As previously mentioned, the River District expects two new restaurants in 2009. Style Weekly has the story:

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing: It could be summer or fall for the first restaurant in the neighborhood east of downtown. Wood-fired pizzas, drinks on the deck, river views from two levels and tented event space on the James will juice things up, and owner Kevin Healy is ready to build a successful run in Brandermill with a similar formula.

Croaker’s Spot South: Manchester will eat this up: fresh fish and southern sides, major experience and a hot urban sibling. The project in the residential Old Manchester Plaza Building heads toward a winter opening.

CHPN.net has the details:

Celebrate Edgar Allen Poe’s 200th birthday on Monday, January 19th, 2009 with a Mournful Walk and a few Warming Hours at the Poe Museum. The Mournful Walk begins at 6:45PM at the grave of Eliza Poe in St. John’s Cemetery, and then goes to the Elmira Shelton House, down the hill for a view and history of the tragedy at the Monumental Church, past the Craig House, and ends at the Poe Museum at 8PM.

The RTD has named two of Shockoe Bottom’s restaurants as the “Best in ’08″:

LuLu’s 21 N. 17th St. (804) 343-9771 http://www.lu-lusrichmond.com

Sure, Steve Jurina, the man who made the words “Millie’s” and “brunch” one and the same, opened LuLu’s in late 2007, but it wasn’t until early last year that its popularity exploded. His kitschy, industrial-meets-sleek Farmers’ Market eatery has become a no-fail outlet for gussied-up comfort food and laid-back barside lounging. LuLu’s has a hip serenity to it, which is further defined by its genuinely awesome wait and bar staff.

The Halligan Bar & Grill 3 N. 17th St. (804) 447-7981 http://www.thehalliganbar.com

What goes better with a hefty pile of briny, tomato-kissed pulled pork and hand-cut fries than a fireman-themed wonderland complete with 1973 Seagrave fire engine with working lights and siren? I know, I can’t think of anything either. Since opening day, Halligan has been not only mecca for finger-licking barbecue fans but also a community gathering spot for some of Richmond’s finest men and women in uniform.

Sunday Vintage Market; Mini Flicks & Stories; Thursday Fresh Market; 6th District Town Meeting; Bikes in the Bottom; MORE…

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The folks at the Back Porch Energy Initiative will be kicking off the new year tomorrow night:

This Monday, January 5 we will be watching clips from the award-winning film Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America.  Filmaker Jeff Barrie offers tangible solutions to one of America’s most pressing environmental challenges: energy.  In light of the New Year, Back Porch wants to start the new year off on a positive note and discuss how to move forward in ’09 towards a more sustainable Richmond.  Join us as we learn from the film and each other about how one person can really make a difference.

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The RTD has the details:

A Richmond grand jury today indicted three city police officers on one count each of obstruction of justice. Richmond prosecutors have said that officer Ian McCloskey assaulted another man while off duty at a bar in Shockoe Bottom nearly a year ago, then threatened a witness.  The two other officers, Floyd T. Campbell II and William A. House, are accused of trying to cover up the incident.

Delores McQuinn was officially elected to the House of Delegates today. She will represent the 70th district in the seat vacated by Mayor Dwight Jones. [via]

Relish, a delightful restaurant on 15th street,  is closing after two years.  Restaurants are closing all over town, and rumor has it other restaurants in the River District are struggling. Just a reminder to support your local businesses!

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The Richmond Police daily incident list has reported a man was robbed last night at gun point on the 1800 block of East Main Street around 9:15 pm. The incident last night appears to be part of a rash of robberies in the East End.

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For those of you who live in the 71st district, Delegate Jennifer McClellan would like your input in her 2009 constituent survey.

The RTD is reporting that a car crashed into a building at 328 N. 18th St. late Wednesday night during a police pursuit.

Envision Richmond invites you to their kick off meeting featuring Rachel Flynn.

Do you want to participate in shaping Richmond’s future? What if you could share your ideas with other Richmonders, also committed to a healthy and vital city, and work together to make sure a strong citizen voice is heard? Join us on Thursday January 15th to help create Envision Richmond, and learn more about your role in creating a more vibrant River City.

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Join the Richmond Craft Mafia and the Richmond Etsy Street Team for the 2nd annual Crafters Anonymous Craft Swap to support Art 180!

Sunday January 18, 2009 between 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at ARTWORKS Studios & Gallery

From the folks at the Back Porch Energy Initiative, about tonight’s discussion:

Green-minded architect and designer William McDonough poses the question of what our buildings and products would look like if designers took into account “all children, all species, for all time.”  Join us as we watch clips from McDonough’s lectures and explore the concepts of green design and smart growth.

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River City Food and Wine reviews Sensi and has mostly good things to say about it. As acknowledged in the article, there are rumors floating around that Sensi might be closing.