Little Mexico

Today I am going to be reviewing Little Mexico restaurant. Little Mexico is a family owned and operated restaurant in Richmond that was opened in 2007. Little Mexico is located near the VCU campus.

The feeling of Little Mexico is authentic Mexican. They play Mexican music, and the decor feels Mexican. The prices are very reasonable and affordable. The service is great and quick. Its a great place to go on a weeknight when kids have homework because its quick and delicious! The salsa and the tortilla chips are delicious!

When my family and I go to Little Mexico I get either a cheese quesadilla or a chicken burrito. When you order a chicken burrito or chicken enchilada you get a ton of chicken it them, they don't skimp on the chicken. They are nice big chunks of chicken and a lot of it.  My parents get different things every time we go sometimes, but I know that they have gotten burritos and enchiladas more than once. My parents seem to like everything they order from Little Mexico. We have gone multiple times and still love it and go back!


I give it a 5 stars out of 5 stars!

Find Little Mexico:

Website: http://www.littlemexicova.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleMexicoRVA
Address: 1328 West Cary Street Richmond, VA

Chuy's Mexican Restaurant

Today I am going to be reviewing Chuy's restaurant. The original Chuy's was started in 1982 in Austin, TX, by Mike Young and John Zapp. The original was started in an abandoned Texas Barbecue joint. Chuy's is a chain restaurant that is located all over the United States. The Chuy's that my family and I went to is located in Short Pump in Richmond, VA. Someone in my mom's office really likes Chuy's and said we should try it.

In my opinion Chuy's doesn't seem like an authentic Mexican restaurant. The one in Short Pump doesn't give you the feel that you're in a Mexican Restaurant. They didn't play Mexican music, and the decor didn't seem very Mexican. Its not family owned and just doesn't seem like you're getting authentic Mexican food.

When I went I got the kids bean and cheese burrito with rice. It was a pretty big burrito for a kid and was alright in my opinion. My mom got something off of the Lite category. She thought it was okay. I believe my dad got tacos and again thought it was okay. The tortilla chips were great and so was the salsa. We wouldn't rush back to Chuy's necessarily but might go back. It was okay, but not great.


I give it a 3 stars out of 5 stars!

Find Chuy's:

Website: http://www.chuys.com/
Address of one I went to: 11229 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA

Olio- Bistro, Market, Caterer

Today I am reviewing Olio. Olio is a bistro/cafe, market and caterer in Richmond on West Main Street. I believe that they have a food truck and another location but its a bit hard to decipher. They sell sandwiches, salads, drinks and etc. They also sell some small nibble things up front which is the market . It is very small but delicious!


Olio is a bistro that you walk up to a counter and order. It is decently priced and is good portion sizes. The price ranges from $7 to about $15. Sandwiches range from about $7-$10. Depending on what you get and your opinion it might be a bit pricy
but my opinion is that its pricy in ways but worth the price. They have drinks and chips that you can grab as a side with your order. They have a case that has prepared food that you can order.

My personal favorite from Olio is the Chicken Salad Sandwich. The Chicken salad sandwich has local rotisserie chicken, granny smith apples, romaine, and aioli. I would definitely go back and would recommend it to people. I love it and think it is delicious! My mom really likes the Italian Picnic sandwich which is a turkey, Tallegio cheese, fig jam, granny smith apples and aioli on baguette.  As I have done for the past blogs I have asked people that I know that have gone to the restaurant their opinion. I asked my mom and my friend Mathilde to answer the questions I sent them.

Mom: 

1. What do you like to get from Olio? What is your favorite? 

"Italian Picnic Sandwich"

2. What do you like about Olio? 

"Excellent crusty bread that I think they get from a bakery in Pennsylvania. They also have excellent chicken salad and a sliced pork tenderloin sandwich, The Conquistador."

3. Would you recommend it to anyone? 

"Absolutely. I use it a lot for catered business meetings."

4. Any other things? 

"Great selection of beers and cheese. Very friendly staff."

Mathilde:

 1. What do/did you like at Olio?

"I got a chicken salad sandwich with grapes and nuts. I liked it, although the portion was big."

2. What do you like about Olio?

"I like the space and the style. I like how you can order organic, homemade sandwiches and meals. It seams like Starbucks, except with sandwiches and has more lunch stuff and it also has a kitchen to make homemade food."

3. Would you recommend it to anyone?

"Yes!"

4. Would you go again?

"Of course! The food was good, the space was clean, the cashier was nice!"

I give it a 5 stars out of 5 stars!


Find Olio:

Website: http://www.oliorichmond.com/index.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlioDowntown
Address: 2001 1/2 West Main Street, Richmond VA
Menu: http://www.oliorichmond.com/menus/full_menu.pdf

Barrel Thief

Today I am going to review Barrel Thief, a local wine store and cafe in Richmond located on Patterson Avenue. It was established in 2007 and has over 400 wine labels available for purchase in the store. The staff at Barrel Thief is amazing and very nice. Booth Hardy, the general manager is always very helpful and friendly.

For my parents Booth is great help when it comes time to choose wines to drink when we are there or for gifts. Booth knows what my parents taste is with wine and always seems to point them in the right direction of what to choose.


They have a combination of local and non-local ingredients/things on the menu. Some examples of local things on the menu are: Manakintowne mixed greens, Hanover tomatoes and Sausage Craft. Along with having the restaurant they have specials and Live Jazz music at times. I believe the menu sometimes changes for the seasons by adding things that are in season and taking things out that aren't, but its pretty slight. They also sometimes have wine tastings at the front when you walk in. The menu is pretty simple but you are always more than likely to find something that will spark your interest.


My personal favorite is the brushetta with pimento cheese and country ham. Its delicious! My mom really likes the Grilled Peaches and Cheese Sandwich that was a special one time. As I did for the Bev's review I asked people that I know that have gone to answer some questions for me. I asked my mom and dad this time. Here is what they replied:

Dad:

"I like Barrel Thief because of the friendly service and ability to purchase wine at retail prices yet be able to enjoy them in the restaurant without a corkage fee or price mark up. The sandwiches are very good and I like the brushetta. An outdoor patio would be nice in warm weather but they really don't have the space."

Mom:

"I like Barrel Thief's business model - it really works for me. The fact that I can enjoy a bottle of wine at retail pricing paired with good food make it the perfect combination. The fact that the menu changes with the seasons and that the wine selection is broad and interesting, along with good entertainment two nights a week, make this a favorite destination. Always an interesting wine, bruschetta. and/or Panini. The butternut squash dip is an autumn favorite. I also enjoy the soups. I love the staff. Booth and Sean are the best. Great location and seasonal menu."

I give it a 5 stars out of 5 stars!

Find Barrel Thief:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barrel-Thief-Wine-Shop-Cafe/103154614515

Website: http://www.barrelthiefwine.com/

Address: 5805 Patterson Avenue Richmond, VA

Sean and Matt (two amazing workers at Barrel Thief)

Here is what's going on in October 2014 at Barrel Thief: