Comments on: In search of…a place to eat

By: Sally

Sally — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:55:18 +0000

Hey folks–been there. ..done it and even sold T-shirts. I am sorry that the Cafe is not still in the mix, because we did offer a diversity from other offerings. That being said, I wish Dogtown well, and I agree that there is a need for a “hang-out” space with food and drink. I also agree, having enjoyed Michael’s food for many years, that he has a reputation, and will do well. Natasha will be offering an entirely different experience. And Oddfellas is a great place for food and music.
The question remains, however: What and how much can be supported? I hope there is adequate local support, and that there is enough variety and appeal for folks like Ron and Anne continue to make the trip–and spread the word. Good luck to all!

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:12:09 +0000

I agree with you, again, regarding G-town, Philly, NJ and NYC. I would like to include Portland, OR, which is, in opinion, the foodie capital of the U.S.

By: Ron Dees

Ron Dees — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:40:06 +0000

You left out Georgetown, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Manhattan. Brooklyn? Brooklyn might be a challenge, (-;

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:53:33 +0000

Ron….I agree, and Mickey G’s can hold its own when compared with the best restaurants in Bethesda’s restaurant mecca and Baltimore’s Little Italy.

By: Ron Dees

Ron Dees — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:59:04 +0000

Oh…and one other thing. Calling Mickey’s the best restaurant in a town with a population of 429 is like saying to someone, “You don’t sweat much for a fat chick.” Mickey’s is one of the best restaurants in SW Virginia.

By: Ron Dees

Ron Dees — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:49:50 +0000

I certainly hope all you folks are right. And I hope you remember in January and February after you’ve knocked back a few at Dogtown, and it comes time to eat, to get in your car and have your designated driver take you to Mickey’s. A half-dozen lost sales here, and half-dozen lost sales there Monday – Thursday night means the difference between keeping the doors open or not. The economics of running a restaurant doesn’t rely on good intentions.

By: john mish

john mish — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:57:52 +0000

I have worked with Michael Gucciardo at the Pine Tavern, I have been involved in the “growing” of floyd for many years working/volunteering at many establishments. If Michael is the chef you say he is…if Mickey G’s is a jewel (and I agree wholeheartedly on both statements) then I think he need not worry. Michael has loyal fans from all over S.W. Virginia as well as Floyd and he is now, in my opinion…the best restaurant in town. So breathe a sigh of relief…I predict he’ll be fine and Dogtown will be no competition.

By: Will Norton

Will Norton — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:23:14 +0000

I think Mickey G’s will do fine. He isn’t leasing a huge space, his restaurant is almost always full at this point (the lowest of the tourism season), and the food is REALLY good. I don’t know how many restaurants Floyd can support. Many are open for only the busy part of the week (Oddfella’s, The Pine Tavern, the Chateau Morisette). Having eaten the pizza at both Dogtown (from the truck they operate) and Mickey G.’s I would say they are both very good, but not similar at all. Dogtown has a more California style pizza. It sounds like they are looking to be more like a place to hang out, listen to music, have a beer (or not), AND eat. I think a place like that has a chance to do well in Floyd. The space over the Harvest Moon should also be opening soon with another well known local chef at the helm. I doubt there is enough business for all the restuarants in Floyd to stay open, but that is the nature of the free enterprise system. I don’t eat out often, but it is nice to not leave town and get some of the best food in the NRV.

By: Lauren Yoder

Lauren Yoder — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:22:51 +0000

I agree with Rio, competition can be a good thing. There is nothing wrong with having several quality restaurants in Floyd. I try to buy locally as much as I can, this just gives me one more reason to do so. I look forward to visiting both restaurants this summer.

By: rio semione

rio semione — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:08:49 +0000

Hi Ron, I have lived in Floyd 32 years. I have worked with Michael Gucciardo at the Pine Tavern, I have been involved in the “growing” of floyd for many years working/volunteering at many establishments. If Michael is the chef you say he is…if Mickey G’s is a jewel (and I agree wholeheartedly on both statements) then I think he need not worry. Michael has loyal fans from all over S.W. Virginia as well as Floyd and he is now, in my opinion…the best restaurant in town. So breathe a sigh of relief…I predict he’ll be fine and Dogtown will be no competition.

We may be small in size but we pack a big punch. There are now several art galleries where for many years there was one. I think the music offerings this year are gonna raise the bar….gift shops, restaurants….I hope everyone in Floyd can practice “friendly competition” and be supportive and kind to each other. The theory we’ve all been striving toward says – the more Floyd has to offer, the more people will come and visit us. I really hope it holds water.