Fanfare....

THE STRAWBERRY STREET CAFE:

A FAN HOLIDAYS HAVEN

I always visit the Strawberry Street Cafe at least once during the holidays. This popular Fan spot is a perfect holidays haven.

When it comes to special dining in the Fan, many residents and visitors think of the Strawberry Street Cafe. They stroll down bustling Strawberry Street because they know they can find a friendly reception, good food, and an interesting atmosphere.

The bright and cheery colors of this place are ideal for the holidays. From the varied woods of the chairs, tables, and booths to the varied menu highlights, you'll find a festive mood in this Fan favorite. I'm actually glad when it's a bit crowded, in that it gives me time to have a glass of wine or beer at the bar and just soak up the colorful atmosphere. The wines by the glass are among the best in Richmond.

One of the things I like about the Strawberry Street Cafe is the wide variety of the menu and Chef Ryland's creative preparations. Whatever the whims of my stomach or those of my guests, I'll probably find it on the menu.

Of course, the famous bathtub salad bar meets any hungry hankering I may have. It's one of the few salad bars you'll find in the Fan and it's certainly at the top of my list for favorite Fan fare. At $6.95 as a meal, the unlimited soup, specialty salads, fresh fruists, and vegetables offers one of the best deals in the Fan (and it's just $3.50 when you order a meal).

The menu has gone through many changes over the years and has always met the varied and changing tastes of a loyal following. From the appetizers to the soups and salads and through the wide variety of entrees, I always seem to find something new on Strawberry Street.

My favorite appetizer is the crab and artichoke dip, which is served with crusty French bread. This is one of few restaurants I know that can even make artichoke taste good. Another favorite starter (or meal) is their classic caesar salad, which is enough for two and shouldn't be overshadowed by the bathtub salad bar. Finally, Chef Ryland's homemade soups are perfect on a cold winter day or night. The Chesapeake crab and broccoli soup has been a house specialty since 1978.

On the specialty items front, the quiches are definitely the most popular choices. These feature really tasty quiche concoctions for real men and women. Other possibilities include an award-winning crab cake sandwich on a buttered English muffin and several creative burger options (try the California burger or vegetarian bean burger for something different).

When it comes to entrees, the entries for my favorites are many. For some southern home cooking, with a British flair, try the chicken pot pie for a huge and filling meal. From the French Quarter in the south, the pasta jambalaya or chicken Orleans are jazzy options. If you want to try something with more of a flair for the southwest, choose the grilled southwestern pork chops.

The only problem with all of these excellent choices is that you may be too full to enjoy one of their excellent desserts. Happy Holidays and Bon Appetit!!

Strawberry Street Cafe

421 N. Strawberry St.

353-6860