The Roanoker NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 I VOLUME XLIV NUMBER 11/12 82 DEPARTMENTS 8 Worth a Click 10 From the Editor 14 Lunch With 16 Streets of Roanoke 18 The Gist 22 #RoanokeLove 24 Events Calendar 114 Then & Now ON THE COVER John Park photographed this 96 FEATURES 108 34 102 Our readers weigh in on the best places, meals and more. What does "best friends" really mean? These pairs embody the answer. 2018 Roanoker Dining Awards BFF: The Real Thing Compiled by Liz Long and Jeff Wood by Dan Smith 76 108 Dining: Wall Street Tavern The "upscaled bar food" offerings are enhanced by a welcoming atmosphere. by Shari Dragovich 80 Little Town Comeback: Clifton Forge's Masonic Theatre The venerable showplace has come back from near-oblivion to become a destination. by Joan Vannorsdall Food Writing in The Roanoker Our dining writer reflects on her hopes and goals in covering the regional restaurant scene. by Shari Dragovich 82 Inside a Baker's Kitchen Lisa Link set out with a goal of convenience and a place for everything. by Liz Long Special Sections: Top Doctors Event Here's a look at the magazine's first-ever gathering of physicians recognized by nurses in our July/August issue. Page 29. Restaurant Profiles These establishments present great reasons for your visit. Page 66. Virginia Craft Spirits Showcase 96 Fun and education came together at our second annual event. Page 74. The Roanoke region was undergoing changes 100 years ago. Holiday Gift Guide those for Wall Street, and page 76 for Shari Dragovich's review by Nelson Harris pretty dish at Wall Street Tavern. See page 34 for the 2018 Dining Awards, including Roanoke 1917: Echoes of Today? Great local ideas for everyone on your list, and maybe you, too. Page 92. of the restaurant. 4 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 THEROANOKER.COM PG. 82 IMAGE: JULIANNE RAINONE, PG. 96 IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE VIRGINIA ROOM, ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, PG. 108 IMAGE: CHUCK ALMAREZ 34http://www.THEROANOKER.COM