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RVA Food News: Dutch & Co. Q&A, Positive Vibe celebrates, recent additions + more

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Philip Perrow, Michelle Peake Shriver and Caleb Shriver rarely have paused since the opening of their Church Hill restaurant Dutch & Co. last week. The spot has drawn immediate interest from neighbors and fans of the trio's work at some of Richmond's best restaurants. - SCOTT ELMQUIST
  • Scott Elmquist
  • Philip Perrow, Michelle Peake Shriver and Caleb Shriver rarely have paused since the opening of their Church Hill restaurant Dutch & Co. last week. The spot has drawn immediate interest from neighbors and fans of the trio's work at some of Richmond's best restaurants.

Now that Dutch & Co., a 40-seat cafe in Church Hill, has opened following a long run-up of anticipation, customers are beating a path to the door. They've watched the earnest young owners, chefs Caleb Shriver (Aziza's) and Phillip Perrow (Acacia), and bartender Michelle Shriver (Acacia), set the business in motion. And while it took months longer than expected, the results are an appealing amalgamation of vintage and current accents, familiar and unexpected flavors. It's serving dinner Monday through Saturday, 5-10 p.m., at 400 N. 27th St., 643-8824. The three owners took a moment to answer a few questions by email after opening night:

What do you want the restaurant to be known for?

A comfortable welcoming atmosphere, where you can get food and drink and always know it's good.

What are some of your favorite dishes on the menu? And drinks?

Borscht, porridge, honey pot, Sunday Paper, D&C's Sam Ward. … That's a hard question. How do you pick the favorites of what you have created? We think they are all delicious!

Can you tell a little about how the interior décor came together?

We were lucky enough to work with Shannon Reed, a very talented interior designer who just moved back to Richmond. She took all three of our ideas, and helped create what is now Dutch & Co. Daniel Rickey, custom woodworker, created our bar, tables and bar back. Patrick Gibrall took all our crazy construction ideas and made them happen.

What has the experience of opening a restaurant been like for you?

Amazing. A learning experience in patience, business and community.

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Vibe milestone: Nine years into its notable mission to train folks with disabilities to work in the restaurant business, Max's Positive Vibe Café is celebrating all month. Live music, guest chefs, events and menu updates — plus the eye-pleasing murals on exterior walls — make this a spot every Richmonder should check out. 2825 Hathaway Road. 560-9622. positivevibecafe.com.

Seafood seller: Charles Fice is the new owner of Tuckahoe Seafood, 1007 Starling Drive. Fice says the place is adding more Virginia gourmet products and continuing to offer Rappahannock River Oysters, Scottish farm-raised salmon, fresh fish and crab cakes, oyster florentine, crab and shrimp dips. Open daily except Sunday. 740-1278. tuckahoeseafood.com.

NOW SERVING

Casa del Barco: Tequilas and a wide range of Mexican fare in a renovated factory beside the Canal Walk. Dinner and bar nightly from 5, brunch and lunch hours coming soon. 320 S. 12th St. 775-2628. casadelbarco.com.

Boo's Brown Bag: American menu of deli sandwiches, burgers, vegan options and breakfast, lunch and late-night for takeout and delivery. 1201 W. Main St. 358-2667. boosbrownbag.com.

Urban Farmhouse: A second location of natural foods coffeehouse with sandwiches, salads, soups. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 13872 Coalfield Commons Place, Midlothian. 378-3366. theurbanfarmhouse.net.

Saison: Cozy Jackson Ward gastro-pub with craft beer, seasonal menu and service expertise. Nightly except Mondays. 23 W. Marshall St. 269-3689. saisonrva.com.

Rappahannock: Fresh oysters, raw bar, appetizers, seasonal entrees and full bar in a new downtown hot spot from the owners of Rappahannock River Oysters. Lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner and bar nightly, Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. 320 E. Grace St. 545-0565. rroysters.com.

A2: Cozy spot for Asian fusion food, bento dog and cocktails in a chic, minimalist lounge. Weekday lunch, dinner and bar nightly except Sunday. 1112 E. Main St. 344-3220. a2restaurant.com.