As I type this, we’ve got just 2 weeks until my son heads to Japan for nearly 4.5 months. He’s super excited, and I’m excited for him. (Just a little bit of mom worry.) But he, like me, is quite a foodie, so it wouldn’t be us if we didn’t have a list to tackle in terms of spots to dine or takeout before he heads to the land of fantastic, but totally different, food.
Starting out with the easy picks, because they’re the “always” picks.
We both love a great sandwich, so we’ll definitely be dining or getting take out from…
Stuffy’s Great Garden (A legend)
Stuffy’s
There’s no question Stuffy’s is a Richmond institution. My go to? The Great Garden on wheat pita, heated, with everything but mayo (that means it’s an all veg dream, cheese, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, oil, vinegar, s & p, and oregano. His? The Max, or Stuffy’s Star (Classic Italian)
Polpetti
It’s hard to choose the perfect one from Polpetti, because I’ve never had a bad sandwich there, and some days I’m feeling one or the other, but the go to is nearly always The Balboa- shaved Italian roast pork, broccoli raab, sharp provolone, with long hot peppers. Or The Caputo- roasted red peppers, arugula, fresh mozzarella, & balsamic glaze if I’m feeling like something more light.
One thing’s for sure, we’re always going to share, and we’re always getting at least one chicken cutlet sandwich- probably The OG- chicken cutlet, sharp provolone, broccoli raab, and long hot peppers.
Abuelita’s
Funnily enough, almost every time we go here, my Mom is with us, and that is a testament to how they appeal to everyone! Their menu changes every day, but I’ve never had anything bad there. This is not your run of the mill Mexican. Their main option is Guisos (stews) and they always have a great variety. Served with beans, rice, and warm tortillas, they are delicious every time. They also do tamales, quesaberria tacos. (Oh, and a killer flan and tres leches as well.)
The Oh So RVA picks that he always hits when he’s in town…
Mekong
Fun fact- did you know my kid spent a focused couple of years trying everything on their menu, in order? We’ve been die hards since he was just starting solid foods, so this is definitely on the list.
My go to? Always the Rice Noodle Salad with tofu and spring roll. It’s light, but not too light, and with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, a little peanut, and delicious fish sauce, it’s just the perfect bowl of the perfect bites.
His go to? It depends on the day, his mood, and where his is on the menu!
Thai Diner
This has been an OG favorite since my kid was little bitty. He is an “American Hot” person, though he’s dabbled in the world of Thai hot. Me? I’m a wimp and stick to mild or medium. Our picks here-
Drunken Noodles with Chicken or Thai Fried Rice with Beef. So dang good.
8 1/2
Another lifelong favorite, we’ve got a “go to” order here as well. I’m always in the mood for their Eggplant Parm, with a side of spaghetti marinara, a spaghetti carbonara, or an order of penne with sausage, ricotta, and broccoletti. Never hurts to have leftovers, right?
Wood and Iron Gameday
You can’t leave America for months without hitting a sports bar, can you? (I’m pretty sure that’s a law) We’ll definitely be hitting Wood and Iron one evening soon. Me for the Crispy Chicken Salad (pro tip- get a full sized, but just ask
for a takeout container when you order, and you’ve got lunch for tomorrow), and him for the Cheese Steak Egg Rolls and an order of wings.
Secret Sandwich Society
Four words. Loaded Pimento Cheese Fries. Is that the only thing on the list? No. Could it be? Yes. I’m not even a “loaded” whatever sort of fan, but these are amazing. He’s more a Roosevelt guy, roast beef, bacon, horseradish mayo, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato & red onions all on a toasted baguette and I love the Lafayette- fried chicken breast, ham, swiss, blue cheese spread & honey mustard on a toasted potato roll.
Galley Go To
One of our first picks for pizza, ever since they opened. Always on the order? Grape and Gorgonzola (Those roasted grapes with the sharp taste of the gorgonzola? Never fails.) We also always do the Sweet Hot, which features pepperoni, Calabrian peppers, and a drizzle of honey. You can’t go wrong with either, but we can never choose between the two, so there you go.
I’m full just thinking about all of this. (And yes, I’m cooking too!)
What would be on your list??