I do not know how I was the one chosen to complete this article relating to the dining spots and night life in the valley, but like the great Captain Kirk, I chose to “BOLDLY GO,” and check it out. After numerous chicken, seafood and salad entrees, I took some Tums and came up with the many places that stick out and can hopefully provide some tempting and tasty experiences for you guys. An all-inclusive restaurant guide will be available at the training; you could say it will include the “whole enchilada.”
Some of the following could possibly be embellished…
Being that this year’s extravaganza is located at the lovely Wyndam, let’s just start there with Remington’s: Named I am sure for the wonderful TV show of the 80’s with the great acting talents of Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist, who? Located in the Wyndam it offers a unique dining experience, a little pricey and I am not sure you will get what you pay for. You will also find LILY’S Homestyle Kitchen: Yum, Yum offering both breakfast and lunch for a minimal price, buffet style. Try the sausage gravy, so tasty it’ll make you smack Robert Foster.
Moving on, you also have numerous restaurants located both in and around the Valley View Mall area. Did someone say RIBS? Well if that’s your taste try Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill; there is also the Flat Rock Grille, this is a great mountain lodge atmosphere that encourages you to, “come sit by the fire, and let us take care of your every need.” They have signature dishes prepared daily at a moderate price. You will also find Caraba’s Italian food, this is a little on the pricey side; Red Robin’s for good burgers; Panera Bread Company you will get wonderful breads and salads; Red Palace is great if you’re in the mood for a delicious Chinese buffet, moderately priced and worth the try. Abuelo’s is delicious for authentic Mexican food, as for the margaritas… well; I’ve only heard they hit the spot. You can also find Starbucks or if you prefer there is a Starbucks and I’ve heard that Starbucks may also be in this location. Point made? There are too many restaurants to mention, so if you go there, just drive around until something speaks to you.
Only a short drive from the Wyndam to the lovely downtown area is where you will find nooks and crannies with something for everyone. You have the Best Bar, Best Happy Hour, Best Pool Hall, Best Dancing at Corned Beef and Company; If you want to use up the 4% raise in one spot try Frankie Rowland’s for amazing steaks, they boast Angus beef, Maine lobster and “fabulous flavored martinis and high-end liquors,” it is costly. You will find Gunther O’Darby’s Irish Pub where you can noch on some fish and chips; quench yourself with a few pints all while shooting darts and listening to live entertainment. If it’s ethnic food choices you like, this is where to find it. We have Nawab Indian Cuisine, they have a delicious buffet with yummy basmati rice and nan bread; Paradiso Cuban Cuisine is also there as is; Arzu’s which offers Turkish, Italian and French food; stop by and they will “SAKI” it to you at Wasabi’s, Roanoke’s newest Sushi Bar and Japanese Restaurant; also, the Thai Orchid offers original and tasteful Thai recipes. If you want something simple go to the original Roanoke Weiner Stand and grab a dog with everything from a Roanoke tradition in the heart of our historic market district. Finally, unlike on the Sopranos, we can’t offer you the “BADA BING,” but we do have an offer you can’t refuse… grab a taxi and come on downtown late night after a few, how should we say, night caps. You can not miss one of Roanoke’s premiere attractions the Texas Tavern; I recommend a “cheesy western” and a “bowl with” guaranteed to cure the ugly. The food only gets better after midnight, open 24 hrs.
It would be a certain fate to be cast off the island if I ended without mention some of our treasured sites to be seen. Roanoke’s Star, it is a landmark and offers a beautiful view not only of our city but also of the surrounding mountains; check out Hotel Roanoke; the O. Winston Link Museum; the Virginia Museum of Transportation; the Art and Science Museum of Western Virginia. There are numerous golf courses, galleries, opportunities for shopping all in and around Roanoke.
I will end with this offer, with state budget cuts in place I am offering my home at the rate of only $67.00 per night, this is well under a dollar you would save the State or $3.00 if you stay all three nights. Think about it?
Have a safe trip and “we’ll leave the light on.”
(Susan Farmer is a Probation Officer with the 23rd District Court Service Unit, the secretary for the Blue Ridge District and a funny, funny ladyl!)
