Big Marv's Kitchen & Grill is a food stand featuring home cooking that switches up locations around Charleston. I had only recently learned of this business from a Black-owned WV business owner list. So, I was really excited when I found them out and about.



They had a list of a few specials, but what caught my eye was the whiting fish special. I really love a good fish sandwich. It reminds me of when my dad and I used to get a fish special every Friday growing up. So, I went with the whiting sandwich with chips and broccoli.



This is a huge sandwich, and it has a thick coating. I tend to like mine without quite as much breading, but it was good. I added some tartar sauce and called it a day.

Soul food is aptly named. It's food for the soul. It's comforting, nourishing and tells a story of home recipes.



"While not all Southern food is considered soul food, all soul food is definitely Southern.

Soul food is an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African-Americans in the Southern United States. The expression "soul food" originated in the mid-1960s, when "soul" was a common word used to describe African-American culture. At its core, soul food is basic, down-home cooking that's been passed down through many generations, with its roots in the rural South.

The staples of soul food cooking are beans, greens, cornmeal (used in cornbread, hush puppies, johnnycakes, and as a coating for fried fish), and pork. Pork has been almost limitless in a number of uses in soul food, from seasoning vegetables and stews to dehydrating and pickling staples like pork rinds and pig feet and ears (DELISH)."



Wild Wild West Soulfood Express is a new soul food restaurant on the West Side that is carry-out only along Washington Street. I came across their Facebook page and called in an order: Homestyle Meatloaf dinner with sides of mac & cheese and candied yams. They also have options like fish, pork chops, chicken, black eyed peas, collard greens and more. 



There was a little bit of confusion on pick up and then paying, but after that was cleared up, I was able to take my meal home and dig in. The mac & cheese was by far the standout! Cheesy, thick and a bit sweet. Perfection. The yams were also delicious - makes me think of Thanksgiving dinner. The meatloaf was good, a touch on the dry side, but the flavor was there. Overall, not bad.

Grade: B

Mr. Choo-Choo's Hotdogs made an appearance at Charleston's most recent Food Truck Wednesday. I had never heard of them, so I made the trip to Slack Plaza on Wednesday just to check them out. They have a small cart setup, with a sign out front that led me to them.



They serve all beef hotdogs that are pretty large topped with anything you'd like. I ordered one with chili, slaw, onions and added my own mustard (which is why it's looking a little messy). 



These hot dogs are cooked perfectly where they have that slight char on the outside that makes the skin have a snap. It was also split down the middle, so easier to eat, and the toppings fell into the center. I loved both the chili and the slaw. I mayyy have put too much mustard, but still, really tasty overall. And a nice little change from the regular. 

Grade: A

King Kebab is a Mediterranean restaurant that has a location in South Charleston. But, recently, they opened up a new spot in Kanawha City - which is closer to my home base now.



Though I didn't get a chance to go inside, the outside is bright with big signs that describe items they have. King Kabab is staying very safe during the pandemic. I was able to order my meal over the phone and simply drive up to the door, where they brought out my order and paid. OK, now let's get to the tasty stuff.



First up, chicken shawarma. If you've never had shawarma, you are missing out. It's like a little garlicky hug wrapped up in pita. It has chicken, lettuce, tomato, tahini, and garlic sauce in pita bread. But that garlic sauce is what makes it for me. It packs a punch that I just can't get enough of. And King Kabab does it right.



In my opinion, it's the best thing you'll find on pita bread.



And, then, I got a veggie sampler platter: falafel, grape leaves, hummus, tabbouleh, tahini and pita bread. I am pretty picky when it comes to falafel. Too often it's dry - but this. This was perfect. I kept dipping it in the hummus. And the grape leaves, which are a bit sour, have really grown on me. Everything felt fresh and satisfying.



Have you been?

Grade: A

Hibachi Express has opened on the East End of Charleston beside Main Kwong. Their specialties include hibachi, of course, sushi and Thai.
They seem to be focusing on carryout and delivery during these times, so I placed an order for delivery to check it out.



First up, we have cheese wontons, always. These had a lot of cheese - no crab - and were the turnover style, which I enjoy more. Stuffed to the brim with filling and served with some sweet chili sauce. Tasty.



Then, it was a regular spicy crab roll, as well as a West Virginia roll, which had shrimp tempura, avocado, crab, tobiko and a mango sauce. These were both OK ... not a ton of flavor, but nothing especially bad either.



We also tried the pad thai dish. I love pad thai. But, this too, didn't have much flavor. I was hoping for just a touch of heat and some spices but it was nothing of note. And, the shrimp weren't deveined, which is a pet peeve. Overall, not bad. But I would venture out to try some different options next time.



Grade: C

1010 Bridge is a brand new restaurant in Charleston that is making headlines and pleasing palates in just the few short days its been open.



This local restaurant takes the place of the beloved South Hills Market & Cafe, which shuttered earlier this year after then-Chef and owner Rich Arbaugh headed south to explore other opportunities.



1010 Bridge opened under the leadership of longtime Bridge Road Bistro servers Aaron and Marie Clark, along with Chef Paul Smith.



The space is beautiful. Subway tile. Wooden accents. Tons of green plants. And hints of their signature beet icon.



Servers were all wearing masks, and my temperature - as well as my dining partners Alex and Emily - was taken.



Let's start first with cocktails! My friend Todd helps bartend here, so I asked for some recommendations. I ended up with the Bootleg Lemonade: vodka, fresh-squeezed lemon and cucumber mint water. So refreshing and exactly what I was wanting on this particular day.



Next? A bread basket of course. A few freshly baked pieces of bread and a butter with - I think - pork fat? Just super flavorful and made for an absolutely delicious, buttery bite.



Then - my appetizer was "Brie Beignets with Yesteryear Provisions Seasonal Jelly." This jelly is made by the owner, Marie, and changes frequently! Even though I got powdered sugar EVERYWHERE, I loved this fluffy bite with creamy brie inside. The sweet and savory is key to my heart.



And, before I forget, our server was absolutely phenomenal. I know these little details because Jenni took the time to explain when I asked questions. She gracefully weaved in and out, refilling glasses, making sure we were taken care of, without interrupting conversation. I can't say enough amazing things. For example, I asked if she was able to try all the dishes (yes! Props to the chefs) and what some of her favorites were. She shared many, and Alex ended up ordering the Mexican Style Shrimp "Cocktail" - with grilled cornbread, heirloom tomato pico, avocado and shaved radish.



Now for the main course: Cast Iron Seared "1010 Cut." Jenni explained to me this specific cut, which is very tender. It was seasoned to perfection, just touched with the lightly sweet cabernet reduction and bringing in that umami layer with truffled foie gras-shallot butter. My. God. But wait! There's more! Crispy, charred brussel sprouts and a super creamy lobster mac & cheese. It's like someone made this dish with me in mind.



Moving onto dessert, I went with the Chocolate Silk Tart that has graham cracker crust and burnt marshmallow. Like a grown up s'more. Silky smooth with crumble and a light dollop of marshmallow. Perfect. I was too stuffed and enamored to remember to take a photo. However, I snapped this shot of the Lemon Semifreddo Ice Box Terrine with wild blueberry compote, cornmeal-oat crumble and lavender honey. That was my second choice.

This is one of the best meals I've had in recent memory. Think farm-to-table meets global indulgences. Quickly rising to one of my absolute favorites in Charleston.

Grade: A

Coco's Kitchen + Cafe is a brand new restaurant in downtown Charleston that has a focus on healthy meal options.



"Our goal is simple: Use seasonal ingredients to create healthy food that’s nourishing, delicious and makes you feel great. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, guests can enjoy simple, seasonal and delightful dishes in our casual, relaxed environment. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. We are so excited to see you! Stay safe and much love." ABOUT PAGE



The interior is lovely. Green plants all over. A mixture of wood and metal tables and chairs. Mason jars. Funky art. And some cool, historic charm. It's really sweet. 



The menu changes up. But on this visit, I went with a Berry Happy smoothie (raspberry, strawberry, orange juice, vanilla yogurt, milk and hemp), the Caprese Panini (mozzarella, tomato, pesto, balsamic and focaccia) and a side of fresh fruit. The smoothie was thick - definitely heavy on the greek yogurt part in consistency and flavor, I think next time, I'll ask for extra orange juice to get that tang.



The sandwich was a bit tough to eat, but I loved the bread. Extra balsamic would kick this up a notch.

Grade: B

After years in Charleston, I'm still learning about restaurants I haven't visited yet. The Elk River Bar & Grill was one of them.



This bar & grill just on the outskirts of town holds a steak dinner on Saturdays - Doug's steaks (which I believe may be from a previous restaurant).



The meal comes with a salad: iceberg lettuce, cheese, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, bacon and croutons. Not bad.



And the steak was humongous - chargrilled. Comes with a baked potato and garlic bread. I'm personally not a fan of the fatty pieces on the steak, and I wish the baked potato had come with butter and sour cream.

Grade: B

There is a brand new smoothie shop on the East End of Charleston. Zeganz Smoothie Shop has healthy smoothie offerings, and food will be forthcoming.



And, in case you didn't pick up on it - it's all vegan and organic.



The space is long and narrow, with plenty of seating for those who might want a refreshing drink while in the neighborhood (or maybe that's just how I imagine a perfect day going).



The menu has smoothie options like strawberry banana with agave and vanilla almond milk.



The Razzified is the one that caught my eye - orange juice, raspberry, peach, ginger and agave.



Plus there are add-ons, like oats, raw cacao nibs, hemp seeds and more.



While I know that's probably a big draw for folks, I was looking for the tastiest option.



And I may have found it! I love the light, fruity flavor, but I could still taste the ginger, which gave it a bit of spice.

Grade: A