First & Sixth Restaurant

First & Sixth is a relatively new restaurant to Downtown Roanoke. It is located in the building that used to be the Patrick Henry Hotel but has now been renovated and turned into apartments and condominiums. The restaurant features a dining room, space for private functions, and the Penny Deux Lounge, which is one of the nicer bars in the Roanoke area. For those familiar with the Roanoke Valley dining scene, First & Sixth is owned by the same folks who own Table 50, another popular restaurant in Downtown Roanoke. The atmosphere of the restaurant is elegant without being too formal. I’d describe it as a “business casual” type of setting. When we were there for dinner, there appeared to be quite a few couples celebrating special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. There was also a couple on what looked to be a first date. God bless them and their awkward conversation we enjoyed overhearing. The menu presented a number of intriguing options. When a restaurant is serving dishes like Dr. Pepper Glazed Tenderloin, Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits, Grilled Mahi Mahi over coconut rice, Blackened Catfish, and Lobster Pot Pie, it makes it very difficult to decide on an entree. In the mood for seafood and intrigued by the potential twist, I ordered the Corn-Liquor BBQ Glazed Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Succotash. The fish was cooked near perfection and was tender and flaky. The BBQ glaze on the salmon provided a good flavor, and I assume the sweetness in the BBQ glaze was from the “corn-liquor.” If not, I’m not sure what the “corn-liquor” did for the dish. I wish they’d just come right out and call it “Moonshine Glazed Salmon” even though moonshine is still “technically” illegal in these parts. The sides of mashed potatoes and succotash were also very good, although a bit of a strange pairing with the salmon. I enjoyed everything on the plate, but with so many other appetizing options on the menu, I don’t think I’d order it again.
Apr 22nd, 2013

Excellent!!
Nov 6th, 2012