Tobacco Avenue once again has crucial news out of Shockoe Bottom:

Shocking wait staff and patrons alike with his unbelievable gall, 18-month-old Cameron Smith had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at Lulu’s – LuLu’s, for Christ’s sake – despite the Shockoe Bottom restaurant’s well-regarded menu of culinary delights.

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.

Has it really been a year already? LuLu’s will be throwing their own First Year Anniversary Party on Monday with Richmond’s very own Wall-0-Matics and a Special Guest Appearance from Joe Green and the Heavy Steppers. Doors open at 7PM, music starts around 8:30PM. $10, with an All-You-Can-Eat family style buffet featuring some of LuLu’s gourmet comfort food and the kick @$$ music.

In addition to being known for their food, the folks at LuLu’s can take the crown as the city’s most reviewed restaurant in the past 6 months or so. The most recent visit was by freelancer Ginger Warder for richmond.com who comes out swinging, saying of the food that “I would have been more satisfied at Cracker Barrel than with this bland bowl of noodles” and of the service that “I assume if you become a familiar face, that service might go up a notch”.

Word of Mouths in this week’s Style takes on LuLu’s and comes away with much praise:

LuLu’s hits this mark as well as Millie’s does, and at a lower price point (the menu tops out at $17). Servers know the menu and specials, the wine list, the chefs and cooks, and what can and can’t be done. And they know how to pass right on by when they’ve come to refill glasses and you’re engaged in conversation and when to place your dinner ticket so that your entrees arrive just as you’ve finished your appetizers.

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.

Not conceding the macaroni and cheese crown to LuLu’s, Granny Wade’s has opened up at 1316 East Cary Street and features Southern home-style cooking such as meatloaf, chicken&dumplings, and macaroni&cheese. Lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Thursay-Saturday. [via]

Style Weekly has a piece on the launch of LuLu’s, the new restaurant at 21 North 17th Street by Millie’s owner Paul Keevil and long-time chef Steve Jurina. LuLu’s is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday and Sunday brunch.