2009.09.28
Some informational hors d'oevres
News in the restaurant world:
* From Jenny Boone's Retail column this Sunday: Judge's Chambers, the healthy little downtown eatery in the former peanut shop on Jefferson Street, is expanding. Owner Waqar Malik, who was a partner in The Isaac's Mediterranean restaurant when it first opened, is apparently doing well in his new venture. Considering that I've just started a weight loss challenge, I may be heading to the Judge's Chambers for lunch more often.
* Signs spotted around town: El Rancho Viejo to go in the former Fast Freddy's location at 4th and Main in Salem. Peppers on Apperson Drive is no longer open? That sub shop has been there for a pretty long time. Looks like an Italian or International restaurant may be taking its place. More info on that to come.
* Finally, a request from a blog reader. John Garland wrote in to say that he owns the building that houses the Downtown Roanoke Sports Club. The building will be turned into a multi-purpose space that will include a grocery store, which I've said could be a boon to downtown residents and workers alike. Garland wants your input. Here's his note. Feel free to drop comments in response:
I am the owner of the Downtown Sports Club building (16 West Church) and would love to have additional input on what people would like to see in our building. The current plan is a second floor fitness center and first floor upscale grocery/convenience store, pharmacy, stalls for retail and light food service, coffee/smoothie bar and vendor carts, along with the Chiropractor that is currently there.
Just wanted to tell you that I made the beef stew you blogged about last week: http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/fridgemagnet/2009/09/21/15-minute-beef-stew/ And it was wonderful!! I made it on Saturday when it was nasty outside and it sure hit the spot. My husband and I loved it! The only thing I did differently was add in some fresh basil. Wow, did it make the house smell good. Thanks for posting the recipe!
Comment by Sarah — September 28, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
I'd love to see an International restaurant go in @ the Pepper's location. I work in very close proximity to it. Hopefully, it will be a Thai or Greek restaurant (Salem has plenty of chinese, mexican and italian cuisine) or maybe we could get Michelle from Michelle's on Main to do carryout. I really miss her Seafood Bake. It was fantastic!
Comment by Angela — September 28, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
Mr. Garland, I'd love to see a Virginia focused-goods store somewhere in the re-vamp. With all of the great foods (and crafts, etc) that Virginia has to offer combined with the drive to eat locally originated food, I think that would be a big hit. Just think of the standards--the hams, peanuts, etc. along with those that are a bit harder to find--cheeses, et al. What a great way to combine a high-end grocery with pouring some money into the state economy!
Comment by Jason — September 28, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
Mr Garland, as a downtown resident, I would like more of a grocery store, not a convenience store. We have 7 to 7 on Campbell for a convenience store. As an upscale grocery store, if you're going to sell chips and snacks like that, make them gourmet chips and crackers. Sell a variety of pastas. Olive oil would be nice too, as well as a selection of meats. Something besides no name bologna and bacon. I realize a full scale butcher shop is too much to ask for, but something on the small scale would be nice.
Comment by Debbie — September 28, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
As a downtown worker, I most often want to visit a grocery store after work if I haven't planned well for dinner that night (ahem, which happens quite often). It might be that I want something to throw together a salad, maybe forgot to thaw out meat and want to grab some chicken or sausages or a package of hamburger. So on that note, I agree with Debbie -- a small offering of fresh meats would be great. The pasta is a good idea, maybe some breads from a local bakery. And produce would be good, especially local. You might be able to get some farmers from the market to supply you. The market is closed by the time I leave work, and so are the downtown bakeries, so it wouldn't be too much competition with them.
I also would note that many of us go to social events after work where we are asked to bring a dish or a snack; if you had some nice cheeses and/or olives, that would be perfect to take to a party.
Comment by Lindsey Nair — September 29, 2009 @ 9:53 am
Sarah, I am always thrilled to hear that someone enjoyed a recipe I shared. The basil sounds like a wonderful addition. And better use it now, huh?
Comment by Lindsey Nair — September 29, 2009 @ 9:54 am
I agree about the cheeses and olives. A selection of salami's or ethnic sausages would be great too.
Comment by Debbie — September 29, 2009 @ 11:12 am
Mr. Garland,
Please bring the Howard Brothers out of retiremnet and give them a small location to sell their soup and sandwhiches
Comment by RT — September 29, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
What about a downtown version of Tinnell's? They've got produce, pantry staples, fresh meat, and great wine. The space would suit that type of store perfectly!
Comment by Lori — September 29, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
Mr. Garland, I'd like to see a full blown deli, like the ones in the North East states. New Yorke deli on Williamson is close. Prepared stuffed shells, manicott, meatballs,marinari sauces, I'll even run the place for you. The Virginia made stuff would fit right in, like ham, cheeses, peanuts, bread.
Comment by ken — September 29, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Right on RT. I would love to see a Howard's Soup kitchen return. They were the best. And Lori is right as well. Downtown would be a lot better off with a Tinnell's or something like it.
Comment by Howard — September 30, 2009 @ 11:32 am
The only thing I feel Roanoke is missing is a TRADER JOES. Coming from Southern California, I'm hooked on TJ and wish there could be one closer to Roanoke than Charlotte, NC. Anybody with me?
Comment by Katy Cates — October 2, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Take heart, Katy, one is coming to Charlottesville in the spring. Not as good as being here in Roanoke, but better than Charlotte. There's also one in Richmond right now, and one in the Cary, NC area ( which I don't know whether or not that's closer than Charlotte). And if you can't tell, I'm with you!
Comment by Kristen — October 4, 2009 @ 7:42 am