Ask Lauren: a Very Richmond Experience, dinner in scrubs, and a Southside treasure

Looking for a place to eat but have a long, seemingly impossible, list of constraints? No worries! When this happens in the RVANews office, which is constantly, we just ask Lauren. She’s like magical restaurant oracle.

June 28, 2013; 9:20 AM • by Ross Catrow

Now, through the magic of the internet, you too can ask Lauren your myriad food-related questions. Well, technically, you can leave your questions in the comments below, I’ll ask Lauren, and then I’ll let you know what she says. It’s like the three-legged stool of restaurant recommendations.

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1. I’ve got friends coming in from Germany. Where should we go to show them a Very Richmond Dining Experience?

Part of any Richmond experience–after all of the history and James River stuff–is, of course, Southern food and Southern hospitality. You can get both down at The Roosevelt. Chef Lee Gregory is not only a James Beard Semifinalist–a huge deal–but the nicest dude you’ll ever meet. In addition to Gregory, you’ve got bartender Thomas “T” Legget, one of the best in town, serving up great cocktails and an all-Virginia wine list.

To recap: delicious southern food, amazing and creative cocktails, the nicest folks around, all tucked into one of Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods. Sounds perfect!

2. My co-workers and I want to try out a new restaurant after work. It has to be casual because we’ll still be in our scrubs.

You should check out the new Mellow Mushroom in Carytown. It’s got plenty of vegan, vegetarian, omnivorous, carnivorous, and gluten-free menu options. Plus there’s room enough to spare inside so you and your crew won’t feel packed in like anchovies. If you and your doctor pals need to blow off some steam after a late shift, they’ve got over two dozen taps and serve pizza until 2:00 AM.

3. My grandparents live on the Southside near Courthouse Road, and I’m tired of grabbing lunch at McDonald’s. There’s got to be a great place to eat over there, right?

Oh man are you in luck! Not only do your grandparents live near a great lunch spot, but they’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from one of the best taco joints in Richmond: La Milpa. Located at the intersection of Chippenham Highway and Hull Street Road, it’s not much to look at–but you’re not trying to eat the facade, are you?

No joke: the tacos at La Milpa are incredible and maybe life changing. The menu is delicious, authentic, and straightforward. And as an added bonus, half of La Milpa is a sweet Mexican market. Stock up on soft cheeses and tortillas while you’re there!

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