Andrew’s Grill

6 W Washington Street

Petersburg, VA 23803

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrews-Grill/111518532220697

 

            Andrew’s Grill is nestled in between two pawn shops on the corner of Washington  and Sycamore in downtown Petersburg.  Only open for breakfast and lunch, you will often see a line of people out front grabbing lunch at the outdoor pickup window.  Inside there is a lunch counter with half a dozen chairs and about the same number of booths in the back.  The menu is very simple lunch counter fare; a couple of different breakfast items, hot dogs, hamburgers, bbq and fries.

            Amanda and I sat at the counter and both ordered 2 chili dogs with slaw;  split a large fry and a drink. In a couple of minutes we each had two hot dogs in front of us and a large plate of fries between us.   The hot dogs were not huge but they were not skimpy either. Andrew’s uses large red hot dogs and a typical chili dog comes topped with mustard, onions and chili and for about 50 cents extra we had ours additionally topped with slaw.  The hot dogs were delicious, juicy and flavorful. The chili was not spicy and also not too watery.  The cole slaw was thick and creamy.   I was very impressed with the chili dogs; they were what Quick Lunch in Hopewell’s used to be before it changed ownership. 

            The fries are your typical crinkle cut variety but they came directly out of the fryer so they were hot and crispy.  We asked for a side of mayonnaise which our waitress graciously gave us.  My only complaint at all was that the large drink with one refill was the size of the kids drink at any other restaurant but with that being said it was the perfect amount for Amanda and I. I guess that just goes to show you how ridiculous the sizes at fast food places have become.

            Overall, Andrew’s Grill was great and a perfect snap shot of vintage Petersburg.   The food was great and the service was excellent.  I strongly recommend  stopping by Andrew’s Grill and grabbing a chili dog or even a chili cheese burger for lunch.  Some times the simple things are the most delicious.

The Flying Pig

13560 Waterford Pl
Midlothian, VA 23112

https://www.facebook.com/TheFlyinPig

                The Flying Pig is a new BBQ restaurant that recently opened in Midlothian.  Hidden in an unassuming shopping center off of Genito Road, the Flying Pig offers very good BBQ albeit in too clean of an environment.  Inside the Flying Pig could literally be any generic restaurant that it wants to be. Unlike 99.999% of BBQ joints in Virginia there were no signs of pigs around, other than on their logo Some people may like this but I want to see a plethora of pig décor when in a BBQ restaurant. But that’s just me.  But honestly, the place looked very nice, was extremely clean, and orderly with a lot of seating and a large bar area. 

                As I walked in, I was warmly greeted and brought directly to my seat which, since I was dining alone, had a perfect view of a large screen TV.   My waitress came out quickly with a menu and to take my drink order.  On the table sat a six pack of different homemade bbq sauces, Vinegar, spicy, sweet tomato, mustard based, white mayo based, and a buffalo ranch sauce.  All of them were delicious and just to have some many kinds of sauce is extremely impressive. The menu was decent sized but it didn’t stray too far from its bbq roots.  There is pulled pork, brisket, ribs and chicken, along with sandwiches and a number of delicious sounding sides and appetizers. I had already looked at the menu online and I ordered the lunch bbq sandwich special which came with honey pineapple cole slaw, 1 side and a drink.  I was extremely torn between the jalapeno coconut black beans and the bacon and blue potato salad but I went with the beans based on a recommendation of my waitress. 

                Before I could even take a sip of my drink, my waitress brought out my meal.   I’m not even lying; it was crazy stupid fast.    For $8, the sandwich was very large and loaded with pork.  The cole slaw was served on the side, I assume for Yankees who don’t like it on their sandwiches.  And there was a large bowl of jalapeno coconut beans.   The pork was obviously smoked and has a nice smoky flavor and was juicy and tender.  The cole slaw was different than any I’d ever had before.  It was thick and chunky with a sweet honey and pineapple finish.  With each bite I took I tried a different bbq sauce. I honestly loved each one except for maybe the vinegar based sauce but that’s just because I really don’t care for that type of sauce. 

While the sandwich was delicious, the beans really stole the show.  These things were out of this world, I practically licked the bowl clean.  The coconut flavor added sweetness to the beans that took them to another level.  It might be one of the greatest sides I’ve ever eaten.  I’m sure that the potato salad is great to but if you go you MUST order the beans.

Overall, the Flying Pig is a pretty good BBQ restaurant with some great unusual flavor combination that set it apart from your typical bbq joint.   The meat’s not be best in town but its sides and sauces make it a place your definitely need to check out if you like bbq. 

Cesare's Ristorante & Pizzeria

13127 Rivers Bend Blvd

Chester, VA 23836

http://www.antoniosandcesares.com/

 

            Amanda’s grandmother loves Cesare’s; so whenever someone is in town or there is a special occasion we go there for dinner. It is located off of Rt. 10 in the River’s Bend Shopping Center in the Enon area of Chesterfield. Cesare’s is quite large and has a big room in the back where people can hold banquets or parties. It is decorated in your typical generic Italian theme, nothing fancy but also not too cheesy like many other Italian places fall victim to. Its staff is very friendly and the service is also excellent.

            Amanda’s Uncle Keith came down from New York not too long ago so Amanda’s grandmother took us all out to Caesar’s to celebrate.  As always the staff greeted us warmly provided excellent service but unlike other times I was adventurous and ordered off of the Chef’s special menu, Crescent Butternut Squash Ravioli.  While I was hesitant to try it Amanda kept insisted that I did. As always, I am very glad that I listened to her.

            While everything at Caesar’s is very good, it is honestly not all that much different than the linty of other Italian Restaurants in the Tri-City area.  It has pizza, subs, burgers, and your typical pasta dishes but nothing that really jumps off your plate as insanely amazing or something that other places don’t also have on their menus.  The butternut squash ravioli IS that difference. 

            After about 15 minutes of talking and joking around and a round of salads and bread, our food was served.  My plate contained about 10 crescent shaped raviolis in a light orange sweet smelling sauce. As I bit into the first ravioli I knew that I had something special. It had a sweet but nutty flavor with what tasted like pumpkin pie spices, nutmeg and cinnamon.  I’ve never had a pasta dish like it before, both sweet and savory with a strong earthiness to it.  It was absolutely delicious and unlike anything I’ve ever seen or tasted at another Italian restaurant. It had a coy subtle sweetness to it that made for a rich and savory taste.  The texture of the ravioli and its inside was smooth and creamy.

            I loved this dish but I have to say that not everyone will. It is so different from the spaghetti and meatball or pizza that a lot of people will probably not get the Italian fix that they are looking for. Don’t worry Caesar’s also has you covered there with numerous delectable entrees, pizzas, and sandwiches. But for those more adventurous types, the butternut squash ravioli is superb and will not disappoint just don’t expect a gargantuan sized portion that you might be accustom to from Olive Garden.

            Over all Caesar’s is a very good Italian Restaurant but the Butternut Squash Ravioli is GREAT!

           

The BBQ Battle on Oaklawn Boulevard

Ribs Gone Wild  VS.  Another Bite BBQ

Not many people think about BBQ when you mention the intersection of Jefferson Park Road and Oaklawn Boulevard in Hopewell. But over the past year smoke has filled the air in that intersection each weekend as two mobile BBQ stands waged war against one another for BBQ supremacy and so far neither has admitted defeat. 

In the Valero parking lot in a red wooden barn like trailer sits Another Bite BBQ and across the street in the Shell parking lot in a large white food truck with a large smoker sits Ribs Gone Wild.   On any given weekend there are lines of customers at each place waiting for a variety of BBQ, from ribs and brisket to pulled pork and chicken wings.

Because it is easier to get to I tried Another Bite BBQ first. Served by a rotund redneck guy with a big white beard, Another Bite BBQ serves up ribs, brisket, chopped pork, chicken and a variety of sides.  While not on the menu, I asked him to fix me a sampler plate with chopped pork, ribs and brisket which he gladly did for $20.   In about 5 minutes I had a Styrofoam container loaded with smoked meats and a tomato based bbq sauce.   While the meat was smoked it tasted like it had been sitting on the grill for quite awhile and was a little dry. The sauce was good and had a nice tangy finish to it.  The meat was ok it was not great.

On my birthday I decided to try Ribs Gone Wild for lunch.  I was extremely impressed because my birthday was on Easter Sunday and it was raining but the Ribs Gone Wild crew was still out there smoking away and serving up huge slabs of Ribs and smoked chicken. The racks of ribs they were serving were huge and so was their price - $28 per rack.  While I know that ribs are expensive, $28 a rack seems pretty high.   They come coated in a deliciously tangy tomato BBQ and the meat was practically falling off of the bones; these ribs were amazing.   I was blown away by the smoky sweet flavor that was complemented perfectly by the tangy sauce.  And honestly 1 rack could feed 3 people easily so $28 really wasn’t too bad of a deal.

With that all being said the Winner of the BBQ Battle on Oaklawn Boulevard is…

RIBS GONE WILD!!!

While Another Bite BBQ does offer a little more of a selection like brisket and chopped pork the ribs at Ribs Gone Wild are practically untouchable even at close to $30 a rack. 

Hardee's 1/4 lb Jim Beam Bourbon ThickBurger

$3.99 with free fries and drink by showing student ID!

 

The 1/4lb Jim Beam® Bourbon Little Thickburger has a 100% Black Angus Beef burger, Jim Beam® Bourbon Sauce, Two Strips of Bacon, Garlic Onion Straws, Pepper-Jack Cheese, Tomato and Lettuce all served on a Seeded Bun.
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Unlike other fast food restaurants all of Hardee's burgers are cooked to order; so mine came out hot and fresh. The Jim Beam burger taste alot like TGI Friday's Jack Daniels burger but for half the price. The burger itself was hot and juicy, the bacon and teh onion straws was crisp and not soggy or limp which can sometimes be the case at fastfood places. The Jim Beam Burbon sauce is delicious and really makes the burger. It is sweet with a slight bourbon aftertaste. My only complaint at all was that the cheese was not totally melted. All meals at Hardee's are made even better by the fact that if you show your student ID you get a free small drink and fries.

Overall, this burger is great and Hardee's makes it so that people do not have to go to a sit down restaurant to get an awesome burger!

 

 

Hillbilly Red’s

353 E Williamsburg Rd 

Sandston, VA 23150

http://hillbillyredsbbq.com/

           
            Hillbilly Red’s is in Sandston, a couple of miles from the Richmond International Airport. Located right in the middle of town, Hillbilly Red’s is in a large, impressive building that looks just like a person would picture a BBQ restaurant looking like, wood, bricks and rustic. As I walked inside last Monday I was warmly greeted by the owner. Inside is just like the outside, exactly what one would come expect from a BBQ place; lots of wood, pigs and country decor. While not the most original it definitely sets the mood and is far from over the top or gaudy. It looks a lot like a Famous Dave’s Restaurant but by the warm greeting I received and the great conversation that accompanied it I knew I was not in some big chain restaurant but a well executed family run local spot. 

            For being a local operation, Hillbilly Red’s is quite large with lots of seating.  You order at the cash register when you walk in and then take your seat or at least that’s what the owner told me to do, but I was the only person in the place so it may be different if there are a lot of people.  The menu was not huge but it contained everything that one looks for at a BBQ restaurant; Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken and all of the usual sides. While not cheap the prices were comparable to just about any other BBQ restaurant in the area.  I ordered the Deluxe BBQ combo for $8.95. It came with a deluxe pork bbq sandwich, cole slaw on the side, fries and a drink.  She asked me what type of bbq sauce I wanted because they have three types; sweet tomato based, hot tomato based and a vinegary NC style. I picked the sweet one. 

            While her husband prepared my order I had a nice conversation with the owner. Her and her husband were both very nice and welcoming and are true BBQ lovers, knowing just about every BBQ restaurant in Central Virginia.  In no time my order was ready.  I had it to go and the bag seemed to weigh 2 pounds. As I pulled the sandwich out in my car I found out why; the sandwich was huge! There was also a large helping of fries and three containers BBQ sauces, ketchup and cole slaw. I quickly topped the sandwich with a heaping amount of cole slaw and bbq and was soon in heaven.  The pork was extremely tender and juicy and you could definitely taste the smokiness, which often is not the case. This pork was perfectly smoked, noticeable but not overpowering. The sandwich was amazing. The sauce was sweet and tangy and the cole slaw was sweet and creamy.  It really was one of the best pull pork sandwiches I’ve had in a while and it was big enough for two meals.  The fries were fine but the sandwich was so big and so delicious I barely touched them.

            Hillbilly Red’s is one of the better BBQ places in Richmond; so please do yourself a favor the next time you’re up near the Richmond Airport and stop in a grab a bite at Hillbilly Red’s . But remember they close at 7:30pm and don’t open on Sunday!

Padow’s Hams and Deli

648 Southpark Blvd  

Colonial Heights, VA 23834

               
                Even though it has been in Colonial Heights my whole life, until a week ago I had never eaten at Padow’s. I’ve always heard good things and have wanted to check it out but it always seemed to be closed when I want to eat there and am in the area.  But after a dentist appointment last week I finally found my chance. 

                Padow’s is in a building that is attached to Adolph’s clothing (another establishment that I do not frequent enough) in front of K-Mart and Michaels in Colonial Heights.   Inside it is very simple, pretty much just a deli with a couple of tables and chairs and various things for sale.  Behind the deli counter is a huge chalk board with every sort or meat, cheese and bread combo imaginable, along with a make your own menu.  After much deliberation I decided on Pastrami on marble rye with gruyere cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing, toasted and warmed, served with a pickle.  Around $9.00 it was a little high for a sandwich but it looked and smelled so delicious I didn’t care.

                For as good as it smelled and looked it tasted even better. The pastrami was tender and delicious, the cheese perfectly melted and the cole slaw and Russian dressing added a creamy sweetness that complemented the salty meatiness.  The crisp toasted bread held it all together to make one of the best sandwiches I have had in a long time and probably the best sandwich I’ve ever gotten anywhere in Colonial Heights.  This thing was not huge like many of the monstereous deli sandwiches that are featured on TV these days but it packed more deliciousness into one sandwich than I ever thought possible.  (For those who don’t know what Russian dressing is; it is a lot like sweet Catalina French dressing, at the lest the one at Padow’s is)

                All I can say is that you really need to treat yourself to a sandwich at Padow’s. They have something for every taste, except maybe vegetarians but why would a vegetarian go to a deli anyway, and you can make any sort of delicious combination that you can think of.  Much like any great food, you get what you pay for and the little bit extra you pay at Padow’s you get back tenfold in freshness and flavor.