Red Clay Restaurant

This restaurant is often the butt of jokes between myself and my girlfriend. If you need further clarification continue reading. If not, just dont bother going to Red Clay.

We went to Red Clay several months ago for an early dinner because it looked cool and it was close. At the time we were only visiting Roanoke, so we werent well versed on the restaurant situation in the city (the situation being that there is one restaurant in roanoke for every 25 people or something like that).

Anyway

The service was slow even though there was only one other party of 1 at the time. Also, the servers spent their idle time gossiping in the background. The portions were small which wouldnt have been a problem had they been a bit tastier, and i dont even remember what i got. all i know is that it sucked the big one.

 ...and i never got a lemon with my water.

A client recommended we have lunch here today, and what a place!  I'm told they opened about 6 months ago.  Named for the ample red soil found in these parts, the atmosphere and food quality at Red Clay are top drawer, and prices are extremely reasonable.  The small town of Rocky Mount is blessed to have such a quality dining option within its borders.  I was also very impressed with the renovation of this former bank.

I had shrimp scampi for lunch ($8) and iced tea ($1.75).  The pasta was fresh, the shrimp tender, and the scampi sauce had just the right punch of garlic.  I looked at the dinner menu and it looks good as well - nice variety of choices all reasonably priced.  The wine list features mostly Virginia wines - although our wine industry is good, I would like to see more options from California offered as well.  Visit their website and check out their lunch and dinner menus - they even include the prices.

My wife and I will venture the 20 minutes from Roanoke for dinner sometime soon and I will report back.