By Kathy Chouteau
What better place to dish about delicious local food spots than at the new Culinary Center at the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL)?
In our latest “Rich Dish,” a recurring Standard feature that spotlights where and what people love to eat in Richmond, we stopped by the Culinary Center’s recent ribbon-cutting to chat about food with a couple of prominent locals. They included Richmond mayoral candidate Demnlus Johnson, City Council (D3) candidate Brandon Evans and Evans’ life partner, Erika Viveros. Evans previously worked for RPAL in various capacities surrounding youth development and community engagement.
We asked them, “Where and what do you like to eat in Richmond?”
Viveros’ answer was decidedly clear.
“I like American food,” she said. “With Richmond, you get a little bit of everything. You get a little bit of Latin food, you get Hispanic food, American food, fast food. My go-to right now is Golden Gate Bistro. You have to check out Golden Gate Bistro!”
She said the eatery has fish tacos, salads, fried chicken, burgers… “Their menu is so tasty and so broad.” Viveros highlighted how easy it is to get to the restaurant, even from the ferry.
Golden Gate Bistro is run by Chef Victor Viera and his family. Viera was the former chef at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, owned by Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh before closing during the pandemic. Lesh was known to frequent Viera’s Richmond restaurant prior to his death.
Evans added in his two cents.
“My favorite right now is going to be Spanish-Mexican cuisine. There are a couple of really great spots. One of them is Masa Tamales & Taqueria in Point Richmond.”
His “go-to” menu items are the quesabirria tacos and he gave a shout-out to bar. The taqueria is run by the Bermudez family, which went from selling tamales on a Richmond street corner to now owning several restaurants there, according to family spokesperson Johnny Bermudez.
The City Council candidate also has a lot of love for Mi Casa Grill, a Mexican restaurant he said has “amazing food.” So what’s Evans’ favorite dish? “Honestly, I like the brunch there,” especially the Tres Leches French Toast. The dish includes cinnamon bread dipped in tres leches, maple syrup, mascarpone cream, candied walnuts and berries. “If you haven’t been there, you have to go for brunch,” he said.
Next up, Johnson weighed in on his ample Rich City recommendations. “Oh, man, where and what I like to eat in Richmond? It depends on what time of the day it is, right? More than one. So here we go for breakfast…” He said that his “number one” for breakfast is Andy’s Donut Stop. “They have some of the most amazing breakfast sandwiches. Love it, and the freshest donuts. Oh, I love the maple bar…I’m a maple bar kind of guy!” Johnson also expressed love for Andy’s glazed donut.
Another of Johnson’s top spots for breakfast is the Café McBryde. “Meat lovers breakfast with hash browns,” he recommended. “Can’t go wrong.”
And then it’s lunch time, he said. “So for lunch, if we’re talking about Mexican food and we’re in Point Richmond, I’m gonna probably go to El Sol Mexican Restaurant & Catering. Give me a beef and potato or carnitas and potato.”
When we mentioned the same dish was a popular recommendation, Johnson said, “That’s because it’s a real Richmond dish. El Sol is literally showing love to La Perla Mexican Delicatessen, which is a restaurant that I grew up down the street from. They used to sell beef and potatoes and were famous for it.” He said the restaurant has changed owners and is now called Lidia’s Restaurant. He hasn’t eaten there yet, but heard it’s really good.
Johnson was quick to second Evans’ choice of Mi Casa Grill. “Carnitas burritos,” he recommended, and also mentioned the La Flor De Jalisco taco truck on 21st St. for their “world famous” burritos and meat cheese fries.
The real-deal Richmond foodie also loves CJ’s BBQ & Fish’s two way with hot links and ribs and Snapper’s Seafood’s catfish with mac & cheese or yams on the side. Call before visiting Snapper’s to check the status following the owner’s passing.
For dinner on a fancy night out or date night, Johnson said to order the “phenomenal” lamb chops at Lara’s Fine Dining; the sushi and fried calamari at Anh Restaurant & Bar; and lobster ravioli at Biancoverde at the Hotel Mac.
For something more casual, he recommended San Francisco Pizza’s jumbo slice for $4; slices at Raymond’s Pizzeria in the Point; the cheesesteaks, burgers and friendly service at Phila Burger Station on 23rd; and the cheesesteaks and fries at Marty’s Grill.
Rich Dish asks Richmond residents where and what they like to eat in the city. Want us to stop by your business to dish? Contact [email protected].
