Friday, 27 June 2008
The idea that I had for this was that it would be the addendum or replacement for my community's bi-monthly newsletter, the Red Mill Gazette, and this idea was to begin in March. But obviously I let other things get in the way. So, without further ado, I bring you all the first blog about living in Red Mill Farm.Red Mill Farm, for those who don't know about our neighborhood, is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is located south of the Virginia Beach oceanfront bordered by General Booth Blvd, Princess Anne Rd, Sandbridge Rd and Nimmo Pkwy (for the most part). Out neighborhood has existed for over 25 years and has about 1400 homes. What makes it such a good place to live is definitely the people; the neighbors. For the most part they are active, involved in the community and schools, and at least know who their neighbors are around their immediate vicinity. Our civic league, Red Mill Farm Civic Association, is the inspiration for starting this blog, as well as the newsletter. We have about 160 homes that are active members in the civic association. Amid all the other neighborhoods in our area, our civic association is strictly voluntary. It is not a homeowners association, which is what attracted a lot of us to this neighborhood. In addition to the 1,400 homes, we also count 200 or so condo owners, and about the same in a luxury apartment complex in the middle of our neighborhood. Also, our neighborhood is the only one with its own shopping centers, Red Mill Commons and Red Mill Walk. They are both model shopping centers for our city and the occupancy rate is at near 100%.
Enough bragging about our neighborhood, let's get to some news.
Pollo Loco opened their doors this past Monday. Pollo Loco got their start in Guasave, Mexico back in 1975. Their specialty is chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs and spices and citrus juices, then flame-grilled. Add to that fresh tortillas, different kinds of salsas and guacamole all made fresh daily. My family and I went there the other day, and they were busy as all can be. It is typical of restaurants on their opening day/week. I remember Cantina Del Lagos first week, too. I happy to say that Pollo Loco's was better. The food was good, except for the rice. But then I am rather picky about 'spanish rice'. I didn't like this one. But the chicken was fantastic. My wife got the grilled chicken with two sides. The grilled chicken was golden perfection. The staff was courteous and thorough in their order taking. I especially liked how they asked me, after reading back my order, "Did I capture your order completely?" I thought it was refreshing that they concerned themselves with capturing my order instead of asking "will that be all?" So anyway, the only other thing that I thought needed to be addressed is their chopping block. The hand cut their chickens when they come off the grill. The chopping block is nothing more than a cutting board sitting on a sheet metal box - a hollow box - so it is pretty loud when they are bringing that meat cleaver down on the chickens. Really, it was annoying. My wife sent them a comment on their website. With that against them it is a sure bet I'll be back next week to try one of their tacos al carbon - a grilled chicken taco - and some more of that guacamole.
So if any of you have any news you want to have posted here or you want to give some feedback, send it to me or just add a comment to this blog. I only ask that you not advertise your business in your replies to these posts. If you want to advertise something your business is doing contact me directly (mario.rosales2@gmail.com) and tell me about it. I am not opposed to putting your name out there as it pertains to the tiny town of Red Mill.
