Great experience, good food - will return
Three of us shared two starters, three entrées, three glasses of wine and two deserts - $127 including tip. It was 7pm on a Saturday. The dining area was full as was the bar area. We had reservations and were seated immediately upon arrival.

Starters: There was an interesting assortment of appetizers, including a plate with goat cheese, crustini, roasted red peppers, roasted garlic and assorted olives - all excellent. The Thai style calamari sounded intriguing, so we tried it. Unfortunately it could have been both a little crisper and warmer. The Thai style julienne veggies and thai sauce complimented the calamari but was a little understated.

Entrees: We ordered and shared three entrees. The first plate was one of the specials - A grouper/fillet combo that was outstanding. The grouper - perfectly cooked with a mango sauce that paired well with a fillet that was a little more rare than ordered, but still nicely seasoned. A side of brocolletti - cooked with some bite remaining and doused with and a superb sauce - also nice. The second plate was the house penne - served with the grilled chicken breast. The pasta was al dente and the mix of evoo, olives, artichokes and other Mediterranean flavors made this our favorite pick of the three. I had a pair of pork chops with an apple chutney, the brocolletti and mashers. Interestingly, one chop was overdone and the other was perfect. The apple chutney married nicely with the grilled pork, but he mashers were unremarkable. Presentation was excellent and the ingredients fresh. Seasoning and spices, while bold, complimented rather than upstaged the food. The portions were adequate for three hearty eaters. The menu had a number of other interesting offerings and I am looking forward to trying the stone oven margarita pizza on my next visit.

Desert: Chocolate volcano - should be outlawed. I'd come back just for this. The cheesecake was among the best I've ever had - on par with the cheesecake served at the No frills grill.

Wine: Superb list if you can afford it. We are somewhat budget conscious - we shared a Merlot and two Chiantis by the glass in the $7-ish range. Both were excellent. Not exactly doctrinal choices given our entrees, but I'm prone to drink the wine I am most in the mood for rather than looking for the perfect pairing for my entrée.

Service: Our water was attentive, polite and helpful. She seemed to anticipate our needs, and was present exactly when we needed her without being a nuisance by checking in too often or asking how everything is while in the middle of a mouthful or in the midst of conversation - minor point, but important to me. We ate and chatted well after desert and never felt rushed throughout our nearly two hour experience.

Ambiance: We found the 501 to be surprisingly upbeat, contemporary and sophisticated yet comfortable. It stands in contrast to it's neighborhood, which is not exactly shady, but not a cosmopolitan hub either. On our next visit, we agreed to arrive just after opening. While the band/bar area is well isolated from the dining area, there were just the beginnings of cigarette smoke drifting into the dining area. The kitchen is open, modern, clean and a bevy of activity. The dining area, while not enormous, is spaciously arranged. The patronage seemed to be a mix of young professionals and upper middle class baby boomers. The bathrooms were clean, even though shared by the crowded bar area.

I would rate the 501 as about the same league as many of the Ghent establishments, but closer to home and less pretentious. I take the European approach to dining out. The table is yours for the evening, and the food, while most important, is among many factors that define the experience. We enjoyed our evening at the 501 and will visit again. It is a great place to enjoy the company of good friends over wine and good food in an upbeat, comfortable atmosphere with attentive but non intrusive service    [04 Apr 2004 01:18:51]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: The house penne

     ­Mike, Virginia Beach   

501 City Grill is Great
My wife and I go to 501 City Grill at least twice a month. She likes the rack of lamb, and I usually get seafood, like salmon, or steak, a NY Strip. But, actually, I really like all of the side dishes just as much: potatoes and vegetables. Also, there are some good menu items that are very reasonable, such as the fish tacos. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the service is wonderful.    [16 Jul 2004 17:39:43]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Rack of Lamb, Salmon, NY Strip, Fish Tacos

     ­Mike Scott, Virginia Beach, VA   mike at mike-scott dot com