A new bakery opened in South Charleston called Sokolata.

The bakery, from the owners of Creperi Cafe and Pizza Barbarossa, features European and Greek style pastries, gelato and cakes.

I went with my coworkers when it first opened.

And, there were so many options to choose from.

From cakes and tarts to baklava and creams, I couldn't choose.

So I ended up getting a few different things.

One fruit tart.

One banana caramel mousse cup.

One delicious cake-cookie thingy.

And, of course, baklava.

But there's even so much more than that. Take a look:

I'm not sure where I first heard of Cherry's Cafe & Catering, but once it was on my radar, I was determined to check it out.

It's only open on weekdays during lunch, so my options for coming here were limited.

But I found day to head up to the West Virginia Regional Technology Park and parked.

The cafe has a few lunch options, and they have fresh pepperoni rolls.

So, of course that was my lunch.

Have you been?

Sumthin' Good Soul Food opened about two years ago, but they recently moved locations.

And, soul food is one of my favorites so I'll take any excuse to get some.

I went for the "Chunky Butt Combo" - pork butt deliciousness; our owner created this deletable dish for you to enjoy served over rice or on a bun.

I got that with Momma Fran's Mac N Cheese and Momma Fran's Candied Yams. Clearly I'm a fan of Momma Fran.

They scooped out my choices and gave me a plate full of deliciousness.

What's your favorite thing here?

Cafe Appalachia is a new restaurant -- and concept -- in South Charleston.

The restaurant is pay-what-you-can, and it helps folks who have been dealt a rough hand get back on their feet.



From their Facebook: "A pay what you can, farm to table, lunch buffet and coffee house that serves the general public and provides job training for a hand up and not a hand out."




The restaurant has a set buffet menu each day, and you can choose large or small portions.


On the day I went, they had pasta - with or without meat sauce - so I went without because it was a delicious garlic basil sauce.

The sides were salad, bread and rice pudding for dessert. This was a large size to-go.

Have you been yet?

On my venture to figure out which Mexican restaurant in the Kanawha Valley is my favorite, I tried out Casa Garcia with Dawn on Cinco de Mayo.

Located in the Riverwalk Plaza, the parking lot is busy. But I feel like that's a good sign.

After a few moments, we were seated. First order of business? Margs.

Second? Queso.

These two things alone are typically enough to brighten up any day. But, I didn't stop there, of course.

For my main meal, I ordered the Special Burrito, which had chicken, peppers, onions and topped with queso and ranchero sauce.

And dessert? Fried ice cream, always.




What's your favorite dish?

When I drove by the South Charleston Dairy Bar, it made me think of the local ice cream shop in my hometown in the summer.

So, I was really excited to go check it out. They do take credit cards and are open a little later in the evening (7/8) than I originally thought.


Since I was hungry, I got a West Virginia-style hot dog (chili, slaw, mustard and onions).


Plus some fried mushrooms.

Then I went back for a swirled ice cream cone.

Have you been?