Glen Allen, VA
Always on the hunt for the perfect calamari, I was thrilled to find that West Coast Provisions delivered. Their version was crispy, tender, and paired with an excellent sauce—easily a 10/10.
For entrées, Dallas ordered the Maui Mahi. The sauce was flavorful and well-balanced, but the fish itself was slightly overcooked and a bit dry. That said, he still finished every bite, which speaks to the overall dish.
I chose the crab cakes, which were impressively dense with minimal filler—exactly what you want in a proper crab cake. The accompanying sweet potatoes were a standout on their own—rich, well-seasoned and perfectly prepared.
Cocktails were equally noteworthy. Both the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned were expertly crafted and complemented the meal beautifully.
Bottom line: Despite a small hiccup with the fish, the quality, flavors, and overall experience make West Coast Provisions a must-visit in Glen Allen. Highly recommended!
Virginia Beach, VA
Perched on the top floor of the Holiday Inn, Isle of Capri is a hidden gem that combines authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The setting alone makes it a standout spot in Virginia Beach.
The scallops were cooked to perfection—seared beautifully, tender inside, and full of flavor. Dallas ordered the filet, which was incredibly tender and practically melted in his mouth. Both dishes showcased the kitchen’s skill and attention to quality ingredients.
Service was a bit slow at times, but the spectacular view and relaxed atmosphere made the wait easier to overlook.
Bottom line: For a romantic evening or a special night out, Isle of Capri offers exceptional food, breathtaking views and a true taste of Italy by the ocean.
Glen Allen, VA
Dallas and I stopped by Los Panchos for a casual Sunday afternoon lunch and, as usual, found it to be a consistent, no-frills spot for classic Mexican fare. I ordered my usual, the Pollo 57—grilled chicken covered in melted cheese with a side of rice and beans. Unfortunately, it was a bit too salty this time, but still edible. Dallas went with the pork carnitas, which were flavorful and tender—definitely the highlight of the meal.
Portions were generous, and the chips and salsa came out fresh, a nice way to start the meal. The margaritas were basic—nothing to write home about, but they did the trick. Service was fine, though not particularly warm.
This was our third visit, and overall, Los Panchos continues to deliver a reliably decent experience with great décor that gives off a festive, authentic vibe. While it may not be a standout, it’s a good go-to when you’re craving a casual Mexican meal.
Dallas raved about the cold brew, served with an unexpectedly fun presentation, and he loved his huevos rancheros. His son devoured the French toast, giving it two enthusiastic thumbs up. Portions were generous across the board, and the menu has plenty left to explore—shrimp and grits, you’re next!
We’ll definitely be back soon. A must-try for your next brunch outing!
For entrées, Dallas ordered the Maui Mahi. The sauce was flavorful and well-balanced, but the fish itself was slightly overcooked and a bit dry. That said, he still finished every bite, which speaks to the overall dish.
I chose the crab cakes, which were impressively dense with minimal filler—exactly what you want in a proper crab cake. The accompanying sweet potatoes were a standout on their own—rich, well-seasoned and perfectly prepared.
Cocktails were equally noteworthy. Both the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned were expertly crafted and complemented the meal beautifully.
Bottom line: Despite a small hiccup with the fish, the quality, flavors, and overall experience make West Coast Provisions a must-visit in Glen Allen. Highly recommended!
Virginia Beach, VA
I’m not a regular at Dunkin’, so I wasn’t too familiar with the menu going in—and unfortunately, the drive-thru staff wasn’t exactly eager to help. The service felt rushed and borderline rude when I asked a few simple questions about the options, which definitely set a negative tone for the visit.
That said, I ordered the sausage and cheese croissant, and while it looked overcooked at first glance, it ended up being surprisingly delicious—and impressively large. My friend Ingrid had a similar reaction to her breakfast sandwich: tasty and far more filling than expected.
Overall, while the food was better than anticipated, the poor customer service really took away from the experience. If you’re in a hurry and know exactly what you want, Dunkin’ might do the trick—but don’t expect a warm welcome.
Midlothian, VA
The Best Sushi in Richmond, VA (Yes, Really)
When you eat a lot of sushi, you quickly learn that not all sushi is created equal—and then you find a place like Sushi-O in Midlothian and the bar gets raised forever. This is hands-down our pick for the best sushi in Richmond, VA, and every visit reinforces it.
Andy: The Secret Behind Sushi-O’s Magic
Co-owner Andy is the heart of Sushi-O. He knows sushi inside and out, and his craft shows in every single roll, cut, and plate he sends out. His attention to detail is on another level—precision, creativity, and perfect execution every time.
You can genuinely taste the difference when someone who truly cares is behind the counter.
The Freshest, Highest-Quality Seafood in Richmond
One thing we love most about Sushi-O? The freshness. Every bite tastes like it was flown in that morning. The fish is bright, buttery, and beautifully prepared—never dull, fishy, or overly sauced.
If you’re picky about sushi (we definitely are!), this place checks every box.
Our Favorite Roll: The Iconic 007
If you try only one thing here, make it the 007 Roll. It’s my absolute favorite—packed with flavor, silky texture, and just the right amount of richness.
It’s the kind of roll that keeps you coming back again and again.
Atmosphere: Modern, Clean & Relaxed
The vibe at Sushi-O is exactly what you want from a great sushi restaurant—modern décor, clean lines, warm lighting, and a relaxed feel that works for everything from date night to casual dinner with friends.
It never feels chaotic or rushed, even when it’s busy (and it often is).
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try for Any Sushi Lover
Sushi-O in Midlothian is the kind of place you recommend to everyone—friends, coworkers, out-of-towners, and anyone who says they “love sushi.” With Andy leading the craft and the freshest seafood in Richmond, it’s a standout spot that keeps us coming back.
If you’re looking for the best sushi in Richmond, this is it.
Glen Allen, VA
Cozy Breakfast Spot With Great Coffee & Even Better Pancakes
For the past few months, Dallas and I have been slowly working our way through the local breakfast scene, and Turning Point in Short Pump has quickly earned a top spot on our list. We’ve now eaten here three times, and every visit has gotten better—always a good sign for a fairly new restaurant settling in.
Service That Improves With Every Visit
One of the first things we noticed is how the service improves each time we come in. The staff is warm and genuinely friendly, and the management team is incredibly attentive. You can tell they’re committed to delivering a great guest experience.
The only downside? Food can take a little longer to arrive, but since they’re still new, it feels like something they’re actively working to streamline. The steady improvement gives us confidence they’ll get there.
Specialty Coffees & Big Breakfast Flavor
Dallas is now officially a loyal fan of Turning Point’s specialty coffees—he hasn’t found one he doesn’t like yet. If you enjoy fun espresso drinks or seasonal flavors, you’ll want to work your way through the menu too.
As for the food… let’s just say you won’t leave hungry.
Pancakes Worth Sharing (But You’ll Want Your Own)
The pancakes are enormous—truly massive—and somehow still fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. These alone are worth the visit.
Light & Fluffy Belgian Waffles
The Belgian waffles are another win: crisp edges, light inside, and delicious with any topping. A great choice if you prefer something less heavy than pancakes but still indulgent.
Cute Décor & a Welcoming Vibe
Turning Point checks the “Instagrammable café” box with bright, modern décor that feels cozy and fresh. It’s the kind of spot where you can linger over brunch or enjoy a relaxed weekday breakfast.
Only Breakfast & Lunch—Which Means We’re Going Back
Turning Point is a breakfast and lunch–only restaurant, and so far we’ve only made it through breakfast. After three solid visits, we’re absolutely planning to return to try lunch next.
Final Recommendation
We definitely recommend Turning Point in Short Pump for anyone looking for a friendly, delicious breakfast experience. With great coffee, generous portions, a welcoming vibe, and consistently improving service, it’s a spot we’re happy to add to our Adventures with M&D list.
Thai Thai II
Bethlehem, PA
A Cozy BYOB with Hits and Misses
As a self-proclaimed pad thai connoisseur, I’m always on the lookout for great Thai food. Thai Thai II in Bethlehem, PA has been a favorite stop of mine, and this was my second visit. While the experience was still enjoyable, it didn’t quite reach the high bar set by my first trip.
Pad Thai Review: 7/10
I ordered my go-to dish, Chicken Pad Thai, and would rate it a 7/10 this time around.
- Flavor: Solid and comforting
- Downside: The chicken was a bit dried out, which held the dish back
- Overall: Not bad—just not as good as my first visit
Green Curry Review: 10/10
My daughter went with the Green Curry, and she didn’t hold back—10/10 across the board.
Rich flavor, great spice level, and perfectly balanced. Hands down the winner of the night.
Atmosphere
Thai Thai II is a small, cute, eclectic restaurant with tons of charm.
- BYOB, which is always a plus
- Cozy and perfect for casual dinners
Service
This visit, the service was extremely slow—much slower than what we experienced the first time. Definitely disappointing.
The good news? Food came out hot, which helped make up for the wait.
Final Thoughts
Thai Thai II still has a lot going for it: flavorful dishes, a cozy vibe, and BYOB. While consistency and speed of service were issues this time, I’d still return—especially for that green curry.
Mount Ida Reserve Winery & Tap Room
Charlottesville, VA
Beautiful Views, Amazing Brunch & A Place You’ll Want to Linger
I’ve now been to Mount Ida Winery & Tap Room twice—both times for Sunday brunch—and it’s quickly become one of my favorite Charlottesville escapes. There’s something magical about the combination of mountain views, great food and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Atmosphere & Setting: Cozy, Scenic & Full of Personality
What stands out most at Mount Ida is just how beautiful and welcoming the property feels.
- Sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views
- A warm, rustic-meets-modern interior
- Spacious seating both inside and outside
- A relaxed, easygoing vibe perfect for slow Sundays
They even have a shelf of board games, which adds a fun, unexpected touch to the experience—especially if you’re lingering over drinks. And if you’re visiting during football season, the outdoor seating area is an amazing spot to watch a game with a cold beer in hand.
Food Review: Brunch Favorites Worth Returning For
Both times I visited, brunch did not disappoint.
Mt. Ida Smash Burger
Hands down, one of the best winery burgers I’ve had. And, Dallas agrees!
- Juicy, flavorful patty
- Perfectly toasted bun
- Served with piping hot fries that were crisp and delicious
A big portion and worth every bite.
Country Ham Croque Monsieur
This sandwich was incredible—rich, salty, melty, and perfectly indulgent. A great choice if you want something comforting and hearty.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
While I haven’t personally ordered the pizzas yet, they looked amazing coming out of the kitchen—crispy crusts, generous toppings, and great presentation. Definitely on my list for next time.
Wine Review: A Chardonnay That Shines
I’ve tried several wines here, but the Chardonnay is the standout.
- Smooth, elegant, and beautifully balanced
- A little on the pricey side—but worth the splurge
- Perfect with brunch dishes or enjoyed on its own while taking in the views
Their wine list is approachable and easy to enjoy, but the Chardonnay is the one I’d go back for again and again.
Craft Beer Review: Don’t Skip the Hefeweizen
Mount Ida’s brewery side also impresses.
The Hefeweizen was excellent—refreshing, full of flavor, and perfect for sipping outdoors. If you’re with a group that mixes beer and wine drinkers, this is a great spot to keep everyone happy.
Service
Both visits included friendly service, though it leans laid-back, fitting the overall vibe. Brunch can get busy, so plan to take your time—this is a place designed for lingering anyway.
Final Thoughts
Mount Ida combines everything I love in a winery experience:
- Unbeatable mountain views
- Fantastic brunch options
- Great wine and beer
- Relaxed atmosphere with fun touches like board games
- Outdoor spaces perfect for game day or long conversations
It’s the kind of place you go once and immediately start planning your next visit—exactly what happened to me.