Table Talk: non-Mexican quesadillas

Just because Bo Dillaz specializes in quesadillas doesn't mean there is anything Mexican about the place.

Robert "Bo" DiBuono, owner of the restaurant at 916 W. Broad St., is instead trying to "reinvent the sandwich."

"Just like when wraps became big, and now paninis, I'm looking forward to the next category," he said.

A quesadilla at Bo Dillaz can be filled with anything from chicken tenders to ground beef to fried eggs and served on one of four 12-inch tortillas, including spinach or sun-dried tomato.

DiBuono, a native New Yorker, has his first location of Bo Dillaz near Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. And just as he's done there, he is catering to the area college crowd by being located near Virginia Commonwealth University.

Most quesadillas cost less than $8, and a current special offers a quesadilla and a large drink for $4.99.

"I like to give back to the students. I let them host their meetings or extracurricular things here. I've even used some marketing students [at VCU] to help me with my marketing plan," DiBuono said.

Though the restaurant seats 15 to 20, delivery is free; those who opt for that service will get a quirky perk: The delivery person comes dressed in a jalapeño pepper suit.

"It's just a good gimmick," DiBuono said with a laugh.

Bo Dillaz is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A Web site, http://www.bodillaz.com, is under construction. For more information, call (804) 269-5924.

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If you've been missing Herman "Big Herm" Baskerville's delectable fried chicken products, catfish and Philly cheesesteaks, the good news is that the former owner of The Corner Bar & Grill has resurfaced.

Baskerville is one of the chefs at Ambiance Bar & Grill, which recently opened at 415 N. First St., between Marshall and Clay streets.

James Robertson, a manager and bartender at the restaurant, said Ambiance holds a midnight social on Saturdays -- "basically, a networking party for people to come in for drinks and food," he said.

The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Along with some sandwich holdovers ($7-$8) from The Corner, the Ambiance menu includes entrées such as spice-rubbed sirloin ($11) and sides such as mashed sweet potatoes and hush puppies.

Can Table Talk put in a request for cornbread?

For more information, call (804) 612-7053 or visit http://www.countryboymusic.com/email/ambiance.

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Acacia Mid-town (2601 W. Cary St.) has opened its patio for the season. Right now, alcohol cannot be consumed outside, but the restaurant is working on a permit from the Virginia ABC board.

Also, all three Capital Ale House locations -- downtown Richmond, Innsbrook and Fredericksburg -- have opened their patios.

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Coming to Short Pump, tucked between Regal Short Pump 14 and the Grapevine, is Sweet Frog frozen yogurt.

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At 9 p.m. Saturday at Ipanema Grill (3641 Cox Road), the Latin Ballet of Virginia will host Salsa Picante night. The $10 entry fee covers dance lessons, entertainment by the Latin Ballet and hors d'oeuvres.

For more information, call (804) 379-2555 or (804) 346-5554.

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.