Food and Culture - The Roanoke Rambler

Same Calories, Different Response: Roanoke Researchers Test Ultraprocessed Foods, and Find a Surprise

Two meals with nearly identical nutrient totals produced different responses inside a Roanoke laboratory, raising questions about what a food label can tell us.

Ramblings

Five Wins, One Loss, and a Reason to Keep Showing Up (Return of the MAC IV)

At Champ’s Gym, the work of keeping young people focused continues after the bell.

Food and Culture

The Restaurant Math Behind Downtown Roanoke's Quiet Comeback

Ask three business owners across three streets in downtown Roanoke what happened to their block this year, and you'll get the same undercurrent: something closed here, something else opened there, and nobody's quite sure yet which trend wins.

Neighborhoods

Have Your Quesadilla and Eat It Too

Inside the week in Old Southwest where progressive anti-ICE virality collided with a boozy arrest record and an ill-timed fundraiser, exposing the stark local divide between performative internet outrage and real grassroots immigrant defense. Roanoke, VA Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff, Hart Fowler Lead Published: 12:41 AM EST

Food

Corner Booth: Asher's Moves to Grandin, Big Lick Hiring Chef, Finding Calamari, Crab Bisque

The April edition of our monthly food column also includes a Covenant Coffee review.

Food

Corner Booth: Dorothy & Frank's Opens and Layla Visits, Bent Mountain Winery Debuts, Question Prompts Take on Grits

Our out-and-about food columnist returns with her March column.

Food

Corner Booth: The Haven Opens, Covenant Coffee to Brew at Unique Roanoke Location, Experiencing Vinegar Pie

Our food columnist Layla Khoury-Hanold offers the latest on the local scene.

Food

Corner Booth: Roanoke Food and Drink Trends for 2026

Also this month, Layla brings the scoop on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food

Corner Booth: Hot Stuff, Vinton and Global Blend Cafés Open, Layla Checks Out Mama Jean's

Also this month, Layla answers a reader question about good places to pick up a salad.

Food

Corner Booth: Spanish Eatery Coming to Promissory, Papa's Box Opens, Layla's Takes on Brood and Places for Brunch

There's also news about Canvas & Coffee Art Cafe on Grandin Road.

Travel

This Fall, Get Bullish on Durham

A short drive from Roanoke, Durham offers travelers cosmopolitan vibes and a community that celebrates an authentic sense of self.

Food

Corner Booth: Appalachian Cafe to Open Next to Mast, Haven to Open in Awful Arthur's Spot, Impressions on Birrieria La Vaca

Our monthly food column also includes Layla's take on a reader question about a new Mediterranean restaurant.

Food

Corner Booth: Sourdough Finding a Sweet Spot, Kirk & Soul to Open in Familiar Space, a Look at Greco's and El Mexa

Our monthly food column also includes Layla's take on a reader question about vegetarian options.

Food

Corner Booth: Henrietta's Cafe Opens, Chris's Coffee & Custard Relocating, Cigars and Hot Dogs, a Look at Leonore's Pizza

In our monthly Corner Booth food column, we feature restaurant openings, closings, changes, a first-impression review and more.

Food

Corner Booth: Big Daddy's Opening in Salem, Birdogs Filling Niche, Bar and Grill Takes Over Vinton FarmBurguesa Spot

In our monthly Corner Booth food column, we feature restaurant openings, closings, changes, a first-impression review and more.

Food

Corner Booth: Star City Bodega Brings 'Cheeseburger on Steroids,' Roots & Rhythms Set, Atheling Taproom To Open

In our monthly Corner Booth food column, we feature restaurant openings, closings, changes, a first-impression review and more.

History

Strand Theatre Revival Brings Music Back to Henry Street

On Saturday, Gainsboro advocates will celebrate the old Strand, the Ebony Club and other Henry Street entertainment landmarks with music, stories and food.

Food

Corner Booth: Parkway Coming to Downtown Roanoke, Taco Riendo and Sugar Cube Open

In our monthly Corner Booth food column, we feature restaurant openings, closings, changes, a first-impression review and more.