Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is a fast‑casual Asian‑inspired restaurant known that is part of a national chain focused on delivering Pan‑Asian flavors in a casual, quick‑service environment.
Founded in 2000 in Scottsdale, Arizona, Pei Wei was originally linked with P.F. Chang’s but has since operated independently and expanded across many U.S. states. The brand now has about 100–200 locations nationwide and continues growing, including airport sites -- like the one I visited in Las Vegas.
I ordered the firecracker chicken - lightly battered chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce and topped with scallions.
The chicken is crispy on the outside but still juicy, and the sauce hits with a nice kick of spice without being overwhelming. There’s a little sweetness in there too that balances the heat. Not too shabby.
Your Family Restaurant is a family-oriented diner in Kenna that features homestyle breakfast options, lunch specials and dinner plates.
The interior is simple with wooden chairs and tables filling the dining room and a some country decor.
I ordered a western omelette with ham, cheese, green peppers and tomatoes. I was surprised at the amount of filling inside. It made me realize how much I could actually like omelettes! But, there needed to be more cheese to pull it all together.
Grade: B
Last year, my friend Kayla and I decided to see Punxsutawney Phil for Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is celebrated each year on Feb. 2 and centers on a bit of weather folklore: if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter is said to last six more weeks; if it doesn’t, an early spring is predicted. The most famous celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where “Punxsutawney Phil” has been making his prediction since the late 1800s.
After a very cold and adventurous morning, we found ourselves at Lonnies Restaurant & Bakery.
Lonnie’s Restaurant & Bakery in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is a no-frills, hometown diner where the bakery side of the building is just as much a draw as the grill.
I grabbed an Italian hoagie from the grab and go cooler, as well as a variety of Groundhog Day themed sweets. I mean, when else can you enjoy a groundhog-shaped cookie?
The sweets were OK - a bit dry, but that may have been because we were there mid-day.
Grade: B
48 Donley is a modern American restaurant located in downtown Morgantown’s Wharf District, right along the rail trail and waterfront. Coincidentally, this is the same building I spent many years working in, so it was interesting to return to this space in a whole new way.
The interior has clean lines and contemporary finishes that are softened by lighting and natural textures. The result is an upscale vibe that still feels comfortable.
I enjoyed the Seabass - pan-seared seabass, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, balsamic tomato mint salad and beurre blanc. Each bite layered delicate, buttery fish with a luxurious, umami-rich creaminess from the truffle parmesan potatoes, lifted by the tangy-sweet balsamic tomatoes and fresh mint. The asparagus added a subtle char and crisp contrast.
Grade: A
Escobar’s is a stylish bar and restaurant located in downtown Morgantown that blends an elevated dining experience with a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Known for its craft cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and shareable small plates, Escobar’s is popular spot for late-night gatherings. I ordered a crab fondue with lump crab meat, cream cheese and sherry wine, which had a nice presentation. The crab fondue had a rich, comforting base, but the execution fell a tiny bit short. I wanted just a cleaner flavor of each of the ingredients.
Grade: B