The fourth annual Charleston Restaurant Week is coming up, and I couldn't be more excited - especially after getting a sneak peek.

For the past two years, organizers have created "First Course," which is meant for ambassadors, influencers and members of the media to come out, celebrate this week and get a quick glimpse into what's to come.

Last year, the first event, was held at JQ Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great, so I couldn't make the trip from Morgantown. However, this year, the unseasonably warm temperatures allowed me to easily travel down to Charleston - to Yoga Power on Morris Street - to partake in the festivities.



First of all, this new yoga studio is absolutely gorgeous. And, the colorful ribbons they use to practice were suspended from the ceiling, almost creating decoration for the event. The room was bustling with the who's-who of Charleston -- media, local celebrities, dignitaries -- and I finally got to meet some folks in person that I've only corresponded with online (Hi Maria! Hi Steven!).

Oh, and of course, the restaurants! A handful of local restaurants chose to participate and dole out samples of their Restaurant Week menus. It's a fun look to see what is in store for the week!

These are just a few of the goodies I got to sample:

Bricks & Barrels - bbq short ribs, berry shooters
Mi Cocina de Amor - guacamole
Adelphia - grape leaves, Mediterranean mahi, smelt, garlic and cheese lamb,
Paterno's at the Park - sausage and pea pasta
Ichicban - Almost Heaven maki
The Block - halibut
B&D Gastropub - mac & cheese

In addition, there was beer and wine available - and good stuff, too! I got a Bell's Oberon Ale. The Almost Heaven maki is always one of my favorites. That pasta from Paterno's was out of this world, as was the macaroni & cheese from B&D. Everyone had great items, which makes me even more excited for this week.

The Buzz Food Service team -- Dickinson Gould and Kayla Young in particular -- are so instrumental in coordinating this beautiful piece of culinary culture in our Mountain State.

If you're unfamiliar with the concept, you get to go to one of the participating restaurants and get a three-course-meal for $30.

I already have reservations to try the new restaurant, Adventures Bar & Grill. Where are you going?

#CWVRestWeek