Bistro Bobette, Conch Republic Rocketts, and The Cellar Door

An authentic bistro serving French comfort food, Bouchon is now known as Bistro Bobette. Rest assured, however, the name of the popular restaurant, located in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip, will be the only change experienced by its loyal clientele.

“There’s a new name, but that’s it,” says Wendy Kalif, manager and co-owner of Bistro Bobette. “There are other restaurants around the country with a similar name as Bouchon. We wanted to focus on our passion for cooking- pure and simple-with no exceptions, confusion, or distractions.”

Francis Devilliers, Executive Chef and Co-owner of Bistro Bobette, says that the new name comes from a childhood memory, one that he looks forward to sharing with his customers and friends as they sample a discounted menu that he is offering throughout January in honor of the restaurant’s new name.

“We love to cook, it’s that simple. The fact that our name is changing will never impact what our customers love best-eating good French food. The special menu we’re offering in January is just a small way to say thank you.”

Construction of the Conch Republic Rocketts, a casual dining restaurant with the laid-back style and spirit of old Key West, is currently underway at Rocketts Landing. Designed by H&A Architects and Engineers, the 6,000-square-foot building-offering dining both inside and outside on its expansive, riverfront deck-is expected to be open for spring 2011. It is located between The Boathouse and Sky Line condominium building on the banks of the James River.

Conch Republic Rocketts is owned and operated by a veteran Richmond restaurateur Robert Cox Jr. who owns two popular Fan restaurants Metro Grill and Curbside.

“We’ve designed the restaurant so that every seat in the house -whether you’re sitting inside or out, at a table or one of the two bars — will have a terrific view of the James River,” says Cox. “I think Richmonders are hungry for more riverfront dining options, and Rocketts Landing is the perfect setting. I’m very excited about being down there next spring.”

With the towering statues of old Confederate soldiers looking on, Richmond’s most fashionable street has always served as a focal point. Nestled among the monument-studded streetscape is The Cellar Door — located in the basement of the historic Stuart Court Apartments at 1600 Monument Avenue.

Hatched by some of the popular Richmonders over at Sticky ToGOGO (the catering and carry-out portion of Sticky Rice), the bar and restaurant has develop a loyal fan base in the few months it has been open. Owners Justin Adly and Kevin Wilson met working behind the famed RVA sushi bar at Sticky Rice seven years ago. In recent years Adly went on to manage the Nile Ethiopian Restaurant with Wilson serving as the managing partner of Sticky ToGoGo.

The Peruvian style chicken has already become a signature dish at what is best described as a Mediterranean-meets-South-American inspired pub.

“When the spot at Stuart Circle opened up, Justin and I knew we were standing in front of one of those rare opportunities that you only live to regret if you do nothing,” explains Wilson. “We jumped in head first and gutted the space almost entirely with our own two hands.”

While most restaurant owners sink thousands into renovations for grand openings, Adly and Wilson opted to build everything on their own at a fraction of the cost while letting marketing efforts unfold simply by word-of-mouth. “We painted every wall, wired every light,” recalls Wilson.