West Coast Provisions, the GreenGate Shopping Center sister restaurant to East Coast Provisions in Carytown, officially opens for dinner on Wednesday, May 9. I stopped to learn about the restaurant and sample some of Richmond’s best seafood.
The Atmosphere at West Coast Provisions
Like its city sister, West Coast Provisions is light with lots of off white and light tones as well as abundant natural light. This airy atmosphere is grounded by an Ed Trask mural featuring eye-catching lettering and tromp l’oeil brick, a spacious bar and raw bar, and a fireplace that’s enticing for warmer months. You’ll also notice pale blue accents that subtly recall the sea and California flavor on the menu. There’s also a giant patio for oysters and cocktails all summer long. Hurry up lunch and brunch!
West Coast Provisions Menu
Appetizers and Raw Bar at West Coast Provisions
The menu combines some favorite dishes from East Coast Provisions. You’ll find my old favorite octopus appetizer, the tuna tacos, the loaded cheese and meat boards, as well as some fresh creations from co-owner Michelle Williams, executive chef Trevor Knotts, and chef de cuisine Ian Boothman.
On my visit I focused on trying some of the special West Coast menu items. Tuna carpaccio is a fresh take on the classic appetizer. Perfectly fresh and thin tuna is delicately layered on top of toasted brioche and savory foie gras ganache. The dish is finished with pickled apricots, Maldon salt, pink peppercorns, and extra virgin olive oil. Each bite provides a combination of flavors and textures that’s indulgent and distinctive.
Uni (sea urchin) is served over a slow poached egg with scallions, Parmesan cheese, and soft polenta. Trust me, you want to try it and spring for the shaved truffle upgrade. This dish is creamy, rich, and luxurious.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try the yellowtail crudo. The fish is dressed simply with coconut juice, mango, chilies, Thai basil, kaffir lime oil, and pine nuts. Get a bite of everything together for an explosion of exotic flavors that’s light and perfect for hot weather.
You’ll also find the Cedar Point Oysters Brian and Michelle Williams grow themselves along with some additional Virginia oysters and an added focus on West Coast oysters like those from Kusshi and Fanny Bay. The raw bar also features a steamed Dungeness Crab, another West Coast specialty.
Sushi at West Coast Provisions
Like East Coast, West Coast Provisions also offers a selection of sushi and sashimi. I didn’t try any at the soft opening, but heard it is delicious from several fellow diners. Williams suggested the truffled sashimi, featuring tuna and yellowtail, edamame, sea beans, and crispy puffed rice. I also heard the surf and turf roll with beef tartare, cucumber, scallions and hot mustard inside and caviar on top is distinctive and delicious.
Mains at West Coast Provisions
Of course, there’s a stellar selection of seafood. The crab cakes were a standout and come paired with spicy sweet potatoes, corn salad, chipotle aioli, queso fresco, and pickled red onion. I plan to return for the roasted rockfish, which comes paired with asparagus, arugula, radicchio, proscuitto, dates, Parmesan, lemon, and soft polenta.
People always talk about East Coast Provisions as a seafood restaurant and I continue to remind them that the steaks are some of my favorites in Richmond. The selection at West Coast also sounds mouthwatering. Options range from the classic filet served with incredibly indulgent aligot potatoes to a 40-ounce porterhouse topped with peppercorn aioli and demi glace.
One of my dining companions went for the rack of lamb, which was served with potato fritters, a.k.a. a delicious hybrid between a hushpuppy and a mashed potato that could be served solo as an appetizer with some sort of sauce and I would totally order it.
Dessert at West Coast Provisions
Once our table got over the news that the restaurant was out of the single malt scotch butterscotch pudding made with 10-year old Macallan (we will be returning for that), we opted for the House Donuts. Four warm, light pillows of heaven were served with a touch of lemon curd and fresh fruit topped with candied citrus zest, Marcona almonds, and local honey. The texture and light flavors made for a satisfying end to the meal that wasn’t too heavy.
Another intriguing option to return for is passionfruit soup featuring coconut gelato, Thai basil pearls, and hibiscus-dusted puffed rice.
Beverages at West Coast Provisions
A few of my favorite cocktails made appearances. You’ll find the Salt Air Margarita, a frothy margarita topped with sea salt foam. The Expat, a refreshing combination of Belle Isle Honey Habanero Moonshine, lemongrass, ginger, lime, basil, and mint also made the menu. But again, there are some new twists. Press 2 for Sangria is a combination of Rose, St. Germain, fresh fruit, herbs, and edible flowers served in a French press to serve two. Huck the elder is a boozy but sweet combination of Reservoir bourbon, Lillet Blanc, huckleberry-elderflower shrub, and poached apple.
West Coast Provisions Hours
As of now, West Coast Provisions is open for dinner starting at 5 p.m. Lunch and brunch hours will be coming soon. Make reservations via Resy.
