Cheri's Sugar Shack was a pop-up bakery shop at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
Cheri moved onto a new role recently, so it's unclear what that means for the sugar shack.
But while it was here, it was wonderful.
You could get pepperoni rolls, cakes, pastries and even quick lunches - like potato soup and a hunk of bread.
One of my favorites was a white cheddar & thyme scone.
A slice of cookies & cream cake was a like an Oreo, but even better.
The hours and parking were a bit limiting, but most of the food I tried was worth it.
Did you get a chance to go?
Grade: B
I found a hidden gem in Frankford, West Virginia. This small community in Greenbrier County is home to Good Roads Bakehouse.
They are a small-batch country bakery and trade post with everything from cookies and pastries to breads and brownies.
And they must be doing something right because they were named to Taste of the South Magazine's 2022 Taste 50 list.
When I made my way here and found a parking spot in the gravel lot, I went inside to find a long line had already beat me there.
But, that gave me more time to peruse the offerings. I pointed to everything that caught my eye - a quiche, a brownie, a pastry - you get the idea.
One bite, and I could see why everyone is clamoring to this place. They have classics, but they're done well. Fresh and flavorful.
They even have pizza and pepperoni rolls, the latter of which are pretty tasty, though I haven't had a chance to try the former.
They even had a unique version of a pepperoni roll - a brisket kolache - that was quite good. Same concept with meat baked into a soft roll - but a new spin (at least for this area).
Grade: A
Whenever Morgantown hosts its Moonlight Markets, I try to attend because they have lots of small producers and makers. Here is who I was able to support on my last visit.
Hinerman Hill Farm - Hobby farm, farm vlog, small agribusiness, egg and poultry production, rabbit production.
Homestead Cookies - custom sugar cookies from a self-taught baker.
Mon Valley Mushrooms - a two-person indoor mushroom farm located in Morgantown, WV. We offer a variety of organically grown gourmet and medicinal mushrooms products including fresh, dried, powdered, tinctured mushrooms, and grow-at-home mushroom kits.
Sow Good Market - These little mothman candies were a highlight. They even have Big Foot onnes, too. Plus plenty of sauces, jellies and other goodies.
And plenty more!
But these were the ones new to me.
Have you been?
Who have you discovered?
The Grand Hotel has a number of dining options, but the crown jewel must be the timeless Main Dining Room.
I was here for the "Grand Luncheon Experience" - The legendary Grand Luncheon Experience is a one-of-a-kind Grand Hotel experience. Offerings include fresh salads, composed salads, fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, and assorted smoked fish, assorted and domestic cheeses and fruits, a variety of hot items and a carvery station. No Grand Luncheon is complete without a lavish and bountiful dessert display. Beverages that are included are coffee, tea, and lemonade.
There were a number of food stations with so many options - from breads and pastries to cheeses to meats. Here's a sampling of some items:
Watermelon & balsamic skewers, artichoke & prosciuttio wraps and deviled eggs.
Melon skewers, crostinis and dried fruits.
Soft & hard cheeses with house fried crackers, spiced nuts, preserves and pepper jelly.
Shrimp cocktail.
Meat platter with roast beef, turkey, salami, and more.
Roasted veggies, salads, pastas.
Plus, so so much more. Truly, I am sure I missed so much. But I still filled up three small plates of eveything I wanted.
Now, it isn't cheap. And generall,y I'd avoid spending more than $50 for a buffet. But at $70, this felt like a steal with all the options.
And the quality was wonderful. Nothing seemed off-temperature or old.
Have you been?
Grade: A
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