Thursday, May 31, 2007
Cheap eats
Larry Bly
Larry Bly runs an ad agency and does freelance writing in the Roanoke area.
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A few tears ago I discovered that many of my close friends didn't invite me over for a meal because, they said, "you're a gourmet chef." Well, I am neither: I'm a pretty good cook but not a chef. I don't fix gourmet meals often, though I'm capable. The same can be said for my dining. I eat comfort food more than gourmet fare. A good, cheap meal can fill you just as well.
My downtown Roanoke office is 20 minutes from my house, so I eat in restaurants nearly every weekday. Time and gas prices dictate this. And often as not, I dine in simpler, less fancy restaurants; again to save money.
With the average lunch price hovering around $10 today, you'd be surprised how, with just a little shopping around, you can snag a good lunch for less.
In compiling a short-list of favorites, I've purposely stayed away from breakfast items, appetizers and buffets. I have set $6 or less as the guidepost.
SHEILA'S CAFE, downtown. Aside from just loving this little hole in the wall, I truly enjoy their home-cooked specials. Recently they listed two on the board: Baked spaghetti and two sides, $6; and chicken wrap with ranch dressing, fruit and one side, $6. I had the wrap, one of the healthful specials that they offer. Sheila also boasts great macaroni salad, so that was my side. SHEILA'S CAFE has limited seating, so get there early. They're located at 127 Kirk Avenue, downtown.
AESY'S up on Campbell Avenue. My office was once across the street from Aesy's, so I've spent a lot of time there through the years. Now that Josephine is gone, they've changed things up a bit, but still serve fast, simple and inexpensive lunches. During the winter months they offer cooked and baked items, like meatloaf and two veggies for around $6 or so. They're now in summer mode, so it's mostly grilled items and sandwiches. During soup season, you can get a bowl of soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for less than $5. Aesy's is at 505 Campbell Ave. S.W.
ERNIE'S on the Market. You can get a decent bowl of chili and a sandwich for less than $6 if you really try; and the place is just a hoot to dine in. The owner tries to sell me the joint every time I go in but I'd rather he operate it than me. I love restaurants because I don't work in them. But I have a keen respect for those who do. You can also get a bowl of beans and cornbread for very little at Ernie's. Located on the historic Farmer's Market.
LITTLE CHEF on Williamson Road. This onetime perennial favorite of the late-night crowd is back, though no longer as a "remedy" for those wild nights out. It's strictly a family affair now, and thanks to new ownership after a spate of bad management, THE CHEF is again a great place to eat. They list two lunch specials that seldom change: fried chicken and two sides or lasagna and two sides, each for less than $6. I've had both and they're deliciously prepared. They also come with bread. Many restaurants, in an effort to boost the profits on lunches (which have a thin profit margin), have dropped serving bread at lunch. THE CHEF wants you to have some starch with your mashed potatoes.
MARKET BUILDING VENDORS, downtown. Many of my friends make it their business to get more bang for their lunch buck, so I looked to them for advice. Most of 'em immediately gave me numerous restaurants in a single location: the Market Building where a huge salad with meat can be had for $5, as well as barbecue, ethnic foods galore, and even reasonably-priced steamed seafood.
NEW YORKER DELICATESSEN, Williamson Road, is a veritable institution, offering a slew of items that constitute a meal for less than $6, including baked beans and even a baked turkey platter. Or skip the meal and go for the cheesecake. There are lots more of course, and you may wish to send me your favorites and be specific about the price and item, but these are a few of mine.
One more thing ...
Sadly, BEL PASTO is calling it quits. An e-mail was sent out last week informing customers that Pam and Frank Martin have decided to close the food and wine shop. We'll certainly miss them. I attended one or two wine tastings and made some new friends as a result. There's great competition today in the wine industry, with Kroger and other large grocery chains selling a vast array of wines to the masses. Still, Bel Pasto was a charming place and we'll certainly miss them.
Bly for now
