Places: Dinner at Saison

Several great restaurants have opened in our hometown over the last few months, and Saison has quickly become a new favorite. After months of recommendations, I finally had dinner there a couple of weeks ago . . . I’ve already been back twice, if that says anything. Their menu is a fusion of Southern cooking and Central American cuisine. It isn’t uncommon to find a dish featuring Southern staples of grits and pork juxtaposed with Latin flavors. What I found most impressive was their line-up of cocktails, wine, and beer, which are all served up by their bar manager Chris – who I later learned is a Certified Cicerone. As if this wasn’t enough, Saison takes the experience one step further by inviting guests to put their vinyl collections to good use by bringing in LPs to be played on the bar’s record player. Great food, drinks, and vinyl . . . what more is there to ask for in a restaurant? It’s always striking to see a restaurant open with a clear vision, and Saison has thoughtfully nailed theirs. Saison is located in the Richmond's Arts District, and a visit is recommended whenever the opportunity presents itself.