Jimmy's on the James- Lynchburg, VA

While attending a show in the arts district of Lynchburg, I came across an intriguing little restaurant called Jimmy's on the James. My girlfriend Isabella and I put down reservations and returned shortly following the end of the show.

When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the owner, Jimmy, who shook our hands and spoke with us for a minute or two before our waiter, Bob, showed us to our table. Because it was 10 O'clock on a Thursday night shortly after school had started back, we were the only patrons that late into evening. Alone in the flickering light of electric candles, we were treated to the sound of Jimmy crooning while tickling the ivories. With the sounds of Sinatra in our ears, and frames of the Marx brothers on the wall, the atmosphere transported us to a bygone era, making us feel as if we were sitting in Rick's Café Américain.

I ordered a Bullet Bills Burger, which boasted the inclusions of tomato, caramelized onion and a dollop of sweet yellow relish (the last of which I chose to omit from my burger out of preference). However, the menu neglected to mention the highlight of the concoction, Manchego, a Spanish cheese made from goat milk, which made the burger explode with flavor bordering the orgasmic. Isabella ordered Jimmy's Pasta Jambalaya, which consisted of bowtie pasta covered in a mixture of shrimp, andouille sausage, crawfish, peppers and chicken. The portions were enormous, and Bob joked that if Isabella could finish the bowl, than he would give her a prize (he was very friendly.) I also ordered one of the locally brewed red ales that Jimmy's had on tap which, alongside my burger, filled me to the brim. Despite being perfectly content, Isabella and I ordered a small dessert, Becca's Chocolate Chess. About the size of a double shot of alcohol, the tiny cake was smothered in a hot chocolate sauce in a combination that was the perfectly portioned, incredibly sweet end to a perfect night.

With a friendly, attentive staff, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere that harkens back to the speakeasies of the 1940s, Jimmy's on the James is an absolute delight that's perfect for a nice night out with friends, or a romantic dinner for two.