Riverbound Cafe

Since it's way out Route 360 in Mechanicsville, I know that Riverbound Cafe is probably off the map for most RVA diners. Still, you might have friends or family out that way and might think about stopping in while in the neighborhood. Don't.

We walked in at about 8PM on a Friday evening and were able to be seated immediately. Probably not a good sign, in retrospect.

I ordered jambalaya, which is described on the menu as being made with tiger shrimp, andouille sausage and chicken. When the bowl arrived, I searched for the shrimp and finally found a couple teeny tiny salad shrimp - i.e. the kind that are no bigger than your pinkie fingernail. The sausage tasted like mild turkey "Italian" sausage from the Kroger across the parking lot. There was an abundance of tomato sauce, such that the dish was bright red, not the brown color that one wants a jambalaya sauce to be, assuming it was based on a roux, which this most certainly was not.

My companion had fajitas. The sizzling skillet contained chicken, onions and green peppers. The accompanying plate had lettuce, shredded cheese from a bag and salsa from a jar. Meh.

I guess it serves us right for ordering up exotic food out in Hooterville.

If you find yourself out that way and want a bite to eat, there's a TGI Fridays across the street. Or keep driving, you'll be in Tappahannock before you know it.