Looking for something to do this holiday weekend? See our picks for some fun local events.
Just a reminder: I’m still collecting your recommendations for a list of the sparkliest food gems in Southwest Virginia. Whether it’s a terrific chef, a specific dish you cannot stop craving or a great stop for fresh, unusual ingredients, I want to know.
I’m putting the final list together for next week’s column. Thanks to everyone who already commented. Your great ideas can be seen here.
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On the Fridge Magnet blog, food writer Lindsey Nair writes about home cooking, local restaurants, entertaining and more. Here, you will also find links to restaurant reviews and our weekly food column, Front Burner. Please also check out our database of Southwest Virginia restaurants resturant user reviews and our recipe database.
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Is this list gonna include chain rstaurants and stores, or is it items unique to the area?
I vote for the latter.
I almost forgot- the asparagus at Frankie Rowlands is amazing.
Well, people can add whatever they want to the list, but I can’t promise I’m going to publish the dollar cheeseburger from McDonald’s. I actually want the items to be unique to the area.
Did El Palenque Close??
The truffles from chocolatepaper are the best!!
Yes, El Palenque closed several months ago, B. Business had just declined too much.
I’ve heard other good things about chocolatepaper!
Arzu – Chicken Marsala
Homeplace – Fried Chicken
Metro – Sushi
New York Pizza – Steak and Cheese
Ernies – Double Bacon Cheeseburger
I’m a dollarmenuaire….those cheeseburgers can hit the spot sometimes.
My vote – Homemade Chicken and Dumplins’ Lunch Special Every Tuesday @ The Dogwood Restaurant in Vinton
The scallop appetizer & the goat cheese salad at Table Fifty
Homeplace fried chicken!
And Homestead Creamery ice cream!
Blass – I totally agree with everything you said. Except I haven’t tried the sushi at Metro. Anyone been to Oddfellows Cantina in Floyd? I had this cream of beet soup that was fabby!
Deborah, I haven’t been to Oddfellas in a long time. I started to go the day I went to Floyd to pick up my Thanksgiving turkey, but it was very crowded. I’m planning on going back soon.
I like the fried chicken at The Homeplace, but I think the fried chicken at The Pine Tavern (north side of the town of Floyd on US 221) is better. Very tender/juicy inside, plus a really crispy skin (not too much breading). And, the sides, prices, (and desserts!) are better. They serve family style like the Homeplace.
Loved the list and was surprised to see that The Bedford Social Club, in Bedford was not on it. Anything there is terrific! Also, the dipping oil and bread at Montano’s, the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant at Sun Dance Grill, the burgers at Liberty Station, and the grilled salmon caesar salad at Logans is the best. my favorite Mexican restaurant is Abuelo’s, they have the freshest ingredients cooked to perfection!
The Pine Tavern Restaurant is great, much like the Homeplace atmosphere, my husband and I had lunch there one Sunday and its been some time ago, but a great day trip up to Floyd and great food! Mashed potatoes, greenbeans, biscuits, fried chicken mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm think I am going to see if they are open today!!!!
The Blue 5 down town Roanoke, thier Cream of Chicken soup is great and has a HUGE homemade biscuit sitting RIGHT ON TOP! and T Bone Jacks is great as well, great spinach dip and they have a broiled Seafood platter that is to die for! The best Iced tea in town! I think I need to be a food critic!! lol Thelma’s Chicken and Waffles another great place to eat and pretty affordable. GOOD Southern Soul Food! Good Fellaz Pizza best delivery pizza in town! PT’s Tavern on Hollins Rd GREAT Chicken Sandwich! and two more and I will hush!!! Lil Cucci’s in Daleville is great! Best subs! and last but no means least Mama Maria’s in Salem..tell Fabio I said hi
Best alfredo and chicken Saltimbocca (spelling) ever!!!
Have a great day!!!!
The souvlaki plate at Paul’s on Franklin Road in downtown Roanoke is amazing (and addictive) —- skewered chicken breast, pita bread, fries and a Greek salad (all for only $6). I can’t find a better value. I love that they bring you three bottles of condiments to slather on: ketchup for the fries, a house Greek dressing for the salad and a yogurt sauce (sort of a mild ranch) for the chicken. Great … now I’m hungry.
Rocky Mount’s new Bayou Cafe’ across from the downtown Farmers’ Market, is well worth the drive.
A family from New Orleans cooks up authentic Jambalaya, Gumbo, Andouille, Boudin, Oyster Po-Boys, you name it. Beignets made to order, and Cafe’ du Monde coffee.
Open 11 am – 8 pm M-F; closed Saturday, Open Sunday 11 am – 7 pm. 540-489-1818
We have become regulars there and take our friends for Creole and Cajun food.
Marion, that place is on my list of lunch stops in the not-too-distant future.
the spike burger really is the best burger in town.
ps: and the pepperoni and italian sausage pizza at new york pizza. and the pork sandwich with s carolina sauce and crispy fries at henry’s memphis bbq.
Remember Bruce Proffitt and his famous banana fritters at the Cat & Owl? He told me to remind you…
How could I forget those banana fritters?
Love those banana fritters. They are one of my life’s culinary highlights.
Do you remember the succotash at the Roanoker? Some sort of a cream and/or cornbread/meal concoction bakedin and around the succotash. Wonderful autumn sidedish!