Dining Out: Thai Orchid

I must admit, I was aiming to eat at The Judge's Chambers based on a friend's suggestion, but since it was closed this last Saturday, we decided to try to the Thai Orchid right across the street on 1st in downtown Roanoke.

Though the poor weather and notoriously scant downtown traffic many weekends meant we were the only patrons for lunch. The restaurant was nice and clean, to include the bathrooms, with a smattering of Thai decorations and with a uniformity that was pleasing and conveyed professionalism.

The owner/server was a quiet man who spoke very good English; service was prompt, but - again - we were the only customers. I imagine it could get a little slow if the place were really busy.
My wife and I shared the spring rolls with peanut sauce for an appetizer, and then the dinner portion of the Massaman Curry. The spring rolls were very flavorful, though mild (I suppose we could have requested spicy, but didn't).

The curry was also quite good. Not the best Thai I've had in Virginia, but right up there. The dinner portion was just right for the two of us.

Our lunch came to about $20, which is a little pricey for having had water and sharing an entree, but certainly not bad for such unique food so well prepared, either.

Well illustrated menus, mild food, and the owner's skill with English would make Thai Orchid an easy choice for any beginners wishing to give Thai a taste without knowing much about the food.

Eating Out: Café Asia

Gratefully foregoing a Friday night with nothing more to do than sit at home on our respective computers, my wife and I except an invitation to meet friends at the new Café Asia on Valley Gateway Blvd.

The restaurant is beside Kroger's and has been open for a month or two, I gather. Our friends had been there twice before, and enjoyed it.
So, starting out with my staple - an Asahi beer - we ordered sushi for apps. My wife's a vegetarian, and I'm a pescetarian, but that still left plenty of options. We had the avocado roll, which was very good. To our delight, the owner/operator brought out some fried tuna roll for us to try, which was equally smashing.

I had the Thai rice noodles with shrimp, which was a lot like an angel-haired version of pad Thai with a little less of a peanut taste. I meant to save some, but cleaned my plate like a good, raised-in-the-'80s kid.

The bill wasn't bad: $35 with tip for two people with a drink and sushi. The menu is eclectic to say the least, with pho and stir fry as well as wanton noodles and sushi. Let's put it this way: if you like Asian food, there's something there you'll dig on.

The owner is very friendly, and there were at about 2/3rds capacity, near as my unobservant eyes could glean, so I hope they have found a solid locale.

Would any readers like to see a pic of my entrée when I eat out and write about the place? If so, please comment below or use the contact email to let me know.