I haven't always had the best experiences at Chic-n-Bones. I had been here a few times when it was simply too busy to find a spot. In fact, this place is always busy. On this particular night, we found one table free, and we managed to scrape up enough random chairs for our group of five. It was a trivia night, but we were too late to participate - though it did sound fun.


Chic-N-Bones is located along Chesnut Street. It's a fairly small bar, but they have a back area they open up on weekends that doubles the entire size of the bar. As soon as we sat down, a waitress came over to take care of us. She was pretty busy, but she tended to us well. I ordered a grilled cheese with a side of onion rings. The grilled cheese was overflowing with cheese - like, too much cheese. I had to push some out so it was edible. But, really, I'd rather have too much than not enough. The onion rings were tasty. My meal was pretty satisfactory. That would usually render a C in my book.

However, a few of my friends ordered burgers. And, my goodness, were they good. They were laid out like a painting and tasted just as great as they looked. Next time I'll get a burger of my own. And pray it's not as crowded at 8 p.m. on a Wednesday.

Grade: B

I don't really even like steak that much, but I think this information is very useful. For more information from a source who knows far more about this than I do, click here. But here are some basics for the next time you head out for your fix of red meat or if you want to cook it at home yourself:


Rare:

• Cook each Side 2 minutes
• Flip once
• Internal very red, moist, red juices
• Touch: very soft

Medium Rare: 

• Cook each Side 3 minutes
• Flip once
• Internal light red, moist, pink juices
• Touch: soft and springy

Medium: 

• Cook each Side 5 minutes
• Flip once
• Internal pink red, moist, clear to pink juices
• Touch: firm and springy

Medium Well: 

• Cook each Side 6 minutes
• Flip once
• Internal pink less red, moist, red juices
• Touch: firm and very springy

Well Done:

• Cook each Side 2 minutes
• Reduce heat to cook another 5 minutes each side
• Flip once
• Internal stone grey color, dry, clear, no pink juices
• Very firm to touch

Before you know it, the farmers' markets will be starting up, and you can purchase those fresh eggs, apples and green beans. West Virginia has a number of farmers' markets all over, and Morgantown has a few itself.


View Morgantown Farmers Market in a larger map

The Morgantown Farmers' Market is open Saturday, May 5 through Saturday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. (As well as some special Winter dates) It's located on Spruce and Fayette streets. Each season, more than 30 vendors get together and supply their fresh produce, meats, eggs, bread and more to the community. Even better - all of the products are grown or made within 50 miles, so your dollar is helping out your neighbor.

And yes, it is early, and that does mean you can't sleep in too much. But, you can take a nap after you make a healthy meal with some fresh veggies, feeling satisfied by contributing to the local economy and getting something delicious in return.

The market also allows local musicians to perform, so it can become a really community-friendly event. Good music and good food - does it get much better?

It might! They may even be getting a pavilion soon to help shield from the weather.

Visit their website for loads of more information, including a chart of what’s in season, recipes, and contact info.

In addition to the Morgantown Farmers' Market, a few smaller ones go on around the town. The Health Sciences campus had a farmers' market last summer, and hopefully they plan to keep it. It was held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gold-South parking lot.

They had delicious fresh bread, fresh vegetables, as well as flowers and jewelry. It makes for a nice break in your day, and it doesn't get much better than buying your lunch right from the vendor.

And in the fall, WELLWVU held a farmers' market right downtown in the free speech area in front of the Mountainlair. Hopefully this will also continue when the weather permits. Considering it's right in the main path of traffic for many students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it's very convenient. Vendors sold fresh fruits and vegetables.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get shopping.

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