THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 15, 1997 TAG: 9702140068
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 49 lines
THERE WAS a time when Sir Richard's was a jewel in Virginia Beach's waterfront, a night spot featuring music, fun and a veritable who's who of patronage - not to mention a prime rib to die for.
But a few years ago, where Le Buffet now stands along Atlantic Avenue, Sir Richard's closed its doors for the last time.
Until tonight, that is.
Frank Baumann, a Virginia Beach restaurateur who used to own the spot, is bringing back the good old days with a reunion of Sir Richard's staff and regulars this evening at The Upper Deck on 16th Street.
``Sir Richard's was the place to go,'' said Larry Cullen, general manager of Rockafeller's, one of Baumann's current Beach spots.
``You would go there just to be seen,'' continued Cullen. ``Managers went there. Businessmen. Even surfers. They all went to see who was there, to see who was playing.''
Tom and Nancy Coghill owned the spot after Baumann and will attend the reunion. Part of Sir Richard's success, said Nancy Coghill, was Jack Jackson, the now-deceased chef the Coghills inherited when they took over.
``He was a great chef,'' she remembered. ``He just had a knack for the prime rib. . . And crab rounds, and butterfly shrimp.
``Sir Richard's is a legend.''
A young Natalie Cole frequented the stage, as did acts such as the Plantations, Sunny Turner, the recently deceased Madhatter and the Sounds of the Drifters.
It was John Hodges, a member of the Drifters, who helped get the ball rolling again. The musician was lunching with Baumann two months ago, remembering Sir Richard's glory days, and Baumann decided it would be fun to re-create the atmosphere.
There will be dancing, entertainment, a six-course meal featuring an interpretation of Joe Jackson's prime rib and valet parking. It's $50 a ticket to this black-tie optional throwback. And couples save a buck; they can go for $99.
Despite the cost, Cullen said tickets are being snapped up. ILLUSTRATION: WANT TO GO?
What: Sir Richard's Reunion, featuring TFC Band and dinner
When: 7 tonight
Where: The Upper Deck restaurant, 16th Street and Atlantic
Avenue, Virginia Beach
Tickets: $50
Call: 422-5654