2008.01.31
Raiding the fridge for ideas
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.
The dip is served with toast points and tortilla chips, and two people can seriously curb their appetites with one $8 portion. If you have had it or this prompts you to try it, let me know whether you agree with my assessment.
* Are they or aren't they? The strange on-again/off-again business that is Surf 'N' Turf is, according to owner Paul Gautier, definitely on-again.
I had been hearing for days that the popular restaurant in Grandin Village, which closed a second location in Salem a while back, was destined for closure. When I called yesterday, a woman who answered the phone said Gautier "already talked to someone at The Roanoke Times."
Well, that would have been retail reporter Jenny Boone, who is usually about one step ahead of me when it comes to restaurant news. Jenny reported on her blog Tuesday that a pile of bills from the Salem location made Gautier fear he would have to close up shop. After some number-crunching, however, he's apparently back in business.
* Some of you may remember The Bistro on Campbell Avenue, which served up fast lunches to the downtown crowd for a short time. Well, I found out that the former owner and chef, Michael Bowling, had to close because he is suffering from kidney failure.
In a mass e-mail to friends and acquaintances, Bowling says he believes that many Americans would be willing to donate a kidney to a stranger if asked. His goal is to find as many people around Roanoke as possible who would be willing to consider such a gift-- not for himself, but for others in need. If you're interested in helping Bowling, send an e-mail to kidney.peeps@gmail.com.
* I recently signed up for the 202 Market newsletter, and an excerpt from this week's letter really amused me. Here it is:
You don't care for entertainment fees and live entertainment, you say? 202 Market always offers dining to its customers in the 202 Kitchen for free or swing on up to the Loft upstairs and listen to the DJ spin anytime. 202 Market never turns away anybody that just wants to spend a night with the sexiest bar in town.
I appreciate their message, especially since my husband and I were recently asked to pay a $10 cover charge at a local restaurant at 7:30 p.m.! Now, you and I both know that no band is going on before at least 9 or 10 p.m. Why must we pay a cover just to have a couple of cocktails or a nice meal if we aren't planning to stay for the music?
I also like the way 202 calls itself "the sexiest bar in town." You know, they may be right.
Well, I think I've exhausted my leftovers for one day. Did I strike any chords in there? If so, shoot me a message and let's get talking.
Thanks for all the "good stuff!" There is nothing better than leftovers at the end of the week - especially in the restaurant news.
I did not know 202 Market had a newsletter - I will have to start receiving this.
I really enjoyed hearing about Horizon's Bar and Grill earlier this week. Did you say when it was opening? I need to plan a night out there and check it out!
Grrrrrr... see? You are making me hungry, just thinking about it!
Thanks for keeping us updated!!
Comment by Amy Hanek — January 31, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
Is that a picture of your disorganized refrigerator at home or did the community fridge at the Times blow up inside?!
Comment by Kim — January 31, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
I agree that 202 is the sexiest bar in town - the sound system is fantastic and the art, lighting, and tv screens really make a neat atmosphere!
Not to mention the deliciously gigantic and colorful drinks!
Comment by Michelle — January 31, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Amy, the folks at Horizon said they are hoping to open by the end of February. They just don't know how long the ABC process will take. I'll let you all know as soon as I hear.
Kim, that's actually a stock photo that I found. My fridge is a tad bit more organized. If you saw the fridge here on the 3rd floor of TRT, you would be completely traumatized. It's far worse than this picture.
Comment by Lindsey — January 31, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Lindsey - U.S. Foodservice offers to organize your food storage and make a map for your employees to follow in putting things away. They do this for free and make a good point in storing fresh produce correctly will lengthen the life of it.
Did you know Tomatoes release a gas that keeps strawberries fresher longer?
Keeping a fridge well organized actually pads your wallet and makes planning for the week less stressful! Who knew?
Comment by Amy Hanek — January 31, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
Actually, Amy, our New Year's present from the bosses is a spruced-up kitchenette with a new fridge! We're all very excited. Fridge clean-up has been a much-dreaded task for some time.
I'm intrigued by the U.S. Food Service tip. Must investigate.
Comment by Lindsey — January 31, 2008 @ 9:11 pm