River City Jan/Feb 2012 by Advertising Concepts, Inc.

Photo by Joan Marcus.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER William J. Davis, Jr.

contents

VICE-PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Cheryl T. Davis

26 20

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alaina Rauth ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Jared Davis, Ann Small, Jennifer Thaxton, Steve Cook

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A RY 2012

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Barry Cook OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Fallon Mercer

BLISS Andrew & Kathryn Pike

BLISS Glitz & Tips

What’s Cook In A Train Bound for Gory

Explore the Secrets of the Tomb at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

HOME & GARDEN EDITOR Vicki O’Neal, ASID, CID

PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Hill Robert Thomas Tom Daly CONTRIBUTORS Erin Pittman Bruce Moore Steve Cook Meagan Moore Missy Epps Watts

FLAVOR

River City Eats

Scoop Du Jour

Raising the Bar

Support Your Local Bartender Susan Norfleet of Margarita’s Cantina

Backstage With Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

In Search of Spicy Food

Calendar of Events

Learning RX Offers Hope for Struggling Students

Look Good Feel Good Get Inspired by A Healthy Way of Living

Look Good Feel Good Ways to Look and Feel Good

Reaching for the Star Get Away to the Roanoke Valley

River City Richmond is published bi-monthly by Advertising Concepts, Inc. 6301 Harbourside Drive, Midlothian VA 23112 (804) 639-9994 • www.richmondnavigator.com Email us at: info@advertisingconceptsinc.com. Letters to the editor are welcome. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

A PUBLICATION OF

ABOUT THE COVER See more spicy dishes like this brisket sandwich from Alamo BBQ on page 24. Photo by Tim Hill.

january/february 2012

ALL ARTICLES AND CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINIONS OR THOUGHTS OF RIVER CITY RICHMOND, ADVERTISING CONCEPTS,INC OR THE PUBLISHER

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january/february 2012

Andrew & Kathryn PIKE 06.25.11 Photos by Tom Daly. Story by Meagan Moore.

The Love Story “We’re actually high school sweethearts,” Kathryn explains. “Andrew and I met at beginning of our junior year of high school. We both went to Douglas Freeman in Richmond, and we had about four classes together that year. We were both on the newspaper staff, and both ran three seasons of track (cross-country, indoor and outdoor track). I think just the pure exposure to each other kind of started our relationship,” she laughs. “So we started dating at the end of our junior year of high school and never really stopped.”

The Proposal “After college, we both moved to Washington D.C. where we took a lot of time exploring the area together. One day last year Andrew took me on this small hike around Roosevelt Island, and suddenly he just pulled me aside near one of the little statue niches and proposed. It wasn’t overdone or dramatic, but it was very romantic and just perfect.”

The back of the alumni center at the University of Richmond makes a picture-perfect backdrop for the newlyweds. The bride and bridesmaid’s dresses are from Jingles. Flowers by Betsy Daly.

The Big Day “We had about 130 people at our wedding, the perfect size for us. We didn’t really have a theme wedding, however we both wanted a classic, traditional Richmond wedding. Although we put a lot of thought into what we wanted our wedding to look like, the main thing we wanted was for people to dance, have fun and celebrate. So we decided to have a live band [we went with Rare Mixx, based in Tidewater], and make that the focus of the reception. Everything else kind of took a back seat to the celebrating aspect of the reception. “As any bride will tell you I’m sure, the whole day was kind of a blur,” Kathryn laughs. “But I feel like everything was just the way we wanted it. I know most brides complain about their mothers, but my mom did a lot of the planning and I honestly couldn’t have done my wedding without her. I was so thankful that she put so much time and effort and thought into everything. Our photographer, Tom Daly, was great as well—he took many pictures and we rarely even saw him doing it.” n

january/february 2012

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january/february 2012

Personalized Guestbook Set out some markers and let your guests’ imaginations go wild to provide you with a sentimental keepsake bursting with personality and memories of your special day. Each guest’s page is clipped into an album with a design you choose. www.guestbookstore.com

Mini Cheesecakes

Bright Bridal Bouquet

Who says your wedding dessert has to be cake? Try a variety of mini desserts and pastries such as these beautiful cheesecakes.

A hand-tied bouquet with “Movie Star” roses, green hydrangea, yellow calla lilies and white stock. Black Creek Flowers & Sweets 7156 Mechanicsville Tnpk. 781-1773 www.blackcreek-flowers.com

Divine Desserts 1248 Sycamore Square 794-3060

Choosing a Dress

Tips

“It is never a good idea to take a large group of bridesmaids or relatives with you to shop for a wedding gown. You will hear so many opinions that you could easily be talked into a gown that you don’t like...or talked out of a gown that you

From the Experts

love. Trust your own judgement. You are going to be the one wearing it.”

– Ellen Clark of Jingles

CAKE “Limit your cake to one or two flavors. Sometimes when offering a wide variety of flavors, guests will want to taste more than one flavor and you will end up running out of cake.”

– Brandi Palmore of Baker’s Kitchen

INVITATION ETIQUETTE “Brides often order many more invitations than they need, because they mistakenly order based on the total number of guests they plan to invite, rather than ordering based on the number of household mailing addresses they need to mail invitations to. Brides should order 10-15 extra invitations above the number of addresses on their list.”

– Elizabeth Howard of Cordial Cricket 8

january/february 2012

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Men And Women Both Know

It Takes 2 to Cure the Winter Blues By S.Oliveri

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s the delayed winter is finally upon us, the days are shorter and the nights are longer. People who are in relationships are spending more alone time with one another, while many singles find themselves left out in the cold. Without weather permitting activities, it becomes more difficult to meet people and, if you aren’t in a relationship, winter can be the loneliest time of year. As singles feel the impact of social void, many look for alternate routes to finding someone special. In considering internet dating, a quick Google search turns many singles off to the idea; a Scientific American study of Match.com estimates that 90 percent of online daters lie about something: women lie about their age or appearance and more than ten percent of men are actually married. Singles also hear and see ads for introduction services, which is a great idea if you have a busy professional life and you want to make the best use of your time. Again, many singles turn to Google for preliminary information, and amidst the 1-800 numbers, you can find one local number for a service called “It Takes 2”, founded in 1998. It Takes 2, a local Richmond business, assists singles in finding matches based on compatibility and works with you on a personal, one-on-one basis, guiding you along the path to attaining your social goals. Rather than putting you into a database and using computerized key word matching, they use the refreshingly human method of getting to know people, which is why It Takes 2 has consistently been named the Best Dating Service in Central Virginia. One client, Ron, said, “I tried the bar scenes, gyms, parties… I wasn’t meeting the kind of people I wanted to meet.” So, whether you are 30 or 60, if you are looking for someone to keep warm with this winter, call It Takes 2. n

For a no cost consultation, call 967-9911 or visit www.ittakes2online.com.

january/february 2012

W h a t ’ s C oo k I n ?

A Train Bound for Gory

Check out Steve Cook’s Daily Ramblings at www.richmondnavigator.com/steve-cooks-daily-ramblings

t’s 2:30 in the morning, as I sit here writing. I’m on a midnight train from Georgia, headed to Charlottesville. And I’m feeling good about myself. You see, I just heroically prevented what could have been a nasty encounter between other passengers. Let me tell you about it. It all started pleasantly enough. Because of a seat mix-up, the conductor moved me to a front row seat with no one beside me on a train that’s virtually filled to capacity. Across the aisle from me is another older gentleman, who seems friendly, but strikes me as being as ornery and easily irritated as myself. “Ahhh,” I’m thinking. “An uneventful journey”. As the train pulls into Gastonia, I’m reflecting on how great it is to have two seats on the front row all to myself. I should have known better. Because as I’m sitting there, musing on life’s wondrous moments, passengers begin boarding. I hear a woman’s voice. In the TV version she could be played by Tyler Perry. I knew that even before I saw her. But put a blonde wig on Tyler Perry and you’ve got this woman. Her husband, who, maybe could be played by that guy from My Name is Earl, enters a few steps ahead of the woman. He’s carrying about four or five bags of various sizes and shapes. She has another half dozen. Plus they both have canes and she’s announcing to all, with apparent glee,” We’re handicapped. We need two handicapped seats.” I notice they both walk better than do I. Meanwhile, the husband starts put-

january/february 2012

ting his bags down on and around me. I’m wondering, since Amtrak has a two bag per passenger limit, why they were allowed on. The wife heads over to the empty seat across the aisle from me. The potentially grumpy guy (perfect role for Ed Asner), who’s been sleeping most of the trip, says to her, “Someone is sitting here.” “What?” the poor woman shrieks. “We were promised two handicapped seats.” Earl is shushing her. He seems nice enough, though plenty annoying. The conductor enters stage right. “He said someone is sitting there,” the woman protests. “No one is sitting there,” the conductor tells her. “But I have stuff in this seat,” the old guy whines. The conductor picks up the guys stuff and hands it to him. “Can I go sit somewhere else?” The conductor tells him he cannot. The woman is just harrumphing and muttering to herself. I dislodge my feet from under the husband’s assorted bags and ask, “Would you two like to sit together?” “Thank you, honey,” she says. She plops down in my seat as I scramble to avoid being plopped on. “Can you believe the nerve of that guy?” she asks me. “Shhh,” her husband says as I quickly make my exit from the car. So, anyway, I’m sitting here in the club car. For me, this has been a double victory. I prevented what could have been a nasty, yes, even violent encounter and also got myself a column out of the deal. n www.richmondnavigator.com

E x p lore t h e

Secrets of the Tomb

at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts By Steve Cook. Photos courtesy VMFA.

ou stroll past the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins

puter-generated

Sculpture Garden and into the ultra-modern

watch as layers of wood. and cloth,

animation,

you

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. You continue

and, yes, even remarkably well-

past the museum’s very chic gift shop and its bright,

preserved flesh, are peeled back to

inviting Best Café. Suddenly, a strange transformation

tell the story of Nesperennub. How

begins to occur as you descend the stairway to the

he lived, how he died, how he suf-

lower level.

fered from tooth pain, and how we,

You’re no longer in one of the nation’s finest art

today, know all of this, is revealed

museums. You’ve now entered a 3,000-year-old Egyp-

in a manner that captivates an audi-

tian tomb. The hieroglyphics inscribed on the stone

ence of old and young, alike.

walls, the haunting music featuring drums and finger

As the movie, which, by the

bells, the flickering lights on the walls, all serve to cre-

way is narrated by Captain Picard

ate a new reality. The only remaining vestiges of the

of the Star Fleet Enterprise (Patrick

21st century are the 3-D glasses you have been hand-

Stewart), concludes, the doors, once

ed. Even these hold promise of something wondrous

again, magically open, and you exit

that awaits beyond the sealed doors.

the theater into the midst of an ex-

Almost magically, those doors swing open and you

hibit featuring more than 100 objects

enter the theater. Okay, admittedly, you haven’t re-

from the internationally renowned

ally traveled back in time. In fact, the 3-D presenta-

Egyptian collection of the British Mu-

tion which appears before your very eyes (on a giant

seum. Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb

screen), has a decidedly futuristic feel.

explores the rituals of death and

Through the miracles of modern technology, you

burial in ancient Egypt and uncovers

travel deep into the earth, into a realm that has lain

mysteries that have shrouded mum-

hidden for thousands of years, into the tomb of an

mies for millennia.

Egyptian priest who had the ceremonial job of cleansing the food of the gods. Through unbelievable com-

Nesperennub,

himself,

hand. Well, actually it’s his mummy, enshrouded in its coffin. But after March 11th, the tomb, the mummy, the entire exhibit will mysteriously disappear, and the lower level of the VMFA will go back to being, well, being the lower level of our grand museum on the Boulevard. n

Just The Facts The VMFA is located at 200

N. Boulevard. Admission to the museum is free. Tickets for Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb are $15 for adults; $12 for Seniors (65+), students (with ID), and youths (7 – 17). For more information, visit www.VMFA.museum.

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january/february 2012

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Fiery Hog Wings These jumbo spice-rubbed wings are fried crispy and tossed in housemade Fiery Hog Sauce. Find them at Hogshead Cafe at 9503 W. Broad Street. Photo by Tim Hill. Find more ISO Dishes at richmondnavigator.com.

ROSIE CONNOLLY’S Enjoy classic fish and chips or Rosie’s own famous Steak and Mushroom Pie, washed down with a cold brew. Try a unique mix like a Pint of Gold – Fullers and Harp. 1548 A E. Main Street. 343-1063. rosieconnollys.com

KOBE JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI Let Kobe hibachi chefs impress you with flying shrimp tails, flaming onion volcanos and spinning spatulas. Or dine on one of their fabulous specialty rolls. 19 S. 13th Street. 643-8080. kobesteakandsushi.com

Mariachis Authentic mexican Grill Upscale dining, live entertainment and table side guacamole or salsa are sure to bring you the complete Mexican experience every night of the week. 10456 Midlothian Turnpike. 272-5692. 10456 Hull Street. 608-8007.

KEBAB & BIRYANI Come enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. Stop by for lunch starting at $7.99 for a full course menu! Tour India with an appetizer, entree, naan, rice and dessert for one low price. 2452 Old Brick Road • 658-3174 kebabandbiryani.com

CARLYLE’s cafe Indulge in comfort food for the soul! Carlyle’s serves up Southern favorites like catfish, mac and cheese, mixed greens, candied yams and more. Wash it all down with a sweet tea or lemonade and you’ll feel right at home. 1201 W. Main Street • 358-0127

Buckhead’s “Extra-aged” steaks, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list have made this Richmond’s premier destination dining location for 15 years. Try the steak tenderloin medallions with Vermouth Demi-Glace topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat and finished with Béarnaise Sauce. www.buckheads.com. 8510 Patterson Avenue. 750.2000.

Dining Dining ||NIGHTLIFE NIGHTLIFE || EVENTS EVENTS || TRAVEL TRAVEL || SPORTS SPORTS ||THE THEARTS ARTS

River City african Africanne on Main 200 E Main St. (804) 343-1233. www.chefmamusuafricanne.com Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

american Belly Timber Tavern 1501 W. Main St. (804) 592-5592. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Casual. Capital Ale House 4024-A Cox Road. (804) 780-ALES. www.capitalalehouse.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Carlyle’s Cafe 1201 W Main Street (804) 358-0127 Lunch & Dinner. Take Out & Delivery. Comfort 200 W. Broad Street. (804) 780-0004. www.comfortrestaurant.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Curbside 2525 Hanover Ave. (804) 355-7008. www.curbsiderichmond.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Davis & Main 2501 W. Main St. (804) 353-6641. www.davisandmain.com Dinner. Dine In. Upscale casual. deLux 2229 W. Main St. (804) 353-2424. www.deluxrichmond.com Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Galaxy Diner 2924 W. Cary St. (804) 213-0510. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual. The Halligan Bar & Grill 3 N. 17th St. (804) 447-7981. www.thehalliganbar.com Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner.

eats

It Must Be Heaven 2505 E. Broad Street. 804-788-8158. Dine In, Take-out & Catering. Casual.

Julep’s New Southern Cuisine 1719 E. Franklin St. (804) 377-3968. www.juleps.net. Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations suggested. Legend Brewing Company 321 W. 7th St. (804) 232-3446. www.legendbrewing.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. LuLu’s 21 N. 17th St. (804) 343-9771. www.lu-lusrichmond.com Lunch, Brunch, & Dinner Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Mezzanine 3433 W. Cary St. (804) 353-2186. www.mezzanine3433.com Dine In. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. Millie’s Diner 2603 E. Main St. (804) 643-5512. www.milliesdiner.com Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Popkin Tavern 123 W. Broad St. (804) 343-1909. www.sparetimechicago.com Dinner. Dine In. Casual. The Republic 2053 W. Broad St. (804) 592-2148. www.therepublicrva.com Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Upscale. River City Diner 7 N. 17th Street. (804) 644-9418. www.rivercitydiner.com Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Rowland Fine Dining 2132 W. Main St. (804) 257-9885. www.rowlandfinedining.com Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Sunday Brunch & Dinner. Reservations strongly suggested.

Flavor

Sprout Market & Café 1 N. Morris St. (804) 592-5771. www.sproutrva.wordpress.com. Casual. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In.

Kobe Japanese Steak & Sushi 19 S. 13th St. (804) 643-8080. www.kobesteakandsushi.com Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner.

Star-Lite 2600 W. Main St. (804) 254-2667. www.starlitediningandlounge.com Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual.

The Lucky Buddha 1421 E. Cary St. (804) 648-5100. www.theluckybuddha.com Dinner. Dine In. Casual.

Strawberry Street Cafe 421 Strawberry St. (804) 353-6860. www.strawberrystreetcafe.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out

Moshi Moshi 3321 W. Cary St. (804) 359-1151. www.moshimoshirva.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out.

T-Miller’s Sports Bar & Grill 500 East Broad Street. (804) 648-2255. www.tmillerssportsbar.com. Casual. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In.

Peking Chinese Restaurant 1302 E. Cary St. (804) 649-8888. www.pekingrestaurants.com Lunch & Dinner. Casual. Dine In, Take-out & Delivery.

Tastebuds American Bistro 4019 MacArthur Ave. (804) 261-6544. www.tastebudsamericanbistro.com Dine In. Casual. Dinner. TJ’s Restaurant and Lounge at The Jefferson 101 W. Franklin St. (804) 788-8000. www.jeffersonhotel.com Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations strongly suggested.

Sticky Rice 2232 W. Main Street. (804) 358-7870. www.stickyricefan.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Sumo San 1725 E. Main St. (804) 643-6500. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual.

Tropical Smoothie Café 8207 West Broad Street. (804) 527-2060. www.tropicalsmoothie.com. Casual. Alamo BBQ Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-Out. 2202 Jefferson Ave. 592-3138. www.alamobbqva.com Weezie’s Kitchen Casual. Lunch & Dinner. 3123 W. Cary St. (804) 726-1270. Dine-In & Take Out. www.weezieskitchen.com Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Buzz & Ned’s Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 1119 North Boulevard. (804) 355-6055. www.buzandneds.com. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Casual.

barbecue

asian Akida 814 N. Robinson St. (804) 359-8036. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Carytown Sushi 2923 W. Cary St. (804) 355-0058. Dine In & Take-out. Casual.

Double T’s BBQ 2907 W. Cary St. (804) 353-9861. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Extra Billy’s 5205 W. Broad St. (804) 282-3949. www.extrabillys.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out.

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brazilian Ipanema 917 W. Grace St. (804) 213-0190. www.ipanemaveg.com Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual. Reservations Suggested.

cuban Havana 59 16 N. 17th St. (804) 780-2822. www.havana59.net. Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Kenn-Tico Cuban Bar & Grill 204 E. Grace Street. 804-225-9216. www.kennticocubanbargrill.com Lunch & Dinner. Casual. Catering available. Kuba Kuba 1601 Park Ave. (804) 355-8817. www.kubakuba.info. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch.

deli Padow’s Ham & Deli 1601 Willow Lawn Dr. (804) 358-4267. www.padows.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Perly’s Restaurant & Deli 111 E. Grace St. (804) 649-2779. Breakfast & Lunch. Dine In & Take-out. Casual.

Southern Railway Deli 111 Virginia St. (804) 343-1700. www.southernrailwaydeli.com. Casual. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out.

ethiopian Addis Ethiopian Restaurant 9 N 17th Street. 308-3649. www.addisrichmond.com Casual, Lunch & Dinner. Dine-In & Take Out. Nile Ethiopian Restaurant 309 N. Laurel St. (804) 225-5544. www.nilerichmond.com. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

By Steve Cook At the rate new restaurants are open-

european Bistro 27 27 W. Broad St. (804) 780-0086. www.bistrotwentyseven.com. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. Café Rustica 414 E. Main St. (804) 225-8811. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. Lemaire at Jefferson 101 W. Franklin St. (804) 788-8000. www.lemairerestaurant.com Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations Strongly Suggested.

ing up around these parts, you could probably try a new one every week and never run out of places you haven’t sampled before. But the one I’ve been particularly interested in checking out, is the all new Phil’s Continental Lounge. Talk about your neighborhood hangout, no neighborhood has had it so good. Since 1939, Phil’s has been serving up great food and beverages to the locals. And for all those locals, as well as folks from all over town, who have been hankering for a Phil’s club sandwich and limeade, the wait is over. Phil’s has reopened (in late December), and according to owner, Kyle Measell, it’s better than ever…with all new equipment, furnishings, a beautiful stone bar (from Chesapeake Stone), even 5 large flatscreen TVs. Phil’s is located just a block west of its original location, at 5810 Grove Avenue. Being especially fond of good, downhome cooking, I was excited to discover Carlyle’s Café, located in the Fan, on Main at Morris (1201 W. Main). Owners, Jonathan and Demetria Sayles have named their new dining spot in honor of their father, and, I’m guessing he’d be pretty proud of what they’re doing down there. They bill their fare as “Comfort food for the soul.” Chicken wings, catfish, macaroni and cheese and collard greens…how does that sound? n Email new openings, menus, chefs and more to alaina@richmondnavigator.com.

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Flavor

Olio 2001 1/2 W. Main St. (804) 355-5182. www.oliorichmond.com. Dine In, Take-out & Delivery. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Penny Lane Pub 421 E. Franklin St. (804) 780-1682. www.pennylanepub.com. Dine In. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. Tarrant’s Cafe 1 W. Broad St. (804) 225-0035. www. tarrantscafe.org. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

fondue The Melting Pot 9704 Gayton Rd. (804) 741-3120. www.meltingpot.com. Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations strongly suggested.

french Amour Wine Bistro 3129 W. Cary St. (804) 353-4020. www.amourwinebistro.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Casual. Can Can Brasserie 3120 W. Cary St. (804) 358-7274. www.cancanbrasserie.com. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested.

greek Bacchus 2 N. Meadow St. (804) 355-9919. www.bacchusonmain.com. Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested.

indian Kebab and Biryani 2452 Old Brick Road. 658.3174. www.kebabandbiryani.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine-in & Take out. Party orders.

irish Rosie Connolly’s Pub 1548 E. Main St. (804) 343-1063. www.rosieconnollys.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Casual. Sine 1327 E. Cary St. (804) 649-7767. www.sineirishpub.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual.

italian Avenue 805 805 N. Davis Ave. (804) 353-2505. www.avenue805.net. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner.

Flavor

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Coppola’s 2900 W. Cary St. (804) 359-6969. www.coppolasdeli.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Joe’s Inn 205 N. Shields Ave. (804) 355-2282. www.joesinn.com/Fan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual. La Grotta 1218 E. Cary St. (804) 644-2466. www.lagrottaristorante.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Reservations strongly suggested. Mamma Zu’s 501 South Pine St. (804) 788-4205. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Casual. Sensi 2222 E. Cary St. (804) 648-3463. www.sensirestaurant.com Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Reservations suggested. Stuzzi 1 N. Belmont Ave. (804) 308-3296. www.stuzzirichmond.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take out. Casual. Reservations Suggested

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jamaican Carena’s Jamaican Grille 7102 Midlothian Tnpk. (804) 422-5375. www.422jerk.com. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Jamaica House 1215 West Broad Street. 358-5793. www.jamaicahouseonline.com Casual, Lunch & Dinner. Dine-In & Take Out.

lunch Chez Foushee 203 N. Foushee St. (804) 648-3225. www.chezfoushee.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Reservations suggested.

mediterranean Cous Cous 900 W. Franklin St. (804) 358-0868. www.couscous900.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Emilio’s Restaurant 1847 W. Broad St. (804) 359-1224. www.emiliosrichmond.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested.

Europa 1409 E. Cary St. (804) 643-0911. www.europarichmond.com. Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested.

moroccan Riad Authentic Moroccan Grill COMING SOON! 8902 W. Broad Street. Live entertainment nightly.

mexican Bandito’s Burrito Lounge 2905 Patterson Ave. (804) 354-9999. www.banditosburritolounge.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Cha Cha’s Cantina 1419 E. Cary St. (804) 726-6296 www.chachascantina.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out.

Café Gutenberg 1700 E. Main St. (804) 497-5000. www.cafegutenberg.com. Dine-In & Take-out. Casual. Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

Little Mexico 1328 W. Cary St. (804) 525-4216. www.littlemexicova.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Mariachis Authentic Mexican Grill 10456 Midlothian Turnpike. 272-5692. 13933 Hull Street Road. Casual, Lunch and Dinner. Dine-In & Take Out. Nacho Mama’s 3449 W. Cary St. (804) 358-6262. www.nachomamasva.com. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out.

new american Balliceaux 203 N. Lombardy St. (804) 355-3008. www.balliceauxrva.com Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

pizzeria Bottom’s Up 1700 Dock Street. (804) 644-4400. www.bottomsuppizza.com. Lunch & Dinner. Dine-In, Take out, & Delivery. Casual. Reservations Suggested.

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seafood Acacia 2601 W. Cary St. (804) 562-0138. www.acaciarestaurant.com. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale. Dinner. Reservations suggested. Conch Republic 11 Orleans St 226-6242 www.conchrepublicrocketts.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine-In & Take Out. Casual. Croaker Spot 119 E. Leigh Street. (804) 421-0560. www.croakersspot.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Casual. Edo’s Squid 411 N. Harrison St. (804) 864-5488. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-Out. Casual. Reservations suggested. The Hard Shell 1411 E. Cary St. (804) 643-2333. www.thehardshell.com. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations suggested. Old Original Bookbinder’s 2306 E. Cary St. (804) 643-6900. www.bookbindersrichmond.com Dinner. Dine In. Upscale. Reservations strongly suggested. Sam Miller’s 1210 E. Cary St. (804) 644-5465. www.sammillers.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-out. Upscale casual. Reservations suggested.

steakhouse Buckhead’s 8510 Patterson Ave. (804) 750-2000. www.buckheads.com. Dinner. Dine In. Upscale casual. Reservations suggested. Hondos 4024-C Cox Road. 968-4323. www.hondosprime.com Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Brunch. Dine-In. Upscale. Reservations strongly suggested. Morton’s 111 Virginia St. (804) 648-1662. www.mortons.com. Dinner. Dine In. Casual. Reservations suggested. Kobe 19 S. 13th St. (804) 643-8080. www.kobesteakandsushi.com Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-Out. Casual. Reservations suggested.

thai Thai Dinner Too 3028 W. Cary St. (804) 353-9514. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In & Take-Out. Casual. Reservations suggested. Thai Top Ten 911 1/2 W. Grace St. (804) 254-8195. Casual. Lunch & Dinner. Dine In , Take-Out & Delivery.

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www.richmondnavigator.com

The Metro Richmond area is teeming with great, independent restaurants, with the greatest concentration being in town. These non-chain eateries often showcase some of their individual style and character in their bars. We’re taking this opportunity to “raise the bar,” that is to make you more aware of the options, the special events, and the variety of fun evenings offered in some of the city’s truly great bars. Enjoy and, of course, drink responsibly.

THE BELVIDERE AT BROAD 506 W. Broad Street. 344.0644. thebelvidereatbroad.com HOURS: Open for dinner from 5pm nightly. Sunday Brunch 10:30 ‘til 3pm.

Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant 1327 East Cary Street. 649.7767. www.sineirishpub.com Hours: Sun-Tues 11:30am-12am, WedThurs 11:30am-1am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-7pm. $2 domestic bottled beer, margaritas, well drinks. $3 micro brews. $1 off wines. Entertainment: Wednesday Karaoke. Thurs-Sat Nights Live band. Food: Full menu served until 10pm. Late night menu on weekends until 1am.

HAPPY HOUR 5-7pm. 7 nights a week. GRAB A BITE Dinner is served ‘til 10pm Sunday through Thursdays and ‘til 11pm on Saturday. QUENCH YOUR THIRST The Belvidere features a variety of signature seasonal drinks. Try the Old Old Fashioned with Bulleit bourbon, Angostura bitters, a Woodford Reserve soaked cherry, flamed orange peel, and soda water. THEIR CLAIM TO FAME The Belvidere serves eclectic American dishes, with world influence, and a focus on fresh, natural ingredients. It offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options and features an extensive wine and beer selection. And, it’s all served in a casual atmosphere.

Star-Lite Dining & Lounge

BISTRO 27 27 W. Broad Street. 780.0086. bistrotwentyseven.com HOURS: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat 5-10pm, Sunday Brunch 10:30am-2:30pm. Sunday Dinner 5-9pm.

HAPPY HOUR 4:30-6:30pm. Monday-Friday. Tapas $5. Drafts $3. House Wings $5. Rail drinks $4. Caipirinha $5. GRAB A BITE Dinner is served until closing. QUENCH YOUR THIRST Perhaps the city’s most elegant

2600 West Main Street. 254.2667. www.starlitediningandlounge.com Hours: Weekdays 11am-2am. Weekends 10am-2am. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-7pm. $1 off draft beer, $2.50 seasonal tap, $3 rail drinks, $4 select wine. Food: Full menu served until 10:30pm. Limited menu until midnight. Weekends special brunch menu from 10:30am-2:30pm.

drink – Old Raj Saffron-Infused Dry Gin served with a hibiscus floating in the glass. THEIR CLAIM TO FAME You can feel the passion in this truly, excellent restaurant. Each member of the experienced staff is serious about creating that fine dining (yet, non-stuffy and welcoming) atmosphere. Peruse the cocktail, wine, and beer list and you’ll discover someone took the time to really put some thought to it. Try unique tapas such as pork and duck rilletes and quail egg skewers or a city favorite, steamed mussels.

www.richmondnavigator.com

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Home Team Grill

ROSIE CONNolly’s pub & restaurant 1548 E. Main Street 343-1063 • rosieconnollys.com HOURS: Mon-Sat 4pm-2am.

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri 4-7pm. $3 well drinks. Specials on select drafts. $3.50 house wines. ENTERTAINMENT Irish Jam 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month.

1630 West Main Street. 254.7360. www.hometeamgrill.com Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm $2 select domestic draft beers, $3 house wines and rail drinks, $4 cosmos and martinis, $4 Jack Daniel Tennessee Honey Entertainment: Live music every Friday night. Food: Full menu served weekdays until 11, weekends until 12.

GRAB A BITE Full menu until 9pm Monday, 10pm on weeknights, 11pm on weekends.

Blackfinn American Saloon

QUENCH YOUR THIRST Poor Man’s Black Velvet. Guinness and cider.

1001 Haxall Point, Suite 100. 643.3466. www.blackfinnrichmond.com Hours: Mon-Wed 11:30-12am, Thurs & Fri 11:30-2am, Sat 12pm-2am. Sun 12pm12am. Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm. $2 domestic drafts, $3 house wine and highballs. Food: Full menu served Mon-Thurs until 10pm and Fri-Sat until 11pm.

THEIR CLAIM TO FAME For a true Irish Pub experience, there’s no better place than Rosie Connolly’s. Excellent selection of your favorite brews from across the pond, including Guinness, Harp, Tetley’s English Ale and Stella Artois. Also, find an impressive array of single malt scotches and Irish whiskeys. Get your fix for Fish N’ Chips. Or try their Steak and Mushroom Pie–braised beef, onions and mushrooms with a roasted garlic and red wine gravy, topped with a puff pastry and served with mashed potatoes.

The Tobacco Company 1201 E. Cary Street. 782.9555. www.thetobaccocompany.com Hours: Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5:30-10, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30, Sun 5:30-9:30, Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3-7 ½ off well highballs, house wines, house martinis, domestic beers Entertainment: Live entertainment Wed-Sat at 9:30pm

NEW YORK DELI 2920 Cary Street • 358-3354 • ny-d.com HOURS: Daily 9am-2am.

HAPPY HOUR 3-7pm daily. $2 rail drinks. $1 off draft beer. $2 off wine by the glass. ENTERTAINMENT Mon mug night. Tuesday trivia night. Thurs karaoke. Fri and Sat live DJs. GRAB A BITE Full menu until 11pm on weeknights. Bar menu til midnight on weekends. THEIR CLAIM TO FAME Carytown’s most venerable restaurant and deli becomes one of its hottest night spots when the sun goes down. Find PBRs for 50 cents at this cool Carytown nightspot on Sundays through Thursdays from 9-10pm. Looking to grab a bite on Christmas? Search no further, as New York Deli is open 365 days a year. Try their Sailor sandwich (they claim to be its birthplace) with hot pastrami, grilled knockwurst, melted Swiss and hot mustard on rye bread. The vintage bar perfectly complements the Deli, which has been in the same location since 1934. n

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www.richmondnavigator.com

S U P P O RT YO U R LO C A L B A RT E N D E R By Steve Cook. Photos by Robert Thomas.

of her favorite margaritas – a

say about, Susan

frozen margarita

Norfleet, a bartender Cantina in Shockoe Bottom (103 N. 18th Street), is that she’s (pardon the triteness) a people person. She would also make a

other positive things

SN: I was raised in Newport News. I came to Richmond to attend

rocks: Classic Cadillac Margarita (on the rocks) 2 oz. of Cabo Wabo 100% Agave Azul 1 oz. of Grand Marnier 5 oz. of Sour 2 Squeezed Lime Wedges Raspberry Mango Margarita

one might say about

(frozen)

this lovely, vivacious

2 oz. of Tequila

young lady. But here’s

VCU. I’ve been here for six years, now.

and one on the

at the new Margarita’s

city. There are many

RC: Tell us a little about yourself…where you’re from…what

recipes for two

One thing you can

great tour guide for the

brings you to Richmond.

Susan gave us the

3 oz. of Raspberry Puree 3 oz. of Mango Puree

what she had to say,

Splash of Gran Gala

in a recent interview:

Splash of Lime Juice

RC:

Do you have any favorite hangouts (besides

Margarita’s)? SN: Downtown, I love the Tobacco Company. In the Fan, I like Sullivan’s and the Local.

RC: So, you’ve graduated from VCU?

RC: And, do you have a favorite section of town?

SN: Yes, I recently graduated with a degree in Marketing. I’m still

SN: There’s so much here. I love to take my boyfriend’s

trying to figure out what I want to do with my degree. RC: So what led you into bartending? SN: Well, for one thing, bartending really is marketing. But, most of all, it’s the people. You get to meet so many interesting people at this job.

dog walking on Bell Isle. I live in Carytown now and I guess it’s my favorite because of all the shops and restaurants. RC: One more question…how do you spend your free time? SN: I enjoy spending time with the people I love. My

RC: What’s the secret to being a good bartender?

boyfriend stays very busy, but we make our time together

SN: You have to be somewhat of a chameleon. You need to adapt

count, whether it’s riding on his motorcycle, going to the

to be what each guest wants you to be. I talk when someone wants

movies, or just enjoying each other’s company. I also have

to listen and I listen when someone wants to talk.

my sister, my brother-in-law, and my niece. I enjoy being

RC: Having grown up in Newport News, how does Richmond compare?

with them. I have a lot of wonderful friends and I love to spend quality time with them.

SN: I love downtown. But I also love the Fan and Carytown. There’s

Margarita’s, with its fun atmosphere, great Mexican

so much to do in Richmond…so many places to go out with friends.

food, and refreshing adult beverages, is the perfect place

Richmond is a huge arts city and there are so many festivals and

for someone who enjoys being around people as much as

events that bring everyone together. In Newport News, most of the

does Susan Norfleet. Stop in, say, “Hi,” and make a new

restaurants are chain restaurants. Here, they’re all different. I really

friend. n

like that.

www.richmondnavigator.com

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Backstage with

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

By Bruce Moore

They might have one of the strangest band names you have ever heard, but don’t let that fool you. Because the French pop-punk/ metal band Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! is no joke. I recently had a chance to speak with vocalist Bertrand Poncet before the band’s gig in Richmond as part of the Fearless Friends Tour. These guys put on a high energy show that had everyone in the crowd furiously moving along with them. The band will be back in Richmond for a show at The Hat factory on February 22nd. Here is what Poncet had to say about the band and their very unique name. How is the tour going? It is awesome. We have already toured

What is going on after this? Right after this tour we are going back

the United States but this tour is bigger.

All of our songs talk about our per-

to France for Christmas. At the end of Jan-

Every night we play in front of a lot of

sonal experiences. It is general stuff. For

uary we are coming back to the States for

people and the crowd is almost always

instance two years ago our van was sto-

a tour with Attack Attack, Sleeping With

crazy.

len with all of our instruments and stuff

Sirens and the Ghost Inside. We have a lot

Something For Nothing has just been

in it. It was a very bad experience for us

of other tours but they are not announced

re-released through your label. Now

so we wanted to write a song with a lot

yet.

that you have had so long to sit with it

of hate and anger. We didn’t talk specifi-

are you satisfied with the outcome?

cally about this incident in the song but

We like it, but it is getting very old for us. That is why we are trying to write a new record now. What is the story behind the band’s name?

Are there any tracks on the disc that are personal favorites?

we wanted to write about what we felt. Where were you at when it happened? In Italy.

Have you guys toured around the world? We have toured Europe, the United States and we even played Russia, and we were supposed to tour Japan but that did not happen.

Did you ever get it back?

What was Russia like?

Everyone asks us this question. It

No it is gone forever. It happened right

Very crazy shows and the people are

is actually a quote from the movie, The

before a tour. We did some shows with

even funnier when they are drunk on

Goonies. Near the end of the movie when

borrowed gear and it was difficult but ac-

Vodka, but really it was the best live ex-

the kids near the pirate boat and the fat

tually the shows were amazing and the

perience of our career so far. n

kid says the line, “Chunk! No, Captain

experience was the best and the worst at

Chunk!”

the same time.

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Follow the band on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cnccband.

www.richmondnavigator.com

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IN SEARCH OF Photos by Robert Thomas and Tim Hill.

spicy food

Stupid Wings These wings are so hot you have to sign a waver before you can dig in. As seen on the Food Network, these wings are fried, pierced and tossed in a sauce made with cayenne pepper, habanero, ghost chili, and capsaicin extract for the sauce.

Caliente • calienterichmond.com 2922 Park Avenue • 340-2920

Spicy Lobster Roll A fresh roll with spicy lobster, cucumber and avocado on the inside and topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce. Add some wasabi for a real kick!

Kobe Japanese Steaks & Sushi • kobesteakandsushi.com 19 S 13th Street • 643-8080

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Catfish is fried to a golden brown and topped with a homemade spicy honey mustard sauce (secret family recipe). Try it with the fresh, perfectly seasoned collard greens and mac and cheese.

Carlyle’s Cafe 1201 W. Main Street • 354-0127

Pollo al Chipotle Grilled strips of chicken marinated in a chipotle sauce served over a bed of Spanish rice and a guacamole salad.

Little Mexico 1328 W. Cary Street • 525-4216 littlemexicova.com

www.richmondnavigator.com

Texas Style Beef Brisket Dry rubbed and slow smoked for fourteen hours, whole beef brisket is topped with onions and spicy jalapenos and served on a bun.

Alamo • alamobbqva.com 2202 Jefferson Ave. • 592-3138

Lamb Vindaloo Tender boneless lamb and fresh cut potatoes cooked slowly with authentic Indian spices in a rich gravy. Round out your meal with garlic naan (Indian bread) to sop up the extra gravy.

Kebab & Biryani 2452 Old Brick Road • 658-3174

Shrimp Lemongrass Jumbo shrimp sauteed with onions in a spicy lemongrass

Crispy Filet of Flounder This crispy fish filet can even be made gluten-

sauce.

free. Served with a hot chili basil garlic sauce.

Da Lat Restaurant 9125 W. Broad Street • 762-9330 dalatvirginia.com

www.richmondnavigator.com

Siam Paragon Thai Cuisine 13120 Midlothian Tnpk. • 379-9895 siamparagonva.com

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Calendar of Events N ovember - J anuary

By Alaina Rauth

BOOM TOWN Early mining-inspired machines serve as the playground for prospectors and adventure-seekers as the acrobats of Cirque Mechanics transport you to the 1865 mining town of Rosebud, where an unlikely discovery sets off a series of hilarious and unexpected events full of the lore, excitement, and adventure of the Old West! Cirque Mechanics brings together veterans of world-renowned companies such as Cirque du Soleil and the Moscow Circus to continue the exploration of performers and machines through acrobatics, dance, aerial work, trampolines, and much more. Bring the whole family to see the acrobatic troupe that The New York Times calls “exceptional, evocative, eye-catching, ear-catching and to keep this list short, engrossingly entertaining.” For more information on the March 3rd show at the Alice Jepson Theatre, visit the Modlin Center’s website at www.Modlin.richmond.edu

THE MASTERS OF MOTOWN

Photo by Joan Marcus.

If you enjoyed the music of Temptations, and Stevie Wonder, you don’t want to miss the Masters of Motown, appearing at Allen on February 2nd, at 7 PM. Backed by a live band, the show features stylishly costumed and fully choreographed tributes to the male and female groups that made Motown so popular. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ArtsAtGlenAllen.com.

Always…Patsy Cline January 20 - March 25. Hanover Theatre. Barksdalerichmond.org Life is a Cabaret: Kathy Halenda, Class & Brass: The Music of Judy Garland & Bette Midler January 27 - 29. Richmond Centerstage. Richmondcenterstage.com Chili Cook Off Wine Trail Weekend January 28 - 29. Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. HOVAwinetrail.com 13th Annual Virginia Dance Festival A benefit for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. January 28. James River High School. virginiadancefestival.com Louis Bravo’s Forever Tango starring Cheryl Burke February 2. Richmond Centerstage. Richmondcenterstage.com God of Carnage February 3 - March 11. Willow Lawn Theatre. Barksdalerichmond.org

Gladys Knight and the Pips, The

the Cultural Arts Center at Glen

The National Shows January 22: Lamb of God. January 27: The Legwarmers. January 28: Robert Earl Keen. February 3: SOJA. thenationalva.com

Jelani Remy as “Simba” and the ensemble in He Lives in You.

THE LION KING Worldwide, more than 60 million people have seen it since it opened on Broadway in 1997. And now, it’s headed

27th Annual Richmond Camping RV Expo February 10 - 12. Richmond Raceway Complex. Agievents.com Mike Epps February 12. Richmond Coliseum. Richmondcoliseum.net

to town, beginning in mid-February. It’s Walt Disney’s The Lion King, one of the most popular musical productions ever staged. Featuring the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, both that which was heard

24th Annual Richmond Boat Show February 17 - 19. Richmond Raceway Complex. Agievents.com

in the animated film as well as additional material written for the stage production, along with material written by South African musicians, The Lion King creates a fusion of Western popular music, with the dis-

Richmond Ballet: Coppella February 10 - 12. Richmond Centerstage. Richmondcenterstage.com

tinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa. Tickets to the production, which runs at the Landmark Theater from February 15 through

The Stinky Cheese Man February 17 - March 18. Empire Theatre. Theatreivrichmond.com

March 11, 2012, can be purchased at the Landmark Theater Box Office and at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com.

For more local events, visit www.richmondnavigator.com

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Twilight Carniball. Destination: France February 25. Children’s Museum of Richmond Central. For tickets, call 474-7013. n

www.richmondnavigator.com

LearningRx Offers

Hope for Struggling Students By Missy Epps Watts

s your child struggling with reading or other subjects in school? Have they been through hours of tutoring without

showing improvement? Does your child seem to be troubled and frustrated? Students today, even those in elementary school, are being taught at a faster, more advanced rate. While many have had no trouble adjusting, some have found that no matter how much they study, they still have trouble achieving good grades and completing schoolwork. Are you, as a parent, frustrated and don’t know where to turn next for help? LearningRx Richmond-West may just offer the assistance you need. Several years ago, Ed Lawrence was looking for a challenging career when he discovered an opportunity that would not only provide an interesting job where he could assist others, but also help a family member become a better reader and student. Lawrence is now the Director of LearningRx Richmond-West; a special learning center that caters to anyone looking to increase his or her brain’s learning potential, efficiency and effectiveness. LearningRx

Richmond-West

offers

assistance to children and adults with reading and dyslexia issues; ADD and ADHD; autism and other such syndromes; senior adults seeking to improve memory skills; individuals with traumatic brain injury; and those that just want to increase their brain’s capacity to learn. The LearningRx mission is to support brain growth and improvement throughout life. Lawrence stresses that clients are not diagnosed at LearningRx. “We are not

process they use to do this is called ‘brain

contingent on length of training and family

training’.

involvement.

“There are several cognitive skills that

One of the more common areas that the

are responsible for how we get, process,

learning center addresses is reading prob-

retain and recall information,” stated Law-

lems. “Reading is the gateway to learning,”

rence. “When these skills are strong, learn-

said Lawrence. “LearningRx brain training

ing is easy. When even one of the skills is

and sound-to-code reading training can be-

weak, learning becomes more difficult.

come the foundation for a life of faster, easier,

Having weak cognitive skills can have an