Alex_Caton94

Alex_Caton94 t1_jebs8ef wrote

Reply to Best Pho? by TheRealJewf

Pho Tay Do. Bring cash, get the Goi Du Du (papaya salad) as an app, & don't skimp on the Thai basil or fish sauce. 🤤

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Alex_Caton94 t1_j9tti8w wrote

Moore St. Cafe has cheap, delicious, & consistently solid diner food + large portion sizes. They also have inexpensive mimosa pitchers that you can get housed on if you aren't careful. The owner & his staff are friendly & deliver solid service -- a big perk in my book. They even have Kuba Kuba's house hot sauce if you ask for it (tasty and pairs well with brekkie). Enjoy!

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Alex_Caton94 t1_j85m97w wrote

(i) How queer friendly is it and how large is the community? Do locals welcome us?

RVA is a left-leaning, open-minded city for the most part.

(ii) How accepting are locals to people who are from different parts of the country/world?

RVA is open to all cultures, but as you can see in the comments a lot of locals get irrationally angry when people from NOVA move down here. Fuck 'em.

(iii) Is the grapevine strong there? Do people keep to themselves or are they open?

Your ability to make friends in RVA will primarily be based on how willing you are to make an effort and put yourself out there. Locals can be cliquey and judgmental.

(iv) How diverse is the food culture? Is there middle eastern food, pho, greek, etc.?

The food scene here isn't quite as diverse as what you're likely used to in NOVA/DC, but it's still surprisingly strong when you consider the size of the city. DM me if you want any recommendations!

(v) How good is the internet there? How often are there outages?

The internet here is fine. The standard providers that you'd expect to find in NOVA are present in RVA.

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Alex_Caton94 t1_j63io92 wrote

I went to Hotel Greene last night and had a blast. They offer a Thursday Date Night spesh. It costs $55 for two people & includes two plates, two drinks, and one round of mini golf per person. 🤙

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Alex_Caton94 t1_iu520gg wrote

You ought to check out Ariana Kabob. They have the best kabobs in the area - fresh, flavorful, well-seasoned, and worth every penny. The lamb shank and beef kobidah are my personal favorites, and make sure you get their chickpeas as a side dish. They're out of this world.

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Alex_Caton94 t1_iu4x9aa wrote

Solid spots in and around Short Pump --

  • Peter Chang's (best Chinese food in RVA - esp. if you appreciate spicy food)

  • Canastas (incredibly flavorful Peruvian chicken with massive portions)

  • Taquiero Habanero (no frills hole-in-the-wall with the best tacos in the West End)

  • La Vita E'Bella (tasty, inexpensive Italian with massive portions)

  • Sandano's (best subs in the West End + beach fries!)

  • Boychiks (tasty, inexpensive, no frills Jewish diner)

  • El Cap (tasty, inexpensive Tex Mex with massive portions, cheap margs, and tasty white sauce)

  • Niveneh (delicious, authentic Iraqi food with killer kebabs, falafel, & baked goods)

  • Mantu Market (high quality, delicious, & authentic Afghan food with great produce, baked goods, etc.)

  • E-Loteria (flavorful, delicious Mexican street food with killer quesabirria tacos, elote, & churro sundaes)

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Alex_Caton94 t1_iu4vxvs wrote

Akida has my favorite sushi in RVA. I used to go a couple of times a month when I lived on Monument. They have a budget-friendly dine in dinner special that includes an appetizer, a regular roll, and a specialty roll all for ~16.99. I can't say enough about the quality and freshness of their fish either.

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