Dutch & Co. and Casa del Barco open and a raw bar heads to the Fan

From The Fan to Church Hill, several new restaurants recently opened their doors, and we learn that a new doughnut shop, along with a raw bar, are headed to RVA.

January 17, 2013; 10:29 AM • by RVANews staff

We’ve waited for months to figure out what exactly would go into the DeLux space and when it would open. We officially have answers: Pearl Raw Bar will be opening for dinner and brunch in early February, with lunch service soon to follow. The owners have redone the space at 2229 W. Main Street and will be using the upstairs portion as a separate location (name to be determined).

At first, the raw bar will open Thursday through Sunday nights and for private events. Co-owner Michelle Williams describes the new restaurant as a “Fan-friendly raw bar” with seafood options, but not quite as upscale as Watergrill or the Hard Shell, also operated by Williams and her restaurant partner, Jared Golden. As soon as we get a menu, we’ll pass it along!

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Dutch & Co. is officially open in Church Hill. Michelle Peake, Phillip Perrow, and Caleb Shriver are behind the new spot at 27th and Marshall. There’s a lot of culinary talent in this group: Perrow comes from Acacia, and Shriver, who was named the 2011 Rising Culinary Star in Richmond Magazine’s 2012 Elby Awards, comes from Aziza’s. The menu will change with the season, but will consistently offer “contemporary American dishes influenced by regional products.” Dutch & Co. is open from 5:00 – 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. January menu available here.

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Also open is Boo’s Brown Bag at 1201 W. Main Street, formerly Carlyle’s Café, Tropical Safari Cafe, Ruchee Express, and Sweet Pea’s. Boo’s is owned by Bob Windsor, who also co-owns EAT Oregon Hill, formerly Pescado’s. Windsor’s childhood face even appears on the to-go bags–Boo is the nickname that his brother, Greg, gave him when he was younger (awwww). The restaurant is a great breakfast, lunch, or quick dinner spot offering a variety of quiches, sandwiches, soups, and salads. It’s open:

6:00 AM – 8:00 PM • Monday through Thursday
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM • Fridays,
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM • Saturdays
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM • Sundays

We’ve tested the lunch menu and give it a thumbs up. Check it out here.

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Casa del Barco is now officially open on the Canal Walk at 320 S. 12th Street in the under-renovation Italianate building in The Locks residential complex. The 5,700 square-foot restaurant space is owned by Kevin Healy, who also owns The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. The menu features dishes such as: lobster ceviche, green chorizo, beef tongue tacos, handmade tamales, and six different salsas all made with fresh, local ingredients. Over 100 types of tequila will be available, with happy hour plans in the works. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner with brunch served on Sundays. You can check the menu out here.

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Donuts might be the new cupcakes, people. We’re getting yet another donut shop, this one at the corner of Leigh and Lombardy: Sugar Shack Donuts. Ian Kelly and Casey Ward will co-own the shop, and plan to offer both cake and yeast-style donuts with vegan and gluten-free options also available. If donuts aren’t your thing, they’ll also have cheesecakes, biscuits, and huge rolls to purchase. You can stay updated on their progress by visiting their Facebook page and Twitter account.

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Ever wished you had the ability to make an awesome craft cocktail? Saison has a class for you! This Sunday, January 20th beginning at 3:00 PM, the new restaurant will host a cocktail class taught by Ari Form and Sother Teague of Amor Y Amargo in New York’s East Village. The pair will discuss the intricacies of brown, bitter, and stirred cocktails. Tickets are $40 and include snacks, cocktails, along with a tasty education.