The Top Eight Places I Come Back For

Greetings, Marinarees.

I'm a longtime friend of Mr. Marinara, and during his time in Greece he's asked me to stop by and check in on the loyal readers and make sure you are getting your foodie updates. Although I am a shadowy comparison of The Mr. Marinara, I'm always glad to lend a hand.

As a guy who lived in Richmond for over seven years, then moved away, but who comes back to the River City at least a few times a year, Mr M asked me to share some of my favorite "when you come back to the city" places. What follows is my list. My hope is that even though I now live in Boston ... a foodie's heaven, there are some places that you just can't find comparisons to outside of Richmond ... so don't go "grass is greener" on me, there's some Richmond landmark's you just can't replicate.

Best Brunch: Millie's Diner -- Yes ... yes ... it can be a long wait. Go with good friends that you enjoy talking to and it's always worth it. My two favorites have to be the Devil's and Castro's Mess, but there's always good specials that tempt me too.

Best Greasy Spoon: McLean's Diner --It's mostly regulars and it's not a place you go for ambience in any way shape or form, but the breakfast is good. The first time I was there with Mr. Marinara, he asked them for fatback and they told him that he didn't want it ... priceless.

Best Italian: Mama Zu's -- Mama Zu's has what I think is the best Italian in the city. You have to respect the owner / chef for not getting distracted with the trappings of restauranteuring, and for sticking to the basics. I've never eaten anything there that I didn't like ... but I admit I've not gone for the sweetbreads yet. That said, bonus points for going to a restaurant where you get to see uncomfortable yuppies standing in the middle of a restaurant waiting to be seated.

Best Let's Grab A Beer Spot: Capital Ale House -- I looooove good and varied beers, and this is an amazing place with a great array of beers from all over the world. Their late night menu is one of my favorites in the city.

Best Dive Bar: Sidewalk Cafe -- Nothing special, I know but dark, cheap and good food, Sidewalk is one of my favorite places in Richmond to go get a beer and have some laughs with friends.

Best Chicken Sammy: Chick-Fil-A -- Us yankee idiots have not caught onto the goodness that is Chick-Fil-A or even sweet tea for that matter. You don't know what you got til it's gone, and when I moved away I find this is one of those places I find myself sneaking a meal at when I'm back in RIC.

Best Barbecue: Buz & Ned's -- Although I never went to the place until I saw it on Bobby Flay's Throwdown, going back to Richmond is just an excuse for me to get some of those amazing ribs. I'm a fan of pork sandwiches and other than Pierce's in Williamsburg, this is one of my absolute favorites.

Best Dinner at a Friend's: Mr. Marinara's House -- It never disappoints, even when he's not trying to make a big fuss. Last time I was at his table was a semi-fuss and I was not disappointed. A primi of simple red lentils and fresh sausage from Belmont Butchery then grilled Wagyu hanger streak and asparagus followed with some Bev's ice cream ... yum.