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This 'n' that

And now, for your occasional round-up of random, food related news:

* Update: The online local food guide has been updated with about a dozen new farms! If you haven't checked it out yet, please do. You can search by the type of local food that interests you, such as eggs or fruit or pork, as well as your location. You could even search by both!
I will continue to update the guide as new farmers contact me with information.

* White Lily, the queen mother of all light, fluffy Southern biscuits, has been produced in Knoxville, Tenn. since 1883. But the new owner, the J.M. Smucker Company, has seen fit to move production of this Southern specialty to two Midwest plants. It's a change that has some biscuit lovers recoiling in shock. As blog reader Deb, who sent me this tip, put it: "Oh, the horror!"
To read more about this, check out this piece in The New York Times.

* Chocolatepaper, Southwest County's trendiest sweet shop, is opening a second location in downtown Roanoke. Matt Burkett, who owns the card shop/chocolate shop with his uncle, Mark Burkett and Stan McCulloch, says they hope to open the new store by September 1.
Mark Burkett and Stan McCulloch also own Mongrel, one of the coolest little gift shops I've seen anywhere. Mongrel is located in Carytown in Richmond.
Matt said they hope the downtown foot traffic and tourism will drive business at the new store. You can bet that as soon as the new location opens, I'll be stopping in to satisfy my post-lunch sweet tooth.
As an added bonus, there will now be a spot downtown for cool greeting cards, as well. I often find myself needing to pick up a card on my lunch break, so Chocolatepaper will make life a little easier.

* Finally, Thai Orchid, which was formerly housed at the Jefferson Motor Lodge, has re-opened in downtown Roanoke. The new location is in the former Swagat Indian restaurant spot on First Street near Florabella.
Since I'm fighting off a summer cold, I plan to head over there for lunch today and order the most hellishly spicy dish that I can tolerate. Die, germs, die! Update: After having walked down there to have lunch, I realized it isn't open just yet. It opens July 1.

Comments

# 1

[June 19, 2008 12:34 PM]

Amy Hanek : →http://www.eatingaroundvirginia.blogspot.com

Moving southern biscuits to the midwest is like moving NY pizza to Texas.

It just won't be the same.

Deb hit it on the nail - the horror indeed.

# 2

[June 19, 2008 1:16 PM]

Natalie Black

Just wanted to let you know that the Roanoke Valley Printworks has been one of my favorite spots in the downtown area for unique and inventive stationery and gifts. Johns personal touch is evident including a selection of his own work for sale.

# 3

[June 19, 2008 1:33 PM]

Kathy

Do you know where in downtown Chocolatepaper will be located?

# 4

[June 19, 2008 3:11 PM]

Christa Stephens

John's shop is wonderful ~ please check it out if you get a chance ~ he's right next to Billy Ritz & the new art museum on Salem Ave ~ www.roanokevalleyprintworks.com ~ he's got a great selection of cards you won't find anywhere else. He can also create custom notecards with your logo or any design you wish... he is a true artist and a tremendous asset to downtown Roanoke!

# 5

[June 19, 2008 3:22 PM]

Debbie

Kathy,
I saw the shop yesterday, and if I remember correctly, it's going to be close to Sam's. I know it's on that side of the street.

# 6

[June 19, 2008 5:06 PM]

Amanda

I think chocolatepaper will be next to 310 Rosemont.

# 7

[June 19, 2008 5:18 PM]

Lindsey : →http://blogs.roanoke.com

Sorry, y'all -- I tried to approve comments and reply to your questions earlier but my computer was acting up. Deb and Amanda are correct, Chocolatepaper is going to be at 308 Market Street, near 310 Rosemont and Dandelion Feet. I owe Deb another thanks for that tip. If you want to read more about the new location, check out Jenny Boone's retail column in the Business section this Sunday.
Also, I had no intention of forgetting about John's shop. I know and love John and his work -- he makes incredibly cool cards and gifts. Another downtown spot that sells greeting cards is Florabella, but I think Roanoke Valley Print Works and Chocolatepaper cards have much more variety and personality.

# 8

[June 19, 2008 6:13 PM]

Debbie

I've been going to Cantos for cards, but I will definitely be checking out John's shop. Thanks for the tip!

# 9

[June 20, 2008 8:08 AM]

Kathy

Thanks for the location info! That means more decadence will be nearby.

# 10

[June 20, 2008 8:57 AM]

Deb

Hey, Lindsey, went to Montano's for dinner last night, They've lost their liquor license for 8 days....won't be able to serve until next Tuesday. anyone know what happened?

# 11

[June 20, 2008 7:25 PM]

roanokefound

John is a great guy, and one amazing artist.

I wonder what kind of incentives they offered ChocolatePaper to come downtown, considering last year - they called John and asked him if coming downtown would hurt his business (they respect him, or did) - and when he told them it would, they said they would not come.

Treachery is afoot.

Competition is one thing, but this does not seem competitive.

# 12

[June 21, 2008 10:59 AM]

Vicki

Two other shops selling cards on the market are Blue Ribbon Boutique and Gift Niche.

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Tidbits

  • This 'n' that -

    September 18: If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, if you know somebody who does, or if you're simply interested in learning more, stop by the co-op on Thursday, September 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. You can meet Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN, author of "Recognizing Celiac Disease," and get her to sign a copy of her book for you. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Cleo has more than 30 years of nursing experience and has recovered from celiac disease herself. She wrote this comprehensive guide to help others who suffer from it or who care for others who do.
    For more information on the book and author: www.recognizingceliacdisease.com
    For more information on the event: info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop or call 343-5652.

    September 26: The Peacock Harper Culinary Friends Group at Virginia Tech is hosting a lecture titled "Virginia Wine Coming of Age" at 11:30 a.m. at the Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The speaker will be Susanne Beckner of Villa Appalachia winery in Floyd, who will talk about the historic pairing of wine with foods of Virginia. Pre-registration is required by September 19. Cost is $35, which includes an Italian lunch and four wine pairings. Go to www.culinarycollection.org for more info.

    All month: Omega Lane Farm in Rural Retreat is having "Pick Your Own Tomato Day" every Sunday in September from 2-5 p.m. Folks can come on farm and pick as much as they want. The price is 75 cents per pound for organic heirloom tomatoes.
    Info: Omega Lane Farm, 139 Omega Lane, Rural Retreat, VA. 24368. (276) 686-5843

About this blog

Food writer Lindsey Nair shares successes and failures in the kitchen, passes on recipes and restaurant news and generally muses about her very favorite thing to do: eat. Read more about Lindsey

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