New flavors on the menu at revamped restaurants

Tapas, tunes and tradition

The newly renovated Williamsburg Lodge is offering tapas and tunes in the lobby lounge Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy traditional ales, wines and cocktails including Lodge specialties such as Mitch's Hurricane or Chambers Island Cosmo while listening to live light jazz. Tapas, or small courses, are priced $5 to $12. Two come from the grills in the courtyard - flash-seared beef brochettes with warm mushroom salad and toasted flatbread with herb goat cheese. Call 1-800-HISTORY or visit www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com.

New name, same spot

Asian Grill at 411 Granby St. in Norfolk has changed its name to Ooka and has added new Japanese and sushi presentations including tuna dumpling with tuna, king crab, shrimp and avocado, cilantro tuna or salmon, blackened cod, lobster miso soup and Scottie salmon, grilled salmon with vegetables in miso sauce. Call (757) 625-2222.

New on the menu

The Painted Lady, 112 E. 17th St. in Norfolk, has a new Southern cuisine dinner menu with such specialties as jambalaya with black rice or green apple pork chops. Special daily priced beverages such as strawberry sangria are offered Wednesday through Saturday, 4 to 6 p.m. In August a Hat and Glove Fashion Tea Show is planned with Norfolk's Melange Boutique. Contact The Painted Lady if you wish to be kept informed of ongoing events and promotions. Call (757) 623-8872

Smorgasbord of eateries

Landstown Commons in Virginia Beach on Dam Neck and Princess Anne roads has sprouted several prepared food options. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar has been serving guests for several months now. While I was in Kohl's department store, I overheard a cashier ask another if they would be having yogurt on their break, and that led me to the discovery of The Skinny Dip, right next to Firehouse Subs. If you are in the mood for Mexican or Italian, counter service eateries, Panchero's and pizza respectively, may fill the bill. Starbucks is perched at one end of the row of restaurants, and Longhorn Steakhouse is at the loop.

Smoked from Above BBQ & Ribs, an independently owned restaurant once on Baxter Road, should be ready for service in its new Landstown Commons home by now. Additionally, Finn McCool's Fish House and Tavern, the latest from local company, Keagan's Restaurant Group, is now open for dinner. The eatery, named for a legendary Irish folk hero, is outfitted with furnishings and fixtures from Ireland. See the menu and more at www.finnmccoolsvb.com.

New offering at Rajput

Rajput Indian Cuisine on Norfolk's West 21st Street has become known not only for its authentic and appetizing fare but also as a haven for vegetarians and vegans. Rajput's vegetarian and vegan dinner buffet on the first Thursday of the month has proven to be so popular (reservations required) that a veggie and vegan friendly buffet has been added for Saturday brunch. Rajput's owner, Paul Chhabra, continually gives back to the community as a constant participant in the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction and The Foodbank's Taste of Hampton Roads.

Renovations completed

Japan Samurai Steakhouse on Chesapeake's Portsmouth Boulevard completed a renovation that included an expansion earlier this year. They are prepared to welcome new guests for their hibachi-style cooking, and sushi offerings as well.

Greek at the Beach

Authentic Greek fare has made it to the Oceanfront on Atlantic Avenue at 14th Street. Ammos has an expansive outdoor dining area that overlooks the Boardwalk. Check out the menu at www.ammosvb.com.

A taste of Mexico

A new Mexican restaurant will soon open at Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake. Abuelo's, a chain of restaurants in the Midwest and eastern states, has one other Virginia location in Roanoke. The family-friendly eatery is known for its Mexican courtyard atmosphere. check out its menu and more at www.abuelos.com.

Tammy Jaxtheimer, flavor@pilotonline.com