Sunday, June 26, 2011
Frankie Rowland's Steakhouse
We went out to celebrate birthdays in the household last night and found ourselves at Frankie Rowland's. Although we have been before to enjoy the fabulous martinis, we had never eaten dinner there. It is safe to say that we understand now what we were missing. It was phenomenal! We started with the Baked Brie en Croute, which was delicious. I am personally not much for steak so I had the Grilled Filet of Salmon. The bourbon pecan sauce gave it an amazing flavor. I did try a bite of steak and it just melted in my mouth. I also added the scallops to my meal. The sauce gave them a wonderful flavor. We enjoyed a few sides and topped off the meal with the Crème Brulee. It truly was amazing from start to finish. The waitstaff was friendly and efficient. They worked as a team to ensure all the tables were happy and clean at the end of the meal. Having worked in the restaurant business for many years, I was pleased with everything. This was definitely a high dollar price tag, but for the food and service we received, it was worth it. We agreed this should be a once a year splurge for us (a weekly splurge when we win the lottery).
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Car Shows Car Shows and More Car Shows
I guess I never noticed exactly how many car shows are in downtown Roanoke each year. This is the third or fourth weekend I have spent wandering through the streets of downtown and looking at all the cars. It really is fun (says the girl who knows nothing at cars) to see how the automobile has changed over the years. The boys love it and the husband likes to talk about which cars his parents had growing up. Personally, I just enjoy the time we get to spend as a family. To top it off, I introduced the family to Alejandro's restaurant (which is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants). I love the Salsa Bar (who can turn down all those delicious salsa options?). I have tried something different each time I've eaten there and I have always been impressed. It was great to watch my youngest polish off 2 quesadillas. I would have loved to finish off our meal with a little Fried Ice Cream, but we were trying to save some room for later.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day
Today is a gorgeous day! The sun is shining, but it isn't overly hot. This is a great day to get your dad outdoors for some summer fun. I started my morning out with a jog (if you know me, it's okay to laugh now). After making a fabulous breakfast (healthy too), we packed up and went to the pool. Splash Valley is a great place to lay around, splash, swim, or enjoy the slides. This would be a great day to take to the Greenway too. With the Greenway right near the water, you can enjoy fishing. It's a great place to walk, run, or cycle. The Blue Ridge Mountains are at your fingertips if you like hiking. There are tons of places to go camping. We talked about going to the Lake, but we decided to save that for another weekend.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Vacation and Staycations- Fridays on Franklin is where it's at!
It's that time of year when everyone wants to get out of town. We took a quick vacation last week and enjoyed some time away from learning about our town. Unfortunately, we missed the experience that is Woofstock. That being said there is still a lot going on. This coming Friday is Fridays on Franklin (an event for the 21 and up crowd that takes place during the summer months). It is a little different this year. Last year it was called First & Third Fridays (because they started including the 3rd Friday of the month). This addition allows the event to sponsor more charities.
Another improvement this year: receiving discounts at local restaurants with your wristband:
The great thing about First Fridays (as they were formerly known as) is the opportunity to hang out with your friends and hear some great live music. Here is a list of the bands playing and the charities that are benefiting this year:
Another improvement this year: receiving discounts at local restaurants with your wristband:
| Please Support Our Restaurant Sponsors & Receive DISCOUNTS with WRISTBANDS | ||
The great thing about First Fridays (as they were formerly known as) is the opportunity to hang out with your friends and hear some great live music. Here is a list of the bands playing and the charities that are benefiting this year:
2011 Charities Named:
May 6, 2011 — The Worx
- CHIP
- Apple Ridge Farms
- SPCA
- Healing Strides of VA
- Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary
May 20, 2011 — 7 Mile Ford & Super Hold
- Conflict Resolution Center
- Children’s Trust
- Mental Health Association
- Ronald McDonald House
- Saint Francis Service Dogs
June 3, 2011 — Domino
- Ronald McDonald House
- League of Older Americans
- Children’s Trust
- Adult Care Center
- Bethany Hall
- SPCA
June 17, 2011 – Burning Bridges
- Clean Valley Council
- Center in the Square
- CHIP
- Brain Injury Connection
July 1, 2011 – Southern Culture
on the Skids
- Healing Strides of VA
- Vinton Needy Family Program
- Bethany Hall
July 15, 2011 — Lloyd Dobler Effect
- Brain Injury Connection
- Saint Francis Service Dogs
- Bethany Hall
- League of Older Americans
August 5, 2011 — Project 4 & The Kings
- Roanoke Valley Friends of The Library
- Cave Spring Rescue Squad Auxiliary
- Vinton Needy Family Program
- American Red Cross
- Girl Scouts of VA
August 19, 2011 — Frontiers
- Adult Care Center
- Bradley Free Clinic
- Apple Ridge Farms
- Center in the Square
- Clean Valley Council
September 2, 2011 — The Worx
- Mental Health Association
- American Red Cross
- Girl Scouts of VA
- Roanoke Valley Friends of The Library
- Conflict Resolution Center
Friday, June 3, 2011
Lebanese Festival - June 3-June 5
I have to say, I had not heard about the Lebanese Festival until last year. That being said, it is advertised with signs all over town. Now that my children have decided festivals are the best option for fun out there, I keep looking to see when the next one will be (and it seems during the spring and summer months one happens every week). So I called up a friend and said, let's check it out. When we got there, the kids area was just getting exciting. My oldest loved the blow up obstacle course and bounce house. They had face painters, but the face painters were getting ready to dance and didn't come back until almost 8pm. My children missed out on that fun only because it was getting late (as I said 8pm) and you could tell their sunny disposition was wearing off.
I was so excited when I drove in and was handed a menu and schedule of events. On the menu were Cabbage Rolls. These were not anything like the Slovakian Cabbage Rolls that I am used to. However, they were quite tasty and not all that expensive. I also got a Fatayer (meat pie) which my oldest thought was fabulous. I enjoyed it as well, but it is hard to do when you are sharing with a child that loves food because you are eating it. I didn't get to try Zalabee, which is a Lebanese funnel cake. That was very sad, but it also just means that we will have to go back before this is over.
After we got dinner, we enjoyed watching the traditional Lebanese dances. It was beautiful to watch. The boys enjoyed the music as well. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good company and learn about another culture that I wasn't so familiar with. If you have the time, I would high suggest you check this out!
I was so excited when I drove in and was handed a menu and schedule of events. On the menu were Cabbage Rolls. These were not anything like the Slovakian Cabbage Rolls that I am used to. However, they were quite tasty and not all that expensive. I also got a Fatayer (meat pie) which my oldest thought was fabulous. I enjoyed it as well, but it is hard to do when you are sharing with a child that loves food because you are eating it. I didn't get to try Zalabee, which is a Lebanese funnel cake. That was very sad, but it also just means that we will have to go back before this is over.
After we got dinner, we enjoyed watching the traditional Lebanese dances. It was beautiful to watch. The boys enjoyed the music as well. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy good company and learn about another culture that I wasn't so familiar with. If you have the time, I would high suggest you check this out!
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