2008.01.14
Last call to make the list!
Just a reminder: I'm still collecting your recommendations for a list of the sparkliest food gems in Southwest Virginia. Whether it's a terrific chef, a specific dish you cannot stop craving or a great stop for fresh, unusual ingredients, I want to know.
I'm putting the final list together for next week's column. Thanks to everyone who already commented. Your great ideas can be seen here.
Is this list gonna include chain rstaurants and stores, or is it items unique to the area?
I vote for the latter.
Comment by Rich — January 14, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
I almost forgot- the asparagus at Frankie Rowlands is amazing.
Comment by Rich — January 14, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Well, people can add whatever they want to the list, but I can't promise I'm going to publish the dollar cheeseburger from McDonald's. I actually want the items to be unique to the area.
Comment by Lindsey — January 14, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
Did El Palenque Close??
The truffles from chocolatepaper are the best!!
Comment by B — January 14, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
Yes, El Palenque closed several months ago, B. Business had just declined too much.
I've heard other good things about chocolatepaper!
Comment by Lindsey — January 14, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Arzu - Chicken Marsala
Homeplace - Fried Chicken
Metro - Sushi
New York Pizza - Steak and Cheese
Ernies - Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Comment by Blass — January 15, 2008 @ 11:09 am
I'm a dollarmenuaire....those cheeseburgers can hit the spot sometimes.
Comment by Rich — January 15, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
My vote - Homemade Chicken and Dumplins' Lunch Special Every Tuesday @ The Dogwood Restaurant in Vinton
Comment by Vinton — January 15, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
The scallop appetizer & the goat cheese salad at Table Fifty
Comment by Lezlie Snyder — January 15, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Homeplace fried chicken!
And Homestead Creamery ice cream!
Comment by Michelle — January 16, 2008 @ 8:12 am
Blass - I totally agree with everything you said. Except I haven't tried the sushi at Metro. Anyone been to Oddfellows Cantina in Floyd? I had this cream of beet soup that was fabby!
Comment by Deborah — January 16, 2008 @ 11:53 am
Deborah, I haven't been to Oddfellas in a long time. I started to go the day I went to Floyd to pick up my Thanksgiving turkey, but it was very crowded. I'm planning on going back soon.
Comment by Lindsey — January 16, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
I like the fried chicken at The Homeplace, but I think the fried chicken at The Pine Tavern (north side of the town of Floyd on US 221) is better. Very tender/juicy inside, plus a really crispy skin (not too much breading). And, the sides, prices, (and desserts!) are better. They serve family style like the Homeplace.
Comment by Julie — January 16, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Loved the list and was surprised to see that The Bedford Social Club, in Bedford was not on it. Anything there is terrific! Also, the dipping oil and bread at Montano's, the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant at Sun Dance Grill, the burgers at Liberty Station, and the grilled salmon caesar salad at Logans is the best. my favorite Mexican restaurant is Abuelo's, they have the freshest ingredients cooked to perfection!
Comment by Pat Saunders — February 1, 2008 @ 10:03 am
The Pine Tavern Restaurant is great, much like the Homeplace atmosphere, my husband and I had lunch there one Sunday and its been some time ago, but a great day trip up to Floyd and great food! Mashed potatoes, greenbeans, biscuits, fried chicken mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm think I am going to see if they are open today!!!!
Comment by Kelly Simpson — February 6, 2008 @ 8:57 am
The Blue 5 down town Roanoke, thier Cream of Chicken soup is great and has a HUGE homemade biscuit sitting RIGHT ON TOP! and T Bone Jacks is great as well, great spinach dip and they have a broiled Seafood platter that is to die for! The best Iced tea in town! I think I need to be a food critic!! lol Thelma's Chicken and Waffles another great place to eat and pretty affordable. GOOD Southern Soul Food! Good Fellaz Pizza best delivery pizza in town! PT's Tavern on Hollins Rd GREAT Chicken Sandwich! and two more and I will hush!!! Lil Cucci's in Daleville is great! Best subs! and last but no means least Mama Maria's in Salem..tell Fabio I said hi
Best alfredo and chicken Saltimbocca (spelling) ever!!!
Have a great day!!!!
Comment by Kelly Simpson — February 6, 2008 @ 9:03 am
The souvlaki plate at Paul's on Franklin Road in downtown Roanoke is amazing (and addictive) ---- skewered chicken breast, pita bread, fries and a Greek salad (all for only $6). I can't find a better value. I love that they bring you three bottles of condiments to slather on: ketchup for the fries, a house Greek dressing for the salad and a yogurt sauce (sort of a mild ranch) for the chicken. Great ... now I'm hungry.
Comment by smo — February 6, 2008 @ 10:26 am
Rocky Mount's new Bayou Cafe' across from the downtown Farmers' Market, is well worth the drive.
A family from New Orleans cooks up authentic Jambalaya, Gumbo, Andouille, Boudin, Oyster Po-Boys, you name it. Beignets made to order, and Cafe' du Monde coffee.
Open 11 am - 8 pm M-F; closed Saturday, Open Sunday 11 am - 7 pm. 540-489-1818
We have become regulars there and take our friends for Creole and Cajun food.
Comment by Marion Higgins — February 6, 2008 @ 11:57 am
Marion, that place is on my list of lunch stops in the not-too-distant future.
Comment by Lindsey — February 6, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
the spike burger really is the best burger in town.
Comment by seth — February 6, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
ps: and the pepperoni and italian sausage pizza at new york pizza. and the pork sandwich with s carolina sauce and crispy fries at henry's memphis bbq.
Comment by seth — February 6, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
Remember Bruce Proffitt and his famous banana fritters at the Cat & Owl? He told me to remind you...
Comment by Sandra — February 20, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
How could I forget those banana fritters?
Comment by Lindsey — February 20, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Love those banana fritters. They are one of my life's culinary highlights.
Comment by Mason — February 20, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Do you remember the succotash at the Roanoker? Some sort of a cream and/or cornbread/meal concoction bakedin and around the succotash. Wonderful autumn sidedish!
Comment by Michelle former SWVA — February 23, 2008 @ 10:46 am