Dd33 Asian Bistro
This curiously-named new Asian-inspired restaurant is owned by Chef David Du, and is located off Cox Road in Richmond’s far west-end.
I’ve eaten here twice now, both times on Friday nights. The first time was probably their second or third day open, and began virtually empty at 6:45 PM. Things had picked up before leaving, however. I tried three courses—a spectacular 5-spice rib appetizer, coconut-spicy shrimp with mango, and their 3-dessert sampler.
The waitress was awfully chatty, almost too much so to enjoy the evening. She kept asking how we liked everything. If I’m beta-testing the menu, I’d expect a discount.
My only real complaint was that the entrées, for the prices, were a tad small. The food, and decor, was upscale and pleasing.
My second visit was met with far more customers, but still no reservation required. The owner is the son of one of the owners of the Peking-restaurant empire in Richmond. His take is chic New York style, with techno music and more exciting dishes.
I had the fried oysters appetizer. It was delicious, but not filling—these are one-person affairs, not for two. My companion had the Thai-inspired calamari. It was less a winner: a tad chewy, but the sauce and addition of squeezed lime was nice. It needed salt.
My entrée of vegetable tempura was huge. The dipping sauce was standard, but too little of it was served. We had to ask for extra silverware twice—single forks were only brought for the entrées. The service was friendly, however. Our first waitress was now a busser.
The half-chicken entrée was good, but the sides that evening—simple, steamed bok choy, was too much of that—plain, and uninspired. At the prices and level they’re aiming for, better is what we’re expecting.
Still growing and feeling their way, Dd33 has promise. Some real winners were to be had in these two early visits. I will likely give them a month or so and see what’s to be had… I recommend it, nevertheless, for the new drama it brings to the Richmond-scene. This one might be a real winner.
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