2009.09.15
Busy weekend for foodies
www.roanokegreekfestival.com
Looking for plans this weekend? Why not do something food-related? I've got two possibilities to share with you this morning: the Al Pollard Memorial Clubhouse Bash & Chef Showdown and the annual Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke.
Al Pollard was an extremely successful Roanoke restaurateur who died in 2006. He created Corned Beef & Company, which some credit with spurring revitalization in downtown Roanoke. He was also an owner of Frankie Rowland's steakhouse and 419 West. Now, a memorial foundation in his name raises money for scholarships for culinary students at Virginia Western Community College. Friday's gala at the Roanoke Country Club will raise money for the same cause, while providing lots of entertainment, hors d'oevres and two drinks per ticket. Click "read more" for additional details about this food-heavy extravaganza.
The Roanoke Greek Festival keeps getting bigger and better every year. If you've never been, I can say with absolute certainty that you are missing out on something good. Not only do the folks at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church crank out a groaning table full of authentic food, they also offer up lots of entertainment in the form of shopping, music and dancing. I would say it is a tight race between the Greek Festival and the Lebanese Festival (early summer) for best ethnic food events in Roanoke. But why choose? Go to both.
This year at the Greek festival, they are selling raffle tickets for two round-trip tickets to Athens, Greece or $1,500 cash. Admission to this event is free and they'll even have a drive-through set up if you want to pick up your souvlaki, moussaka and baklava and enjoy it in front of the television while Virginia Tech plays Nebraska.
Heading to either of these events? Send me some photos (jpeg please) at lindsey.nair@roanoke.com and I may post them on the blog next week!
More details on both of these events:
Al's Clubhouse Bash and Chef Showdown
What: A gala in memory of Al Pollard. Includes a Kroger-sponsored chef competition, two drink tickets and lots of delicious hors d'oevres, as well as live music and dancing.
When: Friday, 6-11 p.m.
Where: Roanoke Country Club, 3360 Country Club Dr. NW, Roanoke
How much: $50 per person
For more info: Visit www.alpollardmemorial.org or call Charles Johnson at (540) 345-5227
Roanoke Greek Festival
What: Authentic Greek food for sale, large Greek marketplace with jewelry, scarves, apparel, pottery and much more, some brought to Roanoke from Greece just for this event. Also includes traditional Greek music and dancing, children's events and a drive-thru for those who want to grab food and go.
When: Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Huntington Blvd., Roanoke
Cost: Free admission; menu prices.
For more info: Find everything you need to know at www.roanokegreekfestival.com
The Greek Festival is magnificent. It's almost worth the 11-hour trip down from NY. Almost.
Comment by grace — September 16, 2009 @ 3:23 am
I got 2 to-go orders from the Greek Festival on Friday - the moussaka and pastichio. They were both wonderful!! In fact we have some leftover moussaka, rice and green beans that we're planning to have for dinner tonight!
Comment by Lori — September 21, 2009 @ 9:45 am
We loaded up at the Greek Festival, too. Pastitsio, pork kabob, rice with green beans and tomatoes, spanakopita and dolmades. It was awesome.
Comment by Lindsey Nair — September 21, 2009 @ 10:28 am
I got an order form for the holiday bake sale, which occurs before Thanksgiving. I think I'll hang on to it as some Greek treats will be a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving spread!
Comment by Lori — September 21, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Lori, I have no doubt that had the Pilgrims been familiar with baklava - they'd have put it on their table with pride!
Comment by Kristen — September 21, 2009 @ 3:03 pm