The 11th Annual Mac & Cheese Cookoff was held on Saturday, Nov. 1. Proceeds benefit the Laurance Jones, III Childhood Language Center and help provide free speech and language therapy to West Virginia children. I was honored to once again serve as a judge and evaluate 24 different macaroni & cheeses -- my all-time favorite food! Here are all the delicious samples I was able to enjoy: Nellita's Cocina - "Spicy CadensMacAnada" Stephen Fernandez - "Black Garlic Mac & Cheese" Cafe Appalachia - "Recovery Mac" Edgewood Summit - "Cajun Shrimp and Mac" Bobby Spry - The Golden Graters - "Shady Pines Cheddar Bake" Sam's Uptown Cafe Smokin' With Perfection - "Smoked Mac & Cheese" Trojan Landing - Boat Bites - "Heather's Homestyle Mac" Girl Scout Troop 4847 - "Trefoil Bacon Mac N Cheese" Brandi Pooh - Peanut-free Larry Summey - "Southwest Mac & Cheese" Rainbow Pride of West Virginia - "Rainbow Cheesy Mac" The Ruffner - "The Spice is Right Mac and Cheese" - topped with Flamin' Hot Cheetos Coco's Dutch Miller Subaru- "Mo' Cheese Mo' Problems" Go-Title Hope for All in Memory of Kirsten and Kalen - "Recovery Mac" Chick-fil-A Charleston Town Center - "Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese" Recovery Point - "Recovery Gold" Cherian Burkhardt Charleston Dirty Birds Charleston Tennis Club - "7 Cheese Surf & Turf Truffle Parmesan Crusted Mac & Cheese" Tondrea Davis-Powell - "Liquid Gold, Babyback Mac Chuck & Cheese and Fowl Fredo" Bogey's - "Mac N Cheese"

WINNERS:

Judges Choice
First Place: The Ruffner
Second Place: Charleston Tennis Club
Third Place: Cherian Burkhardt

People's Choice
First Place: Coco's
Second Place: Cherian Burkhardt
Third Place: The Ruffner

Kid's Choice
First Place: Bogey's
Second Place: Coco's
Third Place: Tondrea Davis-Powell

Elender’s in Thomas, West Virginia, was a distinctive restaurant located along the Appalachian Highway that specialized in “global street food” — blending Appalachian comfort with international flavors. I'm thankful I was able to check it out before its recent closure. Known for its creative menu featuring everything from fusion-style dishes to hearty burgers, the restaurant has earned a reputation for bringing some flair to the mountain town’s dining scene. The space offered a full bar, outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for both locals and travelers exploring Tucker County. I ordered the bibimbap - Korean marinated steak over mushroom fried rice, topped with house kimchi, toasted sesame seared vegetables, slivered almonds, soft boiled egg and gochujang mayonnaise. The bibimbop had a nice mix of textures and plenty of flavor from the marinated steak and gochujang mayonnaise. The mushrooms and kimchi gave it a rich, earthy tang, and the vegetables added freshness and crunch. Overall, it was well-made, though a touch of sweetness would have helped balance the salt and spice. Grade: B

Otter Café, located upstairs inside Otter & Oak at 302 Second Avenue in downtown Hinton, West Virginia, is a cozy spot that pairs perfectly with the boutique outdoor and lifestyle shop below. Its warm, inviting space overlooks the historic streets of Hinton, offering a comfortable place for locals and visitors to relax with a drink after shopping or exploring the nearby New River Gorge area. The café serves a full range of coffee and tea drinks, including lattes, cold brew, frappes, smoothies, and seasonal specialties like flavored mochas and loaded teas. Their hand-picked selection of individual milk and dark chocolates, each with an assorted filling, adds a decadent touch to the menu. Sugar-free options are also available for those who prefer them. The café lists these treats separately (priced from about $1.49 to $4.99). I enjoyed a large peanut butter cup, which is like an artisanal Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. And for a drink, I went with a sea salt caramel toffee frappe. that is like all of my favorite flavors all in one syrup. Both of these were simple, but lovely. I think what sets this place apart is the ambience and space. Where else can you perch above a local business full of unique goods while enjoying a sweet treat? Not many, that's for sure. Plus, Hinton is a cute town with even more to explore after finishing up at this shop. Have you been? Grade: B

Cliffside Restaurant & Carryout in Man, West Virginia, is a simple diner, convenience store and video lottery spot located along State Highway 10.



The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with ample parking that accommodates larger vehicles and trailers—making it especially popular among visitors heading to nearby outdoor areas.



The menu features items like burgers, hoagies, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches.



I ordered a cheeseburger and picked up a candy bar I had never seen before while waiting.



The cheeseburger served on toast is simple, with the crisp edges of the bread adding a nostalgic diner-style crunch. The beef patty is thin, creating that classic melt-together bite. While it lacks the fluffiness of a traditional bun and a healthy dose of seasoning, the burger was straightforward and filling enough.



Grade: C