Food critic finds Stronghill an “enticing” dining spot

Stronghill, the new dining spot on the Boulevard (across from Buz and Ned’s), has garnered many positive reviews in the few weeks it has been open for business. The latest comes from the Times-Dispatch’s Dana Craig: Regardless of your propensity for tattoos, it’s almost impossible not to appreciate Stronghill’s coolly aware mix of upscale cuisine and […]

December 12, 2008; 1:13 PM • by North Richmond News

Regardless of your propensity for tattoos, it’s almost impossible not to appreciate Stronghill’s coolly aware mix of upscale cuisine and casual hipness. This dual appeal means Stronghill is keenly aware of its diners and drinkers.

It’s no surprise, then, that Stronghill’s general manager is Cole Bucholtz, a veteran whose résumé includes several Richmond nighttime institutions, including Starlite, Bandito’s and Sticky Rice.

Stronghill’s wine list is short but sweet — all glasses $7, all bottles $25. However, a lengthy list of specialty martinis keeps things interesting.

Wooden booths inlaid with dark, tattoolike swirls and towering ceilings give the space an Art Nouveau vibe while terra cotta-colored walls, exposed copper piping and a grottolike lounge give the place sophisticated appeal — a striking contrast to the Boulevard’s status as an undiscovered entertainment destination.

Chef Owen Lane, the culinary darling who has graced the kitchens of Helen’s, Michelle’s at Hanover Tavern and, most recently, The Track, has a knack for giving gourmet cuisine a comforting, Southern charm.True to his signature culinary mark, at Stronghill, Lane takes straightforward classics and invigorates them with subtle yet clever embellishments.

Go read more, and then make your reservations.