May/June 2008
Nine To Dine
Spectacular food and views beyond the Ocean and Bay
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Flowing, sinuous blue ribbons meander and course throughout the region—waterways of all shapes and sizes. Rivers, inlets and creeks offer more than 2,600 miles of shoreline throughout Hampton Roads.
Folks seem to have a real affinity with water. They come up with inspired thoughts, ranging from the philosophic to the romantic, as waves lap against the banks and a celestial body, be it the sun or moon, dances on the aqua pura. Each waterway has its own personality and story. And many are fortunate to also have their own restaurant—or two.
No doubt there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal along the two primary bodies of water—the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. But there are also plenty of culinary havens off the beaten arteries, too. Along main thoroughfares like the Elizabeth, James and York rivers, and tucked away in cubby holes like Lynnhaven Inlet and Muddy Creek, these aquatic oases offer scenic vistas and good food, too.
We find these nine mighty fine:
BLUE PETE’S
Vista: Muddy Creek, a tributary of Back Bay
Cuisine: Seafood, Regional Seasonal
Must try: Back Bay Crab Cakes; panko-dusted, oven-baked and served with Pete’s remoulade sauce.
Housed in a 40-something year old fishing lodge, Blue Pete’s has been a dining destination for the past couple decades. Operated by Pat and Betty Ann Ricks beginning in 1972, the restaurant briefly changed hands before being reopened this spring by Paul and Holly Verber. Large, wrap-around glass walls provide views of the water and surrounding rural landscape, and a regional cuisine of local foods is crafted by Chef Eric Latschar, a Johnson & Wales graduate whom has worked at many fine dining restaurants in the region.
Blue Pete’s
1400 N. Muddy Creek Rd., Virginia Beach
757-453-6378
THE BRAY BISTRO AT KINGSMILL
Vista: James River
Cuisine: Nouveau Southern, Regional Seasonal
Must try: Chesapeake Seafood Buffet, Friday evenings
It’s all about comfort at Kingsmill—from the attentive staff’s pampering to the comfort food featuring creative renditions of old favorites. Bray Bistro, one of a half-dozen dining options at the resort and spa, focuses on sophisticated Southern cuisine, like Shrimp N’ Grits. No ordinary dish, this marries pan-roasted tiger Gulf shrimp with roasted red bell pepper grits topped with bacon-smoked chipotle butter. Steak, seafood, poultry—all the bases are covered, including dessert. Peach and Sweet Tea Sorbet with Berries and Candied Green Tomatoes, anyone? All this with views of the manicured Kingsmill grounds with the James River as a backdrop.
The Bray Bistro at Kingsmill
1010 Kingsmill Rd., Williamsburg
757-253-3370
www.kingsmill.com
For the rest of this story, including the rest of our picks for best places to dine with water views, see the July/August issue of ‘Hampton Roads Magazine’, currently available on newsstands.
