I'm extremely excited about this next gem that I was recently introduced to in Downtown Norfolk. Snappers Restaurant on Granby Street has been open since February and was formerly the Sterling's Steak House. Snappers is operated by Baxter Simmons Sr. and Jr. and they have created a casual atmosphere with a diverse menu at very affordable prices. Snappers is a two- level restaurant that is adjacent to the Tazwell Hotel and Suites which is in the heart of Downtown Norfolk's Theater, Entertainment and Historic Business Districts.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in the front door of Snappers is the wall of pewter mugs behind the bar. The mugs are owned by the members of the Mug Club. For forty dollars, you can purchase a mug (once invited by a staff member) and have it personally engraved and membership affords you nightly food and drink specials that are not available to non-club members. I didn't get the feeling that it would be difficult to receive an invitation. The idea is to come in a few times and let the staff get to know you. The staff is so friendly and personable that making the decision to return will not be a difficult one. It's an everybody-knows-your-name type of place. The benefits of the Mug Club last a lifetime and the food specials more than pay for the price of membership.

We chose to sit at the bar before we decided on dinner. Snappers has a nice wine list and wine can be purchased by either the glass or the bottle or you can take advantage of the wide variety of spirits. I enjoyed a glass of A-Z Pinot Noir from Oregon which is not as full-bodied as a cabernet, and for me, made it perfect for a summer evening.

As an appetizer I ordered the Warm Virginia Crab Bake which is fresh crab meat blended with spinach, cream cheese, old bay and various seasonings, then baked and served with grilled herb flatbread. This choice was highly recommended by the staff and was the perfect choice.

Snappers provides live entertainment every weekend. Some of the local artists that perform there are John Baldwin, Bryan Dunn and Brian Sewell. The music is a great addition to an already perfectly relaxed atmosphere.

The dinner menu is very diverse and while Snappers is clearly a seafood restaurant there are other options on the menu such as Smothered Chicken, Flat Iron Steak and Filet Mignon. However, I have to say that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not sample the fresh fish or raw oysters that they offer on a daily basis in addition to the items on the regular menu. A variety of fresh salads are also offered and you have the option of topping your salad with your choice of strips of grilled flat iron steak, tuna, chicken or blackened salmon. I ordered the blackened salmon Caesar salad. The combination of the warm salmon and the cool salad was perfect.

Snappers has only been open since February but it is apparent that the Simmons' take great pride in their establishment and are careful to choose very experienced staff. The bartenders and wait staff were efficient and knowledgeable. They knew the menu and were able to answer questions about the specials. Food service is so much more than just writing down an order and bringing someone a plate. I really appreciated the interaction that I had with the staff at Snappers. Great job, guys (and gals)!

So, the next time you're Downtown shopping, or seeing a show at Chrysler Hall or the Scope go to Snappers. It's cozy. It's fun. It's affordable. The food is good and the service is top notch. What else could you possibly ask for?

Michele Matthews