June 6, 2008

double take on Que Pasa

Que Pasa gets reviewed both in today’s RTD and on richmond.com. The RTD piece isn’t positive and says that Que Pasa “has much more potential than is currently realized”. In contrast,richmond.com’s take ends with “while Church Hill residents may want to keep this charming Latin American bistro to themselves, it’s worthy of becoming a destination for all Richmond diners.”

Posted at 6:52AM under community | Tags: Que Pasa

70 Responses to “double take on Que Pasa”

posted by elphaba at June 6, 2008 10:07 am :

well i have yet to have a negative que pasa experience. i think they really have a potentially awesome place! unfortunately the whole ‘catch 22′ situation that the RTD mentions seems to be true.

there are far too many hill residents that haven’t even TRIED this place out yet! i implore everyone to go check it out if you haven’t already. increasing their patronage will make big differences all around the table! bring friends!
posted by steve at June 6, 2008 10:36 am :

I think there may be two aspects keeping people away. 1) The storefront is small and looks like it could be a simple dive and 2) the location is still not in a very favorable looking part of Church Hill.
posted by steve at June 6, 2008 10:40 am :

Meant to also add to my comment is that first impressions mean a lot and in this case, the first impression (especially for passer-bys) is the front of the restaurant including its surrounding area. If it doesn’t look inviting to outsiders then it can easily be passed over or overlooked.
posted by Gray at June 6, 2008 11:04 am :

steve, the front doesn’t look like a dive and the area looks fine to me –very interesting architecture. Now one of my favorite places, Mamma Zu’s, is a dive and at one time the area was shabby and people still came in droves.

Que Pasa should do something special all day on election day –it’s going to be a big one. I have a couple other ideas on how to draw in crowds.
posted by Foodie at June 6, 2008 1:03 pm :

The restaurant is beautiful and inviting, inside and out. The neighborhood is getting lovelier by the day. As for the food, I’d have to agree with the T-D reviewer, so much potential though not yet realized.

The food isn’t bad, but it’s certainly not memorable. Nor does it leave me wanting more. I expected an exceptional margarita but was met with a rather weak drink that tasted of a lesser quality sour mix. The menu is small and not particularly diverse. The same preparations are done using different meats. This seems to contradict Que Pasa’s assertion that its dishes are inspired by the food of several different Latin-American countries. The chipotle-peanut chicken special was bland and chewey and the peanuts on top seemed a mystery. The side of stewed vegetables contained bits of beef and appeared to have come from the same cooking vessel as my companion’s stewed beef dinner. Not cool, especially for our vegetarian friends. Rice was delicious and so was portabella appetizer. I hope to soon hear of an expanded menu, tastier drinks and great reviews from friends and neighbors. I want to go back and I really want Que Pasa to stick around for the long run.
posted by Jason at June 6, 2008 1:35 pm :

I love it there. However, they would advertise in Style or something. Most people dont know about it.
posted by Rick at June 6, 2008 1:47 pm :

I tend to agree with Foodie. Some menu items were wonderful, some … had room for improvement. The atmosphere was inviting, except for the smokers at the bar. Service was friendly, but not necessarily well-informed nor quick. We liked the restaurant, but found the menu to be … sparse.

Look, I understand the trials, tribulations. and sheer stupidity that they’ve had to face just opening, but still, I don’t think there is a catch-22 in play here. A good business plan has the place well-staffed and the kitchen well-stocked at all times, not just when the clientèle reaches a certain threshold. A new restaurant has to be prepared for a certain period of growing time. And to absolutely at the top of their game during the initial, lean months.
posted by Eric S. Huffstutler at June 6, 2008 1:53 pm :

I know for myself if I am greeted with a not so friendly waiter and service is slow… then the food is mediocre, I will not return and I am a BIG tipper for those who do go out of their way. Will drop $20-$50 tips on a $50-$100 tab sometimes if the service is exceptional even if the food isn’t.

Eric
posted by Dandelion at June 6, 2008 3:51 pm :

Ate there a few weeks ago. Waiter’s first night on the job and pretty much got every order wrong. Talked with the owner and he said he wanted to open a Deli down the street but says there is a new ordinance which blocks new restaurants from opening up in Church Hill and it’s not just due to the known parking problem. Does anybody have any information on that?
posted by ruth at June 6, 2008 3:52 pm :

I have to disagree with a previous poster, “dive” appearance is NOT a determinant in the success of a restaurant–and Mama Zu’s’ is a perfect example. The place is filthy-dirty, the service stinks, overpriced, and the food is so mediocre, but it’s still hailed as a “great” restaurant of Richmond. Plus, it’s in an even crappier part of town, too. Personally, I liked Que Pasa a lot, however it is a little too expensive to make a regular stop. And I’m accustomed to avocado with that type of food. But the meats are really, really good.

Trying to explain why a restaurant is successful (or not) has very little to do with the quality of food or the appearance of the interior and exterior. Even service isn’t always an issue. For instance, the Hill Cafe is packed even though it is very smoky, the food is truly mediocre, and the waitress’ act like they don’t even care about how you like the food, which is probably because they know they will make money due to sheer volume.
posted by hillkid at June 6, 2008 4:14 pm :

“The place is filthy-dirty, the service stinks, overpriced, and the food is so mediocre, but it’s still hailed as a “great” restaurant of Richmond. Plus, it’s in an even crappier part of town, too.”

Finally someone speaks the truth about Mama Zu’s. It’s been the Emperor’s new clothes for too long.
posted by Bud Tugly at June 6, 2008 5:44 pm :

Guess none of you ever ate at Mama Zu’s forebearer, AV’s on New York Avenue East in DC. Next to the local cop shop and a rowdy club next door, used car lot across the street.

Good food, good value sometimes smoky and service similar to Mama Zu’s most of the time but we went back again and again, cause we LIKED it!
posted by Gray at June 6, 2008 6:03 pm :

Mamma Zu’s is the closest one can get to Italy in Richmond. No one beats their rockfish, clams linguine, zuppa di pesce, lamb shank, and that amazing squid with white beans side dish. And the prices are modest considering the high quality ingredients and huge portions.

Back to Que Pasa…if possible I’m hoping to skip out and have a drink there and maybe try some of that meat everyone is raving about. My family had an enjoyable brunch at Que Pasa the first week it opened –lots of wonderful fresh baked goods.
posted by Crystal at June 6, 2008 6:04 pm :

Have any of you tried Sandra’s? I have on a few occasions and really do like it. Granted I don’t eat meat so tend to stick to sides and the egg salad sandwich, but she’s friendly, does all her own cooking and the food is exactly what you’d expect soul food to be.
posted by Crystal at June 6, 2008 6:08 pm :

Pronto Italian Restaurant in Libbie Place gets my vote in the Italian department.
posted by beth at June 6, 2008 8:21 pm :

Okay, I have tried Sandra’s and I was really turned off. No matter how good the food, I felt like a suspect the whole time. Having to pay through the security door, being told to sit down while they made my food, dry creamer, and margarine instead of butter. And - my breakfast cost 9.OO to boot! I have never been in a more customer un-friendly place in my life.
posted by ruth at June 6, 2008 8:48 pm :

“Mamma Zu’s is the closest one can get to Italy in Richmond.”

Note to self: Never, ever, NEVER go to Italy.
posted by CN&JG at June 6, 2008 10:46 pm :

we went to que pasa tonight… and we had a good experience. the only negative is that they were out of plantains, but the food we got was delicious especially the shrimp and veggies skewers appetizers. our waiter was very nice and overall everything was great. the prices were reasonable. we will be returning!
posted by Dandelion at June 7, 2008 10:45 am :

Mamma Zu is indeed the closest one can get to true Italian cuisine. I have been to Italy three times now and by far Mamma Zu is the best. When we were in Florence, Most of the locals we talked to head outside of the city to have a good meal. When we did that we had the best meal of the trip with no tourists. Same thing when we stayed at Villa in the Tuscan Hills. That is the type of food Mamma Zu makes.
Yes Mamma Zu looks looks like a dive. Yes Dave the host will kick you out if you complain about the wait. But that’s all part of the experience. If your a vegetarian they have the Best Vegetable Lasagna and Eggplant Parmesan that you can get.

If the you don’t agree I’m sure Olive Garden will be glad to take your money. One less person I have to wait for to get a table at Mamma Zu.
posted by ruth at June 7, 2008 8:59 pm :

Note to self: definitely, absolutely, never, ever, never go to Italy. And based on reports by some f-tard named Dandelion(?), never, ever, never go to Mama Zu’s because apparently it is a magnet for f-tards!

p.s. make reservations at Olive Garden.
posted by john_m at June 7, 2008 9:06 pm :

by some f-tard named Dandelion

Y’all, please chill the fuck out. If you want be like that, please arrange to meet and call folks names, or sign your whole name. I’m a little over just how shitty everyone thinks that they need to be behind a pseudonym.
posted by Ramzi at June 7, 2008 9:18 pm :

Get some manners, Ruth, your method of criticism is undoubtedly equal to your taste in food and upbringing. This is a public forum for open and mature discussion, not a back alley. I’ve been to Que Pasa once and had a very good overall experience, brunch was tasty, service just fine. I’ve also been to Mamma Zu’s numerous times and have always been treated well. Sometimes it’s the patron and not the restaurant that’s at fault for bad service.
posted by Jennifer C. at June 7, 2008 10:56 pm :

If you want a giggle about Mamma Zu, find the article on tobacco avenue.
Hey, John, if you really wanna have some fun, make the ISPs visible.
posted by gray at June 7, 2008 11:09 pm :

For big laughs, read http://chpn.net/news/2008/06/01/a-proposal-to-revisit-new-construction-in-oldhistoric-districts/ comment #’s 111 -128.
The Daabs and the William and Bobs go at it. It’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf” on chpn.

Is Tobacco Avenue a blog or magazine?
posted by ruth at June 8, 2008 9:18 am :

Look Ramzi, I’m always leery of people who use high falootin’ words like “undoubtedly.” My method of criticism is not undoubted since I just doubted it, dork. And another thing, it’s obviously not a problem with the patron (me) because even people who write in defense of Mama Zu admit that the service stinks. In fact, it’s so terrible, another has posted a link to a site that is a satire of their infamous bad service. I’m not the one with the problem, it’s the idiots who keep going back to a restaurant in spite of the mounting evidence.

And you say that this a forum for mature discussion? Well, undoubtedly you are are wrong. My upbringing taught me the value of good food, proper service, and sanitation, and that is why I don’t eat at Mama Zu.

Btw Dandelion(?), if a line at the door of a restaurant was any indication of the quality of the food being served, then that means Red Lobster and Olive Garden are some of the best restaurants around, as evidenced by their large reception areas and benches for waiting on the exterior, as well. Don’t be fooled by surface features like long lines and long waits, because they are undoubtedly untrue.
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 10:17 am :

Hey Ruth, You said, “I, myself, don’t need rules, because I have principles instead.” (http://chpn.net/news/2008/06/01/a-proposal-to-revisit-new-construction-in-oldhistoric-districts/ , #156)

Looks like you need to follow rules after all. Check out John’s comment #21.
posted by Shannon at June 8, 2008 10:25 am :

Tiresome. Anybody else yawning?

How about you all meet at Que Pasa for brunch, and play the little game we played in our family when people wouldn’t stop bickering… Here’s how it goes:

Go out back and do your very best to punch each others’ lights out. Whoever is left still standing was right.
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 10:33 am :

Jennifer C, found the tobacco ave article, very funny. Reminds me of Seinfeld’s soup nazi, “no soup for you!”

The writer for tobacco ave also mispronounced orecchiette. He skipped a syllable by not pronouncing the “chi.” I will report him to Mamma Zu.
posted by ruth at June 8, 2008 10:46 am :

John was talking about those who feel they need to hide behind a stupid pseudonym like dandelion. And who would actually choose to name themselves after one of north america’s most maligned lawn weeds anyway?
posted by john_m at June 8, 2008 10:51 am :

John was talking about those who feel they need to hide behind a stupid pseudonym like dandelion.

Whether you’re posting as ruth or dandelion, unless you sign your whole name, you are basically anonymous here.

Please, y’all, just take a break from the negativity.
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 11:05 am :

John, Yesterday I left a comment regarding my recent visit to Que Pasa, is it lost?
posted by Shannon at June 8, 2008 11:41 am :

I was not looking to be neg. Just playing around, and goofing on some cyber-angst that I found amusing.

Apologies if I came off as trying to add fuel to the internet flames. Not my direct intent.

Another hot one, eh? Hope everyone can find a fun way to stay cool today!
posted by Dandelion at June 8, 2008 1:16 pm :

To me a symbol of suburbia is the prevalence of the chain restaurants and the crowds they do pack in. There are many people who like having the ability to get the exact same meal at an Applebees in Wichita as the ones here. Chains offer a comfort zone where people can go in without having to worry about what is on the menu or even the location of where the restaurant is.

This is one of the main reasons I live in Church Hill. I support all the local hometown restaurants, which is indeed the true Richmond eating experience. There is just a great diversity of the choices and the styles. I see this as a root cause of some of the restaurants downtown failing, people are unwilling to leave their comfort zone and come downtown to have a great meal!

I enjoyed my meal at Que Pasa, had a side dish of a type of bean I had never heard of and was pleasantly surprised and the dessert was the highlight. But we were the only ones there during the entire meal and this was at 7:30pm. That’s the tough part. I don’t think Church Hill can support a restaurant like Que Pasa without people coming in from outside. I for one could only do Cuban/South American food every couple months or so and that would include splitting the visits between Que Pasa and places like Kuba Kuba.

Not to beat a dead horse but in my opinion I believe Mamma Zu is the best and I’ll defend it. I have never experienced bad service. I actually know many of the wait staff and the host is stern but he has to be. Tight space, large crowd, long wait can make some patrons tempers fly. I never had a dirty plate, table or silverware. Yeah the seats are ripped, the plates are chipped and it needs a fresh coat of paint but that doesn’t mean it’s not clean. I have always heard comments about the service but from people who had never been there. They just heard rumors and I think rumors like that hurt all of the downtown restaurants because people lump them all together. While I rather have them try it and decide for themselves rather for them to stick to their comfort zone.
posted by hillkid at June 8, 2008 1:20 pm :

“Yeah the seats are ripped, the plates are chipped and it needs a fresh coat of paint but that doesn’t mean it’s not clean.”

Actually, that’s exactly what it means. It is a violation of the Dept. of Health to have ripped vinyl or upholstered seating and chipped plates and glassware.
posted by ruth at June 8, 2008 8:42 pm :

Enough said.
posted by Katherine at June 8, 2008 8:53 pm :

(I’m always late to the party)

I have been to Mama Zu’s. I didn’t think the service was that bad. Yes, it’s divey but people kinda like that. I find their food to be a combination of you-get-what you pay for, and some nice basic ingredients handled well. What do you think you get in a $9 Zuppe de pesche? Some clams, and a couple little shrimp, that’s about it. But at least they’re nice clams. For me that’s not enough to go back but apparently for many, it is.
*shrugs*

As for Que Pasa…to all who live nearby…I apologize in advance. But I didn’t go up that way for Jumpin J’s and I ain’t doing it for them either. Somebody else can be the pioneer. I’m just one little white girl, and I don’t feel safe there.

I wish them luck but I’ll take a pass.
posted by ruth at June 8, 2008 9:20 pm :

I understand what you are saying Katherine about not feeling safe. I used to feel the same way until about five years ago when I had a bout of insomnia and went on midnight walks by myself around the block north of Broad. When I think back, maybe I was a little crazy for doing that, or perhaps the neighborhood isn’t as bad some might think. Maybe?
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 9:42 pm :

Katherine, you must of ordered the zuppa di pesce on a bad night or in a different restaurant and the cost is more than $9. This dish is a family favorite and is loaded with clams and mussels in their shells, squid in rings and whole(love the tentacles), large fish chunks and two jumbo shrimp requiring a knife all basting in that flavorful garlic broth poured over al dente spaghetti. The seafood is cooked to perfection, never does it become over cooked and rubbery in the steaming hot soup.
posted by Katherine at June 8, 2008 9:45 pm :

And PS I echo the sentiment that Mama Zu’s be “authentic trattoria”….NOT…been to Italy 4 times but didn’t have to get on a plane to tell you that!

There is no Chicken Parm in Italy…just like there’s no Chop Suey in Hong Kong.

And if we want to talk about dirty, why are we not talking about the Hill Cafe??? I don’t think they’ve put a clean plate in front of me yet.
posted by Katherine at June 8, 2008 9:48 pm :

I was there on Thursday May 29th. My Zuppe de pesche was $9.95. It was mostly pasta and clams. It wasn’t great. The components were tasty, and it was worth $9.95. But it wasn’t fine dining by any stretch.

My measure? If I can make it better at home, then why didn’t I?
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 9:50 pm :

Ruth, Nowhere in the city and in parts of the burbs is it safe to walk around by yourself at night.

My girlfriend and I went to Que Pasa Friday night and found a parking space out front, went inside and ordered a wonderful summer white wine for a very reasonable price.
posted by gray at June 8, 2008 9:52 pm :

Did you go there for lunch or dinner?
posted by ruth at June 8, 2008 10:00 pm :

Well, I did mention the Hill Cafe and its smokey atmosphere. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to inspect the plates since it’s so dark. Heck, maybe that’s why they keep it dark.
posted by Katherine at June 8, 2008 10:52 pm :

Gray: Dinner. Seven-ish. The staff was kinda snotty but that’s okay, I’m from NJ and I don’t care about them so I can take it.

Ruth: Hill Cafe. This sums it up for me. My server stood over my table and in bored, spaced out fashion, bit and cleaned her fingernails while she took my order. When I complained to whom I thought was the manager…she went and told the girl what I said and she came to my table to start a fight with me. (They both still work there). Between that, missing ceiling tiles and dirty ductwork overhead…slipping on used napkins between the pot room and bathroom, the smoke, dirty utensils, and remnants of other menu items delivered to my plate by way of the kitchen cutting boards…I avoid the Hill Cafe whenever possible. There are too many other good places to be fed around here, like Tarrant’s, where I plan to be tomorrow!
posted by gray at June 9, 2008 12:24 am :

$9.95 is a deal! I’ll order take out this week. Katherine, do you work at Tarrants?
posted by ruth at June 9, 2008 8:45 am :

That’s exactly what I was referring to, Katherine—the waitresses act like they don’t care. I can only imagine it’s because the place is so busy, they know they will make a lot of tip money based on sheer volume.

The last time I ate there was a year ago. I got a hummus wrap with barely any hummus and a lot of soggy, drippy tomatoes. The tortilla soon turned into mush and I was so grossed out that I couldn’t even finish it. The waitress didn’t ask why I left half uneaten and I did say anything because, at that point, I resolved to do myself a favor and never go back. And besides, I can make a better hummus than they do anyway.
posted by Katherine at June 9, 2008 8:48 am :

Nope, don’t work at Tarrant’s. I am a completely unpaid shill :))

I love their food, though, and they are really nice people. See- now there’s a place worth braving a scary neighborhood for!
posted by lisa at June 9, 2008 11:17 am :

We eat at Que Pasa all the time. Cheap, good food .. nice place. More then one entree for under 10.00! You feel good being there and we want to support a local place. Thank you John. Wish there were others. The Hill Cafe’s is just OK. Mamma Zu on the other hand is great. I grew up in Little Italy in NY so I appreciate the real thing.
posted by Kristin at June 9, 2008 12:48 pm :

Katherine,
Where in the world do you live that you think the area around Que Pasa is so scary?
posted by gray at June 9, 2008 1:09 pm :

Just called Mamma Zu and the zuppa di pesce is $11 at lunch and $17 for dinner. I knew there was no way for them to heap the seafood like that for $9.95. Katherine, maybe you ordered a 1/2 a dish.
posted by Mark at June 9, 2008 1:35 pm :

I have only been to Que Pasa once but it was underwhelming.. SERIOUSLY doubt I’ll give it a second try, but apparently there are lots of folks who like it (too bad none were there the evening I was.. it was like a morgue).. Here’s the deal from my perspective.. People obvously have varying views on Mama Zu’s, Hill Cafe and Que pasa.. but the first two are always busy.. Que Pasa.. I drive or walk by the place almost every evening and I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than four tables filled.
posted by Kevin at June 9, 2008 3:18 pm :

I’ve been to Que Pasa twice for brunch and once for dinner. Brunch was very satisfactory and the ribs for dinner were excellent. I’ve encountered the same friendly servers and bartender on every visit and it’s nice (and rare) to be able to chat with the owner.

Dining out is such a subjective experience, so I appreciate that there will be variations in people’s opinions. I fully expect that Que Pasa will only get better with time, but I’ve been very happy with my baseline experiences.
posted by Randolph Strummer at June 9, 2008 4:50 pm :

Oh my Lord, (re: post #28) I misproununced orechiette in the actual story making fun of dish mispronunciation at MZ?! Call them all you will, we will not go down without a fight!
posted by john_m at June 9, 2008 5:04 pm :

I don’t have a dog in this fight, but ran across a good line while researching something else. Written after Gaston did its thing back in 2004:

I don’t care what your take on faith is, you’ve got to question the competence of a god who destroys Cafe Gutenberg and leaves Mama ‘Zu intact.
posted by gray at June 9, 2008 5:25 pm :

Might report Katherine too for misspelling Zuppa Di Pesce in post #36.

One thing needs to be said, is that Ed Vasaio is one of the most generous restaurant owners in town and when he gives, it is in huge quantities. He supports local charities, schools, artists, individuals in need, etc.
posted by hillkid at June 9, 2008 8:29 pm :

I surprised that there is more controversy on this thread about the merits of Mamma Zu’s and no one questioned the remark in comment #36 by Katherine…

“As for Que Pasa…to all who live nearby…I apologize in advance. But I didn’t go up that way for Jumpin J’s and I ain’t doing it for them either. Somebody else can be the pioneer. I’m just one little white girl, and I don’t feel safe there.”

…and all the really crude remarks by Ruth (actually, some of you have).

Katherine and Ruth,

I think you two win he knuckle dragging championship!
posted by ruth at June 9, 2008 8:38 pm :

Jerk! You’re just trying to instigate a cat fight. There are special sites you can go to for that.

I’m not having any part of it.
posted by hillkid at June 9, 2008 9:02 pm :

I rest my case.
posted by gray at June 9, 2008 10:03 pm :

“I’m just one little white girl, and I don’t feel safe there.”

Hillkid, that is one I tried to ignore. Growing up in Church Hill, I had friends who were not allowed to spend the night with me because of where I lived. Their parents all thought it was so dangerous.

I’ve had more friends and relatives mugged and/or beat up in the safe areas of town like the Fan and the Museum district. In Church Hill, like any neighborhood in a city, you must be alert and cautious.
posted by hillkid at June 9, 2008 10:44 pm :

Yeah, but what does that have to do with being “just one little white girl?”

Seems that Ruth and Katherine are the real “f-tards” here (whatever that means).
posted by TC at June 9, 2008 11:34 pm :

Que Pasa has some good food. There seems to be a lot of competition in the restaurant business in Richmond. If you look at the crime map on this website that area doesn’t seem to be less safe than other parts of church hill. They have a pretty good sunday brunch actually.
posted by ruth at June 10, 2008 7:58 am :

If you’ve never heard the word “f-tard,” hillkid, I have a feeling you haven’t been considered a “kid” in a long, long time. Get with it.

You are right, Grey. My friend’s car has been broken into twice this year while sitting in the driveway of his southside $250,000 home. My car hasn’t been touched in all the nine years I’ve been living here.
posted by Julie at June 10, 2008 12:14 pm :

We are new to the Church Hill area and are enjoying exploring the local restaurants. We’ve had two good experiences at The Hill Cafe, other than finding it a bit smoky, so it’s interesting to see everyone’s comments about how bad it is. We haven’t tried Que Pasa, but have noted that it’s always empty when we drive by.
posted by Katherine at June 10, 2008 5:23 pm :

Oh my God! Did someone say WHITE???
The horror.

Guess what buddy? I couldn’t care less what you think. LOL!
posted by jami at June 10, 2008 5:37 pm :

All of Richmond is a scary place. So what? I was terrified working on a house by myself this past year on the hill, but I did it anyway. And I have had a GREAT year up here!!

I can honestly say I met the most wonderful people all around me, humble, honest, warm and willing to accept me right into their neighborhood. Way nicer than my Bon Air neighbors, whom I rarely see outside of their homes.

Take a chance on Que Pasa. Be brave!!
posted by Karen at July 21, 2008 2:18 pm :

We took some friends there Friday night. We were a little hesitant because the place gets such mixed reviews however, we believe in patronizing local places whenever possible so….we had a very good meal. The bartender makes an excellent Mojito!! We had plantains for the appetizer - yummy. All of our entrees were good and the food was plentiful. We split desserts and left very full. Our waiter Bryan was attentive without being overbearing. Our friends who were from out of town thoroughly enjoyed it and said we could take them back anytime. Still not a busy place but several other parties came in while we were there. If you haven’t tried, give it a try - I think you’ll find it worth the trip.
posted by Shannon at August 7, 2008 10:09 pm :

Nice review in this week’s Brick.
posted by Ann at August 9, 2008 3:42 pm :

I was delighted to see negative reviews of Mama Zu and the Hill Cafe. Have never liked either of them, for all the reasons mentioned. Can Can is the most overpriced, snotty restaurant in town.Is there daily turnover in waitstaff? What these places have in common is excellent reviews by the T-D. I’ve lived in Richmond 8 years. I used to pay attention to the T-D reviews. Now I realize that good reviews go to good advertisers. The food darlings also get “Best” in the Best and Worst issue of Richmond magazine. Despite the fawning media, there are so many really GOOD places in Richmond!!
posted by Shannon at August 9, 2008 9:21 pm :

Funny - I brought my visiting father to Can Can today for lunch, and it was great. I have never had a bad meal, nor bad service there. I recognize lots of the same staff there, too. They have never been anything but really friendly to me - despite the fact that I was wearing cut-offs, work boots, and a tank top. The decor is nice, and the bathrooms are chic, and always clean just like the rest of the interior of the place.
posted by Laura Daab at August 9, 2008 9:39 pm :

Ann:

I agree with Shannon. Can Can is a really wonderful place on many levels.

You are wrong about paid advertisers in the RTD getting good reviews, it’s just not true. I can attest to that. As a business owner who has probably spent almost a million dollars with the RTD over 15 years here, it has NEVER guaranteed a good review or any other freebee with the RTD.

A lot of times, best and worst stuff in any city has to do with getting your patrons, friends, family, pets, and anyone else to write to the publication and vote for you. It’s a PR campaign, plain and simple.

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