It is no secret that I love trying new things whether that be food or beer.  I was ecstatic when I discovered I could have everything my foodie heart desired in one sitting.  And to think, I almost went with sushi the night I tried my first gastropub,

I know what you are asking. What is a gastropub? Wikipedia defines a gastropub as “a bar and restaurant that serves high-end beer and food.” I know that is a very simplistic definition that is open to interpretation.  So far I have had the opportunity to eat at three gastropubs, The Oxford in Raleigh, NC, Victoria Gastropub in Columbia, MD, and Mad Fox Brewing in Falls Church, VA.  Of course, they all had craft beer and great food but there was something unique about each one that stuck in my memory.  The thing I remember most about The Oxford, other than it being my first gastropub, was the British themed decor. That and the braised lamb shank I had was just amazing.  I will always remember Victoria’s for their duck fat fries; once you have had them you will never want to go back to regular fries.  So far, Mad Fox has been the best I have ever had.  Not only do they brew outstanding beer but all of their food is made from scratch or locally sourced.  On a trip up to DC earlier this month, Mad Fox was my first stop; I was so impressed with the beer and the food I had to make it the final stop on our way home as well.  Imagine a place that makes their own banana bread just to make french toast.

So, what does this have to do with Richmond?  Two new restaurants,The Roosevelt and The Blue Goat, in town may just be ready to take up the mantle of gastropub.

The Blue Goat has dubbed itself as an urban gastropub.  I have not had the chance to check it out myself but their drink list has some familiar craft brews listed though some styles may be under represented.  While their bottle selection lists names that would be new to me and would be intrigued to try, I would rather these be on tap so that I can have a sample before committing to a pint.  As far as their menu, appetizers that list pig ears and pork dust as their components have me intrigued.

The Roosevelt just opened it’s doors this past weekend to a flurry positive reviews. All this without them having secured their ABC license.  I am hearing that they will be a haven to craft beer lovers.  I am not sure I will be able to wait until they are able to serve beer. Why? Two words – bacon jam! It’s funny that I just recently heard the term on an episode of Eat Street on the Cooking Channel.  Skillet Street Food, out of Seattle, was featured as putting bacon jam on burgers. Needless to say, I could not just hop on a plane to Seattle just for street food though the thought was tempting.  Luckily, The Roosevelt decided to save me the airfare and put some bacon jam on their double cheeseburger.

So what say you RVA? Do you think these two deserve to be considered Richmond’s first gastropubs?  Are there other places in town that you think fit the bill?