The Market Mixer at Capitol Market in Charleston, West Virginia, is an annual fundraising event that brings together community members, local businesses, and market vendors for an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, prepared by Carver Culinary students, while sampling products and interacting with vendors who showcase what makes the market special. Live music and a festive atmosphere create a lively backdrop for mingling, and proceeds from the event directly support Capitol Market’s mission to uplift farmers, small businesses, and the broader community. More than just a fundraiser, the Market Mixer is a celebration of local culture and a chance for neighbors to connect while sustaining one of Charleston’s most cherished nonprofit spaces. Here are those delicious bites. - Chilled Cauliflower Soup with Beet Yogurt, Sage Crumble

- Carrot-Ginger Tartlets with Green Goddess Hummus

- Whipped Ricotta & Roasted Grape Crostini

- Savory Mushroom Onion Cheese Rolls

- Cajun Shrimp on Sweet Potato Blini, Scallion Crema

- Apple Butter Mustard Sausage & Cornbread Waffles

- Braised Beef with Chimichurri Brussels Sprout Slaw

- Grilled Octopus and White Bean Crostini

- Apple Pie Cream Puffs

- Cranberry Chai Tiramisu Cups

The Hitching Post Steakhouse & Saloon is a rustic dining destination nestled in the heart of Kingwood, West Virginia, within The Appalachian Hotel. Opened around three years ago, it was established by Beth Peddicord and her son Hunter, fulfilling a vision to provide the local community with a quality dining experience Upon entering, guests are greeted by Amish-built furniture and wagon wheel chandeliers, which evoke the spirit of the Old West. A warm, crackling fireplace adds to the cozy ambiance, making it an inviting spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring prime aged beef, fresh seafood, and unique dishes like elk medallions with blackberry red wine sauce. Popular items include jumbo lump crab cakes and a variety of steaks. The salad was crisp and well-dressed, the French dressing adding a classic tang that complemented the fresh greens perfectly. The steak was cooked to the right temperature and had a rich, savory flavor, but the crab topping fell flat, tasting slightly off and detracting from an otherwise solid dish. Overall, the meal was enjoyable for the steak and salad, though the seafood component was disappointing.

Grade: B

Plaza Maya II, located at the end of Kanawha City, is the second branch of the popular Plaza Maya restaurant, which is on the other side of town.



Known for its authentic Mexican food, the restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, with favorites like tamale-stuffed chile relleno and chicken soup, alongside complimentary homemade chips and salsa. The chips were crisp and the salsa fresh with a mild kick.



My main dish was "SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA - One flour tortilla filled with crab meat and shrimp cooked with vegetables and covered with melted cheese. Served with rice." The seafood chimichanga was satisfying, with tender crab and shrimp tucked into a soft tortilla, balanced by gooey melted cheese and a side of fluffy, spiced rice.



Grade: B

Known for its train-themed décor and casual, hometown vibe, the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill in Buckhannon serves up classic bar and grill fare like juicy burgers, wings, BBQ, pulled pork, and hearty sandwiches. The spot doubles as a bar, offering drink specials and occasionally live music. It has even earned recognition in Upshur County as “Best Bar & Grill, Wings & BBQ." I ordered buffalo chicken wonton nachos with drizzle of ranch & buffalo sauce. This ginormous portion was delicious, even aa the bottom chips began to get soggy. The "railyard stacks" were a bit messy to look at but undoubtedly divine. Five fried green tomatoes loaded with bacon, pimento cheese, ranch & sweet sauce drizzle. A bit of a struggle to eat, but worth it. Grade: B

Boba Tea & TCG in Oak Hill is a unique shop that combines bubble tea with trading card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Disney Lorcana. Bright displays of trading cards and collectibles set the tone for the big, open gathering space. Walking past all of this, I approached the Boba counter and perused the menu of fruity and milky tea options, plus tapioca or popping boba. The West Virginia Sunset is a blend of lemonade and sweet tea with peach and lemon popping boba. I do not enjoy sweet tea, but my boba-rista said that she doesn't either, but enjoys this drink when it's heavier on the lemonade side. So, she made mine how she likes hers. And it was delightful. Sweet, a little tart, and all delicious. I took it uo go, but if the setting was a bit more cozy, I would have enjoyed it there. Grade: B