Bricello’s Grilled Formaggio is a Berkeley Springs–based food truck known for taking the humble grilled cheese sandwich and turning it into something unforgettable. Originally launched as Bricello’s Caterers in Maryland, the business later moved to West Virginia and evolved into a mobile sandwich concept built around high-quality ingredients, creative toppings, and notable vegetarian and vegan options. The name “Bricello’s” comes from the owner’s children — Briana and Marcello. Some menu items include: A “Cheesy BLT” — with provolone, organic romaine, tomatoes, and vegan bacon; an “Eggplant Parmesan” sandwich — one reviewer called it “one of the all-time best eggplant parms I’ve ever had"; and a “Pesto, Pepperoncini & Parmesan” grilled-cheese variation. The Caprese featured mozzarella, organic arugula, pesto, sliced tomato & balsamic dressing. This was unreal. I think the buttery bread + pesto + balssmic combo made this sing. Grade: A

Wardensville Garden Market is an on-farm market + bakery + general store — part of a broader social-enterprise/ nonprofit project run by Farms Work Wonders. Through it you can buy produce from their organic farm, baked goods from their in-house bakery, pantry items, artisan crafts (including glass art from a glass-studio), meats/eggs from their farm, jams, sauces, and other locally or regionally made goods. The market sits on a historic 100-acre farm (originally the Frye Farm) in Wardensville, WV — land bordered by the Cacapon River. It launched in 2016 as a small farm stand — by responding to community interest, it grew into a full market in a restored farmhouse, with bakery and expansion over time. The Garden Market sells goods produced by Mack’s Bingo Bakery — like cinnamon rolls, breads, pies, cookies, pepperoni rolls — all of which I tried, and they were delicious. All profits from the market (and associated enterprises: bakery, farm, kitchen, glass studio) are reinvested into local youth programming, giving jobs, training, and scholarship opportunities to Appalachian youth. Grade: A

ISH Kitchen is the restaurant inside The Billy Motel & Bar in Davis, West Virginia. The “ISH” reflects its globally inspired, “-ish” approach to cuisine: small plates drawing influence from many different world traditions (Indian-ish, Asian-ish, etc.) The Billy Motel has a retro, mid‑century-meets-roadside aesthetic, with a very “Hillbilly Fabulous” design sensibility. The lounge and dining area feel intentionally eclectic — cozy, chic, with funky furniture and a warm, welcoming feel. We tried a few different items, beginning with: Naan (India): Garlic butter–served, simple and tasty. Pão de Queijo (Brazil): Gluten-free cheese puffs with a creamy herb sauce. Papas Bravas (Spain): Roasted potatoes with spicy bravas sauce + garlic‑lemon sour cream (“Sour Joy Sauce”). Creme Brulee (France): Light egg custard with orange zest and a crunchy broiled sugar topping.

Everything was a little unique, a little fun and a lot tasty.

Grade: A

Mack's Bingo Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant. It’s part of Farms Work Wonders, a nonprofit. The restaurant operates as a “living classroom” for local Appalachian youth (ages ~16-21), called the “Junior Crew,” giving them real work experience in hospitality: cooking, serving, hosting, etc. The restaurant interior highlights local materials: barnwood, local metalwork, and locally made glass pieces. There’s a warm, cozy feel: high ceilings (16 ft), a big wood-fired hearth, a bar, and a porch area. Their cuisine blends Appalachian inspiration with Italian and Greek influences. Style: They have a wood-fired hearth / grill, which gives a rustic, smoky quality to many dishes. We started with sourdough focaccia, which had winter squash, sage & sumac. The bread from Mack’s Bingo Bakery (the bakery associated with Mack’s Bingo Kitchen) is next level. The caramelized bits on top and then the soft, airy interior - delish. I ordered coal roasted beets with ricotta, sunflower seeds and black walnut vinaigrette. The black walnut vinaigrette leaned slightly sour, nudging the whole dish into sharper territory than expected. The ricotta helped soften that acidity, adding a cool, creamy counterweight, while the sunflower seeds brought a welcome nutty crunch. For dessert - the s'mores tart, which had smoked chocolate & sorghum marshmallow. A bit more bitter than I personally enjoy. A scoop of ice cream topped off the whole meal. Instead of tips, guests are encouraged to leave a donation to support their mission of youth training through Farms Work Wonders. Have you been? Grade: A

The Burger Place is a collaboration between Short Story Brewing and Lefty's Place, bringing together craft beer and gourmet burgers along the bank of the Monongahela River.



Their burgers use a 1/3-pound patty made from a blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, provided by the Village Butcher.



One of their signature burgers is the Sonny Burger, a tribute to the co-owner’s grandfather. It’s topped with: American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, bread-and-butter pickles and “Sonny Sauce” (their special sauce).



A well-seasoned patty anchors the build, its richness cut by the clean crunch of lettuce, tomato, and onion. The American cheese melts into the meat just enough to add cohesion, while the bread-and-butter pickles introduce a subtle sweetness that pairs neatly with the house Sonny Sauce. Taken with a side of crisp, lightly salted tater tots, the meal feels classic.



Grade: A

The F.A.R.M. (Food. Arts. Recreation. Market.) is a really cool spot just outside Morgantown, in Granville.



It’s a mixed-use space — part food spot, part retail, and part community gathering place.



The F.A.R.M. is part of a bigger complex called New South Square, which also includes This & That Bakery and an event venue called The Silo in the Square.



There are grab-and-go meals: sandwiches, lasagnas, soups, salads. They had run a “worldly wieners” menu — hot dogs and sausages in creative flavors: think duck, bison, elk, even “beyond” meats. There are daily specials / homestyle entrees too. Coffee and espresso drinks are also available.



The market side features locally made and Appalachian-themed products: home goods, bath & body, books, toys, antiques. You'll even find The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll by yours truly.



The F.A.R.M.’s aesthetic blends industrial-rustic architecture with a warm, curated, and deeply local feel. Housed in redeveloped warehouse buildings, the space mixes metal, wood, and agricultural elements—like the adjacent silo—to create a modern barn-market atmosphere.



Thoughtful displays, plants, cozy seating, and community-minded touches make it feel inviting and lived-in rather than polished or minimalist.



Have you been?



I purchased a variety of goodies here - from pickles and pepperoni rolls to honey and banana walnut bread. All local. All wonderful



Grade: A

Cupcake Me Home Bakery + Café in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, sometimes operates as a small pop-up vendor, with cupcakes and other goodies brought to local events and markets. I had tried their cupcakes once before in Morgantown but was excited to check out their brick-and-mortar location, which is home to a silent book club and features locally roasted coffee, bakery items, cakes and lunch food. Soft lighting and cozy seating give it a homey vibe, making it a relaxing spot to sip coffee or enjoy a pastry. They have space for other local products, so I'll have to stop back when they're in stock. I ordered a frozen hot chocolate, which is one of my all-time favorite drinks. It blends the rich, chocolatey flavor of traditional hot chocolate with ice to create a cold, slushy treat. It’s made by combining milk, chocolate syrup or cocoa, sugar, and ice in a blender until smooth, then topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The result is creamy, sweet, and indulgent — like a chocolate milkshake with the deep, comforting flavor of hot cocoa. The coffee cake was really moist and soft, with a buttery flavor that made each bite feel fresh and homemade. The cinnamon-sugar topping added a nice touch of sweetness and warmth without being too much. It just disappeared way too fast.



Grade: A