Plate and Goblet: Breakfast stand-out; fan followings; and fermentation fun to come

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, even though I'm not a big fan of cereal. Give me a BLT or an egg-and-cheese-muffin any day.

Which is exactly the kind of fare that's offered at the new Turning Point restaurant in Glen Allen – a place I'd heard good things about.

So after having to skip breakfast one morning to get some blood work done, I headed straight for the first Virginia location of the Jersey-based chain.

Turning Point did not disappoint.

I ordered the avocado smash Benedict which featured a hefty portion of guac slathered on ciabatta bread, topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, and bacon, and flanked by a side of roasted breakfast potatoes. All of it tasty and satisfying. Service was outstanding.

My only complaint concerned the potatoes, which were unevenly done. Half the potatoes were roasted perfectly; the other half seemed barely cooked. Apparently someone in the kitchen was in a rush – understandable, considering the steady stream of diners parading through.

I overheard another diner telling the server it was his first visit, but he would've come sooner –if not for the discouraging size of the crowds every time he drove by.

The parade of diners was heavy on families, by the way – not a surprise considering the menu is packed with waffle and pancake options, not to mention a platter of warm cinnamon buns. Another thoughtful family-friendly touch was the assortment of tiny cups of finger-food cereals on the counter, available to anyone needing to occupy a tot.

And I haven't even gotten to the lunch menu and all the gourmet coffee and beverage options. Suffice it to say that the potato mishap won't keep me from going back; there are too many intriguing menu items yet to try.

If you go, just keep in mind that Turning Point is strictly a brunch-and-lunch spot, and closes at 3 p.m. daily.

Speaking of family-friendly restaurants, I had lunch twice at Roma's Italian Restaurant in Sandston recently – thanks to a flurry of family visits and airport pick-ups. Both times, the restaurant accommodated sizable groups, ranging in age from three-year-olds to senior citizens.

And both times, the service and food got high marks from the entire group. From pizza to pasta to subs and paninis, there's something for everyone at Roma's – including a varied kids' menu and several gluten-free items. It will continue to be our go-to whenever we're in Sandston.

A recent post on the RVA Dine & Drink Facebook page also addressed the topic of restaurants that can handle larger groups. The poster asked for suggestions regarding restaurants in Western Henrico that could handle a family group of eight to 10 people on a Wednesday night. Taziki's drew a mention, as did The Grapevine and Tarrant's West (which both got multiple mentions).

Another restaurant name that came up at least twice was Lola's Farmhouse Bistro in Manakin-Sabot (not far over the county line in Goochland).

Among my many dining-out adventures last month, I was least smitten with the lunch at the new Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Short Pump.

Aware that Mason's food is pricey, I ordered a bare-bones lunch: Classic Roll and no drink. But the $20-plus tab – for a single fast-food sandwich – still gave me sticker shock.

While I waited on my sandwich, another diner came in from the patio and ordered a second lobster roll, exclaiming to the staff that it was so tasty he had to have another. But under his breath, he sighed to me, "I'm still hungry; they're kinda small."

I sympathized. My sandwich was good, of course – but was it $21 good? The man who got the second sandwich must've paid close to $50, after taxes, to get his fill. For that kind of money, I'd rather enjoy a sit-down meal at a seafood restaurant.

In other new-restaurant news, Nash & Smashed, a Virginia-based burger chain, has opened in Short Pump. Richmond BizSense reports that a Slim Chickens restaurant will move into a former bank building in Innsbrook and that Cookie Chris will expand into Eastern Henrico.

Surrounding Counties, the specialty coffee shop known for its giant kolaches, has reopened in its new location in the Village Shopping Center. And Last Chance Sports Bar has opened on the Richmond Henrico Turnpike, just off Azalea Avenue.

Also, the TGI Fridays on West Broad Street – a mainstay at Broad and Glenside for decades – has closed. The TGIF in White Oak Shopping Center is the only remaining Fridays location in Henrico.

Last month I highlighted Henrico restaurants that made the Top 100 list in the Richmond Times Dispatch (RTD 100) – among them Lehja, Full Kee, Acacia Midtown, Anokha, Buckhead's, and many more.

After an outcry from several RTD readers – regarding omissions that they believed worthy of a place on the list – the paper published a follow-up. Among the Henrico fan-favorites mentioned on the second list were Revel Market & Bar in Lakeside (praised for its happy hour and small plates), Red Salt Chophouse & Sushi, West Coast Provisions, and The Daily Kitchen & Bar (which has locations in both Carytown and Short Pump.)

It's baaaack!

In last October's P&G, I reported on the delightful afternoon I spent at the SAN-J International open house. Registration for SAN-J's fourth annual open house (September 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is now underway, and I didn't hesitate to RSVP.

There is a cost to register for the event, but I recommend it heartily just the same. The activities are both fun and educational and include tastings of SAN-J products, factory tours showcasing the brewing process, and hands-on fermentation workshops – including make-your-own miso paste and miso ball decorating. You won't go home empty-handed, or empty-headed either; I left last year laden with miso balls and bottles of Tamari – not to mention a new appreciation for the art, science and history of Japanese fermentation.

SAN-J is located at 2880 Sprouse Drive near the airport. For details and to register, click here.