"As a state, West Virginia has worn clear the paths of history, culture and natural beauty. Now, the state is blazing a new culinary trail with its Cellar to Table Dinner Series." My friend Beth and I traveled to Twin Falls to enjoy a cellar-to-table dinner. Chef Matt has been working with the state parks to create some stellar food. They also had some breads for purchase: Everything bagel, jalapeño cheddar, chocolate chip, French onion and pepperoni & cheese. "This exclusive event series will feature 11 dinners hosted at 11 state park restaurants, featuring local foods and products that celebrate West Virginia’s culinary traditions. Think of it as a farm-to-table dinner for the winter and spring that pays homage to the tradition of eating fresh food that’s been stored in our root cellars after the growing season." Starter
Bruschetta, Bacon Wrapped Brussels, Cowboy Caviar Soup
French Onion Gnocchi with Dipping Bread Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad Main Course
WV Rainbow Trout, Herb Baked Chicken, Roasted Red Potato Salad, Mixed Veggies Dessert
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, Blackberry Cobbler With Ice Cream

The Junior League of Charleston WV hosted its Second Annual Golden Horseshoe Trivia event on Thursday. Held at the WVSU Center, the event raises money for the nonprofit while offering guests a second chance at earning a Golden Horseshoe pin. Natalie Tennant - first female WVU Mountaineer Mascot, first female WV Secretary of State and first Kanawha County Commissioner - emceed the event, and while my team The Golden Girls placed sixth this year, I felt like I won with the food offerings. Brandi Gore is a chef with WVSU and prepared the evening's offerings, which included a huge cheese board display with brie, pepperjack, and cheeseballs covered in herbs and bacon. Peppers, crostini, grapes, blueberries, crackers, cornbread, salami and more. There were a number of other delicious bites -- my favorite being the cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates. The mini stuffed potato bites were also delish. Also available were pigs-in-a-blanket and these pepperoni "roses." That's a unique, pretty take on a pepperoni roll. There were also a couple dessert options. Peach cobbler, applesauce pie, and pecan tarts. Did you get to try any of these treats?

Tapatío Grill & Cantina is a Mexican restaurant in Elkview that opened in 2024. It is a family-owned spot inspired by the flavors of Jalisco, Mexico, and run by a husband-and-wife team with decades of restaurant experience. Atmosphere-wise, it’s casual and welcoming, with a cantina-style vibe, friendly service and generous portions. Of course, you can enjoy a sit-down meal, buy I chose takeout because I was on the go. I started with corn riblets, which is corn on the cob, cut into rib-like strips, cooked until slightly crispy and curled, and eaten like ribs. These are topped with mayo or crema, lime juice, chili powder or Tajín, cotija cheese, and cilantro. A little messy, a lot tasty. Arroz Trio is a solid, filling dish with steak, chicken, and shrimp over rice, all covered in cheese dip. The meats are cooked well enough and give you a mix of textures, while the cheese adds a creamy, salty layer over everything. It’s not anything fancy, but it’s satisfying and does the job if you’re hungry. Grade: B

Home Slice Pizza in Terra Alta is a small, local pizzeria right along East State Avenue, operating as a casual, no-frills spot focused on straightforward, affordable pizza. Inside, it’s low-key and functional rather than designed — more of a small-town pizza counter feel than a sit-down restaurant. The menu centers on build-your-own and specialty pizzas, along with calzones, hot and cold subs, and basic sides like breadsticks and mozzarella sticks. You’ll also find a few salads, simple desserts, and standard drinks. I ordered a small pizza with mushrooms. The cheese pizza leaned into a pleasantly chewy crust, offering just enough resistance to give each bite some substance without feeling dense. The mushrooms added an earthy depth that balanced the richness of the melted cheese. It was a simple combination that delivered on texture as much as flavor. Have you been? Grade: B

Tucked along Aurora Pike in Preston County, The Carriage House Bakery & Foods is small bakery and café is a relatively new addition to the area, opening in 2024 as a family-run business rooted in local heritage. The bakery sits on a property tied to the owners’ family history (once home to a grist mill, store, and post office), and the space is meant to feel like a gathering place for both locals and travelers passing through the area. The building looks like a modern farmhouse that blends seemlessly into the property. The outdoor space features rocking chairs, and the interior is simple but rustic-chic. They serve house-made pastries like croissants, cinnamon rolls, donuts, and cakes alongside coffee, tea, and simple breakfast and lunch items such as sandwiches, quiche, and salads. The focus is on fresh, in-house baking and approachable grab-and-go food, with gluten-free options available as well. The breakfast sandwich here is straightforward and built for consistency: egg with either bacon, sausage, or European-style bacon on a brioche bun or English muffin, with a gluten-free option available. It's a classic, no-frills bakery sandwich—moderate in size, reasonably priced, and designed for grab-and-go rather than indulgence. It's a solid, traditional breakfast sandwich that fits the setting—fresh, approachable, and more about reliability than reinventing the format. Have you been? Grade: A