The Fan Reviews

Red Review Garnacha de Fuego

2009-07-26T23:01:00.003-04:00

I picked up Garnacha de Fuego for about $9 at a local market..the Bottle cover got me..It has flames and the rest of the bottle is black and it has Fuego in big red letters..It says it is from 2007 "old Vines" from Bodegas Ateca Spain..I disagree with the paragraph on the back...I think it is a good basic wine but no "exotic spicy finish" but it does have a plum and slight very slight cherry taste to it. I'm not sure I'd get it again unless it was with some sort of steak to help it out. Although you pay for what you get, I still think a tad false advertisement.

Restaurant Review - 8 1/2

2007-03-08T19:47:00.000-05:00

Yes 8 1/2 is the name of the Restaurant. It is on Strawberry Street next to the Cafe and the Market. This is mostly a take out only restaurant even though they have a couple chairs and tv and movies if you are waiting. Marie and I were in the mood for some pizza and I had recently seen there pizza displayed in the Richmond Magazine. They were being compared to Pizza Hut Thin Crust. So I suggested we order for 8.5 to get an idea on what they are like even though we always order Papa Johns online and have it delivered. So I ordered over the phone a half Italian Sausage half Mushroom with extra Cheese over the whole pizza. I asked for a large thin and crispy and he said they only come in one size, so I said okay. The pizza is about the size of a small/medium. I will give them the fact that the pizza was crispy and the sausage did have some flavor to them b/c they were big. But for the most part it tasted most of crust and not toppings and cheese or sauce. It was pretty greasy as well, enough to soak the bottom of the box pretty well. Marie thinks it was horrible and have a funny smell. I thought it was just blah and could use more toppings, cheese, sauce, more flavor, less grease. We paid around 8 or 9 dollars but really it was a 4 dollar pizza. Needless to say we won't be ordering the pizza again but I will try something else on the menu to see if it is just the pizza that needs new ingredients. This will get !!! out of 10!

Restaurant Review - Comfort

2007-02-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

It was Monday around 4pm and Marie wanted to go to Bob Evans. I said good idea but lets go to Comfort. She didn't want to at first so I said look at the menu online. After she saw the Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Okra she immediately said lets go now. I wanted something but I definitely wanted mashed potatoes.

We have been there before but every time we have been there you still can't get over how much effort they put into the decor to make it seem like a restaurant that has been there since 1952. They have old wooden buffet tables that house the silverware, that I can still not tell if they scratched the white paint off or it is really the original paint. The walls and borders all have the old dirty look that old houses have that need a paint job. But you know this is a new restaurant and they wanted that look. They also have this huge painting of an old 1950s fridge with a 6 pack of Schlitz beer, eggs, meat, etc. on the shelves. The music playing is that of old country and at a good volume level. The lighting is very cozy and low wattage.

We of course had the FGTs and the free bread basket. They have french bagets and cornbread. The cornbread was a little on the dry side but okay. I like how they give you a half of stick of real butter. That is the way we have it at home so I don't know why more places don't do it that way. I have never liked the fake butter with a tear drop of fake butter to spread on your bread, you have to open 3 of them to get a normal amount. Comfort really gets some pluses for the real half stick of butter. I had the Legend's Brown Ale and the ESB. Very good and thick but still smooth taste. Marie had a glass of white, which she enjoyed even though it was hot and had to put a couple ice cubes in her glass. The cubes were from the water that is served from the mason jars with straws.

So the main course was amazing. I had the Pork Tenderloin which was in a marinade and was very tender and juicy. The marinade was light but tasty. The mashed potatoes where good but a little too creamy. I couldn't get enough pepper out of the shakers to put on the potatoes. You could shake them all day and get 3 drops of pepper. The green beans where very good and very crispy. Marie had the Vegetable Plate and a cup of Tomato Bisque. She loved everything from the Fried Green Toms, scalloped potatoes, green beans, to the Fried Okra. We were stuffed. I thought about dessert but didn't think I could fit it in. We have chocolate from the valentine sale at Walgreens anyway.

Marie and I give it !!!!!!!!! out of 10.

Restaurant Review - Popkin Tavern

2007-02-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

Early Sunday evening around 5pm we where starving and had to go out and get our fill. We were up for something new but not too expensive. I had heard a lot about Popkin's Tavern across from Comfort on Broad. The windows in this place where massive. Not much to look out on the street but old buildings and the road but the theme on the inside is very modern and laidback. Plenty of flat screens and several lounge areas and pool. Very upscale hangout, and I'm sure if we were there later than 5pm on a Sunday there would be more of a crowd. The booths were comfortable and there was plenty of room between tables so you did not feel crowded. Plenty of cool lighting and nice service that it made you feel very comfortable and safe. They have plenty of different beers on tap and special mixed drinks. I had the sirloin, approx $18, with fries. Very juicy and good sirloin and the fries were a good salty boardwalk style. Marie had the santa fe chicken salad, approx $9, and we shared chips and salsa. One downside is there are only 4 entrees. Everything on the menu is centered towards burgers, salads, wraps and apps. But I had a great time and no complaints about anything other than trying to find free parking. But really that is true anywhere. Marie gives it !!!!!!! out of 10 b/c their were only 4 entrees and they did not have any chicken pot pie left and they are taking it off the menu. I give it !!!!!!!!! out of 10 b/c of the menu needs to have a little more. But the drinks, atmosphere, decor, views, lighting, and food where all great. We will definately go back for more. Well I'm full and ready for bed.

Hope to see you there.

The Queen (2007)

2007-02-11T01:50:00.000-05:00

This is a movie I never would think about viewing b/c it looks too boring. But I'll tell you I'm glad we changed our minds in line. We were going to see "Catch and Release", Marie loves Romantic Comedies but it looked like something you would look at in a dictionary under "romantic comdies". So I thought we would live a little and watch an old British lady entertain us for 2 hrs.

Honestly it was pretty good. The actress for the queen was excellent. It focuses on the time of Princess Diana's death, but not on Diana. The world always seems to bring her death up every year. Anyway, back to the movie, it is not long or drawn out like you think it would be like. Instead it has a good flow of drama on every corner. I had no idea how far disconnected the queen was from her nation. If it wasn't for Tony Blair I believe that country would have over thrown her. Why you ask..because the country wanted to morn publically while the queen was old school british where they morn in private in their own way. Respectable as it was, the nation had grown to love PD b/c she displayed her emotions in public and she was young as the nation around her so everyone loved her.

After about 5 days of Tony Blair trying to spell it out for the queen she finally made a public speech about the tragedy. Walking away from the movie you understand the queen's side as well as the nation's side. While this is too weird of a movie to add to my collection I will still watch it on HBO if it comes on and give it !!!!!!!! out of 10.

Red Review - Fossi Rosso

2007-02-09T20:59:00.000-05:00

So we went to the usual Cary Steet Beer and Wine and picked up the 3 for $20 deal. I noticed the famous Fossi Rosso which I have always noticed at most bars. I do not know the year but the picture is of an Italian woman eyeing some grapes. The bottle doesn't say much but "Red Table Wine, Product of Italy".

The smell is very Red Table Winey, nothing special. The taste is at first thought going to be dry, but after a swirl it turns to be pretty sweet and juicy. This is a very simple Red that is great for beginners, not too strong, dry, fruity, or complex, just everthing in between.

For the price we got it at it was great. But overall I'd give it !!!! out of 10.

Cheers.

Richmond Restaurant - The Village Cafe

2007-02-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

One cold Sunday morning around 9 Marie was craving some Chipped Beef on Toast. We searched and searched for menu's in the area that may have this delicacy. We noticed the The Village Cafe had the dish she was looking for. We parked on Grace Street next to the Ukrops. Passing by the corner hangout guys we were a little intimidated on what this place was going to be like. From the stop light we had seen Townies and VCU students in and out. Once we entered the warm bar-like cafe (I say warm b/c it was freezing and bar-like because it looks like a regular fan bar). We sat next to the waitress station near the bar and recieved prompt excellence service. This was great for our bloody refills. Marie is very picky about her bloodies so I ended up having hers, mine and a coffee. Originally I had ordered a mirmosa but they were out of champagne. I understand, it has only been a month since New Years.

Marie of course had the Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast. She loved it other than the Beef needed to be more and bigger. I had the Chocolate Chip Pancakes (I can never resist) which had a different texture and ingredients. They were 3 huge Pancakes with lots of chips. They were okay but I've had better, even with the butter and syrup over them.

The mood and decor of the new to us establishment was very hometown hole in the wall that had a recent makeover. It was clean with new flat t.v.s and light up signs. The inside is a lot bigger than you would believe from the curb. One of the best parts about coming in on a Sunday is they have the paper stack from others that morning you can grab. Or if you want the fresh full copy grab one from the machine just outside the door (1.75).

So if your in the mood for a laidback hometown Sunday, give The Village a visit.

We give it !!!!!!!! out of 10.

If your still reading this, I have had a salad, pasta, a martini, a glass of wine, had my computer shutoff on me b/c of norton to get this post up.

Cinderella Man (2005)

2006-10-08T14:24:00.000-04:00

So now we have a couple $1 late charges on these couple movies we rented this weekend. But add those into the first rental cost and it barely adds up to what we would have paid at CrapBuster. I'm not sure at this point if I would add the Cinderella Man to my collection. Most of the movie seems to reflect into the Great Depression. If anything I should buy the movie to remind me of how hard times can get in America. Even though now adays, they have models to try and prevent a Depression from happening. The movie also leaves you feeling very grateful for everything you have. Such as electricity, food & heat. This movie is your classic Rocky mentality only this one is based on a true story. During the movie I wondered where did the love for boxing disappear. But then I remembered that this movie is during the early thirties before football was big. Baseball was in its prime so in the offseason boxing and maybe basketball took its place. It's amazing how this main character really is not very big or trained a whole lot and went as far as he did in the movie. The movie does flash around from fight to fight and year to year really quickly so make sure you are paying attention. If you blink at one point you may be seeing a totally different fight or a different year. By the end you really to start to wonder if this guy is going to die in the ring. I asked Marie what happened to Cinderella and she said, "She married a prince". So I didn't see that happening in the movie but at least she didn't die. The Great Depression really sticks with you in this movie the whole time. The motivation level is dead at some points, by the end you really want this to end b/c you feel depressed that families had to deal with life in such a harsh way. At the end you want to just save every dollar you have. All in all I most likely will not buy this movie b/c it is a little depressing and a little too much like Rocky. Cinderella needs a little something extra to give it some more action or at least some laughter. It is a little too depressing to purchase it or watch it again. We give it !!!!!!! out of 10.

Sideways <2004>

2006-10-06T22:50:00.000-04:00

Tonight we joined a membership with The Video Fan on Strawberry Street next to the Cafe. First let me tell you I will never go back to Crapbuster after seeing The Video Fan. Unlike Crapbuster they actually have a different movie covering every square inch of the wall instead of 500 of the same movie sucking up 15 feet of space. I saw so many movies I hadn't even thought of in years. They have a little metal/paper circle you take off of a clip on the dvd and hand in at the register like a token. All the movies are separated by genre and they even have a second floor. It is old school movie rules where you have to return the movie the next day by midnight but it is still cool and convenient. Anyways...I'm getting sidetracked or shall I say Sideways. Marie and I sat down with a nice cold bottle of Legends Oktoberfest Beer and pushed play on the outdated but simple sanyo dvd player. After 1/4 of the way through we switched to Red Wine. You can not watch this movie and not have a bottle of wine next to the couch. It was a very intriguing but real life movie. I felt like this should somehow be based on a true story. The main two characters where total opposites that where both hard-headed, stupid, predictable but somehow it worked. It starts off a little slow, but at least wait till the middle when they meet up with the ladies. Then it gets better from there. It is amazing how much they do in just a week on a wine tour but each day seems to have drama. You want to kick one of the guys in the butt and let the other run wild in Vegas to get it out of his system. But you do learn a tad about Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and how Merlot must be grown off a wild-blackberry bush in a ditch. It is a classic love-torn movie with a little slutty drama. By the end of the movie Marie was asking if we can tour the California wine country next month. I wouldn't buy this as a dvd staple in my collection but it is worth the rental on a calm, wine-consuming evening.

#3 Red Review

2006-10-06T22:24:00.000-04:00

So what do you do on a rainy, cold & windy Friday that you took off work.....you buy some wine, beer and movies and enjoy looking at the streets flood between intermissions. So the Banrock Station; Shiraz 80%/Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, from South Eastern Australia 2004. Remember to let the bottle and pour breathe for a few minutes. I didn't and my first smell into the glass was a strong alcohol smell. But the first sip and swallow was very smooth and oaky. After I let it breath and oxidate from swirling a few minutes I started to smell more of a wood and fruit smell. The body is very thick with a syrupy look. The color is very, dark-amber rose while the taste is extremely-smooth & subtle. So, now you may be wondering how much I forked out. Marie and I went into a small wine market shop on Strawberry Street right next door to the Strawberry Street Cafe. There is a big rack in the middle of the store that is usually 3 for $20. This was one of them and what a steal it was. We would have paid up to 11 or so for this bottle alone. So in its class, we'd give it !!!!!!!! out of 10 exclamation pts.

#2 Red Review

2006-10-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

The Da Vinci 2004 Chianti seems to be a very popular wine online as well as in the stores. The name Da Vinci at first sparks me as a cliche name for an Italian wine. The smell is fruity and the body seems to swirl at a medium level. The first few seconds in, it is juicy but finishes dry but not too dry. I had it with some pasta and it was still a little to dry of a finish but with a piece of chocolate it went smoothly and juicy at the end. I bought it for 10.99 at a local wine store and I would pay that for it again. I wouldn't pay an unusual amount for this, I would however get it again and keep it stocked in my bar. Marie says this is her favorite of the reds. She says it does not leave an after-taste of dryness like other Reds do.

The Dog Mall

2006-09-30T17:13:00.000-04:00

Okay the "Dog Mall" is not technically in the fan but you can get there fairly quickly than heading out to the mess that is Short Pump to the Short Pump Town Center! The "Dog Mall" is also called Stony Point Fashion Park. Marie and I have a 1 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi who is very friendly with dogs and people. She get so excited she often rolls over and licks you as you pet her. Now today (Saturday) we plan to go out on the town tonight with some friends, so we thought it will be a great idea to take our pup exploring the Dog Mall. Long story short I'm glad the dog enjoyed it because handling 2 cups of coffee, an excited corgi, and a wife that really just wants to go home and take a nap it was way overrated. Even though most of the stores have the Dog Friendly signs in the door, you feel extremely out of place bringing your dog into an atmosphere with brand new $400 handbags. You do not have anytime to browse or even look at the shiny new Maui jims. So most of the even was walking down the Saks wing and sitting about 9 times so the pup could catch her breath from pulling the leash so hard. Next time we will get a shoulder harness. The water fountains that the mall provides are way too high for small to medium dogs. But some of the stores are nice enough to put small dog bowls out and the pup enjoyed it very much. So while marie and myself could pass on heading back there with a pup ever again we were very glad to have a worn out corgi when we arrived back home. And she loved the attention of I would guess 50 people that she licked today.

Quick Dinner & A Show

2006-03-10T22:23:00.000-05:00

We fandango'd tickets to the 7:45 show at the Short Pump Theater (10 mi. west of Richmond). This did not give us much time to walk the dog and change from work, so we had to grab a quick bite at the "Grapevine". The "Grapevine" is a quick place to grab a slice of pizza and a soda/beer. I had a Heineken and it had a hint of skunkyness. I love Heineken and I have had skunky beer before and it did have that taste to it. But it is imported so maybe it was unrefridgerated at some point. However, the meat pizza was pretty good though. They do need some kind of better exhaust system in the dinning room. It smelled like they had just burned 5 pizza's at once. For a quick bite and a beer, I'd give it !!!!! out of 10.

The Show was "Failure To Launch". It reminded my wife and I of "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days". FTL was pretty funny even though it had bad reviews. I know I couldn't have lived at home with my parents until I was 35 but I guess some can. I did walk away from this movie knowing something that I will try to have each week from here on out.....That would be Champagne Thursdays!!!!!!!!!! That sounds Awesome just saying that. Can't wait til next Thursday. Definately go see this with you significate other and guys it isn't that bad for a love chick movie.

Restaurants- Starlite Lounge & Bar

2006-03-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

This little main street corner restaurant is the best place for a martini, wings, crab/spin dip and probably a place where you will see people you haven't seen in a while. Everyone goes here basically.. you have the VCU students, the hard working office types, the middle aged married couples, the occasional hard-hat worker, the all-nighter, the tattooed dark-haired quiet person in the corner, and the loud group at the large table. You will run into people you know here. Very friendly and quick service, they have specials on the chalkboards. Small tv's for us sports fans, but it will do if you are trying to keep tabs on a team you really don't care about. They have a couple good specials during the week such as half price apps on Sundays! Oh and they just renovated the front porch to accommodate front porch dining in the middle of the winter. And in the summer the windows will open for that nice warm breeze, then you can wash that down with a nice cold Magic Hat #9 from the tap. Out of 10 exclamation pts I will give it !!!!!!!!

#1Red Review - Pinot Noir

2006-03-07T19:57:00.000-05:00

I just picked up a Pinot Noir 2004 from the Cavit Collection. If you pay more than $10 for this you over paid. It has a very thin body followed by a bland taste. Don't get me wrong I'm going to finish the bottle sometime in the next 2 days but...I've had better Italian wines. I would accompany this wine with pork chops but not pasta or steak or fish. The back of the bottle says it has berry and black cherry aromas and flavors, but to me it smells and taste of a flat, simple cheap red table wine....Maybe it was a bad year. Out of 10 exclamation points I give it a !!!!

The Fan Reviews 1st Post!

2006-03-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

Hi All! Living in the Fan area of Richmond, Virginia can be quite a review.Here you will see the latest and greatest reviews on Richmond bars, restaurants & lounges. We also will give you a preview on your next wine selection. And where there is wine there is beer. So we are testing out those micro brews you are too scared to try! And for those nights where you are too broke or lazy for a night out on the town we will back you up with a great review on movies out on DVD and the silver-screen. But if you don't agree with our review...well, you are not going to change our minds. Enjoy!