Pioneering Out West: Fork in the City
1 of 4
Fork in the City 2
The ample outside space makes kitchen offerings even more enticing, including pizzas, huevos rancheros, Betty's Skettie
2 of 4
Fork in the City 1
Favorites from the first Fork and new menu treats have made their way to the new, airy and spacious Fork in the City.
3 of 4
Fork in the City 2
The ample outside space makes kitchen offerings even more enticing, including pizzas, huevos rancheros, Betty's Skettie
4 of 4
Fork in the City 3
Fork in the City gives diners more seafood options, including crab cakes and jambalaya.
Dr. David Trinkle and his wife Ann have carried the tried-and-true formula of good eats and a cool vibe from South Roanoke to the Jefferson Center area in their new dining endeavor, Fork in the City.
Team Trinkle
When I first visited Fork in the City, a scant three months after the grand opening, I was pleasantly surprised to see a restaurant and its staff smoothly chugging along at lunchtime, which can be hit-or-miss at many restaurants. Sometimes you have a fabulous lunch and get back to your office within the hour and other times you can be waiting for your first iced tea refill until kingdom come.
But of course this isn’t the Trinkles’ first time at the rodeo. They have already enjoyed four years of success with Fork in the Alley. The big sister is in an alley off of Crystal Spring Avenue between the 7-Eleven and the ill-fated building that has housed many eateries, from the White House to the most recent to flee the scene, Tony Pope’s Bistro and Wine Bar.
Good ‘Hood
Fork in the City has given the Old Southwest area its own within-walking-distance neighborhood restaurant and bar, just as its big sister has afforded South Roanokers. Housed in the former Gary’s Bar and Grill at the corner of Sixth Street and Marshall Avenue, the new Fork is poised to take advantage of the positive changes happening in the area, including developer Ed Walker’s turning the Old Cotton Mill building into trendy apartments.
“The ability to be a part of the transformation of the whole area was exciting to me,” says David Trinkle, who is already a fan of the area because of the nearby Jefferson Center and the fact that the site is just on the outskirts of downtown.
“I could never imagine myself competing in the downtown market area,” says Trinkle. “I’ve always thought a different type of location would be good. It provided cushion and that was attractive to me.”
The cushioned location also allowed Trinkle to offer a lot of outdoor dining and entertaining space.
“The set up was unique and had the ability to have an open kitchen, a good-sized bar, outside front bistro and the outside deck with a stage out back,” says Trinkle.
The increasingly popular hangout is already experiencing success attracting a crowd with ever-changing live entertainment featuring everything from bluegrass to Latin music.
“The bottom line is that it’s doing extremely well for a different location and a recession,” says Trinkle. “Lunch and dinner are doing extremely well. Almost every day you can expect a good crowd.”
Eggs All Day
Last but certainly not least, is the food. The menu is largely the same as at Fork in the Alley with wood-fired gourmet pizzas, hamburgers, salads, sandwiches and specialty hot dogs with toppings like Tinnell’s pimento cheese. Entrées at both locations are referred to as “fork fare” and include pasta, seafood and chicken options. The two eateries differ in that Fork in the City offers more seafood and breakfast that’s available all day.
On my first visit to the City Fork, I tried a wood-fired gourmet pizza, the Bolzano just to make sure that they knew how to make it right at the new location. Fortunately, the sauce, quality mozzarella, fresh garlic, kalamata olives, and mushrooms were all there and as fresh and delicious as I had hoped.
Trinkle credits manager of both Forks, Dan Brown, with the smooth opening, food that matches the quality of the other Fork and good service.
Having experienced the quick and attentive service at my first meal, I did a grab and run for the next one. As a fan of breakfast foods for dinner I ordered the huevos rancheros to go. As I waited to pay at the bar, a friendly nearby stool dweller informed me that his wife’s best friend loved the huevos rancheros. I can agree with her assessment. Two flour tortillas are completely jammed with poblano peppers and spicy black beans, topped with queso blanco and two fried eggs. Thank goodness they serve it with sour cream to cool it down, and the homemade guacamole on the side is a treat.
When you go
Fork in the City
551 Marshall Ave
Roanoke, VA 24015
540-345-FORK
Mon – Thu: 8am – 9pm,
bar ‘til 1am
Fri – Sat: 8am – 10pm,
bar ‘til 2am
Sun: 11am – 9pm,
bar ‘til 12pm
Meal prices range from $3.95 for a Rail Dog, which includes a side, to $17.95 for a large gourmet pizza.