MessyCuisine

1 North Belmont

Earlier this month I celebrated my birthday at One North Belmont, a French restaurant in Richmond, Virginia.

My earlier visit here almost 2 years ago was interesting: I had promise for this place. Some things, like their foie gras appetizer (with cherry gastrique) was sublime. Their lobster entrée, however, was undercooked. The soup was delicious, and presentation was very refined.

This time around, the restaurant was empty (on a Monday night). We were the only customers. Service was good, but not as formal as the first time around. The foie gras appetizer was ordered again, but this time, the sublime quality was all gone. The flavors weren’t as magical, and the toast it was served on was dry and crumbled. It was day (or 2-day) old and disappointing.

The salad of beets was curiously presented, and looked quite interesting.

Only one type of beet was presented; I think the dish could have been enhanced with more dressing, some bolder flavors, and a variety of beets.

Beets came along for the ride in my steak entrée. I mean, if I had beet salad, why continue the tradition in the next dish? Please… I had beets. Give me something else. The sauce, topping, and flavors with the beef tournado was fine; the steak ultimately was a tad disappointing.

We skipped desserts. The coffee was good.

After eating here the first time, I had just experienced Daniel in New York. I had tasted a little bit of Daniel here in Richmond. But now, I am not so sure. For me, 1 North Belmont has dropped a few notches. There is creativity and some fine ingredients afoot, but for the prices, I can’t still recommend it.

Filed by MessyChef at August 19th, 2007 under French, Restaurant Review