By Tammy Jaxtheimer
Restaurant critic
Highly acclaimed 757 Fire & Vine at Hilltop East in Virginia Beach is paying tribute to "Virginia is for Lovers," the state tourism and travel slogan since 1969.
On Thursday nights through Labor Day, Virginia lovers can enjoy a three-course meal from a limited menu for $19.69. For an extra $50, upgrade to white tablecloth service with flowers, a keepsake candle, a monogrammed menu and chocolate truffles to go. Check it out at www.fireandvine.com.
Downtown Norfolk's Bobbywood is offering an "After-Work Dinner" Tuesday through Friday. A three-course prix fixe menu, which changes weekly, is $25. The deal on this great deal is that you must be seated by 6 p.m. - without exception. I know there are many folks who work too late too often. Maybe Bobbywood's 6 p.m. curfew will be an excuse to break away early.
After I moved to Virginia Beach, summers meant picking blue crabs, or snow crabs when the blues weren't readily available. Keagan's Restaurant Group is celebrating summer with Alaskan snow crab legs for $10.99 per pound Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m. Look for this special at Keagan's at Town Center in Virginia Beach and Jefferson Commons in Newport News as well as at Malibu Mac's in Virginia Beach's Red Mill Commons.
Bean There Cafe in Chesapeake is offering a romantic, candlelit coffee tasting and dessert evening July 18 with seatings at 7 and 8:30. RSVP by July 16 at (757) 312-0188. The cafe is at Towne Place at Greenbrier, 733 Eden Way N. See more at www.beantherecafe.com.
Some Philly fries with that?
Buffalo Beach, in Hilltop Plaza Shopping Center, is known as a locals' favorite casual, family-friendly, sports-minded eatery. Evan
Giuffre, future chef and son of owner Steve Giuffre, has reinvented the Philly. Philly fries is a new option. Golden fries are layered with provolone cheese and seasoned Philly steak with sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms. A drizzle of ranch and Buffalo Beach's bistro dressings along with a dollop of sour cream crown Giuffre's creation.
Those crazy chickens
When the El Pollo Loco sign appeared on my side of town at Red Mill Walk Shopping Center - in front of our new Target - my friend told me I should be excited. I was not familiar with the California-based chain, however, she praised its signature citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken served with tortillas and fresh salsas.
El Pollo Loco, a franchise of more than 400 fast, casual restaurants, offers contemporary Mexican-influenced entrees. The Virginia Beach location is the first of 10 to be opened throughout the Hampton Roads area by restaurant industry veteran Ella Avery-Smothers, who also owns eight Burger King franchises in Los Angeles. Avery-Smothers was raised on a tobacco farm with six siblings in southern Virginia. El Pollo Loco," which is pronounced "El POY-yo LO-co," is Spanish for "The Crazy Chicken."
Tammy Jaxtheimer, flavor@pilotonline.com
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El Pollo Loco
MY,MY,MY I went tho this restaraunt last Frday and it was great. I never had chicken that was seasoned so well and I didn't have to worry about calories. The Spanish rice and beans were fabulous. The Decor is very soothing and relaxing. I will go back again and again. Cudos to to such a great place with such exquisite flavors. I drove from Chesapeake to Redwing Shopping Center just to try it out. The long drive was worth it. The service was great as well. Check this out the owner even walked around and chatted with everyone. I'm quite sure this place will do well. I can't wait to try the one in Chesapeake. I guess I will have to make all the rounds. :-)
Ida Cookie Parker
Chesapeake, VA