By Tammy Jaxtheimer Restaurant critic Blue Pete's Restaurant is a landmark in Virginia Beach. I would make the trek to Pungo on windy, dark roads with a high school sweetheart in the late '70s, headed for the romantic yet rustic oasis.

By Rita Frankenberry The Virginian-Pilot When Peter Coe was scouting around for places to open a wine and cheese shop 35 years ago, he considered Connecticut and New York before settling on Hampton Roads. At the time, Coe said, state laws in the two states prohibited wine and cheese from being sold in the same store. Their loss was this region's gain.

A new lexicon may be emerging in the downturn. For one restaurateur, “renovations” really meant “closing.”

At the beginning of the month, an answering machine at the downtown Norfolk restaurant Bobbywood told callers that it was closed for “extensive remodeling and renovations.” The restaurant would announce its reopening date in the near future, it said.

By Judy Cowling Restaurant critic Breakfast is my favorite meal. Breakfast with company and in a restaurant is a treat. But the breakfast buffet at Catch 31 at The Hilton in Virginia Beach qualifies as a minivacation destination that doesn't require airfare or packing.

By Jerry Cronin Restaurant critic I first heard about Muroni's in Chesapeake while watching my daughter's soccer match. Another set of parents was talking about this great place in Great Bridge. When we recently visited for a review, I was pleasantly surprised to find what could easily become a personal favorite.

Marisa Marsey Port Folio Weekly

By Tammy Jaxtheimer Restaurant critic A mouthwatering dish of rockfish with rosemary mousseline, Surry ham, Chesapeake Bay crab grits, spiced Parmesan fried oysters, baby green beans and red eye gravy concocted by Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club chef Mark Andrews was named the Dish of Hampton Roads at the recent March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction in Virginia Beach.

By Tammy Jaxtheimer Restaurant critic Lubo Wine Tasting Room on Pleasure House Road in Virginia Beach aims to please its patrons with a wide selection of wines and a variety of fare to complement. It also offers New Arrival Wine Tastings on Tuesdays, Beef & Brew special on Thursdays and an after work party on Fridays.

By Tammy Jaxtheimer Restaurant critic In May, Mannino's Italian Bistro opened on Princess Anne Road in the Salem area of Virginia Beach.

Here's a tough one. It's lunch. You're hungry. Money is tight. Would you rather shoot through the drive-thru, or, for the same price or less, pop on over to Latin America? What about Jamaica, mon? Pupusas, anyone? How about a jerk chicken patty? Or, for the more adventuresome lunchtime palate, curried goat or cow's feet?