2007.12.28
The ins and outs of 2007
Next Wednesday's Front Burner column will have a rundown of the top food news from 2007. While I was preparing to write it, I jotted down a list of all the restaurants that have opened and closed around Roanoke during the past year.
The list was much longer than I thought (and way too long to print). Surprisingly, the list of eateries that opened was about twice as long as the "closed" list. So it seems that every time a restaurant closes around here, two more open to take its place.
Maybe this is why we've been lucky enough to see an increase in the diversity of cuisine around town. We have three Thai places, three Indian places, a Caribbean/Creole joint, three new barbecue eateries, a handful of sushi places and much more.
I'm sure I didn't come close to thinking of every single restaurant that moved in or out of Southwest Virginia this year, and that's where you come in. Tell me what I forgot. And while you're at it, tell me which new restaurant you think is the best of the bunch! Or at least the most beautiful, or the most likely to succeed...
Out in 2007:
Thai Orchid
De Espresso
Green Dolphin Grille
Circles
Bel Pasto (not really a restaurant, but a foodie haven nonetheless)
Red Coyote
El Palenque
Fuddrucker's
Brush Creek Buffalo
Adobe Salad Works
Surf 'n' Turf (Salem)
In for 2007:
202 Market
Alejandro's Mexican Grill
Red Jasmine
Taaza
Back Creek Grill
Annie Moore's Irish Pub
Tong's Thai Too
Blues BBQ
Wasabi's
Tony Pope Bistro & Wine Bar
Blue 5
Bellacino's
The Isaac's Restaurant
Gunther O'Darby's Irish Pub
Panera Bread
T-Bone Jack's
City Corner
Marie's Caribbean Creole Cuisine
Mix One 6 Club
High Point Coffee
Pit Boss BBQ
Healthy Treats Bakery
Cheeburger Cheeburger
Crystal Burger
Ol' Mule Hot Dogs
Dickey's BBQ Pit
Yummy's
Thelma's Chicken and Waffles
KJ's Pub
Adobe Salad Works went out this year, didn't they?
Isaac's wins the most love from me in 2007.
Comment by John — December 28, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Hi Lindsey, Happy New Year!
Out:
Surf and Turf (Salem)
In:
KJ's Pub (Salem)
Comment by Dennis — December 28, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
Ah, yes! I had forgotten those. I almost went to Isaac's for a falafel wrap for lunch today. I wish I had...
Hey John, thanks again for that delicious slice of Italian Cream Cake! My husband polished off the rest of it and agreed that it was scrumptious.
Happy New Year to you, Dennis!
Comment by Lindsey — December 28, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
I think Metro! and Corned Beef and Co. would be my favorite downtown places!
Comment by Amy Hanek — December 30, 2007 @ 11:30 am
What happened to Fuddrucker's? When did it close?
I am sad about this one. Where am I going to get a good hamburger without freezing my butt off. I'm not impressed with Red Robin because it's way too cold in there.
Thanks for your input. Happy New Year!
Comment by Dana Felton — January 1, 2008 @ 10:53 am
I'll see what I can find out, Dana.
Comment by Lindsey — January 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Hey Lindsey, do you know what is going in the new building on Brandon Ave below Towers? It looks like a drive-thru so nothing too exciting, but we were wondering what it is going to be. Thanks!
Comment by Chris — January 23, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Hey Chris, I'm checking on that for ya.
Comment by Lindsey — January 23, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
Hey Chris, according to retail reporter Jenny Boone, that spot is slated for a Caesar's Pizza. And right next to a Pizza Hut, too!
Comment by Lindsey — January 23, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
AHHH, thanks for the info. That's disappointing, I was hoping for something new. Thanks!
Comment by Chris — January 24, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Yeah, every time I see a new restaurant going up somewhere, I cross my fingers for something I like. We thought the Sonic at Crossroads was going to be a Bojangles for a time. Not that Sonic is bad, but I soooo love Bojangles biscuits.
Comment by Lindsey — January 24, 2008 @ 10:33 am
Speaking of Sonic, I heard a rumor that they are going to close up soon.
Comment by Debi — January 24, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Hey Dana, I have heard that Cheeburger Cheeburger is really good. Their burgers are really thick and they give you a lot of food for your money.
Yeah, I was excited about Sonic going up but the service is lowsy and for being fast food it is very expensive.
Comment by Stephanie — January 26, 2008 @ 9:30 pm