What to do on a rainy day with your love?  My husband and I desired to “get away” for just a short day trip to Smithfield, Virginia, which is a quaint town, but the rain and late start made us re-think.  If you want to escape, but can’t leave the Richmond area, go to Tarrant’s Cafe.

1 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

 

I loved being there on a Monday at 4:00. The lull before the crowd; the linen tablecloths and napkins; the lighting and the music, wooed me to another time and place.

For me, it had a Victorian touch. Music from the Louis Armstrong era was playing, like Etta James, Blues & R&B (a personal Pandora favorite). If you want to enjoy some wonderful music that will take you back to that time, type in Louis Armstrong as a station in Pandora.

Etta James, A Sunday Kind of Love

Can you hear it?

The waitstaff were friendly and knowledgeable.  I asked them about the history of the restaurant, and she came back with a three-ring binder filled with historical data.  The building has been owned and operated by various entrepreneurs such as a druggist/drug store and shoemaker.  Stories from the civil war era were shared. I imagined the business tycoons who purchased the property (which used to be two buildings, but now is one large building) and the tenants who sought to become successful entrepreneurs.

The ambiance was classy-romantic, and the smallest of details were seen to.

We went back in time….

The food was equally divine and wonderful.

I had the Rockfish Pan Seared with artichokes, olives, capers, lemon, and garlic.

My husband had the Oyster Po’ Boy Tacos with coleslaw

For an appetizer we had fried green tomatoes with homemade chips, and garlic bread came with your meal

They offer valet parking if the city parking frustrates you, but we found ample street parking at that time.

Their menu has a variety of options for all palates

As I cozied into my seat to drink a warm cup of coffee with a cannoli and strawberries, Parish and I dreamed and talked about making a pergola for our back patio and wisteria.

As we were talking, the lights dimmed–the 5:00 dinner crowd will soon show.  They have tables, booths, and round tables for the intimate family feel.

They offer a Sunday brunch that I was so blessed to partake of a few months ago.  I highly recommend this restaurant for a romantic get away, celebrations, business lunches, or just because.  My first time at Tarrant’s was on the recommendation of Dr. Webb and our first Capstone meeting with our client.

I love Richmond!  My 83 year old father tells me stories of taking the horse and buggy to Richmond to pick up his mother from work!  If you happen to go to Tarrant’s, please text or send me a picture.  Feel free to leave your comments, too.