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TABLE TALK

BY MELISSA RUGGIERI TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: October 8, 2009

It has been a busy few weeks of openings and closings, but let's start with the new stuff:

Rainbow Buffet, which specializes in Chinese food and also offers a nonbuffet menu, has opened in the Wal-Mart shopping center at 11424 W. Broad St.

The restaurant is open seven days a week: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday.

For details, call (804) 360-9188.

Greek Islands Restaurant is coming to 9503 W. Broad St. (#C), formerly inhabited by Red Hot & Blue barbecue restaurant.

Mexican restaurant Aztek Grill recently opened at 1726 E. Main St. in Shockoe Bottom. For details, call (804) 225-7208.

Gearharts Fine Chocolates, based in Charlottesville, has opened a branch at the corner of Libbie and Grove avenues. The 750-square-foot shop will feature local products, such as Virginia cream and maple syrup, and fresh chocolates will be delivered daily from the C'ville location. Gearharts is open every day except Sunday.

For details, call (804) 282-1822 or visit http://www.gearhartschocolates.com.

Coming soon:

Bocca Toscana Ristorante/Pizzeria is taking over the space in the Village Shopping Center vacated by Magnolia's Wine Bar & Bistro (7021 Three Chopt Road). The Italian restaurant has a page on Facebook for foodies to keep up with its progress.

And we say goodbye to:

Squeeze, the smoothie joint at 11530 W. Broad St. near the Short Pump Regal Cinemas, has vacated the premises. According to its Web site, that was the only Virginia location of the chain.

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina, located in Town Center at Twin Hickory, is closed. The location -- the only Richmond-area outpost opened in 2006.

. . .

The McShin Foundation, a Virginia nonprofit Recovery Community Organization that aids those with substance-use disorders, recently held its Recovery Fest/BBQ Cook-Off with 16 area restaurants competing.

The "blind taste" winners were: Buz & Ned's for Best BBQ Sauce and Best Chicken; Extra Billy's Barbecue for Best Hot Sauce, Best Baked Beans, Best Pork (pulled/chopped) and Overall Best; Virginia BBQ for Best Cole Slaw; and Alamo BBQ for Best Beef Brisket and Best Pork Ribs.

. . .

The first Innsbrook Beer, Wine and Food Fest will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Innsbrook's Snagajob Pavilion. The pay-for-what-you-want event will feature hundreds of beers and wines from around the world, as well as food from several local restaurants.

Admission is free. Proceeds benefit Connor's Heroes and Sea of Sound.

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

. . .

The November issue of Esquire magazine, out Tuesday, includes its annual list of the Best New Restaurants of 2009. Along with selections from New York, Los Angeles and Miami is The Jefferson's Lemaire. The restaurant reopened in July with a more budget-conscious menu and less highbrow vibe.

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.

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TABLE TALK

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