February 6, 2008
One of those strange combinations
Most of the time when a restaurant attempts to master two entirely different styles of cooking at once, I am suspicious.
Take Circles, for example, a short-lived restaurant in Vinton, which served French, Italian and Thai food. I never made it out to Circles because it didn't last long; the owner closed up shop to move downtown and open City Corner, the buffet-style joint beside Corned Beef & Company.
But just the idea of Italian food and Thai food coming out of the same kitchen baffles me. I don't know why -- they both come out of my kitchen. Just not on the same night.
Fast forward to now, when I actually find myself advocating that you guys try out a quirky little place on Williamson Road that turns out Latino and Italian food.
El Buen Gusto opened near Civic Mall within the past several months. It's located in a nondescript little brick building that looks like it could have once housed a check cashing service or something.
I was skeptical, but my brave husband, who loves to check out bizarre restaurants and has been on a mission to find good, non-corporate pizza near our house for years, insisted we place an order.
So we did. And it was good. It was really, really good!
My turnover was the best I've had in Southwest Virginia outside of Cucci's or Lil Cucci's pizzerias. And that's saying something, because you all know how much I like to ramble on about Cucci's.
The hubby's cheesesteak won his approval and the pizza might just make El Buen Gusto our go-to spot for the 'za. The crust was thin and crispy, the sauce evenly proportioned and flavorful and the toppings generous. They even serve real sliced Italian sausage instead of those little rat turds.
We have yet to try the Latino side of El Buen Gusto's menu, but it's only a matter of time. Since a group of co-workers routinely dines out for "Mexican Thursday" every week, I'm thinking we might have one more joint to add to that list.
If you go, please let me know what you think.
Comments
[February 6, 2008 12:58 PM]
KennThanks for the recommendation - - I'm glad your husband is so insistent!! Have been wondering about this place for a while now - will definitely check it out.
[February 8, 2008 4:00 PM]
Jordan : →http://www.roanoke.comP.S. On a related restaurant note, I ate at the new Orange Dog location today (on Campbell Ave). Since I already know how good their hot dogs are, I decided to opt for something new on their menu. I had a cheeseburger -- it was actually pretty good, but at $5 and change, I thought it was overpriced. They do have plenty of other new options, including soup, sandwiches, and appetizers like onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
[February 9, 2008 1:23 AM]
NiclI have not been brave enough to venture there just yet due to the interesting combo. Thanks for ther report, I may have to go and check it out for myself
[February 9, 2008 1:25 AM]
Nick : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/restaurant_news/one_of_those_strange_combinations.htmlGreat article, I may have to check it out
[February 9, 2008 10:04 AM]
DennisHey Lindsey, thanks for pointing this place out! We were in that area yesterday looking for food and when I saw that place I told my wife about your post, and we checked it out. Would never have given it a look otherwise. We were actually heading for the New Yorker. Anyway, my wife had spaghetti w/ meat sauce and it was very good. Better than most that I've had out. I had a stromboli, as it's listed on the menu, and it too was very good. The service was good, the lady friendly, and the food was a good value. So thank you again!
[February 9, 2008 8:59 PM]
Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet/Dennis: I'm excited that you had a positive experience at this restaurant. We've only had carry-out so far, so it's a plus that the service was good. Based on my visits and yours, it sounds like the Italian side of this eatery is on target. Will have to check out the Latino fare...