Ample options for the appetite / From family restaurants to franchises, it's a town where choices abound
March 24, 2006 (Louise Seals, Richmond Times Dispatch)
Small Ashland offers a big array of dining choices, from fast- food franchises to personality-laden local spots, from inexpensive meals to fine dining.
If you want a quick, familiar meal, choose one of the almost 20 franchise restaurants, ranging from Applebee's and Arby's to Waffle House and Wendy's.
But, oh, what you'll miss if you don't sample Ashland's own restaurants! Beware: Several close on Sunday and some on Monday, so call.
Here's a sampling of Ashland's nonfranchise restaurants starting from Interstate 95 and going west on England Street (state Route 54):
On the right in the Ashland Hanover Shopping Center are El Azteca and the Imperial Chinese Restaurant. Both are open seven days.
El Azteca is one of five family-owned Latin American restaurants bearing the name, said manager Hector Iniguez. (The other four are in Tidewater.) It's starting its sixth year in Ashland.
Next door is the Imperial Chinese Restaurant, in business more than 16 years, manager Eddy Chiu said. Most of its entrees are $6 to $9.
Barbecue lovers can get a fix seven days a week either at The Smokey Pig, a dark-wood two-story building a block south of England Street on Washington Highway, or The Virginia Barbeque Company, a white cottage at 600 England St.
The Smokey Pig, which opened in 1978, is known throughout the metro area.
The Virginia Barbeque Company has been in business six years, co- owner Sarah Hughes said. It seats only about a dozen people inside but has two picnic tables out front and two tables on the porch.
Across the highway from The Smokey Pig is Anna's Italian Grill. Monday through Thursday, Anna's features a dinner special of pasta, salad and bread for $7.25. Manager Nino Bolo said the restaurant also makes its own pizza.
Farther west in the heart of town, facing the railroad tracks, are five restaurants.
The Henry Clay Inn is the Georgian mansion behind the train station. Diners can enjoy chef F.J. Sabatini's creations on the front porch in warm weather if they make reservations, said Bernadine Rowlett, assistant manager. Brunch is served Wednesday- Sunday and dinner Friday and Saturday.
Homemades by Suzanne, 102 N. Railroad Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At 1:30 on a recent Saturday, several diners were disappointed to learn the chicken salad was gone. Owner Suzanne Wolstenholme said it's probably the most popular dish of the many her 25-year-old operation sells.
Next door is the Listening Room of Ashland Coffee & Tea, a center for entertainment and discussion. The main coffeeshop entrance is around the corner on England Street. You can order bagels, soup or sandwiches with your coffee, tea or soft drink - any morning.
Across England Street is The Ironhorse Restaurant, 100 S. Railroad Ave. General Manager David McNamara said diners may choose between upscale contemporary American cuisine in the dining room or a more casual style and less expensive menu in the Calvert Room and the bar.
Weekend entertainers, who start playing at 8 p.m., are positioned in the bar but can be heard throughout the restaurant. He recommends reservations.
Four doors away, The Club Car Ice Cream Dessert Bar & Restaurant features Virginia-made ice cream, floats, sodas, fondue, kids' menus and light fare. New owner Ann C. Palmore said the hot fudge, whipped cream, roast turkey and other foods are made or cooked right there.
Where to park
The Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center suggests these free off- street parking lots within a block of the railroad tracks:
-- behind Homemades by Suzanne, at 102 N. Railroad Ave.;
-- beside The Caboose on the west side of the tracks in the 100 block of South Railroad Avenue; and
-- behind the library on the east side of the tracks.
-- Contact Louise Seals at lseals@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649- 6301.
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO
MEMO: SPECIAL SECTION: EXPLORING ASHLAND
Credit: Times-Dispatch Staff Writer