The Roanoker - November/December 2019 - 8

Topics That Bring Everyone Together
Food is a global conversation, and one I'm excited to discuss with anyone who
will listen (especially dessert).

N

O ONE WAS MORE SURPRISED than
I was to realize that we're yet again at the
end of another year. When you work on a
bimonthly publication, it's hard to imagine sipping
hot chocolate by a fireplace when it's actually 85
degrees outside. Then again, there's something to be
said about dreaming of snow and twinkling lights,
knowing that it's right around the corner. And, as
usual, there's always one holiday staple that can apply
across all the seasons: great food!
It's no secret that food is one of my favorite things
to talk about (I'd say I'm sorry, but I am so not). Many
of my closest friends are in food-related industries,
from chefs and bartenders to servers and enthusiasts.
Food is one of those few things in the world that can
bring everyone together-no matter your background,
lifestyle or beliefs, we can all appreciate a good meal.
Whether you seek sustenance or an experience, food
brings us together in unique ways. I love the Dining
Awards poll, because readers share their favorite
spots and trends (and I thank you, as always, for new
recommendations!).
In this issue, we highlight great local restaurants
and, thanks to local food evangelists (a term coined
by photographer friend John Park, and one I've used
ever since, rather than "foodie"), we showcase a few
hidden gems (page 82), as well as ways to make the
most out of your dining experience (page 85).

Of course, the holidays are another topic that bring
us together. Our feel-good stories, like one Roanoker's
mission to give disabled children toys that look like
them (page 94) and Christina Nifong's personal essay
of the family search for the best tree (page 96), will
make you feel warm and cozy in no time (no hot
chocolate required).
I'm the family member who travels during the
holidays, which I'm actually grateful for, as hosting
duties often add a lot of responsibilities to an already
busy time. If you're the lucky host this year (or every
year), we've got a few suggestions for easing your stress
while keeping guests happy (page 106). Plus, update
your holiday home decor with our four easy tips that
will last long after that tree comes down (page 110).
By the way, if you've still got a few names on your
Christmas shopping list and no elves to help, don't
miss our local gift guide, where you'll find something
for everyone (page 88).
I hope you have a wonderful holiday with family
and friends. See you in 2020!

TELL US ABOUT...

your 2020 resolutions!
Maybe it's recycling
more, a new hobby
or stepping away
from the phone on
the weekends-what
are your goals for the
new year? Share your
thoughts on our social
media pages!

WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM YOU

Questions, comments
or feedback about
The Roanoker?
E-mail llong@
leisuremedia360.com

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THE ROANOKER
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Cheers!

llong@leisuremedia360.com

MEET THE

WHAT OUR READERS

ARE SAYING

About our
September/October
issue

Mason Adams

(@MasonAtoms
on Twitter) has
covered Blue Ridge
and Appalachian
communities since
2001. He writes from
Floyd County, Virginia.
Read Mason's piece
about the Falwell
v Flynn Trial's 35th
Anniversary on page
32.

8

Layla KhouryHanold

is a food, drink and
travel writer whose
work has appeared on
Saveur, Food Network
and Refinery29 and in
The Chicago Tribune,
among others. Follow
her on Instagram @
theglassofrose. Read
Layla's piece on
Hidden Gems on page
82 and Dining Well on
page 85.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

Christina Nifong

is a writer with a
decades-long career
profiling interesting
people, places and
ideas. She's also a
committed locavore
and mother to three
kids, four chickens and
one very sweet kitty.
Find more of her work
at christinanifong.
com. Read Christina's
Christmas essay on
page 96.

Jennifer Riales

is a Roanoke-based
freelance writer
and blogger. She
and her husband,
both originating
from Memphis, TN,
enjoy visiting local
coffeehouses, going on
walks with their dog and
cuddling with their two
cats. Read Jennifer's
Gist pieces beginning on
page 14.

Dan Smith

is an award-winning
writer, author and
photographer and a
member of the Virginia
Communications
Hall of Fame. He is a
former Virginia Small
Business Journalist of
the Year. Read Dan's
Gist piece on page 18.

VIA EMAIL:
"We love your magazine. We
don't live there but I have
family in the area so it's
fun to see what's going on.
Thanks for a great magazine
highlighting an amazing area!
We love Black Dog Salvage,
too!"
-LINDA VANDEUSEN
VIA FACEBOOK:
"Mine arrived in SC last week.
Just another way to stay
connected to my awesome
HOMETOWN of Roanoke!"
-MELANIE STEINLE

The Homes Issue

SEPTEMBER/
OCTOBER 2019

TICKETS
ENTER TO WIN 42
SEE PAGE

STONE HOUSE
AT BLACKDOG SALVAGE

Plus

COLOR TRENDS
NATIVE PLANTS
DESIGNER Q&A
HOME RENOVATIONS

"The September/October
issue is awesome. A great
look back and forward."
-CARROL BRENNECKE
WOOD
VIA INSTAGRAM:
"Thank you to your whole
team for capturing the house
so beautifully!"
-BLACK DOG SALVAGE

TheRoanoker.com

LIZ LONG HEADSHOT: AMY PEARMAN

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The Roanoker - November/December 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - November/December 2019
