So the story goes like this. My wife worked a block away from Stellas when it was located on the corner of Main and Shields. Her office would order food from there multiple times a week, so whenever we wanted to go out for dinner, she would not let me go to Stellas. Then the restaurant closed and I was out of luck and very bitter. So when a gracious friend invited me to join her for the new Stellas (Lafayette St) soft opening, I can assure you I didn’t bring my spouse.
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Soft openings are dress rehearsals. That being said, if my experiences to come are anything like my experiences last night, I think Richmond is right to be excited about this new venture.
The building is beautiful. I heard the renovations were construction was expensive, but they were it was totally worth it. It seemed to be the perfect mash-up of Mediterranean and Richmond. It also holds the energy very well. The centerpiece of the dining room is a communal table. It would be amazing to see that used as such. It’s a throwback to the old county that I believe would enhance the dining experience to those who would let it.
The food and wine were great. We were able to try 3 different wines, all Greek. There was a plethora of food ordered by the table including lemon soup, crabcakes, saganaki, souvlaki, and other things that I cannot pronounce much less spell. Some of the dishes were items that I have tried at some of the other Johnny Giavos places, but last night they seemed to be better. Other dishes were completely new, and they were great. Having Stella and Johnny in the kitchen made a difference. If you were worried, that this newer, more upscale restaurant would produce skimpier portions, that fear should be dismissed. It wouldn’t be a Johnny Giavos place if there wasn’t too much food on your plate.
According to the twitter feed @StellasRichmond, the restaurant is open to the public on August 1st. This has been a long awaited venture, so I’m sure place will be buzzing for the near future. No matter how long the wait, I’m pretty sure you will be in for a good, time. One more thing, I’ll be taking the Mrs. Marinara soon enough. She won’t have to wait nearly as long as I did.
We live near soon-to-open Stella and can’t wait to eat great Greek food that we remember from the old Stella (I can’t believe you didn’t get to go there. But, I couldn’t get my husband to go to sushi dinner with me coz he lunched at Hana Suzhi too often, so I feel your pain.
Just one clarification: the location was not a renovation. They built it from the asphalt up. It was a small parking lot for the “Lafayette Strip” businesses. It was fun watching the building process every morning I ran by the space.
Thanks Ellie…. all fixed.
The husband and I rode our bikes by there the other day and were welcomed in to see the space before the opening. We can not wait to make this our new regular spot, being such a beautiful space so close to our house!
Had an amazing meal here last night, the octopus was simple and so tender, grilled halloumi with skinned white grapes cooked with tsiporo (a Greek moonshine- the waitress informed us that this is similar to Ouzo), raw black kale salad (wow), and the braised lamb shank! They’re doing an excellent job even on their third night open, and our table was all in agreement that it is the best Greek we’ve ever had. The 60′s Greek cinema projected onto the wall and atmosphere is something that Richmond hasn’t seen, all while the building and interior appear to be 100 years old. Bravo.