Not quite local... GORDON RAMSAY'S TO HELL AND BACK - Lowery's Seafood Restaurant

[jazz lady]

Used to love stopping by Lowreys on our way to Virginia Beach, many years ago. Havent been there in almost 30 years, I'm sure it could use a makeover.

Same here. Used to head to Va Beach a couple of times a year and stopping there was always a welcome event to stretch our legs and grab a bite to eat. Always good food and service. I can't remember how many years it has been since I have been there, but it has been more than 5 at least. It will be interesting to watch the transformation.

 

[gemma_rae]

Many have eaten here, few have died.

That's worth at least one star all by itself.

 

[stgislander]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but my wife and I stop there every time we go through Tappahannock.

 

[jazz lady]

 

[sparkyaclown]

I still remember the mynah bird they had in the back years ago. It had quite the vocabulary.

 

[gary_webb]

I still remember the mynah bird they had in the back years ago.

I've heard it's a lot like Squab.

 

[Gilligan]

Used to love stopping by Lowreys on our way to Virginia Beach, many years ago. Havent been there in almost 30 years, I'm sure it could use a makeover.

Lowery's was a regular stop for a bunch of us that travel back and forth to Norfolk and Little Creek on a fairly regular basis. Last time we were there it was a real disappointment....that was less than 2 years ago.

 

[RoseRed]

REMINDER!!! My DVR is set in case I forget it's on.

 

[Merlin99]

On now

 

[RoseRed]

On now

I still have the news on... I'll watch it later.

 

[BernieP]

after watching, will you ever eat there again?

 

[Goldenhawk]

Someone at the Tappahanock Health Department ought to be squirming in their seat, wondering if they'll get fired for overlooking those food safety problems. That was truly scary. Reminds me of the debacle at Ruby Tuesdays in First Colony a few years ago.

The three-month followup was certainly encouraging. But the real problem with shows like this is that you can inspire people to short term improvements, but truly fixing a culture of not cleaning or cooking properly is MUCH harder. What will it look like in a year? Hard to tell.

I think Anthony was a big part of the problem. For the entire show he had the deer-in-the-headlights look, and I could tell the younger cook Chuck was a much better man for the job - passionate, motivated, smarter, and much faster on his feet. If Chuck is really in charge, and the owner brother in charge of the kitchen was scared enough by the 24 hour boot camp, maybe it will be a permanent change.

Fixing the relationship between the brothers - that's a tough one. Maybe Ramsey's shock treatment broke some things loose - but only time will tell.

 

[gary_webb]

Did anyone see anybody they knew? I've never been there.

 

[vraiblonde]

I've eaten at Lowery's numerous times - the lunch buffet no less! - and am still alive to tell the tale. Never even had a tummy problem.

Some of the best chow is found at dives that scare mere mortals.

 

[RoseRed]

Just finished watching. That kitchen was

One of the staff had mentioned that 6 or 7 people got sick in one night and that is a big part of their drop in business. Ya think!?!

Now that it is spic and span (still I hope) I'd be willing to go on a road tri[ to go try it out.

 

[itsbob]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but my wife and I stop there every time we go through Tappahannock.

NN Burger twisty fries..

 

[Merlin99]

NN Burger twisty fries..

it took two days to get that wash your hands song out of my head.

 

[itsbob]

it took two days to get that wash your hands song out of my head.

Yeah, I'll give you that one.. found that a tad irritating.

 

[jazz lady]

I watched the show and am still not a Gordon Ramsey fan. I don't think the owner was either after he splattered him with a rotten apple. The kitchen was horrifying to say the least. And KNOWINGLY serving putrid food (slimy oysters, anyone?) took the cake!

I must say the dining area looks great after the renovation. Whether or not change has truly taken ahold, especially in the kitchen, is still TBD. The change happened back over the summer (July I think) so I looked at recent reviews. Some were positive but several said it was "same old, same old" and basically you can't put lipstick on a pig.

 

[RoseRed]

I watched the show and am still not a Gordon Ramsey fan. I don't think the owner was either after he splattered him with a rotten apple. The kitchen was horrifying to say the least. And KNOWINGLY serving putrid food (slimy oysters, anyone?) took the cake!

I must say the dining area looks great after the renovation. Whether or not change has truly taken ahold, especially in the kitchen, is still TBD. The change happened back over the summer (July I think) so I looked at recent reviews. Some were positive but several said it was "same old, same old" and basically you can't put lipstick on a pig.

No road trip, eh?