There is almost nothing more exciting than getting an email about a new brunch spot, so when we got word that Castanea had brunch, it took us almost no time to head down there to try it out. I had never been to Castanea, so my first impression was the big font on the front of the building, a huge mural on the side of the building and a large patio with colorful umbrellas.

When you walk into Castanea, it looks exactly what you'd imagine for a Greek cafe, complete with a dessert counter and golden chairs. We opted to sit on the patio. As it was a sweltering mid-August day in Richmond, what could go wrong? Oh, that's right, rain. It rained on us. And you guessed it, right when we got our food was when it was hardest. But I digress.

I went to dollar drinks at Tobacco Company the night prior, so the last thing I wanted was more alcohol. But then one of our waiters said their Bloody Mary's were the best, so I caved and got one. With a lamb shank, because why not at this point, right?