dessert: ending on a sweet note, 1 north belmont.

i have a tough time with 1 north belmont. dinner six months ago was stuffy and quiet. one night (unless you are a member of a well-known richmond family or well-known publication and really like to flaunt it), the waitstaff could give a flying you-know-what as to whether you stay and eat (or not). the next dinner night- far less busy, we all got  the service equivalent of a hug?

taking our chance with the service roulette, we went for dessert one random evening. almost hitting 9:30 pm, we called 1 north to make sure we would be ‘aight to come in and order a quick sweet bite. while the individual on the phone cautioned that we would have to eat at the bar, that the restaurant wraps up at 10 pm and that ONLY dessert would be served to us, she did so cheerfully and ended the conversation with a “looking forward to seeing you/drive safely.”

we booked over there as fast as the traffic laws would let us raced to the bar threw back chairs ordered coffee both souffles and then took   a  deep    breath. 

if you have never experienced the coffee service at one north, it really is a good reason to go and check out the scenery there. a bit pricier than your average cup of joe, the additions that it comes with are spectacular: three different types of sugar, heavy fresh whipped cream, dark chocolate chunks, etc.  posh and decadent, it is a great way to end an evening. (make sure you whisper to your date, however . the place is not the easiest to have an after dinner conversation or any conversation, really. we learned that the third twilight book was NOT a favorite and about an affair- as did everyone else in the intimate, drop-a-pin quiet setting.)

listening, we waited the 20 minutes that a souffle typically takes and out came the most delightful concoctions in richmond dessert: grand marnier and chocolate.

richmond really does not cherish after dinner  sweetness. so many restaurants in the ric lack a good ending to any meal. at 1 north, the dessert souffles are brilliant. fluffy and dome-shaped, the grand marnier kept the taste of the liquor but didnt overwhelm. the chocolate was rich and sinful. i couldn’t get enough. while we knew that two souffles would be too much.. we still mowed through them as though we didn’t eat dinner before. 

if you find yourself searching for a sweet finale – i’ll offer up 1 north for a good wrap up.

a few notable items: the place is eexxppenseeve  so if you are watching your coin, it might not be the place for you. the place is quiet. you and your eight buddies rockin’ it over from a heavy happy hour are going to make a huge scene. AND i hear a peanut butter souffle is forthcoming.