Little Mexico

Many moons ago I was fortunate enough to spend seven weeks in Mexico; working, school, playing and of course eating. I had some of the best Mexican food, all prepared daily by the live in house keeper. It was from her cooking that I now judge the authenticity of Mexican food and if a restaurant here in the states can pass my three-rule test then I will return and tell everyone.
The three things are:

1. Chunky Guacamole
2. Refried Beans
3. Salsa.

Little Mexico did not meet my expectations on the Guacamole, it was only sufficient. There was a slight trace of avocado in what they call a Guacamole Salad, with tiny little pieces of this delicious fruit. However, it was superior to other places in Richmond where the avocado is bright green and almost a puree. I did eat most of it, so bravo to Little Mexico for placing high on my list.

I cannot count how many times I have been served refried beans that are soupy. Yes, soupy! They are almost impossible to eat with a fork; you need corn chips to pick them up. The beans are more like a bean dip. YUK! Well not at Little Mexico. I could actually see that these beans were made from pinto beans . They had a nice texture and had flavor. If I wasn't stuffed with my Chicken Quesadilla I could have finished the beans and believe me I tired. By the way, the quesadilla had lots of chicken in it, which I was very surprised. PASS.

Who likes Salsa flavored Water? Hmm? Anyone? Well that is what 9 out of 10 restaurants serve with the chips. Why? Do they think they are doing us a favor? It is red, it is served in a little carafe, but if you pour to quickly it rushes out like water. Well folks rest assured, Little Mexico actually has pieces of onion in it, and yes it is true onion does exist in salsa. I am not saying this salsa is extra chunky, but at least there is enough consistency on your chip. PASS.

I applaud Little Mexico. It is a nice addition to the fan; my only complaint is that as I was consuming all the food the Gold's Gym Sign across the street was giving me the evil eye. Oh well, next time I will face Cary Street, problem solved. Gracias.

Lindt Chocolate

I love dark chocolate, you can have milk chocolate and until recently I thought you could never feed me white chocolate. WOW! Run, please do not walk..RUN! Lindt International deserves an award for what they created. First, I think their packaging is superb. The first set is to open the outer paper. This is not light weight like some American chocolate, it has some bulk. To me, it signifies quality. The second step is to remove the shiny silver wrapping embossed with their logo. It is as though I am opening a prize, a prize wrapped just for me.

I am thankful that the silver lining is lightweight, it almost flakes off when I peel away at its layer. Starring me in my eyes is a large bar of chocolate embossed with the Lindt logo. It smells the way white chocolate should; creamy, light and sweet. In fact you can almost smell its sweetness.

Do not be scared with the combination of white chocolate and coconut, I was shy at first glance. When my teeth sunk into the creamy bar I instantly knew this was not biting chocolate. This chocolate was created to sit on your tongue and allow it to dissolve slowly so all of your buds could taste its goodness. Once dissolving has taken shape you begin to taste the coconut. It is as thought Lindt knew how to make an explosion of ecstasy in my mouth. I am a happy man after two pieces.

Millie's Diner

I have heard from many people that Millie's is a great place for dinner. Try the fish its fresh and delicious I was told. The prices are a little high for most grad students, but if the opportunity presents itself then GO!

On Sunday they open at 5:30, myself and two others were waiting at 5:25. The interior is very relaxed, old wooden booths and a somewhat open grill faces you at the entrance. I have never been one to be overly impressed with any restaurants decor, I am here to eat not look at a nice table. The food? My rockfish, cabbage and coconut soup had a Thai influence. It was delicious and extremely flavorful, just what I needed since it was raining and slightly chilly. My entree? Oh my entree. I did not go the fish route, I went the duck route. Duck served with Foie Gras Mac and Cheese and Grilled Asparagus. The spears of asparagus were small, I prefer the larger spears. Words cannot describe how succulent the duck tasted, it remined me of beef which was odd because I had not eaten red meat in eight years. The mac and cheese was some of the best I tasted.

My company had the Pork Shank which fell off the bone and was tasty, my other friend had the lamb which he said was great. The lamb came with cauliflower risotto which tasted like garlic risotto and was too mushy for my palate.

I would return, but not for their bread pudding (skip it). I would try the fish. Does anyone want to take me there?