Feeling hungry? As The Roanoke Times' food columnist, I recommend you hit one of these distinctly Roanoke hot spots within walking distance of the Taubman Museum to fill your belly. And check out my blog, Fridge Magnet, at blogs.roanoke.com/fridgemagnet to get the latest scoop on local dining.

Roanoke City Market Building: Our city's version of a food court without the corporate branding. Vendors sell Chinese, Japanese, Greek and Cuban fare, as well as barbecue, pizza, subs, burgers, pasta and sweets. The best part? It's right across the street from the Taubman Museum. | Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except Fridays, when it closes at 7 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Metro: With the addition of the Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke is getting kinda "big city." Continue that feeling at this Campbell Avenue restaurant, which serves imaginative American cuisine, sushi and noodle dishes and fabulous cocktails. | www.metroroanoke.com; (540) 345-6645

The Texas Tavern: This little hot dog and hamburger stand on Church Avenue is a Roanoke mainstay. The staff is funny, the service is fast, the price is right (bring cash!) and the recipes are almost 80 years old. See, it isn't just the art that's well-aged! | Open 24 hours a day. www.texastavern-inc.com; (540) 342-4825

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea: The beans are roasted on-site in this locally owned coffee shop on Campbell Avenue, where you can hover over a never-ending mug and a piece of cheesecake. | www.millmountaincoffee.com; (540) 342-9404

Alejandro's: Spice up your life with the serve-yourself salsa bar in this little taqueria , which is acquiring a reputation for its well-seasoned fish tacos, wide range of burrito fillings and icy cold draft beer. Also located on Campbell Avenue. | (540) 400-7053

Roanoke Farmers Market: Create your own edible still life by stocking up on juicy peaches, fresh tomatoes and other farm fare at Roanoke's best local food source. Whether you're looking for a piece of fresh fruit or planning tomorrow's dinner, this is the place to be. | www.downtownroanoke.org/.

— Lindsey Nair