Written by Sammy Hutchison
LuLu’s in Shockoe Bottom offers up delicious fusions of international cuisine
The Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond is a thriving, can’t-miss destination for entertainment, dining and nightlife. I have a good friend who loves to tell visitors, “Nowhere to go? Always Shockoe.” His marketing skills may not be perfect, but the suggestion is: Shockoe Bottom, and LuLu’s in particular, are worth your visit.
LuLu’s has been fusing international cuisines for the past five years. Under the ownership of Paul Keevil (who also owns Millie’s), LuLu’s interior modern and welcoming yet reflects the industrial past of Shockoe Bottom. Walls of exposed brick and a bar constructed from colored concrete slabs make the atmosphere chic, modern and warm all at the same time. Paintings and sculptures from local artists cover the walls, providing a glimpse into the world of architectural art. And the food is the essence of fusion cuisine, with influences ranging from Asian to Southern and beyond.
My meal started with an appetizer that did not disappoint: a piece of barbecued pork belly accompanied by a pickled vegetable-avocado spring roll. The pork belly was fatty, decadent and enough for just two bites—the perfect size for something so sinfully good. For my main course, I chose one of the night’s specials, a pumpkin seed-crusted piece of mahi-mahi on top of a bed of traditional parmesean and vegetable risotto. The fish was perfectly pan seared and the pumpkin-seed crust provided a crunchy contrast to the flaky fish. The fish was outstanding, but the risotto stole the show. LuLu’s risotto had the perfect creamy consistency and placed me in a parmesan lover’s dream state, which I have been reliving in my head (and on my taste buds) ever since. The risotto alone makes the trip to LuLu’s a necessity.
LuLu’s Restaurant | (804) 343-9771
21 N. 17th Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (across the street from the 17th Street Farmers’ Market)
Prices: Soups, Salads, Small Plates, Entrees $3-$25; dessert offerings change daily
Lunch: 11-2:30 Tues-Fri
Dinner: 5:30-9:30 Tues-Thurs, 5:30-10:30 Fri & Sat
Brunch: 10-2:30 Sat, 10-3 Sun