2008.06.19
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.
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.
Comment by Amy Hanek — June 19, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
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.
Comment by Natalie Black — June 19, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
Do you know where in downtown Chocolatepaper will be located?
Comment by Kathy — June 19, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
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 ~ http://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!
Comment by Christa Stephens — June 19, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
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.
Comment by Debbie — June 19, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
I think chocolatepaper will be next to 310 Rosemont.
Comment by Amanda — June 19, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
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.
Comment by Lindsey — June 19, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
I've been going to Cantos for cards, but I will definitely be checking out John's shop. Thanks for the tip!
Comment by Debbie — June 19, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Thanks for the location info! That means more decadence will be nearby.
Comment by Kathy — June 20, 2008 @ 8:08 am
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?
Comment by Deb — June 20, 2008 @ 8:57 am
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.
Comment by roanokefound — June 20, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
Two other shops selling cards on the market are Blue Ribbon Boutique and Gift Niche.
Comment by Vicki — June 21, 2008 @ 10:59 am