Hi Ackislander,
If you are trying to get restaurant recommendations from JanetKMR (she's great and will be able to help you), I would also post in the Fodor's Lounge where she will definately see your post. I would also use her full username in your title.

Welcome back, Ackislander. This article was in the weekend magazine in the Times-Dispatch:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/food-dining/restaurant-reviews/dining-out-reviews-favorite-new-restaurants-for/article_059d7d84-4fc3-11e2-9e5e-0019bb30f31a.html

I've been hearing raves about the Peter Chang's in Charlottesville and Richmond so I was excited to try his newest restaurant when it opened in Williamsburg. I was disappointed but that could be a matter of personal taste. I hope you have a good winter.

I'm here!

I have not been to Chang's place as I avoid Short Pump as much as possible.

For Greek food, go to Stella's which is near where you are staying.

Azzurro at River Road is wonderful for wood fired pizza, great pasta & a true neighborhood treasure.

Edo's Squid has excellent fried oysters but they are appetizer portion. Acadia on Cary has oysters as an entree quite often and it's a great place.

My current favorite place is Arcadia in Shockoe Bottom. John is the best restaurateur in RVA in my opinion and it's always excellent. If you go, tell him I sent you.

Same with Melissa the bartender at Blue Goat

There is a new place on Boulevard, Fat Dragon, that is getting good press but I have not been there.

Lemaire is now more casual than it was back in the day and still terrific. Their 3/$20 appetizer special at the bar is one of the best deals in town and you HAVE to get the fried clams.

Comfort has wonderful fried catfish and Southern food with a twist.

Stepping out of the box, you must try Magpie. It is a tiny place with terrific atmosphere, food and service. If you like Blue Goat, you will love Magpie.

And of course, Millie's is great as always.

I have not been to Europa in several years.

Boka Food Cart is good & their twitter helps with where they are.

If you like Indian food, Lehja at Short Pump Mall is worth the trip. Best Indian in town, hands down.

I thought of a couple of more places near where you are staying.

Mosaic Cafe is in the sane shopping center as Azzuro & has a good lunch. It has a bit of a ladies who lunch feel but it is very good for soup/salad/sandwich lunch. Their housemade pimiento cheese is outstanding.

Portico on River Road is good casual Italian in a lovely atmosphere.

Thanks a lot! Keep 'em coming, RVA foodies!

I too avoid Short Pump as much as possible, though with the only Trader Joe's out there, I have to go every other week.

Thought of another....Black Sheep. Great for bfast, lunch & dinner. The grilladas & grits and the biscuits with sausage gravy are both outstanding. The chicken & dumplings are a Richmond staple.

Ack...we had brunch Sunday at The Heritage & it was wonderful. Now we are anxious to try it for dinner. It's in The Fan at Main & Vine.

Thanks, Janet. It will go on the list for when -- ready for this? -- we get over intestinal flu! What a disappointment!

I love the food at Black Sheep (and they have Cheerwine!) but it could be the slowest kitchen in the United States. If we are going there for brunch, we have to eat breakfast first so we won't starve before we are served, and that is when we don't have to stand in line! It is a place, along with Cuba Cuba and Millies, that I always take out of town visitors.

OMG, Ackislander, the South must be creeping into your bones if you are drinking Cheerwine. I hope you are feeling better soon. What a lousy way to start the new year.