UPDATE: Pearl Raw Bar opens, Weiman’s Bakery closes, and Heritage gets some national press

This week saw Pearl Raw Bar open in The Fan, the 70-year-old Weiman’s Bakery close, and the owner of Don’t Look Back picked up a third restaurant spot on the 2900 block of Cary.

March 1, 2013; 8:39 AM • by RVANews staff

Update #1 — March 1, 2013; 8:38 AM

Last night The Republic tweeted that they would not reopen until early next week:

@sam25va We’ve done our best to solve our issues, but will not be reopening until early next week. Sorry for the bad news!

— The Republic R&B (@therepublicrva) March 1, 2013

— ∮∮∮ —

Original — February 28, 2013

Pearl Raw Bar officially opened last night. The Richmond Restaurant Group, which closed deLux last summer, told Style Weekly that, after five years of owning a bar in the Fan, it had lost its allure. Pearl Raw Bar will be the sixth restaurant that Michelle Williams and Jared Golden own together (the other five include: Europa, Water Grill, both Hard Shell locations, and The Hill Cafe).

Seafood does well for them, and Pearl Raw Bar will continue in those footsteps with oysters, crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and clams served at their large 20-seat marble bar. Sandwiches and entrees will range from $10 – $25. As soon as we can get our hands on a menu we’ll post it!

— ∮∮∮ —

According to Richmond.com the rumors are true that Hamooda Shami will be taking over the former Blow Toad space in Carytown for new spot called Portrait House. Shami owns both New York Deli and Don’t Look Back on that same block, so Portrait House will bring his restaurant total to three–all on the 2900 block of Cary Street. The menu will feature wood-fire pizzas and a variety of burgers with 24 beers on tap. Shami is hoping for a late March opening but may push back that timeline.

— ∮∮∮ —

On Tuesday, February 26th, The Republic tweeted that they would be closed for lunch.

We will be closed for Lunch today! Doors will reopen this afternoon for regular night business!— The Republic R&B (@therepublicrva) February 26, 2013

Later on that day they tweeted again saying they would remain closed for dinner service on Tuesday and that their scheduled live performance would take place at The Camel.

DJ Williams Projekt will be playing at The Camel tonight as we will be closed until tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience!— The Republic R&B (@therepublicrva) February 26, 2013

Wednesday, the 27th, the restaurant still remained closed.

We regret to inform that we will remain closed today. We are working diligently to come to a positive resolution, and hope to open tonight.— The Republic R&B (@therepublicrva) February 27, 2013

The Republic closed back in the summer for nine days due to a back tax issue, but reopened after filing for bankruptcy.

— ∮∮∮ —

According to Richmond Bizsense, Weiman’s Bakery has closed after 70 years in business. Health issues have forced Morton Weiman to retire, and he hasn’t found a buyer for the Shockoe Bottom space located at 17th and Grace Street. The bakery’s closing will affect a lot of local restaurants who’ve relied on Weiman’s over the years for quality, local product.

— ∮∮∮ —

Last week, Heritage got a shout out in Southern Living Magazine. Way to go Heritage! If you haven’t had a chance to eat dinner at this Fan-area restaurant be sure to call ahead for a reservation. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Sundays for brunch.

Photo by: Erin Soorenko

March 1, 2013 8:39 AM 0 1 update