There is a relatively new food blog called Eat RVA, no connection to RVA Eats, confusing, I know. The reviews seem helpful, and on the kind side (personally, I would be much harsher on a restaurant if it is smokey, and I would be more critical of the food at Hondo’s) But the site is updated regularly and fun to read.
Eat RVA recently reviewed The Bleu Bistro, near Regency Mall, pushing the limits of the Near West End. The review is favorable — and I look forward to reading more!

The University of Richmond’s online student magazine, 21st Century Student Voice, just published an article about how the “Freshman 15″ doesn’t really apply at U of R, because the students there are perfectionists.

I know, shocking! I’m not sure that this is something to brag about, but apparently the Dean thinks it is. Even more shocking is that the Dean relates the UR atmostphere to a 2003 Duke University report that describes the social atmosphere as “effortless perfection.” Here’s the quote:

Perfectionism drives a number of students at the University of Richmond to lose weight instead of gaining the “freshman 15,” Westhampton College Dean Juliette Landphair said in an interview last week at the Deanery.

…….

Weight loss is a bigger issue than weight gain at Richmond because many students are driven by perfectionism, Landphair said. “Like Duke and more selective institutions, students here tend to be more perfectionistic,” she said.

In a 2003 Duke University report, undergraduates said their social atmosphere was characterized by “effortless perfection,” Landphair said. Students felt there was an expectation to be “smart, accomplished, fit, beautiful and popular, and that all this would happen without visible effort,” she said.

I am really surprised that quote came out of the mouth of the Dean of UR’s Westhampton College. Does she really think that will make people want to go there?

Meanwhile, Seventeen Magazine, is promoting their Body Peace Treaty, and is keeping it real for the rest of us.

Henrico County Economic Development Authority announced yesterday, that Trader Joe’s will open in the Short Pump area, adjacent to the new Whole Foods Market in early Fall. This is the most specific opening date that has been reported.

Trader Joe’s, a privately held grocery store company founded in 1958, will be opening a store in Henrico County’s Short Pump Station shopping center by the early fall of 2008. It currently has over 280 locations in 23 states. While it carries standard items, it is primarily an organic grocer offering both private label and store brand organic products which translates to lower prices for the consumer. Trader Joe’s will be located near a current Ukrops, Kroger and the future Whole Foods Market which will be opening at the West Broad Village across from the Tom Leonard’s Farmer’s Market. “It’s not surprising that Trader Joe’s found their way to Henrico County, said Toney Hall, marketing director for the Henrico Economic Development Authority. A grocer of this nature adds another element of variety to our mixed use, community-oriented living environment.”

One of the favorite topics among my friends is WHEN will Trader Joe’s ever come to Richmond? People are tired of driving to Northern Virginia, Raleigh, Newport News or farther to get their favorite treats from Trader Joe’s.
Finally, there is news, that a deal is close to being signed that will bring a Trader Joe’s store to Short Pump Station, which recently opened with a Petco.

For those of you who don’t know, Trader Joe’s specializes in bringing great products with lower prices. I think of the products as being similar to the Newman’s Own brand. The ingredients steer clear of high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors and preservatives and are often organic, but now always. On a recent trip to NOVA, I’m ashamed to say that after a case of my favorite wine and my kids favorite cookies (Joe Joe’s, and Candy Cane Joe Joe’s…think Oreo) I spent almost $250.
They even have a Trader Joe’s Fan website, their following is so strong.

Personally, some of my favorite products are the Thai chili lime cashews, creamy tomato soup in a box, mini cranberry biscotti and 3 Buck Chuck –otherwise known as Charles Shaw Trader Joe’s brand wine) with Sauvingnon Blanc and Shiraz as being the standouts. Yes it is really $3 in many states. It is $1.99 in California and about $3.99 here. I know this is whole ‘nother story…but really, it is good wine!

But at the 28th Annual International Eastern Wine Competition, a $1.99 bottle of California Wine, the 2002 Charles Shaw Shiraz, beat out 2,300 wines to win a prestigious double gold medal.

So, now I can say, I am a very happy girl….and the sooner the better.
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Philip’s Continental Lounge and Bailey’s Smokehouse and Tavern made the critical list on NBC12’s Restaurant Report, based on recent health inspections. Each had 7 critical violations.
Also of note, Ellwood Thompson’s in Carytown also made the critical list, with 6 critical violations. The good news, is that if you travel just a bit farter west, Innsbrook’s DD-33 made the A list with a perfect inspection.

I was at Ellwood Thompson’s yesterday and you know what they told me? In addition to no longer having plastic bags in 2008, in a few weeks they eliminate paper bags as well. Your options: buy (ugly green fabric) reusable ones that cost $1.99 or carry your stuff in your arms. If you ask me, that is pretty typical of Ellwood’s approach to customer service.

I am all for supporting reuse of bags and recycling, but to me this seemed a bit extreme — especially in light of the fact that Whole Foods Market will be coming to Short Pump this Spring and there have been unconfirmed whispers that the mysterious Trader Joe’s will follow suit. Just to let you know how pro-reusable bag I am, I carry my reusable bags into *gasp* Walmart, and endure many huffs and puffs from the Walmart clerks who are just not used to that, and find it so much more trouble than double plastic bagging excessively.

When I asked the Ellwood’s manager on duty what he would do if someone forgot their reusable bag, he said they had two choices — no bag or buy a very expensive reusable one. No other options. I won’t even mention all of the other bad customer service I observed on this visit. Ellwood Thompson is in for a rude awakening when Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s do open.
Personally, I like Trader Joe’s approach to reusable bags. Give people the freedom to choose, paper or reusable ones, but make the reusable ones so cool looking, sturdy and practical, that you just really want to use them. Trader Joe’s bags are made out of Polypropylene, a woven plastic type surface (think tarp) that is incredibly sturdy and wipes clean easily. The handles are long and reinforced nylon webbing. And best of all, they make a statement. In fact, they have trouble keeping them in stock they are so popular. And, they sell them at a loss, because they want you to own one and use it. Helps the environment and it is free advertising for one of the coolest grocery stores in the country.

I can’t say how happy I am that the Henrico Board of Supervisors approved the opening of a farmer’s market in Lakeside, just north of the Near West End. Now, all I have to do is hope that Charlie and Victory Farms will be a vendor there! A little birdy told me it is likely they will be at the new Lakeside Market.

Henrico An outdoor farmers market is expected to open in Lakeside in May. The Henrico County Board of Supervisors voted this week to approve Peter Francisco’s plan to operate the market from the parking lot of the Lakeside Towne Center, on Lakeside Avenue near Hilliard Road. Francisco, who owns the shopping center with his wife, Sharon, said he expects to have 11 produce vendors. The market season would end Nov. 30.

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Since, I’m a vegetarian, I always love to have an update on the local veggie restaurant scene. Style Weekly took care of that for me this week, and learned that TJ’s at the Jefferson lost Jannequin Bennett to Ellwood’s and Panda Veg is still going strong. Best of all, I learned that Ipenema Cafe has $2 glasses of Wine, during “Wine Down Hours” from 5-7 Sunday-Thursday. I feel a date night coming on.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. There is a very talented woman, who lives in the Near West End who bakes the most amazing cakes. I know I shouldn’t get this excited about a cake, but really, these things are homemade, with the best ingredients, made with love. These are the kind of cakes that don’t need ice cream. …That put box mixes to shame.

Please hold me to my word — I will never make a box cake mix again! I am so tired of lifeless, flat, hydrogenated, chemical additive tasting, too sweet cakes that have no substance. These cakes are real. You can taste the eggs, and the actual ingredients….real candied pecans, fresh lemon and blueberries. Whole cranberries and cream cheese. After a sweets tasting party today, I’m sure she will be booked baking cakes for weeks. I think I’m going to order one for my daughters birthday party — I just have to figure out which one.

My favorites are the Pecan Praline Cake, and the Lemon Blueberry Cake. But Caroline, the baker, also makes cheesecakes, and awesome Chocolate Stout Cake and all sorts of cookies. A website is in the works….but until then, you can email Caroline at thebakecakery[at]gmail[dot]com or call 334-1395 to place an order or have a cake menu sent. Place your holiday orders early, I bet this one woman show will have more baking orders than she can handle in the next few weeks.

Well, this isn’t the Near West End….But, The Byrd House Market in Oregon Hill, is the closest farmers market to the Near West End. I haven’t been there yet, so maybe I shouldn’t be suggesting it….but I have heard such great things!

Now that the official CSA Sprout Organic Shares are done for the season, we get to go and pick out our own veggie and this week, I’m thinking I’ll stop by the Byrd House Market instead of the 17th Street Farmer’s market to collect them. Victory Farms, which raises the food for Sprout always has the best greens and veggies. Last week we ate arugula, broccoli rabe, butternut squash, and Swiss chard. I also have my eye on the apples and locally grown sweet potatoes at Mica Hill Farm. Don’t ask me why I’m trying to figure out why I need 40 pounds of them….for a steal of a deal at $25.

Plus they have stories, kids activities and more. And, if you wait until October 30th to go to to the Byrd House Market they will have the PURE Richmond Belly dance Troupe performing at 6:30. I love belly dancers, and my kids do too. There is something mesmerizing about watching them and hearing the clang of their metal decorations. Plus their goal is to bring peace, healing and goodwill to the community — can’t argue with that!