The Second Annual Jam Off was held at Capitol Market today, featuring nearly two dozen different jams, jellies and marmalades. Contestants included: Laura McComas, Up the Holler Goods, Knorrsgaard Jams, Homemade by Londa, Homemade by GiGi, JarHead Farms, Therese Blair and Dreama Viars. Hosted by Liz Martin LLC, the event raised $3,000 raised for Make a Wish West Virginia (the “Organization”), a non-profit organization dedicated to making wishes come true for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Founded by Elizabeth Martin in 2023 and previously hosted by Tudor’s Biscuit World in celebration of its 25-year partnership with the organization, the event’s return marked the company’s first fundraiser and aimed to celebrate Appalachian heritage by supporting and highlighting local jam and jelly makers. In total, the 2025 Jam Off featured 23 different jams, jellies, and preserves from local amateur and commercial artisans throughout the state of West Virginia and bordering area of Ohio, a live musical performance by West Virginia country-rock artist, Brandon Laxton, and a silent auction containing local West Virginia goods including a jam and jelly gift basket consisting of jams and jellies showcased during the event. Public tasting tickets were sold as a part of the Event to allow guests to taste and vote on their favorite flavors with t-shirts and water also available for purchase. During the event, an official judge’s panel featuring Hannah Cline, WCHS TV anchor and former wish child, Steven Kieth, the Food Guy, and yours truly awarded first place to amateur contestant Stacy Holstine AKA Homemade by GiGi (Charleston, WV) for her GiGi’s Christmas Jam entry and commercial contestant Whitney Bolton from Up the Holler Goods (Bob White, WV) for their Peach Habanero entry. Each winner received a certificate and a $500 cash prize. Additionally, the Event featured a People’s Choice category, voted on by the public, and a Wish Kid’s Choice category that allowed a select panel of Make a Wish children to sample each flavor and pick their favorite entry. People’s Choice and Wish Kid’s Choice were both awarded to amateur contestant Therese Blair (Long Bottom, OH) for her Banana entry in which she received two certificates in honor of the victories. I enjoyed 23 different jams from amateurs and commercial vendors. Check them out below!

Oishii Hibachi in Charleston started as a popular food truck in Kanawha City, where it built a loyal following serving up fresh hibachi and sushi from a Piggly Wiggly parking lot. In 2024, it made the leap to a permanent brick-and-mortar location on MacCorkle Avenue in the former Pita Pit space, right next to Horace Mann Middle School. The new space has a simple, dimly lit interior with a dozen or so tables and booths, a small sushi counter, and colorful hanging lanterns that give it a relaxed, slightly tucked-away feel. The menu is a mix of hibachi-style entrees, sushi rolls, appetizers, and bento boxes. Appetizers include items like spring rolls, gyoza, and crab rangoons. Hibachi meals can be ordered with steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon, scallops, crab, or vegetables, and they come with your choice of fried rice or noodles. Bento boxes offer a little bit of everything—rice or noodles, a main dish, salad or soup, and a sushi roll or dumpling. Sushi lovers will find nearly 20 roll options ranging from classics like spicy tuna and shrimp tempura to deep-fried rolls filled with crab, avocado, and cream cheese. The hibachi steak with noodles is filling and generously portioned, though the steak was hit or miss -- sometimes a bit tough and overcooked. Noodles were fine. The crab rangoon, however, was hot, crisp, and well-stuffed, with the triangular folded shape giving it an extra edge. Service is generally quick and friendly, carrying over the approachable vibe from Oishii’s food truck days. It’s a solid spot for an easy lunch or dinner, especially if you’re craving comfort hibachi or a satisfying sushi roll. Not too bad. A solid option in town. Have you been? Grade: B

In Charleston, there is a home at the corner of Ruffner & Lee that will occasionally put out a sign that says they're selling empanadas. I've caught it a couple times but wasn't in the position to check it out - whether due to time or not having cash on hand.



But then I saw a post in the Charleston Area WV Restaurant Reviews, Promotions, and Discussions Facebook group:

"Peruvian food, takeaway. Big things coming this Thursday! What’s your favorite? If you haven't yet tried the sason, the Peruvian flavor, come this Thursday, We'll be serving in downtown Charleston. Pre-orders only. Choose whichever you'd like to try. We'll also have beef empanadas. Orders by chat. St. After 11:30am. To 2pm.😊"



I put two and two together and realized THIS is the place I've been wanting to try, so I messaged them to pre-prder: chicken paella $10, ají de gallina $10, crema volteada Peruvian dessert $5 and beef empanadas $5.



The empanada was my favorite because the dough was so lovely. Not greasy, a touch sweet, and the filling inside had peas, carrots and raisins.

Chicken Paella is a hearty rice dish originally from Spain, but this version has a Peruvian twist. It features seasoned rice cooked with chicken, peas, carrots and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, creating a savory, slightly smoky flavor.

Ají de Gallina is a classic Peruvian comfort food made with shredded chicken in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made with ají amarillo peppers, cheese, milk, and bread, resulting in a bright yellow sauce that was rich & velvety and served over potatoes with white rice.

The dessert was like a caramel flan, which had that custardy texture I love.

At Live on Levee, I discovered Slice on Wheels. They serve mini pizzas and a couple drinks. I went with a cheese pizza and orange slushie. Not a bad little pizza. A little bit of crisp on the bottom - not a ton. I wouldn't mind more. The orange slushie was so nostalgic for me - that was an A+. Grade: B

Have Fun WV with Jay Silverman hosted the Third Annual Pepperoni Roll Contest at GoMart Ballpark. I was fortunate to serve as a judge and enjoy 8 different pepperoni rolls. Bigley Piggly Wiggly
A surprise bite of banana pepper in these pepperoni rolls! Home Industry Bakery
One of the more modern OGs and found in gas stations across the state. Cheri of Edgewood Country Club
My personal favorite of the day! A fresh, sweet bread with the perfect proportions of pepperoni and cheese. The Bucket
The ultimate deep-fried pepperoni roll topped with cheese and served with marinara are a perennial favorite. Hagy's Irish Pie Pub
A new one to me - I liked how they layered the pepperoni and cheese. Carousel Hospitality (Dirty Birds)
Root root root for the home team. They had a nice crisp herby outside. Fit'z Rockin' Rolls
Poppable bite-sized rolls with individual marinara sauces made for a pleasant bite. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
Large - maybe a bit too much bread - and hefty.

The Bucket, two time champ for Judges Choice, Fit’z Rockin’ Rolls took Peoples Choice and Bigley Piggly Wiggly took Most Unique Roll.