Small Batch - Local Kitchen — Restaurant in Lakeside

Not what was expected based on the restaurant name, theme (farm to table) and the culinary expertise of the chef per website. Our visit on New Year's Eve was pleasant. Definitely short staffed based on the amount of tables the one server had to handle supplemented by the assistance from the bartender and what I believe was the restaurant manager. Atmosphere, that of a hotel of this caliper. Modern with good table spacing for conversation and comfortable.

The food is mediocre. Not horrible but nothing special. Two notables are the brussel sprout appetizer and the french fries. Both are excellent! Most notable comment was the sauce on the TOFU dinner tasted like it was from a grocery store shelf.

That said, worth a try but do not go with high expectations of this being a Richmond best...

It’s so rare to eat something that makes me so impressed. To try something you’ve wanted to cook yourself but never truly succeeded in doing. I had the Chicken Piccata with linguine and tomatoes today, and it was so well crafted, and so well plated. Every part was well thought out and considered. The chicken thigh was perfectly sautéed/lightly fried and it was a complete marvel. The linguine was buttery and lemony and the tomatoes perfectly accented the dish. They were heirloom tomatoes which was amazing, and they were perfectly lightly burst so the skins didn’t become annoying (that might just be a me thing though). Took a taste of hubbys burger, equally delish.

My only regret was not staying for...

Come here every year for a coworker reunion and always enjoy the service. It is located in the lobby of the Westin Hotel. Ample seating in a laid back classy atmosphere. Seats are comfortable with a very classic breakfast menu. I got the Classic American breakfast with the savory maple bacon! My side was a fruit cup that tasted as if they had just picked the fruits from their respective trees. The whole wheat toast was a thick cut fulfilling portion. My wife got the Eggs Benedict that was decorated with fresh arugula with a hint of olive oil. Every item on their menu is a hit and the good thing is you can go up to your room and take a nap after this...