mall off of Patterson Avenue, just past Parham. I only discovered it because my kids are huge fans of Bruster’s Ice Cream, which sits in front of the shop.

I went in and was surprised to see that this cute little shop really focused on just one thing — the cheese roll.  When I asked about them, the owner, Filip Aszalos, offered me my very own sample of the  Brazilian delicacy. I split it in 3 parts, and me and my kids each sampled this interesting new food. First I should tell you that these are not roles made with wheat, but with tapioca flour — so they are gluten free. The cheese is completely in the dough, and rather subtle.  The roll is crispy on the outside but the inside is almost gnocchi-like starchy, creamy and moist all at the same time.  These little rolls sell for .59 cents each, or .95 cents if you want hummus,or olive spread on them (or you can order it with turkey).  Hoping the hummus and olive spread was homemade, I ordered another for the road.   I was a bit disappointed when I saw Filip pull out familiar looking containers from the Costco out to supply the toppings.  Still, it was really good, and offered a chance for my husband to taste The Cheese Roll.

So, now, Richmond has 4 more converts to really liking this neat new treat — the cheese roll.  They come in original, jalapeno, black olive, onion and garlic. The other specialty at The Cheese Shop is Brazilian flan. I’m not a flan expert, but it looked good. I’m not sure how it would be different from traditional flan. The flan is cheap too at $1.90 a slice or $18.99 for an entire giant flan.  I suggested to Filip that he start a box lunch business — if he made a slightly larger roll for sandwiches and then offered desert and fruit, he could charge $10 and expand his business, offering Richmonders something different than  the traditional box lunch that everyone seems to be tired of.

If you get a chance, go stop by The Cheese Roll Bakeshop and say hi to Filip. He is a really nice guy, offering a great product. I hope it catches on here in Richmond, and he is able to make it. So far, he has no website, and most of his business comes in by word of mouth. So Richmond, get the word out. This is a  great new local shop in Richmond, offering something we’ve never seen before. Pass it on. The Cheese Roll Bakeshop is at 8911-D Patterson Avenue,  (804) 740-5444.

For a walk down memory lane, visit Richmond, Food for Thought for a nostalgic review of the Italian Kitchen at 8115 West Broad Street. Personally, I was happy to read the review for two reasons. One, I’d never eaten there, and two, apparently they have great pizza and a family atmosphere. I’d rather spend my money almost any day at a locally owned business rather than a chain, so this is good news.

This is arguably the best pizza in Richmond and is definitely in the top three and it amazes me how many people in the near West End have no idea that such fabulous pizza is a short drive away. Very thin crust, amble sauce to the edge, great toppings and some of the best mozzarella around make for a great pie. Reheated in a hot, dry skillet it did not suffer from it’s short time in the refrigerator.

Thanks to RVA News for sharing this 30 second video of the Greek Festival. If you couldn’t make it to the festival, this definitely will not substitute. It’s still fun to watch though.

33rd Annual Greek Festival from RVA News on Vimeo.

Noodles & Company, will open in the Shops at Willow Lawn on Friday, May 1st.  The restaurant has an interesting concept. A focus on Asian, American and Mediterranean pasta, soup and salads.  The menu looks simple yet extensive, with lots of fresh veggies, and customizations because you choose your protein (to go with your noodles, soup or salad) when your order.  I’m just excited that they have tofu on the menu.

SOA World Magazine reports that Noodles & Co. will hold a soft opening/fundraiser the night before.

As part of its grand opening celebration, Noodles & Company will host a pre-opening fundraiser on Thursday, April 30 to benefit St. Christopher’s School Parents Association. The St. Christopher’s School Parents Association supports the school’s mission and provides opportunities in extracurricular activities, offering parent information, education programs and raising funds to support school projects.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., one hundred percent of sales made at the new Noodles & Company restaurant, will be donated to St. Christopher’s School Parent Association. Funds raised will be used to purchase computers, science equipment and books for libraries. The association will also use the money to support a financial aid program.

The new West End location  of Ledo’s Pizza (near West Broad Street and 295) is now open.

Ledo’s VP Marketing, Will Robinson, says they are on schedule to open the Willow Lawn location of Ledo’s Pizza in August.

Two restaurants on Horsepen Road, Full Kee and Mexico, are being sued by a Maryland lawyer for not complying with the Americans with Disablilities act, Richmond BizSense reports.

In March, RBS reported that Joel Zuckerman has filed more than 70 ADA compliance lawsuits on behalf of a handful of plaintiffs.

Two more cases have been filed by Zuckerman since the story first ran.

Full Kee restaurant and Mexico Restaruant, both on Horsepen Road,  are being sued for failure to meet the requirements of the ADA, which was passed to provide equal access of public places to disabled individuals. Both suits allege the properties do not have handicap accessible parking, among other violations.