Cheerful Heart Catering typically specializes in larger events. But in the time of quarantine, that is all but nonexistent. So, this savvy business has created a daily special for individuals to purchase. I think this is a great idea - they can still cook in bulk, and the public gets to enjoy a homecooked meal that we may not have had access to otherwise.



Located on the West Side, Cheerful Heart Catering listed a weekly menu, which included options like BBQ, stuffed chicken and lasagna - that last of which caught my eye. "Contessa Laura's Lasagna with salad and garlic bread."  



It was easy peasy - I called in and told them I'd like one. The meal is already prepared, so I drove right over and had them hand it to me curbside. Once I got home, I dug into the salad first, which was a handful of lettuce some cucumbers and tomatoes with a side of ranch dressing.



The large square of lasagna was the comfort food I was looking for. Layers of pasta, ground beef and some cheese - though I always think more cheese is better. It was piping hot and perfectly accompanied by a slice of garlic bread.



And, to my surprise, there was dessert AND a bottle of water - all for $8. The dessert was a gooey brownie with marshmallow and it was delicious.

Grade: A

Located in Sissonville, Backwoods Bar & Grill is a restaurant that has been struggling a bit during the quarantine, so I made a visit to check them out.



After placing an order over the phone, I arrived, gave them a call, and they brought out my food. First up is a monte cristo. It's not an open that you see often in restaurants locally, so it's a different option. The deep-fried ham and cheese has crusted powdered sugar and a very thick breading - a bit too much.



It came with fries, but those were a bit soggy by the time I got home. Not their fault, but maybe poking a few holes in the styrofoam would help.



Next up on the deep-fried menu was deviled eggs. I've never seen them prepared like this before, so that was neat. I like mine a good bit tangier though.



And my absolute favorite part was their take on a buffalo chicken dip. Just a little bit of heat - but creamy and cheesy and really great.

Grade: B

Cozumel has a restaurant location in Charleston and in St. Albans. Since I already enjoy the former, it was time to try the latter. And there's something about quarantine that has had me craving queso like no other.

After calling in a carryout order, I arrived about 15 minutes later and went inside to retrieve my food. I smelled the deliciousness all the way home and couldn't wait to unveil these two unique dishes.



First, "Cozumel Pasta." Delicious combination of Grilled Shrimp and Chicken cooked with Onions and Mushrooms on a bed of Penne Pasta. Smothered with our homemade Cheese Sauce. I've never seen pasta at a Mexican restaurant, so this piqued my interest. The penne noodles were soft, covered in queso and topped with shrimp, chicken, mushrooms and onion. Tasty.



And also "Hambalaya." Delicious spicy mixture of Rice prepared with Grilled Shrimp, Grilled Chicken, Smoked Sausage, Bell Peppers, and Onions. I've also never seen jambalaya on a Mexican restaurant menu. This one had some heat and more veggies and meat than rice. Still good.



Oh, and how can I forget chips and salsa. No meal is complete without it.



Grade: B

Huntington has the most Tudor's Biscuit World locations of any town that I know. There are a handful in the city, plus some in the outlying areas.



The location on US 60 looks like it's one of the older locations, with a more muted color palette. Nonetheless, the line was wrapped around the building and onto the road.



The Mountaineer is country ham, egg, hash brown and cheese. I wasn't quite sure what country ham is - and I know they have classic and shaved - but I went for it. Country ham is apparently more like a slab of ham, with which you get the fatty pieces around the edge. I did love how crispy this hashbrown was, though. It makes the sandwich.



Not a bad biscuit, but I think it would be better with their shaved ham.

Grade: B

No. 1 Kitchen Chinese Restaurant in Huntington along US 60 is one of the few traditionally Chinese restaurants open in the Kanawha Valley area during quarantine.



And as one that I've never tried before, I thought it was a great time to get out of the house for a minute, support a local business and do so while socially distant. Their system was one of the most interesting - I called in an order, when I got to the restaurant, I wrote down my phone number on a piece of paper and put it in a box outside the restaurant. Occasionally, they would fish the papers out of the box to see who was waiting and would then call a name out and bring the food.



So, my haul was honey chicken - sweet, white meat chicken. This is a classic for that sweet and tangy flavor. Then the garlic shrimp with veggies gives me a bit of heat plus some fresh veggies that I love.



Then steamed dumplings. I think these were my favorite part because there is something comforting about a dumpling - whatever form it may be in.



Plus shrimp rolls and crab rangoons. Both were OK




One thing I really did like about this restaurant is that the portions were small (and cheap), so getting a few different things was no problem - which is exactly how I love to order!



Grade: B