Table Talk: Restaurant Week ‘09 participants are announced

One of Richmond's most-anticipated annual events -- Restaurant Week -- is set for Oct. 26-Nov. 1.

If you don't know the deal, 23 dining spots will offer a three-course prix-fixe meal for $25.09 per person. The Central Virginia Foodbank and Meals on Wheels will receive $2.09 from each dinner.

Reservations are highly suggested.

Restaurant Week, by the way, was created in October 2001 by Dale and Aline Reitzer at Acacia (562-0138), whose new location on Cary Street is one of the participants.

And the rest are (all area codes are 804): Amici Ristoranti (353-4700), Bacchus (355-9919), Bistro 27 (780-0086), Calíente (340-2920), Charles City Tavern (829-5004), Delux Diner & Lounge (353-2424), Europa (643-0911), Hard Shell (643-2333), Helen's (358-4370), Julep's New Southern Cuisine (377-3968), La Grotta (644-2466), Mezzanine (353-2186), Millie's (643-5512), Rowland Fine Dining (257-9885), Six Burner (353-4060), Stronghill Dining Co. (359-0202), The Dining Room at the Berkeley Hotel (780-1300), The Hill Café (648-0360), TJ's at the Jefferson (788-8000), Verbena (359-3122), Water Grill (353-3411) and Zeus Gallery Café (359-3219).

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On Saturday, Chez Foushee (203 N. Foushee St.) will hold SeptemberFest, featuring a three-course meal for $30 per person and beverages from Williamsburg AleWerks Brewery.

Reservations are recommended for two seatings, at 6 p.m. and from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Call (804) 648-3225 or visit http://www.chezfoushee.com for more information.

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On Saturday and Sunday, Siné Irish Pub (1327 E. Cary St.) will throw its "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day" party beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The event, featuring live music and food, is free before 4 p.m. A cover of $5 applies after that time.

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Positive Vibe Café (2825 Hathaway Road) will kick off its annual All Guest Chef Nites on Sunday with Mamma Zú's Ed Vasaio manning the kitchen for a special menu from 6 to 8:30 p.m. (the restaurant's regular menu also will be available).

Other guest chefs are: Chris DiLauro of Bacchus (Oct. 18); J. Frank (formerly of The Berkeley) with guest Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards (Nov. 1); Jannequin Bennett (formerly of The Jefferson) with a vegan menu (Nov. 22); and Paul Elbling (formerly of La Petite France, Dec. 6 -- his will be the only menu offered that night).

Positive Vibe also launched its fall menu this week.

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Sam Miller's (1210 E. Cary St.) Sunday brunch, held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature local jazz band Stone's Stew beginning Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

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Philanthropy Week at Morton's The Steakhouse (111 Virginia St.) will run Monday through Saturday.

Each night, one of six local nonprofit organizations will receive $25 from each $75 meal (three courses: salad, entrée and dessert). The beneficiaries are: Valentine Richmond History Center, JFS, Comfort Zone Camp, Beacon Tree, Children's Museum of Richmond and Greater Richmond SCAN.

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From Monday through Friday, "Around the World on the Shockoe Slip" will take place.

Lucky Buddha, Cha Cha's Cantina, Europa, City Dogs, Siné and The Berkeley Hotel will donate $1 from the purchase of select menu items to benefit the Richmond SPCA.

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Bistro R (10190 W. Broad St.) is now open Monday nights, featuring a prime-rib special. The restaurant also has tweaked its menu to include an array of tapas.

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.