3332 Pump Road
Richmond, Virginia 23233
804-360-3377
(Short Pump Crossing Center)
Atmosphere/Decor:
Between Summer Vacations and Thunderstorms we scrambled around to find a quick spot to eat last night and we found the perfect spot! After we sat down, we realized that there were 3 Cafe Caturra's in the Richmond area, and 2 in the Raleigh, NC area. Which might bend the rules of being a "chain" restaurant to some degree. Once we looked over the menu we decided to take full advantage of their "Happy Hour" specials, which they like to call "Social Hours" (which I thought was cute) Because, this is a fantastic place for a "social" event. There is a fireplace outside on the patio with sofas and chairs and comfy leather couches inside scattered with other tables and chairs. Nice color scheme, calming neutrals on the walls, tables, and chairs. I especially liked the artwork on the walls by a local artist. These beautiful watercolor paintings were all for sale. Although very pricey, I love to see area restaurants supporting local artists and revolving their decor on the walls. The trendy music in the background was a nice compliment to this hip social setting. I noticed that all the blinds on the windows were drawn close, which was actually nice, it made you forget that you were sitting in a strip-mall shopping center. Overall, I was impressed with the layout of this cute cafe!
Food:
Well, once we saw the "3-4-5" Social Hours Specials menu, we decided to take full advantage! $3 beer, $4 food, $5 wine! Tommy ordered a Bitburger Premium Lager Beer and I ordered a glass of Sauvignon (Entre-Deux-Mers) Then, we ordered two different Crostinis, Tommy ordered the Braised Beef Short Ribs (braised boneless short ribs, sweet caramelized onions and Gorgonzola cheese sprinkled with scallions) and I selected the Goat Cheese (herbed goat cheese, fire roasted red peppers, with sweet balsamic glaze and fresh basil). The crostinis arrived on beautiful rectangle glass plates. Plate presentation was perfectly arranged with six crostinis on each plate lined up at a slight angle. We both agreed that both crostinis were absolutely delicious! We highly recommend that you try them!
We decided to finish dinner at home (which is rare for us, but we wanted to rate a full meal)
So, we got the Vegetable Panini (crisp cucumbers, carrots, Roma tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, aged provolone cheese, hummus and balsamic vinaigrette dressing) and Gazpacho to go, and I am glad we did! The sandwich was fantastic! The soup on the other hand was a slight disappointment, I prefer my gazpacho a little thicker/chunkier with cucumber, onions, peppers and a hint of spice. Their soup was extremely thin and lacked vegetables, all I tasted was tomato.
Service:
Our waitress was brief and did not describe anything to us, thankfully, the manager came by and explained the "Cafe Caturra" concept and showed us the specials on the chalkboard and urged us to take advantage of the Social Hour Specials. He was very energetic and nice. Our waitress on the other hand seemed slack. Although, this also seems like a setting were you could walk up to the counter and get better service. But, If I was relaxing on one of their nice, comfy couches with a group of friends, the last thing I want to do is keep getting up for a fresh drink. But, for a quick bit to eat, the service was fine.
Bathroom Report: I forgot! Although, I walked around the entire restaurant to look at the artwork, huge coffee machine, and other decor. I can't believe I completely I forgot the bathrooms! Sorry.
Side Note: Take Advantage of the "Social Hours Specials" $3, $4, $5. Also, the fireplace patio outside seems like it would be a lot of fun! (It was raining when we went, so our next trip will be outside)
Total Price: $24.00 (1 Beer, 1 Wine, 2 Appetizers, 1 Panini, 1 Soup)
Rating: 4 stars
Overall Suggestion: We recommend this spot for a quick stop, or a fun social setting with friends. Not sure kids would have fun in this wine bar setting. Although, it would be fine during lunch or ordering take out.
Another Side Note: They also cater! The Midlothian location offers breakfast (Libbie location use to, but only has lunch and dinner now) The Short Pump location only offers Lunch & Dinner. But, I could see a wonderful weekend brunch working out at the Short Pump location, since their neighboring restaurants both have breakfast, but we shall see...
Restaurant Picked by Mary Beth Joyner
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