The Best of Richmond: A Filling Farewell

I was asked a sort of dying wish, repeatedly, during my last few weeks in Richmond, Va. Where do you want to eat before you go? But after 10 years in Richmond, it was just too hard to decide. Did I want a Chiocca’s Chicken Coup sub? Of course. The lobster puff-pastry egg dish at Millie’s Diner? Heck yeah. White bean, garlic, arugula heaven at Mamma Zu? Absolutely. But alas, there was neither time nor money for everything. But luckily I did get to a few last suppers.

Colorful Cuban spot Kuba Kuba served the most satisfying send-off lunch. My friend and I hungrily ordered black-bean soup and avocado salad (she) and a pressed Cuban sandwich and salad (me). At any lesser establishment there would have been plenty of elbow room. But god love Kuba Kuba. Your arteries, not so much.

Tres Blessed

There just aren’t enough adjectives to describe the Tres Leches cake at Richmond Cuban spot Kuba Kuba, but heavenly, moist-as-hell, and damned delicious are a good start. This cute bodega-cafe run by chef Manny Mendez is a local favorite and great spot to bring out-of-towners. That’s exactly what happened last week when a group of friends and family gathered there to celebrate my birthday. Very lucky for me. Below you’ll see the aformentioned cake glowing because it’s pretty much angelic, with Manny proudly looking on from the left corner.

Manny’s mother bakes them fresh each morning. What are the tres ingredients, you ask? Condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. Not for the lactose intollerant. My heart goes out to them.

Next time: the California Huevos Rancheros…