Our food columnist Layla Khoury-Hanold offers the latest on the local scene.
Welcome to our food column, Corner Booth, where each month Layla Khoury-Hanold will guide us through what’s happening in Roanoke’s food scene. We’ll feature restaurant openings and closings, trends, changes in cuisine concepts or locations, a first-impression of a new eatery, and our Ask Layla section, where Rambler members can get their burning questions answered on the best places to eat or drink for any occasion. Simply leave a comment with your question or email us at [email protected]. Enjoy! 😋
The Haven Opens in Downtown Roanoke
The Haven, a new bar and restaurant located in the former Awful Arthur’s space in downtown Roanoke (108 Campbell Ave SE), opened its doors on Jan. 29. The menu spans appetizers ($10 to $14), flatbreads ($13 to $14), handhelds/sandwiches ($12 to $16), salads ($11 to $14), plated entrees ($15 to $34) and desserts ($6 to $12). I’m bookmarking two early menu additions to try: the hot honey dip ($15), a creamy mix of roasted Boursin and cream cheese blended with hot honey and served with ciabatta, and The Haven burger ($16), in which the patty is topped with cream cheese, fried jalapenos and bacon jam, all piled onto Texas Toast. I’ll wash it down with a Hot Honey Margarita, which sits alongside signature sips such as a peach bourbon Arnold Palmer, an Old Fashioned and an espresso martini.
There’s also a separate kids menu, which comes with a main course, such as mini flatbreads, a burger and chicken tenders, and a side, including seasoned fries, mac and cheese or seasonal vegetables ($7.99). The Haven has also announced a line-up of events including a SuperBowl party (Feb. 8) and live music from local acts such as Jared Stout (Feb. 5) and Abbey & Andy (Feb. 12). The Haven is currently open Monday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Covenant Coffee Company to Bring Espresso Beverages to Greenway Park
Ever since Jeff Baxter met his wife, Meredith, at The Muse Coffee Company in Lynchburg, they’ve dreamt of opening their own coffee shop. That was 12 years ago; since then, they’ve refined their vision and brought it to reality. By early March, the pair will open Covenant Coffee Company, a mobile coffee trailer that will be permanently parked on Franklin Road (there is no address; Baxter says it’s located across the street from what’s known as Greenway Park, just past the bridge when you’re heading south)…