HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- I absolutely love seafood and I adore family businesses, so when the family who owns P.T. Hastings Famous Seafood in Henrico invited me to work with them, I knew it would be fun! It is truly a family restaurant. P.T.Hastings III and his sister Kathy Hastings-White run the business, like their father and grandfather before them.
When you walk inside the restaurant, on Old Parham Road near West Broad Street, you cannot help but feel like you are on the coast. Inside you will find tons of nautical décor, fresh fish and lots of black and white family photos!
I was quickly put to work. My first task was to make their famous shrimp cheese balls. The shrimp cheese balls are so popular they can hardly stay on the shelf. Cream cheese, fresh shrimp, and secret seasonings are hand mixed then formed into a balls. Goodness, it smelled so good it was hard not to grab a cracker and eat it straight out of the bowl.
Next, it was time to work with the fresh fish. I cut one into steaks and filleted the other. I think P.T. was impressed with my skills!
The next thing we knew, the restaurant was filling up with customers. Not only were people purchasing fresh fish, but they were ordering lunch as well. Yes, you can eat right at the restaurant! I fried up some fish, crab cakes, fried green beans, and hush-puppies!
The fish selection is immaculate and the lunch menu is endless! Lets just say I have found my new favorite spot!
Editor's Note: In August 1985, WTVR CBS 6 produced a story on rising seafood sales in Richmond. P.T. Hastings Jr. was featured in the report. Enjoy this clip from the WTVR Video Vault.
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