When checking out a new restaurant, Dale didn’t like to arrive too early. Sure, some people ate dinner between five and six, but those who went out to eat at that hour usually did so to avoid the crowds. Richmond’s food scene really didn’t get underway until seven P.M., even on weeknights. Dale’s reviews were comprehensive—he didn’t just talk about the food and wine, but also the service, the atmosphere, and the ambiance, as well. He wanted to experience a place in full swing, where he was just one table among many, instead of having the place to himself and the wait staff’s undivided attention. The average reader would want to know what to expect when eating out, and Dale’s reviews were usually pretty blunt and to the point. He wasn’t called the Simon Cowell of River City Magazine for not
