October 8, 2008C-O-O-K-I-E-S!!!!!!!!!
Okay, folks, it's time for you to declare -- Not whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, an Obama fan or a McCain supporter. It is time for you to declare your cookie allegiance. I'll go first: oatmeal raisin. Hands down. If forced to pick a second and third choice, it would probably be preacher cookies and white chocolate-macadamia nut cookies. October is National Cookie Month. But if ever there was a food that could support an entire year of tributes, it is the versatile and delightful cookie. Three hundred and sixty-five different cookies could easily be named for every day of this proposed National Cookie Year. And then some. In fact, if I started naming cookie types now, it would probably take me about as long as it took Forrest Gump's pal, Bubba, to name all the shrimp concoctions he knew. September 29, 2008Nice racks... of ribs!
Hey folks, Lindsey here. Ahhh, it does feel good to get back on the Fridge Magnet blog after a week and a half away. I've missed all the banter and brainstorming that goes along with it. Thanks again to Nona, who kept us entertained and informed while I was away. Without her, I'd have had to put the blog on a temporary hiatus in order to fill in for my editor. Of course, just because I wasn't blogging doesn't mean I wasn't eating! In fact, I experienced a very exciting opportunity on Sept. 20, when I got to judge the rib cook-off at the Big Lick Blues Festival at Elmwood Park in Roanoke. I've been dying to tell you guys about it. This is only the second time I've judged food since I became the food writer for The Roanoke Times. The first was a chocolate contest. You might be surprised to learn that I would much rather make myself sick on pork ribs than cookies and fudge. These judging experiences are rather interesting; the rules all depend on the particular contest. At the chocolate festival, I was allowed to chat as much as I wanted with the other judges. So we found ourselves talking about such things as the subtle hints of cinnamon and chile pepper in a piece of fudge. At the rib cook-off, no talking was allowed. So much for me advising my co-worker, music writer Tad Dickens, who said he knows way more about the blues than the bbq. September 24, 2008Wine and cheese
The winery will add a sampling of 15 cheeses for a special wine tasting that weekend, including a comparison of Virginia-made Tallegio cheese to its Italian counterpart. The cheese samples will range from soft to firm to dry, and a different wine will be paired with each. As the winery's Web site points out, most wine and cheese tastings feature cheeses commonly found in the grocery store, but sampling fresh-made artisian cheese makes this a special event. I know that while I am fond of my everyday cheeses (even on a weight-loss program I still find ways to enjoy a little muenster and smoked mozzarella) it would be great to sample something unusual, learn how cheese is made, and how it pairs with various wines. The tasting costs $15 per person. Reservations are required by Oct. 6 so the winery will have the right amount of cheese for each taster. Click here to learn more. Now, if you prefer your cheese melted on top of bread or a tasty pizza (and really, who doesn't?) then Villa Appalaccia can hook you up the following weekend, Oct. 18 and 19, with focaccia and pizzas baked in its two brick ovens. See the Web site for directions and more details. September 17, 2008Good time, good cause: Al's Clubhouse Bash & Chef Showdown
For the second year in a row, the Al Pollard Memorial Foundation is throwing a huge party to raise money for their scholarship, which allows a number of students to go to culinary school every year. This year's bash is taking place this Friday night at the Roanoke Country Club, so it's not too late to buy a ticket and head out for a dazzling good time! Al Pollard has been credited with helping to revitalize downtown Roanoke night life with his restaurant and club, Corned Beef & Co. He was also a partner in Frankie Rowland's steakhouse and 419 West. Al died in 2006, but his friends and colleagues are keeping his memory alive with the memorial foundation. Since its creation, the foundation has become the largest scholarship donor in the history of Virginia Western. Al's Clubhouse Bash & Chef Showdown on Friday night costs $50 per person and includes an ample amount of heavy hors d'oevres, two cocktails and live music. Local chefs will prepare their signature dishes, and guests will get a chance to taste them and vote for their favorite. A silent auction includes such items as a personal meal prepared in your home by a trained chef. And according to foundation member River Bonhotel, little surprises like an appearance by Bernice the giant python will spice up the night. "I refer to it as a carnival for adults in a very elegant atmosphere," Bonhotel said. Tickets are available by phoning Cole and King Accounting Firm at (540) 776-0771. Ask for Stephanie Dixon. They will also be sold at the door. The party starts at 6 p.m. and doesn't wind down until 11. So grab a babysitter and head on out!
September 4, 2008Stinky fog comes to Virginia
I had to laugh when I received Volume 18 (Fall 2008 edition) of the Virginia Garlic Festival Association's newsletter yesterday. The banner shows a clove of garlic emitting Pepe Le Pew-esque fumes, which drift lazily across the word FOG in big capital letters. Translation: Friends of Garlic. The headline news this quarter is the Virginia Garlic Festival, which is coming up October 11 and 12 at Rebec Vineyards in Amherst. Now, I'm just joking about the stinky thing. I love cooking with garlic and eating garlic, and I can't imagine that the smell of this festival would in any way rival the West Virginia Ramp Festival. I had never heard of the Garlic Festival, which is in its 18th year this fall. It includes a garlic cook-off and contests for Garlic King and Queen and Garlic Junior Queen. There are also the requisite arts and crafts, live music, games, food, a wine tasting and products for sale. Of course, it's the cook-off that really got my attention. The first place winner of last year's contest was our very own Jane Wolford of Vinton, who placed with her Sweet Italian Garlic Chowder. Other winners made Truffled Mushroom Risotto with Roasted Garlic and Sundried Tomatoes, and BBQ Garlic Shrimp and grits. Yum! August 15, 2008Festival of India
Happy Friday. It's fun time! If you're still looking for something to do tomorrow, consider checking out the second annual Festival of India at Elmwood Park. The festival is put on by the Shantiniketan Temple on Branico Drive in Roanoke, where many members of the Indian community go to worship. Since today is India's Independence Day (they broke from British rule in 1947), this weekend is a great time for a celebration. Dr. Jitendra Desai of the Indian Heritage Society at the temple told me the event will include live music, drummers walking through the crowd, henna paintings, palm reading (purely for fun) a photo booth and an exhibit hall where festival goers can see musical instruments, artifacts and Indian currency. Did you know there are some 20 different languages spoken in India? Each piece of currency has the denomination written in English on one side and in the different Indian languages on the other. The cuisine of India is just as diverse, depending on which part of the country you travel. At the festival, Nawab restaurant will serve up Northern Indian cuisine, which is their specialty. And Roanoke's newest Indian restaurant, Taaza, will offer Southern Indian cuisine, the style they serve at their establishment. It should be fun for the entire family, so head on out and fill up on spicy, delicious fare! The festival lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
July 11, 2008We all scream...
It's National Ice Cream Month! Oh, joy, this is so much more fun than, say, National Liver Month or National Mountain Oyster Month. Perhaps it's all the fresh peaches rolling in to the farmer's markets or the strawberries I still have frozen in my freezer or the dark, sweet cherries that will be in season for about another week, but I've been thinking a lot about homemade ice cream. I don't own an ice cream maker, but it might be time to think about investing in one. Meanwhile, I have noticed a vendor down on the Roanoke City Market on some days who is making ice cream right there on site and selling it. I haven't tried it yet, but I have been pretty tempted. Homemade ice cream can also be had at many of the pick-your-own fruit sites. Speaking of which, I was just talking to Frank Levering of Levering Orchard down in Ararat and he says he'll be open this weekend. He has sweet dark cherries, yellow cherries and sour pie cherries. Is anyone out there a homemade ice cream expert? Perhaps you could share some advice about the best ice cream makers and methods with the rest of us. Meanwhile, I'm going to share a quick quiz with you guys to test out your knowledge of ice cream. As a bonus I think I'll tack on a recipe for peach ice cream. Have a COOL weekend! July 7, 2008New restaurant -- free food!I love Fourth of July weekend, but if I don't see another hot dog or hamburger for a month, I'll be a happy camper. Ditto that on pasta salad, potato salad and deviled eggs. Well, I guess I could always force down a couple of deviled eggs. If you're like me and are ready to move on to more exotic flavors, perhaps this news is for you: Doreen Sidor, a personal chef who formerly taught cooking classes at Twist & Turns in downtown Roanoke, has opened up her own restaurant at 4210 Brambleton Avenue called Doreen's Gourmet (in the former High Point Coffee building). Not only does Doreen plan to sell gourmet meals to go, sandwiches, salads, coffee and tea, smoothies and more, she also wants to continue having cooking classes from time to time in her new kitchen. Keep an eye on our Foodie Calendar in each Thursday's Inside Out for details about those classes. Doreen is having an Grand Opening celebration at her new restaurant tomorrow and Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature free wine tastings from Valhalla Vineyards, free gourmet food samples and live music! I'm betting there will be no hot dogs on the menu... June 27, 2008Wine Down the Music Trail
We don't talk much about wine or music on this blog, but I can't see how anyone who enjoys food as much as my blog readers wouldn't enjoy a little vino and some great tunes to go along with it. That's why I want to remind you all of a special event next weekend, July 5 and 6, called Wine Down the Music Trail. Wine Down takes place right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the FloydFest site, which is located just before you get to Chateau Morissette. Shamefully, I admit that I have never been, but my co-worker, Ralph, says it's the prettiest open ridge, complete with a permanent stage and a lovely view of the mountains. More than 16 different local wineries will be represented there, so you'll have a chance to taste a slew of samples. There are shuttle buses from Roanoke and Blacksburg this year, too, in case you're worried about drinking and driving. For our purpose, I wanted to know what kind of food will be available at the festival. Danica Mingee at Across the Way Productions, which puts on the festival, was kind enough to e-mail me a detailed list of vendors, which I will attach below the jump. It made my mouth water! You're also welcome to bring a picnic of your own; there's no rule that says you have to eat what's offered there. Of course, with offerings like pintos and cornbread, lobster mac 'n' cheese, crabcakes, green curry and fried cheesecake, you might want to bring a picnic AND sample the fare! For all the details about the festival, head to the Across the Way Web site here. May 28, 2008For the love of Lebanese food
What you're seeing here is a family of very good cooks. And some don't even know it yet.
May 9, 2008Tater salad and a BBQ opportunity
One blog reader requested the recipe for my family's all-time favorite potato salad, and I am now prepared to offer exact measurements for all the ingredients. My sister came through with the measurements this morning, which is appropriate because she's the one who started this whole potato salad thing, in a roundabout way. When she was in college, Sis dated a chef who ended up being a real jerk. But we did get this recipe out of him before they broke up, so you see something positive comes out of every relationship. Gee, I hope that guy isn't reading my blog. The secret to this potato salad, I believe, is the bacon. We all know that bacon makes just about everything taste better. I'll attach the recipe below. As with any potato salad, this one tastes a lot better after it has had a chance to sit for a few hours or overnight. May 2, 2008Garde manger classes show their stuff
They were kind enough to invite me, and I was duly impressed. Garde manger is a French term for the cool storage area in many restaurants where cold dishes like salads, pates, cold hors d'oevres and other foods are prepared. The class also includes the study of garnishings. Some of the students also completed projects involving salt dough. One student created the school's logo entirely out of salt dough. Please enjoy these pictures and look for more information about the culinary school in the next few months! Note: The above picture shows edible tortilla spoons with shrimp ceviche. April 23, 2008Seven chefs = ideas galore
And for those of you who have, I'll bet you still didn't see the awesome audio slide show that was put together by photographer Stephanie Klein-Davis. Sometimes, we can read all day about great food, but it doesn't make the same kind of impact that a photo can. Hanging around the kitchen while seven talented chefs put together a ritzy dinner for almost 200 people was one of the coolest experiences I've had on this beat to date. It sure was hard to squeeze down all my notes into one story, though (and some of my colleagues would argue that at 40 inches, I didn't do a very ruthless job of squeezing). Here are a few highlights I didn't get to share: * Chef Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, S.C. was a joy to encounter. It's a good thing I'm not offended by cursing, because McKee curses like a sailor. As a Roanoke College graduate myself, I was proud to see what a fellow alumnus has achieved. Check out his restaurant Web site and let me know if you get a chance to dine there before I do. * Chef Jeff Bland of U.S. Food Service introduced me to several easy, delicious hors d'oeuvres that would be a wonderful addition to anyone's next cocktail party. April 22, 2008Breakfast, chili, shortcakes...oh, yum
Olivia Byrd at Rockfish in Grandin Village sent out an e-mail today announcing that, beginning tomorrow, they will serve breakfast on Wednesday through Saturday mornings. This is in addition to their highly successful lunch and dinner service and the tasty Sunday brunch menu. The hours for breakfast are 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the menu will include fresh muffins, biscuits, egg dishes and espresso beverages. So if you live in the Grandin area and you've grown tired of microwaveable 7-Eleven fare, check out Rockfish. This would be a good time for me to also mention that Rockfish recently opened a wine shop beside the restaurant that is open Wednesday through Saturday until 6 p.m. I want to say that the shop sells more than just wine, but I haven't had a chance to pop in yet. In other food news, Roanoke's unofficial start to the summer season happens the weekend of May 3 when the Community School's 27th Annual Strawberry Festival and the 28th annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cook-off invade downtown. March 25, 2008Putting on the Dog
If you've been reading Nona Nelson's blog on Roanoke.com, the Happy Wag, you've already heard about "Putting on the Dog," a fundraiser for the St. Francis of the Assisi service dog foundation. But I've got something Nona doesn't haaaaave: the menu! That's right, this is what happens when seven chefs, some from competing restaurants in Roanoke, team up to create one fabulous meal: blackened beef tenderloin with blue cheese mousse, a duck proscuitto and roasted corn relish salad, she crab bisque, fois gras brioche-stuffed quail and much more. Putting on the Dog happens at the Roanoke Country Club on Thursday, April 17. Tickets are $150 per person or $1500 per table (seats 8) and includes the seven-course meal, complete with South African wine pairings. Chef Brett McKee (pictured above) of the Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, S.C. is kind of the star of the culinary show. The Roanoke College graduate is fixing tournados of filet mignon with rosemary-Parmesan potato gratin, sweet corn custard and black truffle demi-glace as the main course. But several very talented Virginia chefs will also be hard at work in the kitchen, including Tony Pope (who is making the quail), Brian Murtagh of the Roanoke Country Club (making apricot sorbet) and Chad Scott of 202 Market, who is planning to prepare a dessert of compressed apple with saffron air and smoked caramel. March 13, 2008Help out local chefs!In case you're still looking for an exciting outing tomorrow night, here's an idea. This event benefits the Southwestern chapter of the American Culinary Federation: 
March 3, 2008Food and wine eventLooking to treat yourself and usher in the weekend a little early this Thursday? January 14, 2008Gift of the Maggi
One of my eagle-eyed readers has reported that tomorrow is Customer Appreciation Day at Blues BBQ in downtown Roanoke. January 11, 2008Three things to do this weekendNumber one: Head out to the New River Valley Progressive Men's Club's Fish Fry on Saturday. It lasts from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at St. John’s #35 Masonic Lodge, 235 Depot Street, Christiansburg. Fish sandwiches are going for $4, but the plate lunch ($6) sounds better. It comes with fried fish, coleslaw, baked or pinto beans, cornbread, cake and a drink. Yummer. Delivery is available (call 540-392-9897 or 540-320-2565) and all proceeds benefit the club's scholarship fund. Number two: Check out the new Sunday fare at Michele's on Main in Salem. According to frequent blog reader Dennis, the restaurant will serve a family-style lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu will be homestyle food and by "family style," I mean they're letting you pick a meat and veggies and bringing bowls out to the table for folks to share, kind of like they do at The Homeplace. If you check it out, let me know. Number three: Watch this hilarious stand-up routine by comedian Jim Gaffigan about one of my favorite foods, bacon. It'll get your weekend started with a smile...and a craving. January 8, 2008I'm in love with a magazine.
If you do not subscribe to Saveur, I highly recommend that you at least pick up the special issue on newsstands now. It's the 10th Annual Saveur 100, their yearly listing of top notch food, restaurants, chefs and other culinary finds from around the world. I promise you will learn something. It might even make you drool. I pored over every delicious word and photograph in my copy. I was so enthralled by every listing, from the Cherry Bounce (a Wisconsin cocktail) to the Pastel de Cuatro Leches, that I completely ignored my husband and disregarded my bedtime until I had devoured the entire issue. Among my favorite highlights: No. 2: Heirloom beans! A company in California called Rancho Gordo sells an entire line of little-known American beans, including one that was near extinction before the company revived it. No 6: The Cherry Bounce, a cocktail made by steeping sour cherries, sugar and brandy in a covered jar for three months. October 25, 2007Foggy day findsWith all this talk about homemade Thanksgiving dinners, I have neglected to consider that many, many folks do not have the time, the energy or the good health to spend an entire day in the kitchen cooking. In fact, according to the Institute of Food Technologists, fewer than 1/3 of American households are making meals from scratch. (Read on for a recipe for Beef Pho Soup) October 23, 2007Eat fish, make happy
According to faithful blog reader John C., the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum is holding their annual fish fry on Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For $4.50, you get a freshly fried fish fillet sandwich and your choice of coleslaw or potato chips. Cold sodas cost 50 cents extra. All of the proceeds from the fish fry go to the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum, which uses the money to maintain its community center at 1730 Orange Ave. NW. The group, which was founded in 1989, is one of the only neighborhood associations in Roanoke that has its own community center. That's where they'll be hosting the fish fry. Lunch is dine in or carry-out. So perhaps you can organize an office outing on a fine Friday afternoon or bring back a few to-go boxes for your hungry co-workers. September 20, 2007Still looking for Friday plans?Yesterday, I received some last minute information about a fundraiser tomorrow night (Friday) for The Al Pollard Memorial Foundation, which has awarded thousands in scholarships to students at Roanoke's new chef school, the Institute of Culinary Arts. September 13, 2007Bake sale FridayOne more bit of free advertising this week: To satisfy a sweet tooth and help out another good cause, check out the Roanoke city bake sale on the Campbell Avenue side of the municipal building on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the United Way.
Get out! Go Greek!Today is Thursday, and we all know what that means: it's past time to start thinking about the weekend. Especially when the weekend could begin as early as 11 a.m. tomorrow. August 29, 2007Martini with a twist
August 27, 2007For those who missed itIn case you guys didn't notice, I did score a tiny bit of face-to-face, one-on-one time with Paula Deen after all my whining and bellyaching about not being able to get in to her demonstration. I never did get into the demonstration, but I did weasel my way in to see her between television interviews, hauling my tiny newspaper video camera. The result, combined with a few other interviews with fans and bystanders (including Paula's husband, Michael Groover) is here. August 22, 2007No more Paula for me
August 20, 2007Are you up for the challenge?I just received an e-mail from the 100-Mile Diet Society, which contained these interesting notices: August 6, 2007Picos and cocoquitosYes, it is Monday. Boo! August 3, 2007The Deen scene
July 30, 2007Paula Deen is comingOkay, all you Paula Deen lovers will be excited to learn (if you didn't already know) that the butter queen is coming to Roanoke in late August. But don't go bananas just yet-- there are only about 76 seats available and you'll have to win a contest to attend. July 13, 2007Grub heavenGrub heaven-- that's where I am right now, as I write this blog entry. So there you have it. It's the kind of lunch I may never find in Roanoke again. That is, of course, unless Marie's Caribbean Creole Cuisine gets up and running at the corner of Campbell Ave. and 5th Street, within walking distance from downtown. Those were the folks preparing this delicious Haitian food today. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. |