2009.02.26
Help out your fellow readers
From time to time, I receive calls and e-mails from readers who are looking for my advice on recipes, cooking techniques, restaurants and the like. I received two such e-mails this week, and I've decided to share the requests with the rest of my blog peeps to see if you can add anything helpful.
First e-mail from Jeff:
I need your faithful blog reader's help. My family is having a family reunion on August 1st and we are looking for a place to accommodate 50 (maybe a few more) people for a sit down dinner that evening... We checked on The Homeplace, but it's $18 for each adult and $9 per child, and not everyone in the family can afford that. Does anyone know of a place that serves an informal family style dinner that would be a little less expensive?
That's a tough one. The place has to be able to accommodate a large number of people, but the price must be affordable. I suggested The Roanoker Restaurant for starters. Debbie says they are willing to go with a caterer, too. In these tough economic times, let's band together and see if we can think of a good spot for Debbie and her family.
Oh, and if you were as unimpressed as I was by the Top Chef finale last night, head over to That TV Blog and whine with me. Or feel free to leave your comments here.
The Homeplace is a great idea! The price that they quoted you is all inclusive - meal, drink (coffee, iced tea, lemonade or Pepsi/Diet Pepsi, tax and gratituity. You get your choice of meats and a standard selection of southern vegetable favorites. Please don't discount them. I am pretty sure that you would end up spending this amount of money per person if you were to figure in drinks and the meal. You won't go away hungry and if you do, that's your fault. Also, their blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream is wonderful. We have had many family reunions or celebrations at The Homeplace and it was very well received by everyone.
Comment by Beth Bishop — February 26, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Thanks Lindsey, the Roanoker looks good. I like the fact that the menu is varied and affordable. I haven't been there in ages, I think a tasting visit is in order.
Comment by Debbie — February 26, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Golden Corral has a room in the back corner, depending on time of day that might be available. If she attends church might could use a caterer and their fellowship hall. There is a building by Vinton War Memorial available for events. Our family has rented the Thrasher Park picnic shelter and will bring potluck for our family reunion.
Comment by Becky — February 26, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
I don't know where you are located, but I have two suggestions -- Ferrum College and/or Phoebe Needles. Of course, they're not real close to Roanoke, but I bet you'd find them very accommodating.
Comment by Susan — February 26, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
In response to Debbie's email: if you're willing to go with a caterer, you might contact Adell's Catering in Rocky Mount, and Wildwood BBQ in Roanoke. Our office has used both places in the past 2 years for our Christmas office party, and were very pleased with both. Adell's might be more of what you're looking for, as their selections were more of the typical buffet or family-style offerings while Wildwood was basically BBQ chicken, beef and pork with sides. If I remember correctly, the year we went with Adell's, the price was based upon the number of meats, veggies, salads and desserts you chose from their menu. They also provided all of the drinks as well as the paper products, and they came to set it up. Everyone in our office was very pleased with Adell's, and they're a hard bunch to please!
Comment by Leisa — February 26, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
it is serve your self but golden corral is great for get togethers because you can request their private room in the back corner and everyone is sure to get plenty to eat and get something they like.
Comment by opal — February 26, 2009 @ 4:44 pm
Thanks everyone. We will be having the reunion in Salem and I just got an e-mail from my brother last night, that he is going to check with Famous Anthony's and see if we could get their back room. I like it and The Roanoker for their menus with varied prices and selections. Beth I would love to have it at The Homeplace, and for some of us the cost is no problem at all, but for some with 3 or 4 kids, it gets a little pricey.
Thanks for the catering suggestion Leisa, Wildwood sounds great!
Comment by Debbie — February 27, 2009 @ 7:50 am
Hey,Have you heard about Ukrops Celebration Room.These folks have trained Chef's on staff and a private room that can seat 50, or you can move to the upstairs eating area.They will block off the room for your event at a very good price.They can cook just about anything you want and will work with you to fit your budget.Meals as simple as Fried chicken or more upscale as Seasoned rubbed Prime rib or Beef Wellington.Hey, why not give them a call for details.
(540)343-6024
Comment by BILL — February 27, 2009 @ 9:01 am
Debbie,
We have the ability to accommodate these numbers. We have a celebration room that will seat up to 50 people. We also have an upstairs cafe that can be closed off and seat more than 100. As far as the menu we can create a menu catering to your needs. Please contact Bill Martin, and he will be happy to speak to you about menu options and prices. Thanks for considering us. Jason Woodcock-General Manager-Ukrops Ivy Market-343-6024.
Comment by Jason Woodcock — February 27, 2009 @ 9:03 am
Thanks everyone. I've been informed that Famous Anthony's in Salem will reserve their back room for us. I live in Roanoke, so I don't go there that often, I didn't even know they had a big back room.
Comment by Debbie — February 27, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Thank you Jason and Bill, and everyone else! I hope my question has helped others out too. I didn't know Ukrop's had a celebration room. We found a place, but I will make note of all of these suggestions for future reference.
Comment by Debbie — February 27, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Wow, it's great that so many had help suggestions for Debbie. I hope your reunion is fantastic Debbie!
Now, I sure hope someone can help me! Maybe that "red sauce" recipe is so secret no one can duplicate it. I was there (The Brambleton Deli) yesterday for lunch and ordered the deli fries. I ask for the red sauce and was given two little cups of it. I ate it all!!!
If anyone has not tasted it, you owe it to yourself to go and give it a try. If you can figure out what's in it PLEASE let me know!!
Thanks to all!
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — February 27, 2009 @ 11:40 am
I'll check out the sauce for you, Jeff, and see if I can detect anything.
Comment by lindseynair — February 27, 2009 @ 11:48 am
Thanks Jeff and good luck to you in getting that recipe!!!
Comment by Debbie — February 27, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Thanks Lindsey
I “think” I have figured out it is a combination of tomato sauce (or paste), vinegar, probably orange or pineapple juice, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, and maybe some onion powder and a little hot pepper sauce. There may be more and I’ll continue to experiment!
Hope you can find out more!
Thanks again!
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — February 27, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
Lindsey,
We decided to go with The Roanoker. They can fit us all in their banquet room have a great varied menu, and the best kid's menu I've seen. We were going to go with F.A's but The Roanoker's a better choice overall.
Comment by Debbie — March 9, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Hi Lindsey
Well I guess I have just about given up on trying to figure out how to make the Deli's red sauce. I was there this week and begged for just the basic ingrediends!! No luck...
They did sell me a quart of the sauce though. I wonder where I can take it to have it analysed???
Heve you had any luck??
Maybe we can get the President to look into it. He could offer some type of stimulus and a few bonuses for it. You think?
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — March 16, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Hey Jeff,
I actually went to Brambleton Deli for lunch on Sunday and ordered the grilled cheese stuffed with pulled pork BBQ. It was served with the traditional red BBQ sauce. I LOVED that sandwich. Have never ordered it before and it was just delicious. You are right about that sauce -- it has a distinct flavor and is very yummy. I need to try it again and really work on analyzing the flavors. Maybe I'll take my dad over there too. He's good at figuring out what he's tasting.
Comment by Lindsey Nair — March 17, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
That's so cool. I was there Sunday also! I purchased a quart of the sauce. I had the breaded chicken wings covered in the red sauce. They were the best!
I sure hope you and your Dad can figure it out. I think my life will be complete if I can make that sauce!! LOL...
Thank you for all your help.
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — March 17, 2009 @ 6:05 pm