Weekend Plate: Downtown Days

Americans love to eat out. The difference between just eating, and a dining experience is the venue. When I go out to eat with my boyfriend we hands down, always choose to visit a locally owned restaurant located in the downtown district of our University. If you’re ever in Harrisonburg (you may have a better chance of wining the lottery, but just in case), here are my three favorite spots.

Clementine
http://www.clementinecafe.com/ 
The epitome of the downtown art scene, the front windows hold displays created by University art and design students. The exterior is painted in a rich plum with (what else) clementine trim. The food has a California flair, often served with crème fraiche and avocado. Best item? Fried goat cheese salad with a side of (salivating already) foccocia and kalamata olives.


Beyond
http://www.restaurantbeyond.com/ 
I actually ate here last night to celebrate the last day of finals of my junior year. The sushi here is made fresh to order with several specials. I ordered the ‘White Knight’ roll: crab, asparagus, and cream cheese while the boyfriend ordered ‘The Volcano’. While the volcano sounds ominous, the spice of the Siracha was not overpowering…and this is coming from someone who wants to cry when they eat mild grocery store salsa.

Smoking Pig
      I think there’s actual proof that the more dilapidated the ‘building’ that houses the BBQ, the better the BBQ. Smoking Pig may be the sole reason for my consistent position as an omnivore, rather than a vegetarian. What I always order: Chicken BBQ w/ South West sauce and a side of fried pickles. You heard me. Fried. Pickles. I promise I eat them in moderation and am aware of the effects on consumption of fried food on the body. Sorry, but they are delicious.