CL-September 2024 - 27

DINING WITH PEGGY
Off erings
You Can't Refuse
Rocky Mount restaurant is a mob scene, in a good way
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Columnist
Got a restaurant
for Peggy to review?
Let us know at
editor@co-opliving.com.
D
eep in what was known as the
" Moonshine Capital of the
World " during Prohibition,
sits a modern throwback in Rocky
Mount, Va. - Anastasia's Speakeasy.
A small replica barbershop has
an old-fashioned vending machine
that hides the secret entrance to the
speakeasy. Visitors step inside to an
environment that is classic in appearance
but fi lled with modern charm. Th e
vintage tin ceiling and fl ocked wallpaper
set the scene, along with plush chairs
and couches nestled neatly around
small tables. But if you are expecting
a 1920s-era menu, be prepared for a
pleasant surprise.
Our server was incredibly
knowledgeable and helpful. We perused
the drink menu, which focuses as heavily
and insightfully on non-alcoholic
options as it does traditional cocktails.
Th e drink off erings change with the
seasons and feature fresh ingredients
from local farms.
Th e Prohibition-era theme doesn't
stop with the décor or the name (a
reference to mobster Albert Anastasia).
It continues in the menu with dishes
such as Mafi oso Meatballs, Public Enemy
#1 and Bonnie & Clyde's Last Ride.
But it takes more than a clever name
to make a great meal: You need great
food for today's palates, and Anastasia's
Speakeasy delivers. I could not resist
the baked brie, which featured a stellar
combination of fi g jam and candied
walnuts. Th e Tefl on Don appetizer of
seared ahi tuna was nothing short of
brilliant, with a fi rm yet silky texture
that reminded us of dry-aged beef.
Drizzled with a teriyaki glaze, it was
truly inspired.
co-opliving.com
Public Enemy #1
The hidden entrance
Chocolate bombe
One sign of a great restaurant is
when they pay as much attention to
the burger as they do to more fl ashy
off erings. Th e Public Enemy #1 was a
delectable Wagyu burger with truffl e
mayonnaise and bourbon-glazed bacon
on a brioche bun. Not to be outdone
by the burger, the other main entrees
exceeded our expectations. Th e fl at iron
steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked
just right, topped with a rich demiglace.
Th e mashed potatoes were creamy
delights. Th e Lord High Executioner
pizza featured a heavenly garlic alfredo
sauce and fresh mushrooms. Th e menu
changes to highlight fresh and seasonal
ingredients that feature the region's
diverse agricultural off erings.
Th e dessert menu was small, but we
were full already, so we split a delicious
chocolate bombe. Th e chocolate cake
dome was fi lled with a silky, fl uff y
mousse, covered in a rich ganache, and
Tefl on Don
served with strawberries and whipped
cream. We could not stop raving about it.
Anastasia's Speakeasy is a delicious
secret that should be heralded far and
wide. Whether you're in town for a show
at Th e Harvester, shopping at the farmers
market, or, like me, willing to drive four
hours for a great dinner, Anastasia's
Speakeasy will undoubtedly be a meal
to remember.
*
Anastasia's Speakeasy
390 Franklin St., Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540-238-2200
Hours: Wednesday-Th ursday 4-10 p.m.,
Friday-Saturday 4-11 p.m., Sunday 2-9 p.m.
September 2024 * Cooperative Living * 25
PHOTO BY PEGGY HYLAND
PHOTO BY PEGGY HYLAND
PHOTO BY PEGGY HYLAND
PHOTO BY ALEX RUSSELL
http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-September 2024

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