A Taste of Love & Hospitality
When I tell you I’m a foodie, I am a foodie! I love to eat. I love the taste of food. I love how food makes me feel. Most importantly, food is essential for life. We all need it. It’s truly one of the best things in the world. Well, for most people, that is.
Quick story.
I remember going to a coworker’s house for an early Christmas dinner, and while we were sitting there eating, my coworker’s husband said, “I hate eating. It’s so time-consuming.” What?! Who says that? Who doesn’t like eating? Food is so tasty.
I felt like he just hadn’t ever had great food before. Like, ever in his life! I watched him shovel food in his mouth begrudgingly because, of course, it’s not like he can skip meals for a week. He’s gotta survive! It was just so crazy to me, but in a way, I did understand. I used to feel the same way about washing my hair.
However, one way I combated this was to make it enjoyable. I’d get a good playlist going, grab my best combs and brushes, a nice towel, and choose the perfect time. Wash day wasn’t as grueling when I actually prepared for it. Once I started my wash day routine, I didn’t pay attention to the amount of time I was spending on my hair. I just got it done, and seemingly, in no time.
Maybe that’s what my coworker’s husband should do. He should prepare for each meal so he can enjoy it. He doesn’t even have to cook if he doesn’t want to. He and his wife, who likes to eat, can go to a really nice restaurant. There are plenty in the area, and one restaurant that I will always recommend is Lillie Pearl.
Photo of Lillie Pearl restaurant in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Photo credit: Toni D
Lillie Pearl is a Black-owned restaurant located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, on East Grace Street that serves delicious Southern African American cuisine. I went there a couple of weeks ago to try something new, and I loved every minute of it.
Now, if you don’t live within walking distance of Lillie Pearl, that’s okay! There’s street parking available as well as paid parking about two blocks away, with starting prices at $5 for 1 hour. There’s also a bus stop one block away if you don’t want to drive.
Before I get into it, I want to give a special shoutout to the GM for hearing me out and allowing me to take pictures. He was very nice, answered all my questions, and was super responsive when I had to reach out at a later time. Another shoutout to the AG for being so nice and considerate and making sure the food looked good for my pictures. Honestly, she could have brought the appetizer out with the spoon in it. It wouldn’t have ruined a thing. Everything was lovely! Lastly, thanks to the staff for being kind and attentive.
You know, the first thing that popped into my mind when I walked up to Lillie Pearl was that it’s charming. It’s hard to describe, but I got the same feeling I get when I pull up to a dear friend’s house.
In the window, the back side of the menu is posted and lists the entrees and desserts, just so you can get an idea of what they have. While I was taking pictures, I did see a few people walk up to the window to view it. Great idea, by the way, Lillie Pearl! Even though those people did walk away and check out other places in the area, moments later, they came right back and dined there. Having the menu in the window lets curious wanderers know what options they have, and most people like knowing what they’re getting into.
Video of Lillie Pearl’s website with real background music and sound from my visit. Credit: Toni D
Lillie Pearl is very clean! After being greeted by the hostess, the first thing I noticed was the bar and how shiny it was. Everything was in order and had its place. The ambiance is very chill and welcoming. When the GM told me that all are welcome, he really meant it. I could feel it while I was walking around snapping pictures. No one judged me or stared at me. They just let me be while they did their own thing. Truthfully, that made a world of difference to me, as I am quite introverted.
Once I snapped enough pictures, I sat at the bar and started chatting with the friendly bartender. Then, I got a water and a house cocktail called Sweet Thang, which is made with Tito’s vodka, housemade sweet tea, chardonnay, and peach. That cocktail was so good, and it took everything in me not to down it in one gulp.
While I sipped on my cocktail, I ordered the fried brussels sprouts, which looked wonderful thanks to the staff being so mindful of my camera. The appetizer was topped with sticky Asian sauce, spicy buttermilk ranch, and very fancy scallions. (I’d never seen them sliced that way!) It was all very nice. Although I think I’ll ask for the sauce on the side on my next visit. I’m a dipper and need to control how much sauce is on my food.
After sipping my cocktail for a bit and munching on my fried brussels sprouts, I ordered an entrée: the lobster and crab cake sandwich, accompanied by collard greens on the side.
Okay, I’m going to admit something. I thought I was being daring and fancy because the menu in the restaurant said market price next to the lobster and crab cake. I was like, “Ooh! Let me do that and be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised by the bill,” because that’s what boujee ass people do, right? Price doesn’t matter ‘cause they just got it!
FYI, it was not expensive at all, and if I had checked out the menu online beforehand, I would’ve known that. So, if you need an idea of what the food costs, don’t be like me. Go online first and check pricing.
The market price …
The lobster and crab cake sandwich was only $23. Photo credit: Toni D
Anyways! After a short while, my food finally came, and I was surprised by the simple presentation. There was no fluff, garnish, or extra inedible items on the plate. It was just the sandwich and the collard greens. I honestly don’t care how simple or intricate the plate looks. As long as the food tastes good, I’m good to go. I was just surprised, that's all, especially after getting the appetizer with the drizzle and fancy scallions.
The collard greens were PERFECT! Hands down, my favorite side at Lillie Pearl. They didn’t have a strong (what I like to call) greeny taste, and I was told that they’re made with no meat. None! So, this is the perfect side for a vegetarian or someone trying to avoid meat.
The lobster and crab cake sandwich was very light in taste with an essence of arugula. Sometimes arugula can be overwhelming for me, but it worked with the remoulade and crabcake, not against it. And I noticed a slight crunch after the first bite, and I love a good crunch. It’s a very simple yet delicious sandwich. I’d recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want anything excessive or wants to actually taste the crab and lobster.
I’m sure y’all can already guess, but I was super full at this point. I didn’t finish my sandwich, and I only had one bite left of the collard greens. So, I asked for a to-go box, and yes, I did put that one bite of collard greens in the box. I don’t care! But I couldn’t leave just yet. I’d yet to have any dessert.
Originally, I was supposed to go to Lillie Pearl with my friend Ash, but she stays sick so she couldn’t come. Then, I asked Sarah if she wanted to go because she’s a big foodie, and I hadn’t seen her in a while. Turns out she was sick, too. But I still wanted to see my friend and asked which dessert she liked. For this reason, I ordered two Millie’s banana puddings to go. Before I left the restaurant, I had a bite or two, and it was awesome!
Our banana pudding desserts to go. Photo credit: Toni D
While I was fighting the urge to devour the rest of my dessert, I got my check, and I was pleasantly surprised that all of this was under $100. Once I paid the bill, I thanked everyone and headed to my friend’s house with her dessert and my leftovers. She was very grateful that I left a little food for her to taste because I was definitely going to eat it later.
Overall, dining at Lillie Pearl was a terrific experience. I love everything about that place! The mood was just right, the people were friendly, and the food was delicious. More importantly, I felt like I was wanted there. That welcoming atmosphere was what really drew me in. It’s a no-brainer that I need to add this restaurant to my list of go-to places, and I’ll definitely go back with a friend or two next time … as long as they’re not sick!
