Food News: The Answer, Perly’s, Nora open; Jorge’s takes a siesta; and Fall Line Fest beer and brunch

This week: Three restaurants open (one for the second time), one changes hands, and another takes a break. Plus, there’s more than just great music at this weekend’s Fall Line Fest (hint: brunch and beer!).

September 4, 2014; 8:35 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

The Answer, Mekong owner An Bui’s new brewpub concept, finally opened on Tuesday. While Bui won’t be brewing his own beer on-site until later this year, the draft list–comprised of 36 beers on tap–is pretty impressive. You can also expect to find a nice selection of Vietnamese cuisine, including banh mi sandwiches.

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In related news, Bui also got the keys to Commercial Taphouse, the city’s first true taphouse, late last week. A sendoff party was held for longtime owner James Talley. If you’re a diehard fan of this Fan mainstay, don’t expect any huge changes–at least not right now. We are hearing rumblings of forthcoming menu changes though, including the possibility of some new Asian fusion dishes.

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Perly’s, a Richmond delicatessen that enjoyed a more than 50 year run, has reopened under new ownership. Kevin Roberts, owner of The Black Sheep (where The Travel Channel’s Adam Richman visited, subsequently naming one of his sandwiches among the best in America), is running the show at the new iteration. Perly’s is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner seven days a week.

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In other restaurant opening news, Nora A Taste of Lebanon is now open in the former Pasta Luna space in the Gold’s Gym Plaza shopping center (8902 West Broad Street). Expect to find authentic Lebanese cuisine like falafel and kebabs at a reasonable price. The restaurant also has a banquet room and hookah bar. Richmond.com has a look at the full menu.

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Jorge’s Cantina, the Fan Tex-Mex spot co-owned by Jake Crocker and D. Hayden Fisher (of F.W. Sullivan’s, Lady N’awlins, Uptown Market & Deli, and Haxall Point) and Jose Garcia (owner of Mexico Restaurant) at Floyd and Robinson, remains temporarily closed. The spot shut down in late July. Crocker tells Richmond.com soft sales throughout the summer months contributed to the decision, but gives a few hints as to when you can expect the spot to reopen, adding, “I’m a Mexican restaurant, I’m allowed to take a siesta.”

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Fall Line Fest is this weekend, there’s plenty of awesome food and beer to complement the great music lineup. Fall Line Brunch Fest, which is exactly what it sounds like, takes place Saturday at The Broadberry (one of the Fall Line Fest music venues) from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and is included with the purchase price of a festival pass. The first come, first serve brunch is being cooked up by local chefs Will Mitchell of The Blue Goat, Will Wofter from Toast, Thomas Barnes of Society, Xavier Beverly from The Camel, and Oscar ‘Mac’ McCrowel of Social 52. There’s also a special, limited edition Hardywood/Star Hill beer collaboration, Amped Up Ale, available for purchase at all Fall Line Fest venues. Tickets are going fast; you can get yours here.

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Nelson County’s Wild Wolf Brewing Company is brewing the official beer of the Richmond Folk Festival (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) and the Richmond Folk Feast again this year. Folktoberfest, a special brew, was created especially for the festival. Members of the media and Venture Richmond officials took a trip to Wild Wolf on Wednesday to see the brewing process in action. Speaking of Folk Feast, I’m told tickets are just about sold out! If you’re looking to support a great cause in a delicious way, you better get on it now!

Photo: Perly’s Restaurant and Delicatessen