I grew up in Richmond, Virginia.  Until my wife and I moved to Charlottesville, VA in 1987 it was always home to me.  For the first seven years of our marriage, Sue and I lived in various places in the Northside or West End of town.  Early on we discovered a Chinese restaurant that would remain one of our favorites even after leaving the city—Joy Garden.  Joy Garden was located on Broad Street, near the corner of Broad and Boulevard.  It was a family-run restaurant with delicious food, friendly service and a fun atmosphere.  Their Beef Sichuan is still the standard for that dish by which Sue measures all other restaurants.  Even though we moved to Charlottesville, then Pennsylvania, and now Crozet, VA we would still dine at Joy Garden when we had the chance. Continue reading →