Highwater, the casual-chic restaurant adjoining Toad's Place on the Canal Walk, has a spiffy new menu designed by chef Michael Hall, formerly of The Berkeley Hotel and now at the Bull & Bear Club.

Though the to-die-for cheese grits are no longer available, Highwater's new offerings span the gamut of salads, sandwiches, more substantial entrees and interesting sides, including a cornhusk-wrapped potato. Other entrees include a mushroom and shrimp Boboli appetizer ($7), cheeseburger sliders ($8.50), a single-bone pork chop wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon ($11.50) and River Whiskey bread pudding with caramel and cinnamon cream ($5).

Check out the entire menu at www.highwaterrva.com.

The restaurant is open for dinner at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and only on Sundays and Mondays for show nights.

Additionally, Highwater now sports a patio that offers a bar setup on show nights and for the free Wednesday on the Water concert series, which takes place at 8 p.m. through the end of June.

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Renowned French restaurant La Petite France has closed due to a lack of business. The fine dining establishment at 2108 Maywill St. had operated since 1971, and was on its third set of owners.

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Six Burner Restaurant & Bar (1627 W. Main St.) will host a benefit for the Byrd House Market from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday. For a $35 donation, diners will receive a three-course dinner.

For more information, call (804) 353-4060.

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Recently opened: Sheba, an Ethiopian restaurant in Shockoe Bottom (9 N. 17th St.); a second location for Spinnaker's has taken over Pasta Luna's Midlothian spot (5000 Commonwealth Centre Parkway). The original post for the locally operated chain is at Chesterfield Towne Center (11500 Midlothian Turnpike).

Opening soon: A second Pescados is under construction at the old Hollywood Grill building in Oregon Hill (626 China St.) The renowned Chesterfield County restaurant (13126 Midlothian Turnpike) is known for its unique Caribbean take on seafood; Gibson's, the latest project from Johnny Giavos that is connected to music venue The National (the corner of Broad and Seventh streets) hopes to open by next month.

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If you're heading north: Sticky Rice's legions of dedicated customers might care that the Richmond restaurant has opened a D.C. location at 1224 H St., NE. Check out its new site at www.stickyricedc.com. And yes, the tater tots are on the menu.