Farmers’ market comes to Carytown, Belvidere is now closed, Pasture hosts Walla Walla wine dinner

Several RVA restaurants have gone quietly in the night and another has drastically cut its business hours.

August 16, 2012; 9:15 AM • by RVANews staff

August is said to be one of the toughest months for a restaurant and that looks to be very true for a few of RVA’s eateries.

On Sunday August 12th, The Belvidere at Broad announced it would be shutting its doors after three years in business. They were originally set to close today, but after an overwhelming response from diners trying to grab one last meal, they had to close Tuesday due to a shortage of food. The Belvidere was a go-to spot if you had a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free pal in your group–and hands down had the best sweet potato fries in town. The owners are trying to get the space transitioned as quick as possible. You can read more from them here.

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The Cellar Door, located in the basement of the Stuart Circle apartment building, has also closed its doors. Owners Kevin Wilson and Justin Adly say that infrequent foot traffic and not enough parking is ultimately what closed their doors after two years of operation. Food reviewers had great things to say about the place, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to keep them afloat.

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LuLu’s in Shockoe Bottom is still open but, only for Saturday and Sunday brunch, according to Richmond.com. LuLu’s opened just five years ago and was a tough lunch and dinner reservation to snag. With so many new restaurants opening, we have to remember our old favorites, people! LuLu’s will now be open from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday with this brunch menu.

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On a more uplifting note, this Sunday marks the very first Carytown Farmers’ Market. According to West of the Boulevard News, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM you can visit the Carytown Cleaners parking lot (located at 3300 W. Cary Street) for fresh veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses, wines, and flowers from local vendors. There will be no crafts or prepared foods for sale, as they don’t want to take away from the retail spaces already in Carytown. The market will run every Sunday through November 4th–rain or shine–and if all goes well they will resume in the spring.

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On Tuesday, August 21st, Pasture will host a wine dinner with Seven Hills Winery which is located in Walla Walla Valley (the best name for a town ever). $55 plus tax and gratuity gets you the following four course dinner:

Reception: fresh vegetables, pickled chilli and anchovy dip
Wine: Oregon Pinot Gris, 2010

1st Course: crispy clams, stewed tomato, soft egg
Wine: Columbia valley “Talcott vineyard” viognier, 2009

2nd Course: braised duck leg, blackberry, burnt orange, tarragon jus
Wine: Columbia valley merlot, 2009

3rd: roasted beef strip loin, red wine braised beets, roasted garlic/pimenton butter
Wine: Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006

4th: cornmeal cake, blueberry/peach compote
Wine: Columbia Valley riesling, 2010