Notes from Norfolk VA

Here are some tasting notes on a recent trip to Norfolk VA.

In previous posts we found split opinions on Doumar’s.
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue
http://www.doumars.com
1919 Monticello Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 627-4163

We have to side with the “don’t bother” on the BBQ sandwiches. These are chopped pork sandwiches topped with slaw, but that's where the resemblance to NC style ends. There's no smoke in this pork shoulder. The butts are rotisserie roasted. If this is supposed to be NC style, there was a profound lack of vinegar profile. Most regulars were dousing with hot sauce. Also, limeade was highly syruped – not tart.

The Taylor pork roll sandwich was thinly sliced and grilled (and a childhood favorite from early years in New Jersey), but unless you have the same nostalgia, its not a destination-worthy sandwich. On the bright side, it is a great place for a root beer floats and anything in the ice cream shop genre seems worth the trip – also for the ambience. Some employees seem likely to have been there all of the 50 years its been open.




On the other hand, topping our list of go to places (as previously posted by Evil Ronnie )

French Bakery & Delicatessen
4108 Granby St
Norfolk, VA 23504
(757) 625-4936

The French Bakery (Granby St. near the Granby Street Bridge). The pastrami was fatty and moist – hints of clove in the spices. Also on special was a soft shell crab sandwich. Both were a bit pricey (around $10 per sandwich) but excellent.
(photos of sandwiches, menu and hours below)





Other stops:
Cogans
1901 Colonial Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 627-6428

Surprisingly good beer list, but disappointing pizza, even for a buffet. Great ambience. Antique toys and comic book art on walls.



Best beer list in town (also good crab dip and frito pie):
Tap House Grill At Ghent
http://www.myspace.com
931 W 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 627-9172

Local beers to look for: Legend (very solid German styles), Clipper City/Heavy Seas series out of MD, and STONE beers that we can’t get in Chicago. We were also favorably impressed by the Williamsburg Aleworks Porter.

Great bottle selection at:
Total Wine & More
http://www.totalwine.com
536 W 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 623-6108

New and upcoming destination restaurant:
The Boot

We didn’t eat here but stopped for a drink because of their dedication to/selection of local micro beers on tap. Its Italian-inspired food with emphasis on locally grown/procured foods.



The Boot
http://insidetheboot.com
123 W. 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 627-2668

Disappointing:
Old Virginia Ham Shop
217 E Little Creek Rd
Norfolk, VA 23505

We were staying with friends with a new baby – so a drive to Smithfield was out of the question. Stopped here and sampled a va ham sandwich that they sadly microwaved before giving it to us. Smoked sausages were surprisingly good for breakfast the next day. Some nice spice – reminiscent of hot links, and smoke, and relatively coarse grind.