I've spent very little time at Oglebay, despite it being right in my backyard growing up. But the Ihlenfeld Dining Room wound up on the 101 Unique Places to Dine in WV list, and you know what that means.

It ended up on mine, too. I decided to head up "home" (aka Wellsburg) for the day. On the way up, I thought I could stop at Oglebay for a quick breakfast because 1 - it should be quick since it's buffet style and 2 - it's probably relatively inexpensive.

Sigh. There was a lengthy wait for breakfast. Maybe because it was near the holidays. I don't know. All I remember were lots of screaming children in Christmas colors and me wearing all black just trying to get my waffle on. It's a buffet, so I really didn't understand how it was taking so long.

I finally was seated and waited for a while before I realized that I wasn't going to receive a waiter ... I just wanted a water. But there was a carafe orange juice on the table that seemed to be my only option. K.

I got up from where I was seated (off in a room at the front) and went out to the front to peruse my options. There is an omelet station and a waffle station. I got a waffle made and picked up a few pieces of bacon. I wasn't overly impressed with the options. There were some plain grits, some picked over pieces of ham and other stuff I was mostly unenthused by.

My waffle was fine. My problem was that they had mostly run out of syrup, so I had only a tiny bit for my waffle. But, it's fine. It's decent.

After I flagged someone down and was able to pay - about $14 - I headed out. Quickly.


Grade: C

Atria's is a Pittsburgh-based Italian restaurant that has about nine locations now. I went back when it first opened to see what it's all about.

While the hotel (and parking lot) was still under major construction, the restaurant itself looked as though it was undergoing some minor construction still. We entered through a side door, and there were some pallets sitting outside. But, again, this was just after they opened. So, I'll overlook that.

When we walked in, there were about five people rapid-fire saying hi to us. It was actually a little disorienting. They were saying hi from different directions, so I was actually not sure where to look. That seems ridiculous, but it's true. Someone along the way told them to greet every customer, and they took it to heart.

We sat down and had a few people welcome us - our waitress, a manager or two. OK, OK. I asked our waitress if the items in the brackets on the menu were their specialties. She initially said no with confidence, and then backtracked. I take it they are the specialties. I ordered the chicken parmesan - standard Italian-American restaurant fare that should be a good indicator.

Lisa first ordered the pot roast nachos and was so kind as to share. These were very good. The pot roast was super flavorful and had more of a tangy flavor than a gravy flavor. They were very tasty.

My main entree was also pretty good. I don't think the pasta is homemade, but I liked the red sauce, and the breaded chicken was good. The pasta could've been taken out just a second earlier, but that's small.

I don't know if they were bored, or just had no one to focus on, but there were no less than a dozen interruptions during our meal. There were the couple from our waitress - asking how things were, etc. But then literally anyone who passed by us would ask how things were. At least five separate people asked us. It was just too much. I had to keep stopping eating, covering my mouth and saying "fine" for the thousandth time. After maybe 7 times, you notice it. After 10, you're annoyed. More than that, I'm like - what the hell is going on?

I'm guessing once they get busier, this won't be a problem. Just keep in mind, I'm at lunch with a friend to be with my friend and have a conversation. A few interruptions are expected, but a ton ruin the experience.

Grade: B
 

Farmhouse Cafe is a newer coffee shop located in Cheat Lake, something much needed in the area even if it is a bit hidden.





The coffee shop is located in a new development that has a number of businesses. It's on the bottom floor, in through a door and to the left. The shop is part cafe and part gift shop. In fact, many of the seats are spread throughout some of the gift areas.





We got in line, ordered and tried to push together chairs at a too-small table. Off to the side, there are straws, a pitcher of water and utensils.


Our food came out in small paper cartons. Some of my coworkers got the chef salad, the Italian panini, and I went for the cheese panini.

I feel like while it was nice and cheesy, the bread was just way too hard. It was good bread, but for that sandwich, it was overwhelming and a softer - or maybe more buttery - slice would've complemented it better.

I also had a pear crisp, which was very good! Crisp is always good, but the pear was especially good in this particular dessert.

So, I think this place is going to do well. I like that it's an option for Cheat Lake, and the space itself is very cute. You could go here to pick up some primitive or unique gifts. I do wish there was a bit more seating. There's not enough for me to come hang out here to get some writing done, but maybe. And just a tad bit more diversity in what they offer would be good. Maybe add another bread or some sides? Regardless, it's a nice shop, and if you're on this side of town, consider yourself lucky.



Grade: B
 

OK, one more quick stop in Oak Hill: Los Vaqueros.

Something quick and easy was necessary, so I just ordered an order of queso, salsa and chips. I waited inside and noted how cute the inside was. A few bright colors popped on the walls. Otherwise, kind of typical Mexican restaurant.

After I paid for my chips, I headed out and dug in. I liked the salsa, though I do think it could've used some more spice. And the queso ... was not the best. It needed some actual flavor. I did like the thickness - sometimes it's too runny. But the flavor just wasn't there for me. It was almost a bit bland. So... eh.

Grade: C