I'm on a mission to visit every T&L Hot Dogs location. These WV classic hot dog joints are usually decorated in the theme of a diner. That is certainly the case at the location in Clarksburg at Rosebud Plaza.
"With seven great locations and our famous hot dog chili for sale at your local grocery store, you’re never far from a dining experience that is pure Americana. Enjoy our classic hot dogs, made-to-order Black Angus burgers, hand cut french fries, homemade cole slaw and thick milkshakes – while surrounded by great American nostalgia."
I went for the standard West Virginia style hot dog complete with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. I was surprised to see hunks of carrot in the law, because that's usually not as noticeable. Not a bad hot dog; a solid quick choice when the hankerin' hits.
Grade: B
Tokyo Thai, Sushi & Hibachi in Clarksburg is like a one-stop shop for Asian food because there is a little bit of everything. I was happy to subsequently order a little bit of everything.
I ordered the Yum Yum roll, which includes crab, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, shredded crab and special sauce. This was a little messy to eat, because of the topping, but it has all the basics of a tasty simple roll.
I was also able to enjoy my favorite Thai dish, pad thai. It satisfied that craving, but I have definitely had better versions that had more depth of flavor. This was fairly middle of the road.
Grade: B
I went to Mannington for New Year's to see the pepperoni roll drop.
And, while driving through Clarksburg, I decided to stop at Teddy Bee's Bakery to treat myself.
I saw they recently posted that they are closing up shop, unfortunately.
So I wanted to share a little bit about them first. On this particular holiday, they were beginning to run low on items - but they did have a special pretzel they were selling.
I ordered one of those, and the little silver decorations were adorable. It had a sweeter icing, but the pretzel itself was a little mushy. Part of that I'm sure was due to it being pre-made and stored. I just wish I had the opportunity to try some more.
Grade: B
Howe Sweet It Is has honey, beeswax products and other goodies involved bees!
I can't wait to try this sucker - have you had anything from them?
One of my favorite new restaurants in the whole state is Hart Kitchen, located in Clarksburg.
This new spot is from Chef Anne Hart, formerly of Provence Market in Bridgeport, which was damaged in a fire a few years ago. I have great admiration and respect for Chef Hart, who has helped pioneer the farm-to-table movement in the area and is endlessly creative and driven.
Hart Kitchen has two components: the eatery and the cookery. So in addition to the restaurant that we'll talk about here, there is a large cooking space used for classes - whether that's for kids or date night. This would be so fun to check out with a small group of friends (who are all vaccinated).
The restaurant has a modern and sophisticate vibe. The logo is minimalistic, the walls are a dark navy, and select patterns decorate the fabrics. The art is salvaged from the previous Provence Market location and is created by a family member.
The menu changes often - incorporating influences from the previous restaurant, what's local and seasonal. When I visited, I wanted to try a little bit of everything. I started with an appetizer of the "Welsh Rarebit Cheese Toast," which has bubbly cheese and porter sauce topped on the toasts (a nod to the Brits). It's so simple in concept, but it was cheesy, thick and crunchy, too. And, the bits of chopped spring onion on top not only gave it some color but also cut through the richness of the dish.
And, if one appetizer wasn't enough, I was convinced I needed to try the deviled eggs - one of the best sellers on the menu. Chef Hart said this is really a personal recipe that she may use at events, but it is a perfect fit for the restaurant menu, too. These little-bite sized pops of flavor are creamy, brightly sour and super craveable.
Onto the main entree: the pasta of the day! Made with a local sausage and grilled veggies on top of pappardelle, this entree was a beautiful mix of textures, colors and flavors. It was rustic with bold, hearty flavors. A perfect contrast to the refined appetizer I just enjoyed.
Finally, dessert. The desserts here change often, and on this day, there was a take on a French toast with a delicious cream sauce, ice cream and beautifully toasted bread.
I can't wait to go back and see the new additions to the menu and find my next favorite dish.
Grade: A
Like I mentioned before, there are a handful of T&L Hot Dogs locations in the North Central WV area. And, I can't leave a list unfinished. So, I made my way to the location on Old Bridgeport /hill.
This space has a real diner feel with neon lights, checkerboard decor and vinyl booth seating.
First, I went for a cookies & cream milkshake. It was really thick, but also pretty good once it loosened up a bit.
I went for a hot dog, as one should, and it was pretty consistent with the other T&L versions I've had. The bun is soft, the chili was a bit dry, and the slaw has a more loose consistency - I tend to like a more cohesive, almost paste-like slaw. BUT, overall, a decent hot dog for lunch.
Grade: B
If you've ever picked up a pepperoni roll that has colorful writing on the front denoting if it was regular, cheese or hot pepper cheese, you might have had a Home Industry pepperoni roll.
The legendary bakery is featured in my book, and they're known for having their products in Sheetz throughout the area. Not only that, but I love the ones they make with sauce and peppers already inside. So tasty.
Not too long ago, they moved locations into a much larger warehouse on Mount Clare Road in Clarksburg.
So, I wanted to check them out and try some of their other offerings - like their donuts. I tried one that was jelly-filled, and it was delish.
But they have plenty more - powdered, sprinkled, etc. Plus, they have plenty of other goodies - like these pretzels I picked up.
What's your favorite thing here?
Sabaidee Thai, located in Clarksburg, is a new addition to the dining scene, and while in the area, I wanted to check it out. They had a really simple online ordering process, so I placed my order via phone and walked inside to pick it up.
The interior was a bit dated, but decorated with some Asian-inspired art. They were a bit flustered when I walked in - not sure why - but after waiting a few minutes, they turned their attention toward me. My order was ready and waiting on me, so I received that and went on my way.
I ordered a few appetizers to snack on. First up were these "crab blankets," which were crab rangoons. They were standard - not a ton of flavor, aside from the oils from the wrapper.
Then, I tried the pork dumplings, which I thought would come with more flavors of sauce. These kinda ended up being a little gummy - but the flavor was okay.
Finally, I had a spring roll, and it was decent. Overall, I think I have super high standards for Thai food, because it's one of my favorites. This was average.
Grade: C
Right next to Rogers and Mazza's in Clarksburg is Sweet Nana's Pastries and Hot Dogs.
This bakery serves lunch, as well as pastry goods.
They had a host of donuts, and the one that stuck out to me was the peanut butter donut.
Which is your favorite?
Any time there's a new coffee shop in West Virginia, I get excited.
It doesn't matter where it is, I'm going to make a trip to get there.
Recently, I stopped by Stonewall Coffee in Clarksburg.
It's this really cool spot in downtown Clarksburg that's almost a bit hidden.
There were a ton of great options to choose from, but I went with the namesake - Stonewall Mocha.
This drink has white chocolate, swirls of caramel, steamed milk and espresso. I got it iced.
Plus there were pastries!
I went with a blueberry muffin! Can never go wrong there.
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