For the past couple years, I have posted a ton of restaurant reviews. Some good, some bad, many indifferent. When my blog began to pick up some momentum, some restaurants that I've graded low, or maybe not so low, have contacted me in various ways. Some are angry, and some want to know how they can improve my experience.

Restaurant Redemption is a small series I've created that will allow me to give those restaurants who are keeping up with their social media (notably, my blog) and have made an attempt to rectify a poor or mediocre dining experience. For the restaurants that have contacted me, I'm giving it another dining go. For the most part, I will try a different dish and make note of the previous observations about the experience as a whole.

On my first visit to Moxxee, I complained about a drink I ordered containing espresso (ha, ha, I'm an asshole). As I've mentioned recently, I used to be REALLY all about coffee - like, need it to breathe. I then decided I needed to cut that addiction, and I basically went without coffee for a few years. Now, I'm back to drinking in moderation.

On my blog post about Moxxee, owner TJ commented:

Oh No. Moxxee gave you a headache I see. Sorry about that. Everything on the menu has coffee in it other than the teas, unless you ask for it to be made without the espresso. The Milk and Honey Burst is meant to show off the espresso with small amount of textured milk and pure honey and is half espresso so I can see why you were jolted, although not sure about a headache from a sip. Hopefully if you're ever back in town you can stop by and we will work on getting you a better experience and at least a C+ rating for us.

Basically, let me take a minute to recant that first blog post and tell everyone I'm sorry I'm a total jerk. I'm a jerk. Opinions and thoughts change a lot in three years, and mine are out there to be read. And everyone can see what an idiot I am. Upon visiting Moxxee with a fresh perspective, I realized this is exactly the kind of place I'd love to have in Morgantown. I love the variety of options, and I love the totally cool vibe.

Let's be honest, it's a bit pretentious. But I think that's part of the appeal. They know their coffee, and that's clear. I ordered a cafe mocha latte, and it was a perfect balance between the bitterness of the bean and a slight sweet chocolate flavor. I could totally spend some time here writing, people watching and sipping a quality cup of coffee.

Moxxee is truly a cool addition to Charleston's East End, and they're doing really cool stuff. Please go check them out if you haven't already. You might just find me there!

Let's talk about the deluge of fast food places in Morgantown recently.

Chipotle
This is the, possibly, the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year. And, I think possibly my most retweeted tweet ever when I broke the news. Despite the E. coli, Salmonella and norovirus outbreaks at Chipotle locations, Morgantown was undeterred. This place has been packed pretty much since it opened. My thoughts? It's decent. Am I crazy over it? Not at all. Is it an OK option in the area? Sure.

Starbucks
Connected to the new Chipotle up near the University Town Centre, a new Starbucks is in town. We have a standalone one in the Suncrest area, and there's one at Target and the B&N Bookstores. So, I'm sure people are happy to see this. I'll be making a few visits, if only because I got some Starbucks giftcards for Christmas.



IHOP
A new IHOP opened up at University Park. I actually think it's a good idea to have a 24-hour place for students (and community members). Our other IHOP is only open 24 hours on the weekends, and I would've loved a place like this for all-nighters.


Sheetz

The Greenhouse of Teays Valley is an interesting bird. It's a Weber grill seller - and it's also a restaurant/gift shop. It found itself on the 101 Most Unique Places to Dine in WV list, so I convinced my friend Brittany to accompany me.

As soon as I walked into the place, I noticed the trinkets and gifts up front and then all of a sudden it just opens to a makeshift dining space. The same black chairs you've seen 1,000 times and these plasticky green tablecloths.

The menu features a few items made on the Weber grill, so I can kind of see the fusion of the two concepts here. But, I went straight comfort food with their tomato bisque and a grilled cheese.

The tomato soup was good - but it wasn't anything tremendous. I think a Campbell's tomato soup with heavy cream would come pretty close here. The grilled cheese was average, but good. Throw many a fancy cheese in there to spice things up?

Overall, not bad. Not super exciting, but definitely a departure from the everyday.

Grade: B

ANOTHER ONE for the 101 Most Unique Places to Dine in WV list. Bamboo Garden is located in Sissonville and has a sort of cult following. People love this place. So, I dragged Maggie out to Sissonville to check it out.


From the outside, it looks questionable. A little rundown and nondescript. Inside, it could use a nice deep cleaning. A bit dusty, and I'm pretty sure the mustard at our table had been there for at least 15 years.

I went with my typical benchmark dish - General Tso's Chicken - so as to measure up against all other American Chinese restaurants. And, also, I like it. Sorry not sorry.

First were these little crispy noodles. These are ehhh, but OK.

Next up was the eggroll, which was pretty standard. Good crisp, decent filling.

And the main performance! The chicken was good quality - white pieces of chicken. Yes. I just wish the sauce had a bit more punch. It fell just a little flat. I say this because I've had a lot of general tsos, so I know the sauce can get pretty tangy. Here? Not as much.



Grade: B

I recently went to The Cast Iron Cook-Off in Charleston for the first time ever, which I'll be writing about more in-depth for Taste! WV Magazine.

The weekend event highlights how food is the centerpiece of traditions and how that rings true in Appalachia. The use of cast iron is significant because it's an authentic Appalachian method dating back to frontier days. The event is a a Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia initiative. C21C is a nonprofit organization in West Virginia that seeks to ensure the viability of small farms, rural communities and a traditional way of life.

The weekend event included a Junior Cast Iron Cook-Off (winner: Tug Valley High School). There was also the Tastes from the Mountains Dine Around (which was a ticketed buffet dinner). It included bbq chicken, fried trout, leg of lamb, brussel sprouts, root vegetables, mason jar salads, pork belly, short ribs, and desserts like strawberry and rhubarb shortcake shots, mini pecan pies and bread pudding.

And, then, on Saturday, there was the team culinary competitions, as well as the "Gourmet Small Plates," where you could try small plates from the restaurants competing. It was a big confusing for a first-timer, but it was lots of fun. I sampled a few plates (not enough!) and mingled with lots of folks in the foodie scene in West Virginia. All around, good times!