Sweet Charity returned to Charleston, bringing an evening of desserts, competition and plenty of sugar to Capitol Market.



Hosted by Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, the event brought together nine local bakers and dessert makers, each serving up a signature creation for guests to sample. OBSCURA BAKERY
Mountain Mama | Sticky Toffee Pudding - Rich, coffee soaked date sponge baked with apples and warm spices, drenched in butter toffee sauce. Layered with a bright, tart cranberry raspberry compote and finished with a blackstrap molasses oat pecan crunch
EDGEWOOD SUMMIT
Dark chocolate & strawberry petit four
CAFE APPALACHIA
Appalachian Grape Jubilee | A farm-to-table dessert made with grapes from our own garden, slowly simmered into a sweet Appalachian celebration DELIGHTS BY DAVIS
Brownie with nuts and caramel BURTON'S BAKERY
Maple Bourbon, Pumpkin Spice & Oreo Cheesecake COCO'S KITCHEN & CAFE
Banoffee tiramisu with white mocha bala baiana
THE STONE KITCHEN BAKERY
Butter pecan cake with a butter pecan frosting topped with a caramel drizzle and a spiced candied pecan
RAINY DAY BAKES
Lemon Blueberry Pavlova - vanilla meringue, lemon curd, fresh cream & bueberry coulis GIRL SCOUTS OF BLACK DIAMOND COUNCIL
Lemon Blueberry Crumble featuring LemonUps Girl Scout Cookies

Capitol Market, in partnership with Rainbow Pride of WV, hosted the Rainbow Harvest Dinner on Wednesday, which was a celebration of the people, flavors and creativity that make Charleston's culinary community so vibrant. The dining experience brought together four of the region's most talented LGBTQ+ chefs for an evening that honors both exceptional food and the stories behind it. Each course showcased the unique perspective of a different chef, highlighting the diversity of Appalachian cuisine while demonstrating how food has the power to connect people across backgrounds and experiences.



More than a dinner, Rainbow Harvest is an opportunity to gather around one table in celebration of inclusion, community, and local talent. Whether you're a devoted foodie or simply looking for an unforgettable evening, you'll leave with a full heart, a satisfied palate and an even greater appreciation for the chefs helping shape Charleston's dining scene.



Here's what we had:
BREAD COURSE
Mini Butter Croissants & Zesty Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
Panamá Geisha Coffee Butter • Lemon Ricotta Spread
Ariel Barcenas, Nomada Bakery, Huntington APPETIZER
Spiced Lamb Meatballs
Labneh • Chow Chow Jam • Toasted Pine Nuts • Pomegranate Seeds • Lemon Zest • Mint Crisps
Madison Risk, Ristorante Abruzzi, Charleston ENTREE
Venison
Spoon Bread • Grilled Broccolini • Sauce Chasseur • Local Mushrooms
Buck Samples, 1010 Bridge, Charleston DESSERT
Lemon Berry Bread Pudding
Brioche • Lemon Custard • Mixed Berries • White Chocolate • Vanilla Bean Anglaise • Candied Lemon
Morgan Morrison, Rock City Cake Company, Charleston FEATURED CHEFS

Ariel Barcenas
Nomada Bakery, Huntington
Ariel Barcenas is the co-owner and creative force behind Nomada Bakery in Huntington, West Virginia. Originally from Panama, Ariel brings the flavors and traditions of Latin America together with classic and contemporary baking techniques to create Nomada’s distinctive approach to pastries, breads, and desserts. He also serves as Vice President of Huntington Pride, reflecting his broader commitment to building community in Huntington. Since opening Nomada in 2019 with his husband, Shawn Schulenberg, Ariel has helped grow the bakery into a nationally recognized destination, including being named the #1 Best Cake Shop in the United States in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in both 2025 and 2026. His work reflects a belief in food as a way to connect people, cultures, and communities.

Madison Risk
Ristorante Abruzzi, Charleston
I’m Chef Madi Risk, born and raised in Charleston, WV. I grew up surrounded by Lebanese food, real Southern cooking, and the kind of meals that bring people together. Cooking is more than what I do, it’s how I express love. Love means more than anything to me, especially being newly engaged. I believe good food should bring people together, tell a story, and leave you wanting one more bite. Food is art, love is love, and I’m here to serve.

Buck Samples
1010 Bridge, Charleston
I am from Charleston, born and raised around the area, made my way out of the holler, and ended up kitchen on a whim. Studied at Carver Culinary School and apprenticed under old-school hard-ass chefs. Have been working in the service industry for almost 20 years. Started in fast food and quick service, worked my way up to fine dining and fell in love with the challenge. Loving partner for over four years now with five fur babies between us. Our dog is our child.

Morgan Morrison
Rock City Cake Company, Charleston
Morgan Morrison is the founder of MMDI LLC and owner of Rock City Cake Company, which she has led since 2013. A pastry chef, entrepreneur, and event producer, Morgan has built a career around reimagining the familiar by bringing fresh ideas to classic desserts, community traditions, and memorable experiences. From signature confections to large-scale festivals, fundraisers, and one-of-a-kind pop-ups, she combines creativity, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful planning to create experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impression.

Did you know there's a Tomato Fest in Fairmont that's been going on for nearly 20 years?



Neither did I. But once I found out, I needed to see it.



The 2026 Tomato Festival was Saturday, August 15, on Monroe Street in downtown Fairmont, as part of the Hometown Market. Main Street Fairmont puts it on in partnership with the Marion County Master Gardeners.



My first stop was at Loving WV, which is a wonderful little West Virginia goods shop.



Here, I picked up a bottle of Zhoni Sauce and jar of cherry-zucchini jam from Kat's Kitchen.



Outside, there were dozens of local vendors and artisans, with food and entertainment.



Bluebird Bakery



Richardson Family Farm



Mal's Produce



Kettle Pop Co.





WV Weird & Wonderful
I picked up the "Veggie Man" blend here, which includes dehydrated veggies.





Herron's Farmers' Market
Have you heard of quince butter? I hadn't, but I am going to find out!







Bricks and Slabs Bakehouse
A razzleberry pie and a smoked pepperoni roll were delish.







CL Cakery
A cinnamon roll-style pepperoni roll.







Rhodes Bakery
A tomato cupcake and a tomato basil croissant.





Tap Truck WVa
Vineyard Blush Special with tomato, strawberry and basil.







Gigi's Sweets and Treats
A brownie with peanut butter



Charmed & Wick'd Apothecary



My favorite part, though, was the tomato-tasting/competition, with local growers submitting tomatoes for judging. The competition has categories for things such as biggest, best-tasting and most unusual tomatoes. And it's free!