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June 29, 2008
Weekly finds much to like about Kitchen 64
Longtime Richmond writer Lisa Antonelli Bacon reviews Northside’s Kitchen 64 in the latest issue of Brock Weekly. Her positive review is more focused on the story of Kitchen 64 and its owners, the Giavos family:
Kitchen 64 is a departure in a way, spreading the Giavos empire beyond the Fan. “Years ago, when Johnny and I started having kids, we started looking for a bigger home,” she recalls. “All our friends with kids were moving to Northside.” Katrina fell in love with the area. But with three restaurants in the Fan, moving miles outside it didn’t make sense. Although they never moved from their Fan home, Northside remained appealing.
They approached the venture with some trepidation. “We thought no one would come here,” says Katrina, who spends her time managing Kitchen 64 while Johnny is perpetually making rounds at all the others.
They couldn’t have been more wrong. Katrina has found that the location is accessible to many more areas. Sitting at the crossroads of Westwood Avenue and Robin Hood Road, right where the Boulevard becomes Hermitage Road, Kitchen 64 has cultivated loyal customers from all over the metro area. More importantly, 64 has quickly become a highlight for its neighbors. “We really feel like part of this community,” says Katrina.
I’m glad you mentioned the author, as I was worried that this story was written by Kitchen 64 for Brick. This is what Brick seems to like to do. I tried to ask them through the comments on the article’s page, but it seems they didn’t feel like accepting my comment. (What else can you expect from Media General? Haha)
Been there a few times, now.
Delicious salads and the burgers were awesome.
Kitchen 64 is the BEST! We are opening our $1.75 cleaners at Brook Run and are so glad that we are not too far from K-64 so we can eat there all the time (which we already do). I have told everyone I know about it. What an asset to Richmond dining!
ok….I’m furious. I went to 64 last night alone to enjoy a nice dinner. I arrived at 5:00 pm sharp knowing they are busy and I wanted to be able to sit down. When I walked in, there were only 2 booths taken for diners.The hostess ask if she could help, I said yes, one for dinner. She led me to a little table in the middle of the floor which I politely asked if I could have a booth. She matter of frankly told me they were reseverd for lareger parties. She said I could sit outside (which the temperture was about 101 then) or could sit at the bar. In my opinion, the bar is for people who want to drink, not dine. I left and she gave me the attitude of (oh well, we really don’t care). I suppose this is what happens when you become somewhat popular with average food. I guess my tip alone wouldn’t have been enough for her. Sorry 64, you lost a good customer and many more if I have anything to do with it. I will gladly share this story with my friends. Good luck….with the attitudes you all have there, you will need it.
BP:
seriously, how can you reasonably expect to take up a whole booth by yourself. that’s ridiculous.
especially in a place that fills up like 64, they are trying to serve as many people as possible from a business standpoint as well as ensuring that customers like yourself don’t have to wait due to lack of tables this is common practice.
well, I find it must be common practice at 64. I dine all over the city and at much better establishments than 64, and it’s always first come first serve at a table (or booth). One single person’s money isn’t green? C’mon….I got there at 5 because I knew it wasn’t busy then. You have your opinion and I suppose I have mine. I found it rude and a poor way of doing business…but I suppose other than to complain to 64 fans, I will handle it in the best way which is not to dine at 64 anymore and encourage my friends to do the same.I would never, ever expect to be seated in a booth with people waiting….as a matter of fact, many times I have gotten up for a smaller table at many places to allow families and larger groups to sit. But when there is only 8 people in the whole restaurant, I would have expected to be allowed a booth. Maybe I expect too much from a business when I am spending my money there. Geeez.
Geez.
Yeah, you are expecting too much. Regardless of you “spending your money” (aren’t we all) a booth is for more than, say 1 person. Kitchen 64, which we all admit gets a bit more than busy on the average night, can serve 3 more people than yourself, at said booth.
Just because you frequent restaurants doesn’t mean you can tell them how to handle their business. The hostess/server gave you 3 alternates to your request ( i personally don’t mind eating at the bar, bartenders rock! ) but did not turn you away, that seemed to be your choice to leave, per your post.
You seem to like 64, it’s a shame that you will let your supposed need for placation get in the way of your enjoyment of good food.
Cheers.
well hchinaski…not even worth a comment…I’m sure another “trendy” place will open soon and we can all flock there regardless of the service or the quality of the food. Enjoy 64….just make sure you go there with at least 4 people. ( and forgive me, I couldn’t resist just a “little” comment)
okay folks……….let’s get real. Restaurants need every variety of patrons to stay in business in these tough markets. BP sounds like a considerate person picking a time of day that is not busy when wanting to occupy the booth. 64 is part of a group of restaurants owned by some savy owners who could not possibly want to annoy any potential customers. That is money out of their pocket. If this is a policy then post it for all to see and leave if desired. But still only 8 customers there and they annoyed 12% of their clientele in a 30 second exchange! For shame! 64 has good food at reasonable prices, and when crowded isn’t a place I want to be. Let’s not discrimate against families, groups OR singles. The time is long past for discrimination of any type— frankly I am embarrassed by the help at 64 behaving like that. I am confident the owners are too.