Irish pub comes to the West End

About a week and a half ago, just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Finn McCools quickly and quietly opened in the Innsbrook Shoppes.

The Irish pub -- which bears no connection to other pubs around the nation with the same name -- is owned by David Stout and Tim Bulman, who also owned Foster's Grille, the previous inhabitant of the space at 4028-J Cox Road.

Stout said that since Foster's was a family-friendly neighborhood grill-style restaurant, he and Bulman wanted to bring something more adult-oriented to a shopping center surrounded by hotels and business travelers.

"We were trying to fill a need that really hadn't been filled," Stout said. "We wanted a pub that was reminiscent of something in the Fan with the convenience of being in [western Henrico County]."

The expected arrival of Keagans Restaurant & Tavern in May in the West Broad Village center slightly farther west isn't concerning Stout.

"Our feel is more of a hometown Irish pub," he said. "As long as we do things correctly and have great food and a great atmosphere, we can both succeed."

Finn McCools offers 12 specialty beers on tap (usual suspects such as Guinness, Boddingtons, Harp and Bass among them), and a menu that aims beyond standard bar fare.

Steaks and fries are hand-cut and mozzarella sticks and personal-size pizzas are made fresh daily. Irish burgers feature cheeses native to that country.

The space also now includes a game room with a pool table, dartboard and some arcade games and six flat-screen TVs for sports fans.

Finn McCools is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, call (804) 217-8169.

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It's been a busy period for Perrin's Bar-be-que Express, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary at its Powhatan County location (3452-A Anderson Highway).

A second spot is coming next month at Uppy's at 113 Brown's Way Road in Midlothian (for takeout only), and summer is expected to bring a third outpost for eat-in or takeout on Church Hill called Perrin's on the Hill.

Check out the menu at http://www.perrinsbbqexpress.com or call the original location at (804) 598-3473 for more info.

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Through June 20, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (in Stony Point Fashion Park) is offering a prix fixe menu with a tropical flair.

For $35.95 (plus tax and gratuity) per person, diners will receive a three-course menu featuring steak caribe and salmon citron among the choices.

View the complete menu at http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com or call (804) 272-7755 for more info.

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Texas de Brazil is enticing meat eaters with a post-Lent feast.

On Easter, the restaurant in Regency Square mall, is offering a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The $34.99 price includes access to the gourmet salad area with 50 items, complimentary mimosas and unlimited lamb and other meats cooked in the traditional Brazilian Churrascaria style.

Dinner will be available from 4 to 9 p.m. -- also for $34.99 -- and will feature a three-course meal, including the salad area, meats and choice of dessert.

Reservations are recommended. Call (804) 750-2003 or visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com for more info.

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Mimi's Café, the casual comfort-food chain owned by Bob Evans Farms Inc., is expected to open its first Richmond-area location in May.

The restaurant, at 11201 W. Broad St. in Short Pump, is hiring. Call (804) 364-9275 or visit http://www.mimiscafe.com for more info.

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The Vegetarian Society of Richmond will meet April 4 for a seminar about vitamin D and a potluck dinner.

The event takes place at 6 p.m. at Friends Meeting House (4500 Kensington Ave.). There is no charge for members; nonmembers are $3.

Each guest is asked to bring a dish -- preferably vegan.

Register at http://www.vegetarianrichmond.org or call (804) 344-4356 for a reservation or more info.

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