September 5, 2008Belly up to the bar food
For our wedding anniversary last night, my husband and I wanted to go somewhere nice. So we wandered down to 202 Market, which is just about the most beautiful bar in Roanoke. Since we're trying to save a little dough for our big trip to Busch Gardens next weekend (woo hoo! Big Bad Wolf!), we weren't in the mood to drop $100 or more for dinner. We decided instead to either order bar food and appetizers or split an entree at the bar. Lots of people seem to have an aversion to eating at the bar, or an aversion to splitting an entree in a fancy restaurant, as if that would be tacky. But my friend Megan taught me that it feels more casual and acceptable to do that at the bar. She and her husband do it all the time, and they get to try out all kinds of meals in nice restaurants without dropping a wad or blowing the buttons off their pants. At 202, Howard ordered a beer and I had a half-price lemongrass martini (it was Ladies' Night), which consisted of lemongrass-infused vodka, vanilla simple syrup and fresh lime juice. Refreshing and delightful. We started with the $5 mushroom tempura snackie, which has to be one of the best appetizer deals in all of Roanoke -- you get a whole bowl full of crispy, meaty wild mushrooms in a savory sauce. File photo by Sam Dean/The Roanoke Times After that, Howard ordered a $10 Wagyu beef skewer appetizer and I ordered the $14 vegetable hot pot, a mixture of fresh market vegetables with basmati rice, coconut, kaffir lime and other intoxicating Thai flavors. I'd put the well-seasoned hot pot up against any of the Thai restaurants' curry dishes. The beef skewers were tender and delicious, but I only got one bite of beef with a sliver of red onion. Howard took care of the rest. Our total tab (and I had more than one drink) came to about $50, not bad for an intimate night out at a fancy restaurant where we got great service and left with full bellies. The next time, we'll probably try one of the entrees, such as the lamb sous vide, fish 'n' chips or a filet. The point is not to send all of you over to 202, although I do think anyone who hasn't tried it or hasn't been there in a long time should give it a chance. The restaurant has far more options than you might imagine. The point is to say that you can have this intimate, affordable experience at any number of fine dining restaurants. I think bellying up to the bar for a light supper of appetizers or a split plate is a fine option while we're all trying to save money, watch our weight or support our favorite restaurants while the economy is in the crapper. It's also a great way to try out a new restaurant before you decide to go whole-hog and dine from soup to nuts. Does anyone else enjoy this practice? |
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Comments
[September 5, 2008 1:28 PM]
Amy Hanek : →http://www.eatingaroundvirginia.blogspot.comI remember (before the economy slumped) when my husband and I would enjoy drinks and the free bar buffet on a night out.
Now, it's usually complimentary nuts only, but we used to find some nice little appetizers. And if we were there for more than one drink (which we usually were ;-)) we would watch the old buffet food cycle out with fresher food.
Free food memories...
[September 5, 2008 3:57 PM]
KatI'm a huge fan of sitting at the bar at 202 and ordering like you guys did.
For one, you can't beat the $5 apps, and even the $7-$10 ones. I got the chicken wings last time and they came six to a plate and were all well-sized. It was worth it.
Also, I just like eating at the bar there. There's enough space for you to feel like you're at a table, but you don't have to feel all formal about it.
[September 16, 2008 4:17 PM]
MichelleI had a great cheese plate at 202 as an appetizer. I can't remember now which cheese it was, but I do remember when I got it thinking "Geez, that is it?" and then it had such a rich flavor I almost couldn't finish it all! Loved it!