The Roanoker - July/August 2020 - 67

If 2020 has taught us anything,
it is to cherish the everyday luxuries of life in the 'Noke, particularly dining at any one of our
area's incredible local restaurants. With this in mind, we asked some of Roanoke's long-time,
local celebrities to take a trip down dining memory lane. They shared their favorite Roanoke
dining haunts from the past, places they are eager to dine at once again, and what, if anything,
their old favorites and new favorites have in common.

Waynette Anderson

Since 2006, Waynette Anderson has been
the owner and president of Dr. Pepper Park
at the Bridges, which she built herself the
year prior. The Hampton, Virginia native
has called Roanoke " home " for 27 years
now. And while she admits to missing the
beach, Anderson loves Roanoke for its " big,
little city " feel, and-more importantly-the
community she's discovered here.
" I miss Metro. I really liked the " big city "
atmosphere there. I also liked the bar and
open design format. It was unique.
" I'm looking forward to dining at Table
50. I love the consistent quality of the food
and the interesting chef features. It's an
affordable upscale dining experience. Plus
they keep the wine pricing very reasonable
and offer a wide selection of quality wines.
The staff is amazing and they always make
you feel so special.
" I don't really think there is a similarity
between the two places. They are two very
different dining experiences. "

Larry Davidson

JOHN PARK

Larry Davidson is the third generation
owner of Davidsons men's clothier, owned
and operated by the Davidson family since
1910. Davidson has been active in a number
of service organizations in Roanoke. He
currently serves as president of the Market
Building Foundation Board. Davidson and
his wife, Janice, have lived in the top floor
loft space above his Jefferson Street store for

TheRoanoker.com

METRO

the past 12 years. They have witnessed the
rebirth of downtown and love being a part
of its energetic vibe.
" My favorite eating spot has always been
Janice's restaurant. My wife is an excellent
cook. During our extended time at home
[this year], Janice has found personal comfort
in being even more creative in the kitchen.
This has definitely been to my great benefit.
" For years my father and I would alternate
weeks taking each other out for dinner on
Wednesday evenings. We particularly enjoyed
eating outside. We'd opt for a location where
we could watch the sunset, or be where my
father could speak with people flowing past
us. Together, we'd enjoy local restaurants:

Rockfish, Local Roots, Athens, Taaza,
Wildflower, Carlos, Billy's, Montano's, Café
Asia and Table 50.
" To help support the local restaurants over
these past several months, Janice and I have
enjoyed take out from Bernard's, River and
Rail, Cabo Fish Taco, and more. We've gone
for ice cream at Blue Cow and even enjoyed the
meals and Saturday market at the Shenandoah
Club, though we are not members.
" We're looking forward to half-priced
burgers at Martin's on Monday nights, the
octopus and beet appetizer at Fortunato,
Billy's blackened mahi-mahi and the goat
cheese salad and seared scallops from Table
50. "

JULY/AUGUST 2020 67

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The Roanoker - July/August 2020

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