Style magazine recently published a review of L’Opossum restaurant:

Character seems to work for Oregon Hill, and the kitschy-baroque décor includes — but isn’t limited to — deep-red walls lined with “Star Wars”-themed decorative plates and a gallery of thrift-store art, shaggy latch-hook pillows, bejeweled pendant lighting and a clown bathroom you must experience for yourself. There’s tension between all this stuff, and while it seems that it shouldn’t work together, it kind of does.

Part of the menu works this mishmash theme, and you can tell that chef David Shannon had a grand old time coming up with his eclectic spread, plates and spirits. You’ll need help figuring out what some of the long-winded items are, such as the Chapel Creek oysters rock in a green fairy fog of absinthe mist ($10). This isn’t a ding. Let it be known that I love all wordplay, and it was a blast to read and decipher the menu — with assistance from the staff. It’s a wonderful bunch, pros who swoop in greeting, welcoming, directing and guiding.

…

There’s a lot to love about L’Opossom: It’s creative, it’s fun, and it’s a welcome respite from newer, design-oriented restaurants that often feel too precious. It has a strong, bold base from which to work. And if the French-style adage of less is more were applied here and there, it could achieve that magical balance of tastiness and consistency. It could be a contender as the other Oregon Hill destination.

New restaurant L’opossum is open in the former Chuckwagon, Hollywood Grill, Pescados China Street, EAT Oregon Hill spot at 626 China Street.

Click here to see the restaurant’s website, which includes a menu.

Some comments I have heard from others so far- and keep in mind that these are from people who have not actually eaten there yet-

“Wow, this place has zing. And the menu has a writer’s flair. Wonder how the food stacks up…”

“I loved David’s food from the Dogwood days and I’m sure he’s only gotten better–very excited to visit.”

“David’s background includes Inn at Little Washington, Helen’s and Dogwood. Food will be amazing.”

“I hate to post something negative but I had high hopes. $24 entrees just guarantees it will fail, pescados closed because it was too expensive for the neighborhood and very few locals went there consistently.”

“I like it that I have to go there to find out what a Polyamorous Hippie Three-Way is.”

“Everything’s better with a side of Schadenfreude.”

According to a Richmond.com article, local chef David Shannon has bought the former Chuckwagon/Hollywood Grill/Pescados China Street/EAT Oregon Hill building.

He is planning to open it as a new restaurant under the name L’OPOSSUM. He also says it will not be French cuisine but has not decided on the final concept for the new enterprise.

SHannon graduated from the New England Culinary Institute. His resume includes stints at Helen’s and the Inn at Little Washington. He also owned and ran the Dogwood Grille in the Fan for four years before it closed.