Chicago-style popcorn is a thing, and I got my first taste of it from popcorn legend Garrett Popcorn at the O'Hare Airport. But, that couldn't fully satisfy the bucket list item because, well, it's an airport. So, when I recently went to Chicago for a conference, Garrett Popcorn was one of my first destinations.

There are a bunch of Garrett Popcorn locations, and we just happened to hit the one nearest our hotel. There are a handful of flavors, and the Garrett Mix mixes the savory CheeseCorn and the sweet CaramelCrisp. Yes, please.

It's a fun combination of salty and sweet - how can you go wrong? It's not unlike the location at the airport - which is good. Both churned out tasty popcorn with the best of both worlds.



Grade: A 

Mardi Gras Casino & Hotel often participates in food events, like Taste of All. So, it's always been in my peripheral, but never a direct destination. The casino is home to five different restaurants:

• The French Quarter Restaurant & Bar: The premier Charleston restaurant - serving succulent steaks, seafood, cocktails, wine and champagne
• The Grill at First Turn: The only restaurant where you can watch and wager on both live and simulcast racing events
• The Bayou Buffet: Bring your appetite for this "All-You-Can-Eat" extravaganza, featuring a homemade beignet station
• Quick Bites: For the best way to appease your hunger pangs in between hands, try Café Orleans or Crescent City

Grade: A

Another new vendor is calling Charleston's Capitol Market home: Mea Cuppa Coffeebar. The coffeebar has been open for about one year now, and offers handcrafted tea, coffee and espresso drinks. They also have small baked goods, like cupcakes and scones.

I ordered a white mocha with a shot of caramel. I was in the running to make it as white girl as possible. Just kidding. I just want a coffee that tastes good, and this surely accomplished that. Smooth with a nice jolt all while tasting like a dessert.

Grade: A
 

The Capitol Market is one of my happy places. It's a bustling, lively market full of people, amazing products and fresh food. It has a number of hot food vendors to provide a bite to eat while shopping. And, Sushi Garden is the latest addition to the offerings.

Sushi Garden, located between The Purple Onion and The Wine & Cheese Shop, has hand-rolled sushi rolls prepared daily. There are some rolls pre-made in the case out front for real grab & go options, or you can order off the menu.

I ordered the popular Sushi Garden roll, which has crab, cream cheese, and avocado inside with diced shrimp and imitation crab salad, spicy sauce, sweet sauce, and mayonnaise on top. If you want a flavor explosion in your mouth, get this. Such a lovely combination of textures and flavors to really make this roll shine. It's loaded with all my favorite ingredients in life (and, yes, I'm sure your hipster friend who pouts about cream cheese will say it's not authentic. Point them here.). Delicious, fresh, and quick. Check it out.

Grade: A
 

I've heard good things about Fusion Teriyaki Grille ever since it opened in Charleston. And, while the name suggests the restaurant would be another addition to the Asian food scene in Kanawha City, it really focuses on a fresh, lighter menu as opposed to deep-fried everything.

Fusion Teriyaki Grille is located in a small plaza that used to be the home of Penn Station Subs during my time in Charleston. The restaurant is counter-service, and the menu features steak, shrimp, chicken, pork, Korean short ribs (Kalbi) and salmon in the form of plated meals (with a side fruit salad), salads and bowls (with a side of veggies). Asian food that is healthy and fast? Sign me up.

I ordered a pork plate - spicy pork bulgogi - which comes with white rice, a small salad and fresh fruit. Wow. Not only is it kinda rare to get bulgogi in West Virginia, it's rare to fine it this good. It is fresh and flavorful and just the perfect amount of spice. This dish was really, really good. I love having these deep, rich flavors with light melon and salad to help offset those flavors. Go. Order this. You won't regret it.

Teriyaki Fusion Grille is located at 4002 MacCorkle Ave. SE. It's open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Saunday.

Grade: A