11500 Midlothian Tnpk. (in Chesterfield Towne Center), Richmond 804-594-0251; NestleCafe.com
It all began as the most glorious cookie ever – The Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip cookie. Today, it’s much more. It’s a dessert concept, that, as their marketing folks say, “Knows no bounds.” Take a look at the variety of cookie cakes for just about any special occasion or let them create a cookie cake just for you.
Besides the cookies, the café offers frozen treats, hot coffee, iced frappés, ice cream, milk shakes, sundaes and more, including ice cream cookie sandwiches.
And it’s not all sweet at the café. They’re open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. (noon on Sunday). Enjoy a variety of wraps and paninis. And once you finish your meal…then, you can have a cookie. Does it get any better than this
Gus’ Italian Café – 7358 Bell Creek Road (Hanover Square); 804-730-9620; GusItalianCafe.com
If Mechanicsville were Boston, Gus’ would be Cheers. It is the friendliest hangout in town, with one of the happiest Happy Hours, to boot, every weekday from 3 until 7 p.m. If you have a case of the munchies, Gus’ Happy Hour Munchies menu looks pretty inviting.
Of course, even if it’s not Happy Hour, you’ll find a huge menu offering everything from burgers, sandwiches and subs to popular platters and Gus’ world-famous pizza. Plus, there are plenty of entrees featuring steaks, seafood and pastas. Pay ‘em a visit and before long, everyone there will be knowing your name.
Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria – 10221 Washington Hwy., Glen Allen; 804-368-7474; VinnysGlenAllen.com
I’m so glad that Vinny’s has come to Glen Allen. I’ve always loved their New York style pizza. The crust is perfect, not too thin, not too chewy. Yes, it’s the Goldilocks of pizza crust. And the toppings, too, are always excellent.
The entrees are pretty great, too, especially the baked spaghetti. I’m a sucker for baked spaghetti. Everyone raves about the huge portions. Vinny’s prices are quite reasonable, as well, with most lunches running under ten bucks Dinners are generally between $12 and $18 and that includes a roll as well as soup or a salad. All in all, Vinny’s offers delicious food at affordable prices.