Irene literally sinks a restaurant, Julep’s owner heads to the Fan, and a 70 year-old lobster house gets a mulligan

What seemed like a promising new restaurant is now sitting at the bottom of the James River, Davis & Main is getting a major face-lift, CousCous offers a date night that’s actually worth going to, a long-standing lobster house changes owners, and Ejay Rin will host an event that will make the mouths of foodies drop to the floor.

September 1, 2011; 9:29 AM • by RVANews staff

The Mallory, the restaurant venture on a boat we reported on a couple of weeks back, has um, sunk! Another Irene casualty, the 74-foot boat was the newest project from Poe’s Pub owner Mike Britt and his wife Jennifer. RIP Mallory.

The rumor is true! Amy Cabaniss, owner of Julep’s, will be taking over the old Davis & Main location at 2501 West Main Street. According to the August 22nd ABC License Application Review [PDF], Cabaniss has applied for a Wine & Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license. We’re anxious to see a menu already!

Cheap date alert! CousCous is now having Cheap Eats Redux on Monday and Tuesday. Grab a three course meal for two along with a bottle of sangria for only $40. Actual dating not required.

According to Style Weekly, Byram’s Lobster House has new owners. Jeff Kelso and his wife Corina have purchased and reopened the almost 70 year-old Broad Street landmark. The menu will boast a seasonal lineup that will, according to them, “never be frozen.”

Matt Sadler, the mastermind behind The House of Marinara has an event set for September 18th beginning at 7pm at Ejay Rin. Bill Foster and Andy Howell have an Asian/Southern five course menu set which looks mouth watering:

1st Course- Sake Steamed Mussels with Ham Hock

2nd Course- Local Rockfish with Shichimi Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes & Wilted Spinach

3rd Course- Soy Braised Fried Quail with Ramen Broth Grits & Bok Choy

4th Course- Confit of Pork Loin with Sticky Rice & Kale

5th Course- Hoecakes with House made Pear/Yuzu Ricotta & Local Honey

Tickets are just $50 per person and include meal tax and tip! For an additional $25 you can add a small pour pairing. Purchase tickets by calling 804-745-6488.

photo by rvaphotodude