Rocky Mount BBQ- going strong since 1953

 

On a slightly overcast day in February (hence the outside picture), I went to the Rocky Mount BBQ to try this Newport News landmark. When I walked in the decor was clean, but a little dated (very 1990's arts and craft/country style, not awesome mid-century). I found my server very helpful, and she gave a free sample of their famous BBQ.  It was so delicious that I ate it before I had a chance to take a picture of the meal.  If you're looking for a good BBQ in Newport News, I'd recommend this place.

Be sure to check out their website for their menu and pricing information below.

Rocky Mount BBQ

10113 Jefferson Ave.

Newport News, VA 23605

(757) 596-0243

Hours:

Monday-Saturday 11am-8:30pm

Sunday- Closed

Website:

http://rockymountbbq.com/index.html

Coffey's Lock Shop -- old school store with knowledgable staff

Mendel Coffey didn't realize in 1958 when he opened his shop on 25th street in downtown Newport News that he was creating a local institution.  In 1959, he opened a second location in the Center Avenue Shopping Center, now its only location, on the corner of Warwick Blvd and Center Avenue.  Recently, I purchased a 1963 Mercury Comet which was missing a door key, and asked around for the best locksmith in the area to have one made.... Seven people recommended Coffey's.  The first thing I noticed when I can into the door was the amount of vintage keys they have in stock.  I even found original keys for the Comet.  I was so excited!  The service was a little slow, however the price was reasonable... $18 to have a key made for my door and $6 a the vintage Mercury blank.  I must agree that Coffey's is probably the best locksmith shop around!

Coffey's Lock Shop
9519 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-2411

Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM

The Blue Star Diner -- mid-century style awaiting resurrection

Picture courtesy of David Spriggs

According to the research compiled by the alumni of Newport News High School, The Blue Star Diner was built as a prefabricated diner in New Jersey in 1958 by Manno Dining Car Company.  It opened in 1961 in Woodstock, VA by Angelo and Fannie Blentson, then it moved to Newport News in 1963.  It was used as a set in the 1987 movie "Zelly and Me" and featured in 1996's "Blue Plate Special: The American Diner Cookbook."  The Blentson's owned the Blue Star for 46 years and the building was closed in December of 2005 after a small fire.  In 2007, the restaurant reopened under new management, but closed in January 2010.  The next month, the Daily Press reported that the restaurant was under contract to be purchased by Belleville Diners from Dulles, VA.  Reportedly, this group was interested in restoring the diner to it's '1950s' glory and planned to reopen the Blue Star within 6 months. 

Fast forward to 2012...  The Blue Star building is slowly decaying, with no signs of work being done.  When I attempted to contact Belleville Diners for the sake of this article, I could find no way to reach them.  Their website contains no information about their organization, nor does it mention any plans for the crumbling diner.  I also tried calling the number listed for them online three times and there was no answer.  It is my concern that the diner will continue to deteriorate as no plan of action for its preservation appears to be taking place.  It would be a great loss to the area if this building were allowed to fade into oblivion.

Monty's Penguin -- Waddle up for an amazing milkshake!

Monty's Restaurant opened it's doors on the corner of 44th and Virginia Avenue (now Warwick Boulevard) in Downtown Newport News in 1946, according to my waitress on a recent visit.  It was among the first "Curb Service" car hops in the area.  It has moved twice.  In 1963, it moved to an uptown location, where it was renamed Monty's Penguin.  The penguin comes from an ice cream parlor of the same name that merged with Monty's around that time.  In 1974, it moved to it's current location of 9607 Warwick Boulevard. While they no longer do curb service, Monty's is open for the general public to come on in for a good meal.

I had the honor of visiting Monty's recently and the old restaurant shows it's age, but the traditional style food is as good as ever.   I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, tea, and pineapple milkshake for dessert for about $13.  The sandwich was good, but the milkshake was out of this world!  My only complaint is that I felt the cost was a little high for what I received.  I would definitely go back though!

Monty's Penguin
9607 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-2151

Hours: 
Sunday- Saturday 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Special thanks to:
http://roadsidearchitecture.com/
http://nnhs65.com/

Ella Fitzgerald- "The First Lady of Song"

Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News to William Fitzgerald and Tempe Williams.  According to a 9/11/94 Daily Press Article, they lived at 2050 Madison Ave.  While Ella and her parents appear in the 1920 Census in Newport News, Jazz.com states that within the year her parents separated and she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York.  Ella's mother died in 1932 and she ran away to New York City and began singing in Harlem to pay to support herself.  It was there that she was discovered and began recording albums in 1935.  Fitzgerald's popularity grew quickly.  From 1936-1969, she had 63 hits on the U.S. charts and during her lifetime, earned 13 Grammy awards and sold 40 million albums.  Ella made many songs jazz standards; retiring from performing in 1993 and died on June 15, 1996. 

Ella's smooth voice is unmatched by any of her peers.  I feel honored to know that she spent some of her formative years here in Hampton Roads. Here she is singing one of my personal favorite jazz songs, "Cry Me a River."

If you'd like to read more about Ella Fitzgerald, I recommend looking at her website: http://www.ellafitzgerald.com/