No Dissing the West End

I live in the outskirts of Richmond, a suburban area called the "West End." Yes, it is full of chain restaurants and subdivisions - and it often is smirked at by Richmond city dwellers.

But I love living in the West End. We are about five minutes away from most shopping, Fifteen minutes away from Richmond and ten minutes away from rural roads. The streets are wide, the parking easy. Many transplants from other cities have landed here - so while not quite a melting pot - a nice mix of personalities from around the country.

Recently, I've found a few more examples on how the West End is proving its misanthropes wrong.

The Barrel Thief - the best concept anywhere in Central Virginia for a wine store. In addition to selling a diverse selection of wine, the Barrel Thief is also a cafe with yummy lunch and dinner choices that perfectly accompany wine. You can taste or buy (by the glass or bottle) any of about twenty reasonably priced wines from their seasonal menu. And, for a small corkage fee, you can purchase any wine in the store - retail - to have with your meal. You'll often find the owners huddled in the back, with bottle upon bottle surrounding them, tasting wines they are considering for their inventory (god, I want that job). I've been there twice with friends (including TRIgirls LD and BL) and we all just love, love, love this little wine gem.

Chez Max - this restaurant has been around for awhile, I just didn't hear about it until recently, when TRIgirl BL recommended it to TRIgirl LD. Set in a small cozy house with a fireplace burning and small white linen clothed tables, the atmosphere is perfect for a quiet, intimate evening that includes wonderful French food and impressive wines. And, oh, much to my husband's delight, they are one of the few restaurants around that make chocolate souffles.

And, last but not least, the Edible Garden. A week or so ago, my husband told me we had plans for January 5th at 7:00. Yesterday, after an awesome 30 mile bike ride with TRIDi and Annnn (in the West End, I may add), followed by a 5 mile tempo run, I was one hungry girl when it was finally time to head out for our intriguing sounding reservation. (See, there is a triathlon tie to this post.)

The Edible Garden is technically in Goochland, just west of the West End. As stated on their website, the Edible Garden's goal is to "demonstrate to the community the benefits and enjoyment of eating quality, organically grown food, professionally prepared in delicious dishes, while supporting our local farmers." On their menu, they list the nearby farms that provided the ingredients for each dish. So in addition to having a meal using produce that is pesticide free and hasn't been on a truck for two weeks, you promote local economy. I've never had a fresher salad, more succulent sun dried tomatoes, softer goat cheese, sweeter baby carrots and flakier rockfish.

So, the next time you are looking for a special, cool or elegant evening, don't scoff at the West End!