Eurasia

We weren't planning on dining here again, however due to other restaurant's weird weekend hours and not willing to settle for mediocre, we decided to give Eurasia another shot for a late lunch.

Our dining experience was much better. We started with the fried avocados- super simple, but super delicious. I ordered the Cuban sandwich, while my husband ordered something fish something with fried oyster and bacon. Both were excellent.

I'm still not completely sold on dessert.The strawberry cobbler with goat cheese ice cream didn't do it for me. The ice cream was really delicious, but I wasn't a huge fan of the cobbler. Also, the cappuccinos were not made correctly. Eurasia uses a really great espresso blend; but cappuccinos typically consist of one-third espresso, one-third third heated milk and one-third milk foam. A lot of restaurants in the area exclude foam, which is part of the allure of the drink.

Overall, it was a fun dining experience and we'll eventually be back.

This little gem was originally hidden behind L. Baggin's Wine & Cigar shop on Laskin Road (31st. Street) about a half-mile off the Virginia Beach oceanfront, but now they have expanded their popular eatery into the former L. Baggin's and their new digs are outstanding.

We stumbled upon Eurasia four years ago, and, almost immediately, it became our favorite restaurant in the area.

Despite the expansion it's still cozy, while a bit noisier than before, especially the area to the left of the new and most welcome bigger bar.

Most of the noise comes from the Oceanfront's Glitteratty who wouldn't know fine fare from a County fair. Fortunately, this cabal of wannabe heard and seen "Plastico's" tend to cluster together, away from the discerning and personable "real people," and prefer to show their asses on the weekends.

While their founding chef, Meredith, left a couple of years ago to open and operate their Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina location, they didn't miss a beat as Chef Jessie does an equally superlative, if not superior, job.

While the fare is creative, outstanding and eclectic, the Eurasia Crew - especially Derek, Mandy, Rachel, Mel, Brooke and Heather - is devotedly exceptional.

Genteel or jackasses, wealthy or regular, locals or vacationers everyone gets the the same extra friendly and personable service.

Add to that the Eurasia Crew's stellar vino expertise and pride in their eats and teamwork and Eurasia is truly the total dining package for a great evening or a relaxing lunch.

While we sure can't pick our families, we can choose Eurasia, and that's a choice we're happy we made - and will continue to make as long as our credit cards are not declined or confiscated!

Upscale atmosphere and classy ambiance.  It felt like a place were the more affluent locals go for a casual evening, if that makes sense.

We went on a Saturday night and got there just before nine, knowing they close at 10.  A closing time such at that on a Saturday is a little strange with them being a wine bar and all.  We had a bottle of Beaujolais for $40 (not bad at a restaurant) and the fresh rolls appetizer ($8).  The wine was good, however there were only about 10 choices on the menu.  I was expecting a near overwhelming wine list at a wine bar, so needless to say I was not very impressed.  The fresh rolls were average, definitely tasted fresh, my gf didn't care for the mint inside them and I thought the peanut flavor in the sauce overpowered everything else.

Our main course was the scallop paella ($29) for me and the hot & spicy soup and caesar salad for her.  Paella was good with plenty of large scallops and decent amount of shrimp.  It also came with six mussels, which wasn't listed and would've been a bonus if I liked mussels.  The tomato chunks and flavor eliminated any hint of saffron in the rice :( The gf liked her soup and also enjoyed the flavor of the salad.  However cutting the romaine leaves was awkward and the dressing was only on the top leaf.  The parmesan puff pastry that comes with the salad was amazing, they should offer a handful of those as a side dish or dessert.

Dessert was freakin' amazing!!  We had the Austrian chocolate cake ($7 or 8, don't remember).  Definitely split this between two people.  The top layer tasted like a white chocolate cheesecake and the bottom layer was a very rich dark chocolate cake with cheesecake consistency.  Wow, was it good!  Only way to make it better would be to throw some whipped cream on top and serve it with milk.

Overall, we would still recommend it.  Maybe just go with about 4 people and split a bottle of wine and dessert.