When Chef Andy Howell opens a restaurant, Richmond pays attention. When he opens one with Chef Bill Foster (of Zed Café, Acacia and Frog and the Redneck, to name a few), we really pay attention.
For years, Ejay Rin Noodle Bar’s owners have been cooking in some of the hottest restaurants in Richmond, with Howell notably opening, establish, and then selling a few beloved local places.
There was Zeus Gallery Café, Avenue 805, Café Rustica (most recently) and that place down in Petersburg that we tend to forget about because … well, it was in Petersburg.
In every case, Howell brought his take on fabulous, affordable European / Italian-influenced cuisine to up-and-coming / questionable locations. And in every case, it was a smashing success.
But now Howell and Foster have partnered to bring the noodle bar concept to Manchester District, to the old Savor Café / The Lunch Porter spot in the Corrugated Box Building.
As Howell told me a few months ago, the noodle bar concept was "mostly Bill’s idea." But Howell’s influence can be seen on the menu, with starters like the shrimp, scallop & crab cake over seaweed salad ($9).
"It’s basically Japanese ramen," Howell said of the noodle bar concept. "There’s not another one [in Richmond]. It’s exceedingly under-represented."
Foster and Howell make their own noodles and use locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. Still, as with Howell’s previous restaurants, they’re able to keep the prices low.
"It’s better than average food, for reasonable prices, using better ingredients," Foster said.
The menu is divided into Starters, Cold Noodles, Steamed Buns (like an Asian taco, they say), Warm Noodles and Rice Bowls, all for around $8 - $10.
The wine and beer list is still being tweaked, but boasts plenty of sparkling wine (and sparkling sake) and about 10 bottled beers.
Ejay Rin Noodle Bar (named for Foster’s grandmother; Rin means, "to honor") is now open for lunch and dinner, Monday – Saturday at 201 W. 7th St. in Manchester. You can see the full menu on their website (yes, Howell fans, a website!).
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