September 9, 2010

Local Eats: Blues BBQ Company in Roanoke, VA

Last Saturday Jon, Seven, and I piled into the truck on another “adventure”, as we tell Seven, to get him excited. Our first stop was the Roanoke Farmer’s Market, located in the heart of Downtown Roanoke. This bustling area, full of great little shops, quirky restaurants, and tables full of freshly grown produce has become a recent favorite of mine, and I love that it is a mere hour or so from home.

One of the restaurants we have gone to is Blues BBQ Company, and that’s where we decided to dine again on Saturday. I was afraid that our second trip there would be a let down. You know, maybe on our first visit we had been starving and everything just tasted great because of it? Or maybe we were just entranced by the cool, historically hip decor? Either way, I was a little nervous.

The nervousness was all for naught.

When we walked in around 2 that day, the tables (there are few, maybe 12?) were packed, save for one up by the front windows. We grabbed it, and settled in for some local grub. For the second time, we ordered a basket of Mac & Puppies as an appetizer (and Seven’s meal). Mac & Puppies are my new favorite fat food. Hushpuppies fried perfectly brown, and served with Peach Honey Butter. I could make a meal on those, and almost did, except for the fact that there were triangles of deep fried macaroni and cheese in the basket as well. I think it’s Kraft, the Blue Box variety, but when deep fried? Oh. My. Lord. I intend to give it a try myself soon, but that may be a very dangerous thing to accomplish here, as I can’t afford all new jeans. (again.)

For our meals, Jon ordered The Blues Traveler, a burger that claims it will change the way you feel about burgers. I don’t know about all that, but I did note that his burger was perfectly cooked, only a tinge pink, and gigantic. In fact, The Man couldn’t even finish it all, thanks to the pile of crispy onion rings he shoveled down. For me, I ordered the Half Chicken this time, and was thrilled. It came perfectly seasoned, in a nice mustardy sauce, and although mustard isn’t my favorite thing, it suited this chicken really well. I also got the fries – to share with Seven, and I managed to eat 2 of them before getting too full – and the onion rings. Crispy, flavorful, very well made. Impressive! Maybe even more impressive was that Seven ate his fool ass off. Lots of mac & cheese, fries, half of my chicken. He may have eaten more than I did.

Here’s where I tell you the best part. For the appetizer, a big Magic Hat beer, Seven’s drink, and my soda, the chicken and the burger? Including tax and $7.50 tip? $20 even.

Huh?

Truth. I got a $25 Gift Certificate online at restaurant.com, and paid $2 for it. It’s no secret, no gimmick. The only catch is to spend it, you have to order $35 worth of product, and tip based on the actual bill, not the reduced bill. Big deal! Where else can you eat like that for $20?? (actually, thanks to restaurant.com – lots of places.) Normally, the $25 gift certificates are $10 – still a deal – but if you use promo code TOUCHDOWN between now and the 13th and click through this link – any of their products are 80% off. That means $2 for a $25 certificate. Jon and I use these all the time- in New York, Richmond, the beach, places in between. Such a great value!! Click here for the link to restaurant.com – Enjoy! (Don’t forget to plug in that promo code!)

So, that’s my gift to you today. Stock up. Enjoy eating out at restaurants again, and feel okay about ordering extra, since it really didn’t cost you anything extra! Try the appetizer…try the dessert(s). Have a great meal!!

Life’s an adventure, after all. Just ask Seven.