All week, I’ve been gathering little food tidbits that I want to share on the blog. But each one is a bit too small for an entire entry.
So think of this entry as an omelet you’ve thrown together with all the odds and ends from the refrigerator. A little green onion, a little tomato, a little feta, some leftover dill.
(That’s actually remarkably similar to an omelet I made last week. Yum.)
Let’s get started:

* I’ve discovered what may well be the best appetizer I’ve eaten in Roanoke in a long time. Well, ever since the tempura mushrooms at 202 Market, at least. Corned Beef & Co. has this scrumptious artichoke and asparagus dip that’s positively chock full of artichokes and asparagus spears. Not only that, but they season it with curry, which adds a most unusual twist.

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Okay, I realize it’s not exactly the same, but if Saveur can find 100 extraordinary food finds around the world every year, we should be able to list at least 25 of our favorite dishes, restaurants, markets, chefs and more here in Southwest Virginia.
I’ll go first. Here are five picks. Give me yours!

1. Carlos Brazilian’s Artichoke-Brie Soup.
2. El Palenque desserts (which are still available, in case you didn’t know.)
3. Southwest Virginia Farmer’s Markets. The fingerling potatoes! The heirloom tomatoes and beans! The tiny cabbages! The fresh peaches! The possibilities are endless.
4. Floyd County. Face it, they rate high in fine local food producers.
5. Roanoke- and Blacksburg- area ethnic markets. Must explore more.