Dana Craig’s Best Restaurants of 2009 gives props to both The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing and (the new) Cafe Gutenberg as two of “the best new local restaurants of 2009″. Speaking of Gutenberg she says:

This Shockoe Bottom café has a tumultuous history — from Tropical Storm Gaston’s devastation to almost closing last year. But this year saw Cafe Gutenberg reborn. It came back strong to define itself as a bona fide dining destination with a menu that celebrates the bounty of its neighbor, the 17th Street Farmers’ Market. Whether it be a local mushroom panino with scrambled eggs and Cabot Cheddar or grilled brats with ale-braised sauerkraut, it’s hard to find something not to like.

The RTD’s Dana Craig visits Europa and slams their recent menu change and poor service:

Based on two forgettable meals amid sparse crowds in the upstairs dining room, it seems Europa has lost touch with its food-focused clientele, instead choosing to focus on wooing the drinking crowd with its sultry downstairs lounge. [...] An iffy meal can go down smoother if service is on the ball. No such luck during both of my dinners.

Dana Craig recently visited Alex’s Thai and spreads the words on this “cozy Shockoe addition”:

I appreciated Alex’s menu designating each dish’s spice level rather than encouraging a free-for-all of mild, medium and hot customization. With authentic Thai food, some dishes are meant to be spicy, and some are not. However, the menu notes they can adjust the spice level if specifically requested. [...] Alex’s is a great addition to the already expanding food choices in the Bottom. It might not be worth a lengthy trip from across town, but I know the neighborhood is happy.

The RTD’s Dana Craig visits Halligan Bar & Grill and comes away raving:

Brined in vinegar and drizzled with Halligan’s signature tomato-meets-vinegar barbecue sauce, the Carolina pulled pork sandwich was excellent — tender meat flaunting smoke-kissed, crispy edges served on a toasted bun. Just as good were the hand-cut fries, hot from the fryer and packing plenty of seasoning. [...] The corn bread alone — super-moist and accented with rosemary and crushed red pepper — is worthy of top menu billing.

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The good words about the good food at LuLu’s keep rolling in: A site for your cheating palate from the RTD’s Dana Craig, Good brunch at Lulu’s at CHOW HOUND, and more in Richmond.com’s food column Dish.

The RTD’s Dana Craig visits the now 4-year-old Julep’s and comes away saying that there is “no better place to ring in the holiday season”. Meanwhile, Style’s Short Order marks the closing of bistro.104.

Dana Craig at the RTD slams Sam Miller’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, calling the restaurant’s service “robotic”, the portions “skimpy”, and the food suffering from a “lack of attention”.