Sidecar: A New Eatery in Roanoke, VA!
Walking into Sidecar for the first time feels a bit like a Bistro and Sports Bar had a baby. The entrance is formal, yet welcoming and exudes a vibe of sophistication, but once you travel further into the restaurant the televisions behind the bar become apparent. Initially, I thought visiting on Halloween night, no less, might have been a mistake, but the festive atmosphere and friendly staff quickly waylaid any fears I had.
Then, the Cocktails arrived…
The Crown Jewel Cocktail at Sidecar in Roanoke, VA.
The Aperol Spritz was refreshing with just a hint of bitterness, and the Sidecar was warm and delicious. But the clear winner on this evening was the Crown Jewel. A fragrant and delightful mixture of empress indigo gin, lemongrass-thyme simple syrup, egg white (for frothiness), sparkling grapefruit, and lemon, the Crown Jewel is not only one of the prettiest cocktails I’ve ever tried, but also refreshing and citrusy without being too sweet.
And, the Food…
The Steak Frites with Salad Verte at Sidecar in Roanoke, VA.
To start we ordered the Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Nueske’s Bacon, and they were quite delicious. Well roasted with a light char, and the smokiness of the bacon complemented this vegetable dish well. For dinner we enjoyed the Steak Frites (hangers steak and Belgian style fries) served with a green salad. The steak was cooked perfectly to our specifications of medium-rare and had a good flavor. We also tried the Poutine with braised rabbit, bacon, gravy, and cheddar curds. Yet the best part of the meal was undoubtedly the Beer Cheese Sauce we ordered to accompany the Fries. The Beer Cheese was rich, creamy, salty (but not too salty), and really allowed the flavor of the beer to shine through. The perfect accompaniment to the Belgian style frites (or fries). It would absolutely worth a visit to Sidecar just for a Basket of Fries and the Beer Cheese sauce.
Then, the Dessert…
The Pumpkin Creme Brulee with Toasted Marshmallow and Graham Cracker Crumbles.
To complete the meal, I ordered the Pumpkin Crème Brulee with Toasted Marshmallow and a graham cracker crumble. This was maybe the best dessert I have ever eaten, (or at-least tied with Orange Vanilla Baked Alaska from the Grand Tier Restaurant in New York City). At first, I was a bit worried that the marshmallow would be a bit too much and would make the dessert too sweet. Boy was I wrong. The pumpkin base for this version of a crème brulee was light and airy with a warm spice flavor. It was far more about the light creamy texture and warmth of flavors than it was about being sweet. In contrast, the toasted marshmallow simply enhanced the dessert with its fire toasted presence and golden brown caramel-like goodness. While seasonal, this dessert is definitely worth the trip.
Overall, the meal at Sidecar was a truly delicious experience, and the solid atmosphere and extra friendly staff definitely make this place a win.
Sidecar
411 1st Street, SW
Roanoke, VA 24011
Phone: 540-566-3709
Website: https://www.sidecarva.com/
Reservations: Sidecar takes Reservations online via www.resy.com