THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 29, 1994 TAG: 9409280038
SECTION: FLAVOR PAGE: F5 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: A LA CARTE
SOURCE: DONNA REISS
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
FOR MANY YEARS and through several owners and name changes, the little restaurant at the Oceans, 40th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, emphasized pastas under its pounded copper ceiling.
Now, as Pogo's, white latticework has replaced the metal. And floral wallpaper borders and table covers add to the gardenlike setting.
People who remember the dark chicness of Cafe Zoe and the Barking Dog at this location may be pleasantly surprised by the airiness of the redecorated space, now bathed in ocean blues.
Pogo is the nickname of owner Jeffrey Parr, whose experience managing Croakers, also in Virginia Beach, prepared him for this venture. His restaurant emphasizes fresh seafood.
In the kitchen, Jeff Boyd, who prepared pastas at Bella Monte in Virginia Beach, combines angel hair with butterflied shrimp, fresh tomatoes and garlic, or grills to order a well-seasoned steak.
There's a raw bar on the menu and a cheery beverage bar in the front room. Dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 437-1827. ORAPAX, THE SEQUEL
A quarter of a century ago, the Orapax was a dark little Ghent tavern, distinguished by its barrel chairs and cheese-laden pizzas.
Eventually, the Seretis family replaced the chairs and expanded the original Redgate Avenue site to a full-service restaurant serving Greek and Italian specialties in two busy dining rooms. Now they're in Virginia Beach, too.
The Orapax at Hilltop West Shopping Center opened Sept. 9, with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is similar to the parent shop, minus the lamb dishes and specials such as steak night.
However, they'll deliver Greek dinners like pastitsio and moussaka, Italian dishes like lasagna and chicken Parmesan, and puffy-edged pizzas with a choice of toppings, including gyros meat strips or feta cheese and pepperoncinis.
Stop in from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Fridays; from noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, or from 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays. Call 428-3137. GOURMET GALA
Restaurants throughout Hampton Roads will share their wares at the third annual Gourmet Gala from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Norfolk Marriott.
All proceeds from the $30 tickets will go toward research at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis. The hospital concentrates on cures and treatments for cancer and other diseases affecting children.
The event will include local restaurants like Croaker's, Aldo's, Antiquities, Tabouli, the Raven, Nawab, Positive Vibes and Bistro! For information, call 456-1993. WINE TASTING
Wine and dine at the Taste of Virginia at the Williamsburg Winery. The event begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 11; tickets are $50 and include a winery tour and a dinner designed by chef David Everett of the Dining Room at Ford's Colony. Call 1-258-4107 for details. by CNB