A Taste of Virginia Beach
by Wendy Schatzman

Virginia Beach is probably best known as a summer resort spot. However, travelers to the city will find magnificent meals to suit all tastes and budgets. Virginia is the third-largest seafood producing state in the country. In addition to great seafood, there are many other tastes of Virginia Beach to be savored.

"What you see is what you get," says one regular patron of the original Famous Uncle Al's restaurant (3045 Shore Dirve/757-481-2718). Founder Al Stein is best known for his quirky personality, however Famous Uncle Al's is a place best known for its outrageous hot dogs and juicy cheeseburgers. They also serve fresh, out-of-this-world french fries to accompany anything.

Having won several local restaurant awards - Al has seven locations around Virginia Beach - Uncle Al's packs in the crowds daily. His regular customers boast that lunch is the best and cheapest in town. Some of his patrons even have their names adorned on yellow, wooden plaques hanging on the wall because they have eaten as many as nine, 10 or even 12 hot dogs in one sitting. Why? According to Stein, his hot dogs have less fat in them than any of the local fast food places and "people love hot dogs," he says with a smile.

Newly renovated Primo Pizza on the corner of Princess Ann Road & Baxter Road (757-499-0049) serves truly authentic New York style pizza. In addition to its famed pizza pies, owner Domenico Morrocu makes lots of "simple Italian" meals, including a scrumptous, heavily garlic-laden fresh spinach dish in olive oil. Together with a few of the restaurant's signature garlic knots, this makes for a special meal.

Everything is made to order and new items are being added to the regular menu. Primo also features daily specials. Primo does take-out and is also a great spot for family dining.

For a taste of the finest Chinese cuisine Virginia Beach has to offer, Imperial Palace (4878 Princess Anne Road/757-473-3577) tops the list. The owners offer casual dining with an elegant feel. Although jeans and shorts are acceptable, upon entering you are surrounded by fresh flowers, a flowing waterfall and a unique fish tank that gives the feel of black-tie dining.

For Peking Duck lovers, I strongly recommend this dish as it is the least greasy duck I have eaten anywhere. Imperial Palace also offers an extensive menu with Chef Tan's grilled specialties as well as salmon and shrimp kabobs. Appetizers such as lumpia, barbecued pork spare ribs and cucumbers with sesame seeds in soy sauce make excellent starters. Imperial Palace also features Hong Kong wonton soup, which puts a spin on traditional wonton soup.

Virginia Beach's finest French and Belgian continental cuisine can be found at Le Chambord (324 North Great Neck Road/757-486-3636). Chef Alain Jacqmin creates luscious meals with fancy meats and fresh seafood. I enjoyed the salmon "en croute," a filet of salmon, fresh mushrooms and leeks enveloped in a phyllo puff pastry served in a pistachio butter sauce. Another tantalizing dish is the lobster "Chambord," a poached lobster tail, sea scallops and shrimp over sauteed julieene vegetables in a sweet Chardonnay sauce garnished with Israeli coucous.

Pastry Chef Martine Jacqmin can prepare decadent desserts, including plain or Godiva chocolate chip Crème Brule, homemade bread pudding or a warm Grand Manier souffle. Le Chambord serves lunch and dinner. For an elaborate Sunday brunch try "The Bistro," just next door.

The Beach Bully (19th & Mediterranean/757-422-2222) is known for its southern beef barbecue, great pit-cooked pork ribs and roast beef sandwich. They also have delicious fresh corn on the cob.

Some of Virginia Beach's fresh, local seafood can be found at Chick's Oyster Bar (2143 Vista Circle/757-481-5757). It has fantastic daily specials, an extensive menu and an outdoor deck overlooking the water. If you are in the mood for a creamy, She-crab soup then The Lynnhaven Fish House (2350 Starfish Road 757-481-0003) near the oceanfront, is the spot to have it.

And for those who want to eat some special dishes made with the local seafood, Lucky Star (1608 Pleasure House Road/757-363-8410), also one of Virginia Beach's fine dining spots, is the place. Chef, Amy Brandt prepares delicious Cherrystone clams in a light, cream and vegetable broth. The restaurant is also known for having the best crab cakes in the city.

For a taste of TexMex, The Coyote Café (972 Laskin Road /757-425-8705) serves authentic Southwestern food, including a wonderful creation of lobster and avocado, but make sure to call ahead to see if the chef has fresh lobster meat because it is not on the menu.