Sugar Shack Donuts on the rise, Jorge’s Cantina opens, and Aziza named best in RVA

Several new eats are coming soon, including a Mexican take on our first president and a sugary shack of doughnut goodness.

March 14, 2013; 7:25 AM • by RVANews staff

Jorge’s Catina is set to open on Wednesday, March 20th at the corner of Floyd and Robinson in the old Fan House location. The menu features Mexican cuisine with a slew of tequilas and margaritas. Jake Crocker is a partner in the new restaurant. He also owns F.W. Sullivan’s, Lady N’awlins, and Uptown Market and Deli — all located at the corner of Main and Stafford. Jorge’s will be open for dinner service at first, with lunch being offered on the weekends. If you see George Washington sporting a sombrero, then you’re in the right place!

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According to Richmond.com, a sushi restaurant is going into the old Sensi location in Shockoe Bottom. Hai Truong, chef and co-owner of Osaka and co-owner of Wild Ginger, will be opening Haiku Sushi and Lounge at 2222 E. Cary Street in a mere six weeks. Truong is a partner in EAT, which owns Fat Dragon, Blue Goat, Osaka, and Wild Ginger. He will use Osaka as his blueprint, offering lower price points and some Vietnamese items.

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Pearl Raw Bar opened in the Fan just two weeks ago and it is already tough to snag a seat! Luckily, it’s now open for lunch service beginning at 11:30 AM. You can take a peek at the menu here. Pear Raw Bar is located at the corner of Main and Strawberry in the old deLux space.

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According to Richmond Bizsense, it looks like Sugar Shack Donuts is set for an early April opening. Ian Kelly and Casey Ward will co-own the shop located at 1001 N. Lombardy Street. Sugar Shack will offer both cake and yeast-style donuts, with vegan and gluten-free options. Typical donuts will cost $1; speciality donuts around $3.

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Style Weekly released its annual State of the Plate issue this week, and it named Aziza’s Restaurant of the Year. Congrats! Aziza’s is located 2110 E. Main Street in the Bottom. It offers lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 9:30 PM, and Sunday brunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Reservations can be made for parties of six or more.

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Another congrats goes out to Sticky Rice, which was named one of the Top Ten Vegan Sushi Restaurants in North America by PETA. It landed number eight on the list for the following:

The Hot Hippy: spicy marinated tofu with scallions, peanuts, cucumbers, and carrots
G.I. Jane: cucumbers, vegan cream cheese, scallions, and sesame seeds rolled in crushed wasabi peas
Masumi: cucumbers and umeboshi (Japanese plums) sprinkled with sesame seeds
Garden Balls: Shiitake mushrooms, red pepper, cilantro, and spicy rice in an inari (tofu) pocket, then tempura fried and drizzled with faux-eel sauce (It’s not quite sushi, but it’s too good to leave off the list!)”

Way to go Sticky Rice!