Table Talk: More wine in Short Pump

The Wine Loft isn't a fancy restaurant. And it definitely isn't a sports bar (wireless Internet? Yes. TVs? No.).

Instead, the upcoming Short Pump spot will, according to proprietor Jeff Ottaviano, "focus very much on the total experience. It's an upscale urban-chic environment to come enjoy wine . . . We call ourselves a before-or-after-dinner destination."

The Wine Loft in West Broad Village (4035 Whittall Way) is the 23rd location of the national chain, which is based in Baton Rouge, La.

"Our hope is, if you come to The Wine Loft in Richmond and the next week are in Sunnyvale, Calif. [where there is also a location], you'll have the same experience," Ottaviano said.

The beverage menu will include about 70 wines by the glass, ranging from $6 to $65, and about 250 bottles, also priced to fit a range of budgets.

The Wine Loft -- which will, literally, have a loft/mezzanine -- also will offer a tapas-style menu, flights of wine that can be paired with an array of cheeses and several dessert options.

Ottaviano's other goal is to make the spot feel less like a restaurant and more like your living room. Instead of tables and chairs, the space will feature couches, ottomans and coffee tables. A 50-foot patio will be covered with an awning, with the ability to be climate-controlled.

Though The Wine Loft isn't expected to open until the end of October, Ottaviano has already set tentative hours: 4:30 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 4:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday; and closed Sunday.

For details, visit http://www.thewineloftrichmond.com.

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In other West Broad Village news, though early drafts called for a Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant to open in the shopping center, leasing sources say that deal has been nixed. Keagan's Pub, which is based in Virginia Beach, is expected to open a Richmond branch in the space instead.

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Grandpa Eddie's Alabama Ribs & BBQ (11129 Three Chopt Road) is celebrating next weekend's NASCAR races with a two-day "NASCAR Bonanza."

On Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, Speed Channel race analyst Rutledge Wood and NASCAR columnist Monte Dutton will play a free concert at the restaurant.

On Sept. 11 from 4 to 7 p.m., the Joey Logano/Joe Gibbs Nationwide car will be in Grandpa Eddie's parking lot for fans to visit.

For details, visit http://www.grandpaeddiesbbq.com or call (804) 270-RIBS.

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If you've got a hankering for a burrito and like to gamble, head to the Qdoba locations at Chesterfield Towne Center, Willow Lawn, White Oak and in Henrico County (9460 W. Broad St.) from 5 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday this month.

The chain's "Toss Up Tuesday" promotion is pretty simple: Walk up to the counter and flip a coin. If it's heads, your meal is free. If it's tails, start digging into your pockets to pay for your dinner.

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Chez Foushee's (203 N. Foushee St.) First Fridays pre-set dinner menu will be implemented tomorrow from 6 to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. at the bar).

Diners can choose from a three-course menu ($34.50) or two courses, including entrée ($28).

Guaranteed seating reservations are available for 6 p.m. and 8-8:30 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome.

For reservations, call (804) 648-3225.

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With football season kicking off next weekend, Table Talk wants to know who is offering food or drink specials to entice fans to your restaurant or sports bar. Let us know at the e-mail address or phone number below.

If you have a tip for Table Talk, call (804) 649-6120 or e-mail . The deadline to receive items is noon Friday one week before publication.