2008.12.10
Goodbye, Marie's
It looks like the poor economy and the difficulty of running a successful restaurant have claimed another victim. Several alert people have recently noted that Marie's Caribbean Creole Cuisine, formerly located at the corner of Campbell Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Roanoke, has closed its doors.
I'm sad to see Marie's go, but not surprised. An acquaintance of mine who is close friends with the owner said a while back that they were having financial difficulty. It's a shame for everyone who appreciates variety in our dining options, but especially for the members of the Haitian community in Roanoke, who had found a little piece of home and some delicious, authentic food at Marie's.
This should serve as a reminder to all of us that our favorite restaurants are probably struggling along with other businesses now that Americans are trimming entertainment expenses. Stop in and pay them a visit, even if it's just for a piece of dessert and a cup of coffee.
I went to the new Alejandro's last Friday and it was just as wonderful as the original! I can't wait to go back and try the chicken soup that is on the lunch menu.
Comment by Michelle — December 10, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Michelle,
Their Mexican chicken soup is fabulous!
Comment by Debbie — December 10, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
I can't understand restaurant patrons in this valley. After hearing glowing comments about Alejandro's downtown, I was disappointed to find an establishment with dirty floors, stale cold chips for the salsa and lettuce that was brown on my entree. I was embarrassed for bringing a friend there. Definitely did not make any kind of good impression on us.
Comment by Edgar Hanlon — December 11, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Alejandro's is certainly not fine dining, by any means. But that's not what it's meant to be. What it *is* is the closest thing to a classic taqueria I've found in SW Va, with some really tasty food choices (try the fish tacos!). I'm surprised the chips were stale because normally they don't sit around very long, what with the extensive salsa bar and lots of customers...
Comment by Mark R — December 11, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
I agree that Edgar may have hit Alejandro's on a bad day. I've been there a number of times and never experienced any of the things he saw.
Comment by lindseynair — December 11, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
I'm surprised that he had a bad experience there too. The food has always been fresh and wonderful whenever I've been there. La Finca is a different story. I bought lunch there one day a month or two ago and it was terrible!!! I ordered one of their lunch dishes that included chile rellenos, it was nowhere to be found. I ordered it to go, and opened it when I got back to work. In the spot where the chile was supposed to be was cold hard cheese that was mostly stuck to the container. The crispy taco was okay, but that was the only thing that was, their tortilla chips were stale. I'll stick to Alejandro's.
Comment by Debbie — December 11, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
Hey Lindsey. I was going through the health inspections today and noticed that Thelma's Chicken and Waffles was not showing up. After some playing around with the name I found them as CJ's Chicken and Waffles. Have you heard anything? They still have their website up as Thelma's and the address is the same. I didn't pay any attention last time I drove past and haven't eaten there in a long time. Shoot it's been nearly a year. I had the first horrible experience and didn't return for a long time shortly after they opened. I returned after a long time and had very good service and food. I tried them one more time after that and the food and service was just OK at the best. On those experiences and twice paying nearly $9 and leaving not full I haven't returned. There are places that you can get good and sometimes excellent food and more of it at a cheaper price. Sorry Thelma
Comment by Mike D — December 23, 2008 @ 12:16 am
I've been to Alejandro's at least a dozen times, and have never had anything but the best food! I do acknowledge that any restaurant can have a bad day. I've been there for lunch and for dinner and have only good things to say. I have NOT been to the new Alejandro's out on Williamson Rd. north, but I will certainly check it out. I have talked to two friends who have been there, and the reviews were not good. Hopefully the problems they experienced were due to start up "kinks." I wish nothing but the best for them and hope that the new place does well and doesn't affect the downtown store!
PS: Did anyone else notice that ALL of the comments following the posting of Marie's closing are about Alejandro's? Not ONE mention of Marie's!
Comment by Dennis — December 27, 2008 @ 9:41 am