Revel in it: Lakeside restaurant and market offers memorable experience, fantastic dining experience
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Do you ever have one of those meals that’s so fantastic and memorable that you mark it on your calendar and celebrate the anniversary of that meal every year thereafter?
Yeah, neither do I. But on occasion I have had a meal that for one reason or another is truly memorable, that stands out from the ordinary. I bring this up because I had such a meal recently. And I am so enamored with the experience that I want to share it.
Now, first a disclaimer. I’m not much of a food critic. I like food too much. And I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts of so many in the food industry who pour their heart, soul, and passion into their work. I’ve had many excellent meals in Richmond-area restaurants and, among all such experiences, I’ve had maybe a handful of amazingly memorable meals, including a tasting of some new menu items at one of my favorite local dining spots – Revel Market and Bar in Lakeside (6223 Lakeside Ave.; RevelRVA.net).
When I was invited by Amy Cabiness and Cory Chaney to sample several items from the new menu, I jumped at the opportunity. Amy has been the owner of Juleps’ New Southern Cuisine in Downtown Richmond for 20 years. Cory is the chef there. Back in 2019, the two had announced plans to partner up and open Revel, which was described as their concept for a restaurant/bar/market on Lakeside Avenue. Unfortunately, the pandemic put those plans on hold.
When Revel finally did open earlier this year, I was one of the first in line to check the place out.
I have been there for the great Happy Hours on several occasions and have thoroughly enjoyed the craft cocktails and the tremendously tasty tapas-style appetizers, which are offered at very budget-friendly prices during the Happy Hour.
But I’d never had a real honest-to-goodness meal there. When I arrived at Revel on a recent Thursday evening, I knew I would enjoy the experience, but I wasn’t prepared to be blown away by the exceptional tastes that Amy and Cory bring to the table. Actually, Amy along with Revel’s manager Judd Prather, did, indeed, bring each dish to my table. I had asked that every dish be delivered separately so I could have time to savor every flavor. And every dish I tried was truly a work of art.
I’m always amazed at how talented culinary artists can blend a variety of tastes to create genuine masterpieces. And Cory has the knack for doing just that.
First up, was the Burrata Tartine. What an amazing light and refreshing way to begin a meal. The pairing of the peach habanero jam with the prosciutto really makes this dish sparkle. I discovered throughout the entire presentation that Cory has an amazing ability to combine savory and sweet ingredients to create a cacophony of tastes that seem to please every individual taste bud in my mouth. “Cory is really strong on combining flavors,” Judd says.
My next treat was the House Made Squash Ravioli. Sometimes, when you simply read the ingredients in a dish, you don’t stop to analyze how each component works in harmony with the other ingredients. The squash ravioli is a perfect example of how beautifully the Edwards country ham complements the sweetness of the butternut and acorn squash.
There may be words that can perfectly describe the taste sensations created, but they’re not in my vocabulary. The best words I know are, “You have to try this for yourself.”
The Short Rib Gnocchi is another excellent demonstration of Cory’s ability to unite the perfect ingredients. Generally, I would stay away from any dish that boasted parsnips, broccoli, and rabe. But when someone knows their way around a kitchen, these three items combined with sweet potato cream and the very flavorful beef make for something very special.
While everything I tasted was wonderful, I will have to say that the Fennel Dusted Scallops were the pièce de resistance of the evening. Of course, the fact that I have never met a scallop I didn’t love may have something to do with this. And these huge, tender, sweet scallops, when combined with the bacon and the apple gastrique, create a true taste sensation.
Perhaps, just to remind me that there’s also a “bar” in Revel Market & Bar, Amy sent over a couple of delightfully crafted cocktails, the Smoky Sunrise and the Carajillo. Both were excellent. The espresso-based Carajillo was quite tasty, especially if you enjoy an iced coffee with a subtle knockout punch. But I especially enjoyed the Smoky Sunrise, which puts the “craft” in craft cocktail. Just as the staff in the kitchen under Amy and Cory’s oversight masterfully combine ingredients, so does the staff behind the bar demonstrate their expertise with this refreshing drink, which features Milagro Reposado Tequila, Monte Alban Mezcal, and Fresno pepper syrup with pineapple juice, and fresh lime. I was interested to note that the drink also includes a dash of my new favorite spice – tajin.
My personal tasting of treats from both the kitchen and the bar was only a sampling of what you’ll find at Revel. Whet your appetite and check out the menu online. Amy describes the restaurant as a casual dining spot serving European-inspired tapas that are meant to be shared.
