Buddy’s gets to stay, Louisiana Flair throws a reunion party, and Nate’s tacos head to Carytown

The food gods have been super busy this week. First, we broke the news about Nate’s tacos making a return, then we found out about that public outcry kept Buddy’s in the Fan, and now we hear that Pasture is open for lunch. Here’s all this week’s food news that’s fit to eat.

January 19, 2012; 9:32 AM • by RVANews staff

Lots of exciting restaurant news happening this week! Probably the MOST exciting news is that the famous Nate Gutierrez of Nate’s Taco Truck will be the head chef of a new Mexican restaurant in Carytown. Hamooda Shami, the co-owner and GM of New York Deli is taking over the old Viva Mexico location in Carytown, across the street from New York Deli. They have a long way to go, but are hoping for a March opening. You can read more here.

All week we’ve been hearing news about Buddy’s Place, the familiar corner bar at Robinson and Stuart, possibly being forced to move. Charlie Diradour of Lions Paw Development, who owns the building, was rumored to not be renewing the lease on the 30 year Richmond mainstay. That all changed last night. According to Fan of the Fan, Buddy’s will stay put for at the lease the next three years. After negotiations between Buddy’s owners and Diradour yesterday afternoon, Buddy’s posted this comment to the “Save Buddy’s” Facebook page:

Both parties realize that misunderstandings along the way led to a breakdown in communication and are glad that these misunderstandings have been addressed for the good of all involved. Upon the signing of a lease tonight, both parties shook hands and wished one another well.

Last week we shared some deets on the pop up restaurant coming to The Roosevelt on February 19th, and now we have a menu! Church Hill People’s News has the delicious courses listed that you can check out here.

Speaking of delicious dinners and, um, Nates . . . Nate Sams of Louisiana Flair is organizing a reunion dinner that’s set to happen this Saturday, January 21st, according to Richmond Magazine. The dinner will run from 6pm – 9pm at Boychik’s Deli, where Nate has been working as a chef. The menu includes all of Nate’s famous dishes, from gumbo to king cake and everything in between. Tickets are $35 per person and drinks are BYOB. Call 497-9422 to make a reservation.

There has been a lot of buzz about Pasture lately, Chef Jason Alley’s newest restaurant, and it seems every weekend someone is tweeting a picture of their dinner from the downtown restaurant. Well now, according to Richmond.com, there are more opportunities for food pics because they are open for lunch! Lunch will be served from 11:30am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday, with the bar reopening at 4pm and dinner service beginning at 5pm. Pasture is located at 416 East Grace Street.

This is your last chance to grab tickets to the RVANews Beer Dinner happening this Sunday at 6pm at The Roosevelt. Just a handful of tickets are left, so get them while you can! Five beers paired with four courses specially crafted by chef Lee Gregory all for just $45 which includes tax and tip. Tickets available here.

photo by Gamma Man