Great food, fun to watch.

Attention to detail elevates the food & your dining experience.

Chefs table at VA Beach's Hearth Restaurant

Riesling wine at the Chef’s table.

Mike took me to Hearth Restaurant in Virginia Beach for dinner several weeks ago. I had been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to eat at this fairly new restaurant known for its wood fired New American cuisine with a southern roots flair. It’s located several blocks from the oceanfront.

Where to sit…

carrie-Mike-Hearth-restaurant-VA-beach-inside

Mike & Carrie

We had reservations and were quickly seated at the Chef’s table. This is bar seating in the front of the place overlooking the fast paced kitchen. We could have picked a cozy table in the main dining room but I’m so glad we sat at the Chef’s table. I really enjoyed watching the Chefs create amazing meals before my eyes. The mile high fries looked decadent. The ambiance of this place with its earthy wood tones gives off a hearty, warm feeling that melds nicely with a cool, upscale Seattle hipster vibe.

Mile high fries.

What to drink…

Our waiter Tim was magnificent. What made him stand out was his knowledge of wine. After talking to him I found out he was a Sommelier and was spot on in his recommendation for a glass of Riesling to go with my my Shrimp and Grits dinner. During dinner I wanted to try another one of their wines. One of my favorite wines is Chenin Blanc and I noticed they had one on their wine list. Tim recommended it before I could place the order. He really knows his wine and flavor profiles. Make sure you ask for Tim if you have any difficulty deciding on what wine to pair with your meal.

The first bite sets the tone…

Amuse Bouche of Potato Gnocchi

After our wine came we were served an Amuse Bouche of Potato Gnocchi. Mike liked it so much he ordered it as his meal. Homemade and delicious! Definitely left me wanting more.

The second bite only gets better…

Empanadas

We ordered the homemade Empanada appetizers that had a slightly spicy sauce. Their menu changes frequently, so they may not have this when you visit, but if they do try it because it’s wonderful.

Main course & main attraction…

Mike ordered the Potato Gnocchi topped with an egg cooked to perfection. I ordered the Shrimp and Grits. I have a tendency to order “Shrimp and Grits” every time I go to a restaurant that offers it. I’m always comparing it to my first ever “Shrimp and Grits” meal that I got at a restaurant called the Fish House while vacationing in Pensacola Florida. It’s hard to compare because Hearth’s has a Cajun style red sauce and the Fish House has a Gouda cheese style version. Both delicious. But I’m still searching for a place to serve “Shrimp and Grits” with a creamy Gouda sauce in VA Beach. Hint, hint Hearth, maybe you can add this to your menu 🙂