Richmond’s Get Tight Lounge is buzzing with excitement thanks to new chef Dalisa Campbell. She has transformed the menu and is drawing in crowds from Virginia Commonwealth University and beyond.
Dalisa, a Richmond native, took the helm as chef in January. She’s passionate about her work and, during a chat on the “Eat It, Virginia!” podcast, she proudly claimed her cheesecake is “the best in the city.” It took her a year and a half to perfect the recipe, and she believes it rivals even the famous cheesecakes from Junior’s in New York.
Dalisa’s culinary journey started in her grandmother’s bustling bar, Boot Scooters, in the 1990s. That early exposure fueled her love for cooking. Today, she brings a unique blend of flavors to Get Tight Lounge. Her background includes Cherokee and Nigerian influences, along with experience from high-volume places like TopGolf Richmond.
Owner Drew Schlegel has a similar story. He built his restaurant career in Richmond, starting behind the bar at Lily Pad. Today, this vibrant spot serves Baltimore-style pit beef—their signature dish that Drew humorously describes as “Arby’s, if Arby’s were good.” This dish remains true to its Baltimore roots, serving thinly sliced beef on warm potato rolls with flavorful sauces.
The menu also includes unique options like Dalisa’s Green Goddess bowl, featuring jerk chicken and coconut rice, which is getting rave reviews. The restaurant operates as a multi-purpose venue, offering live music alongside quality dining.
Get Tight Lounge has quickly become a popular hangout, especially for Baltimore sports fans. The atmosphere is welcoming, making newcomers feel like regulars. Drew comments on the venue’s appeal, noting that while it’s near a college campus, a more mature crowd often fills the seats.
With no freezers on site, everything is made fresh every day. Dalisa aims to serve upscale food in a relaxed setting, and customers have noticed the improvement since she arrived. Dinner rushes, especially before shows at the nearby Altria Theatre, have grown busier. The challenge now is to serve meals quickly and efficiently, something that energizes Dalisa as she meets this demand.
In recent years, Richmond’s restaurant scene has evolved significantly. The rise of new food trends and young chefs bringing diverse cuisines has led to a dynamic dining culture. Statistics show that around 40% of Americans say they enjoy trying new foods, reflecting a growing appetite for unique dining experiences.
Dalisa’s journey is a testament to hard work and passion. As she balances her time between Richmond and Jamaica, where she consults for a resort, her dedication to making Get Tight Lounge a local favorite shines through. With a commitment to fresh ingredients and an inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is clearly making its mark in the Richmond dining landscape.
Source link
Chesterfield County, Virginia,Hanover County,Hanover County, Virginia,Henrico County,Henrico County, Virginia,Peterburg, Virginia ,RVA ,Richmond,Richmond, Virginia,Tri-Cities
