My friend Lisa and I traveled to the Fayetteville area to do some whitewater rafting (first time ever!) with Adventures on the Gorge, which was so super fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I wish I had more photos to show it off - but, you know, phones aren't super waterproof.

But, since we had to leave so early in the morning to make our trip, we stopped to get some coffee once we got close. Kool Beanz is a newer coffee shop in town, so we decided to check it out.

It's located in a building with a few other businesses, so we followed the "coffee" signs until we made it to the shop.

Kool Beanz is a hot new concept when it comes to providing options that are fun, healthy and unique. We combine favorite menu items such as teas and coffees to give organic flavoring as well as homemade syrups. This gets rid of the processed additives that are terrible on your body and leave a bad taste. We want to make sure you get flavor that is naturally delicious. In addition to beverages we also serve healthy lunches. Our variety of options make sure that you get the taste you want without the bad stuff. We also have a drive thru for those that are on the go. The coffee served in our shop is ground fresh for a taste that is never stale. We never want our customers to be served coffee that is poor in flavor. This is why we make sure each glass is roasted to perfection and heated to the right temperature. Coffee is the perfect way to jump start each day. For those long days at work or studying for school get the boost of caffeine that you need to power through. Add your favorite syrups and flavor for a flair that is perfect for you. For those that do not prefer coffee we also offer a wide variety of specialty teas. These range in flavor to provide different boosts. We have special blends made just by us for an exclusive taste that is like no other. Our teas are tasty and fragrant for our customers. For an extra added boost to get you going try out our espresso drinks. These are high in quality and caffeine to really get you pumped up. Enjoy our beverages and food today then discover the difference.

They space is actually quite large - complete with high-top tables, couches and a sleek vibe. The ordering space is small and simple - menus display syrups, coffee and teas.

Kool Beanz is a healthy food concept based in Fayetteville, WV. We are relatively new to the area but hope to provide customers their coffee, tea and smoothie fix.The items that we have in our store are homemade and organic. This means that no extra preservatives or additives are used. It maintains a fresh quality that tastes amazing. We have homemade frappe and flavored syrups that can create a custom drink you will love. See the many items we have to offer and taste the difference. Our staff is dedicated to providing customers the items they enjoy in a healthy way. Together we can cut out all of the things that are tough on your body. Wind down after a long day with our teas. Curl up with a great book and a custom blend that makes you feel peaceful. If you have a long night ahead of you then get a boost with our espresso. This is perfect for busy students or those that are always on the go. 

So, I ordered an Americano with a shot of salted caramel. An Americano is espresso and water - so the salted caramel gives it a little somethin' extra.

After a couple minutes, my fresh cup of coffee was ready. It was a great, strong cup of coffee with a hint of sweetness. Very good.

They do also have some food - like these crepes! We didn't get to try them this time, but maybe next.

Grade: A
 

Ramen Tatsu-Ya is "Japanese Soul Food" with OG ramen: pork bone broth, chashu, ajitama, wood ear mushroom and scallions.

Ramen Tatsu-ya is the long-awaited collaboration between local chefs/DJs, Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. The two of them first met as they were busy making their marks on the Austin scene as hip-hop DJs. After following an eerily parallel timeline, honing their crafts at notable Austin establishments such as Musashino and Second Bar + Kitchen, Tatsu took a leap and moved to Los Angeles. There, he worked in one of the nation’s most respected Kaiseki/Sushi bars, the two Michelin star restaurant Urasawa. 

On his return, he began working with Takuya on birthing Tatsu-ya. “I was craving good ramen after having lived in Japan and LA. I wanted to provide that same quality and authenticity in Austin, the city I call home.” says Tatsu. “We want to educate people on what ramen truly is. It’s the soul food of Japan. The process of broth-making can take an extremely long time in order to draw out the flavors from each ingredient.” A far cry from the 10-cent package ramen most of us know all too well (ABOUT).

A Culinary Equation :: Episode 1 - Ramen from Palate Films on Vimeo.

You order at the front of the place, and there was a small line. Pick which ramen you want (I went with the original), add "bombs" if you want, and add any toppings you may like - I added naruto maki, which are those swirled fish cakes and brussels sprouts and some parmesan. Because why not?

1. Chopsticks only! (Training chopsticks available on request.)
2. Sip the broth first, before digging into your noodles. Allow the steam to waft into your face and savor the smell; feel it run down your spine.
3. Finish all the noodles before they get soggy!
4. Never share your ramen. Never!
5. Slurp! Do it loudly and shamelessly. This aerates the broth and enhances the flavor of the noodles, similar to wine.
6. Add toppings after sampling the original flavors.7. If you’re still hungry after finishing your noodles, but have some broth remaining you can request more by saying “Kaedama please!” (Kae-dama meaning: “Extra noodles!”) (RULES)

After a little wait, the bowls for me and my friend Julia were brought out. I thought this was absolutely fantastic. The broth has a really deep, rich flavor, and all of those delicious ingredients just pop. Fresh veggies, deliciously cooked pork belly, crispy sprouts. All of it together was just really, really good. Definitely plan to have a full - but happy - belly leaving here.

Grade: A

Just wanted to show off what y'all voted as being the best in food, and showcase the photos from the Best of Morgantown event! And, the coolest part of the event is that it was catered by the food winners. Yaaas.

The Best of Morgantown 2017: We asked, and once again, you stepped up and responded. In fact, a whopping 14,695 of you let us know what your favorite spots are for everything from pizza and pints to dry cleaners and day spas. In our sixth annual Best of Morgantown, you will find tried and true staples along with some new winners, featuring the most categories we’ve ever had—90. Without further ado, here is the BOM 2017.

Best Pizza: Pizza Al's
Best Mexican Restaurant: Los Mariachi's
Best Fine Dining: Stefano's
Best Beer Selection: Apothecary Ale House & Cafe
Best BBQ: Atomic Grill
Best Outdoor Dining: Crab Shack Caribba

From riding around in Ubers throughout Austin, I learned that breakfast tacos were a ~thing~  I had to try before I left the city. So, after doing some quick searching, I found the best ones near where I was staying.

They come from a food truck called Veracruz All Natural - not just any food truck, but one of the most essential food trucks in Austin.

Established in 2008. 

We started out in a tiny trailer on East Cesar Chavez selling snow cones, smoothies, and natural drinks. As more and more people started visiting our trailer they asked for food, so we started making tacos and tortas. We moved to a larger trailer on E Cesar Chavez, and opened an additional trailer on Manchaca. The demand for our tacos continues to grow and we are so grateful for our wonderful clients who come regularly to enjoy our fresh food. 

Our specialty is authentic, fresh tacos and salsas. Our tortillas and chips are homemade and we shop everyday to buy the freshest ingredients. We have been featured by Rachael Ray, Rolling Stone, and Austin Eater! (ABOUT)

This truck has a whole section dedicated to breakfast tacos, as well as other tacos, quesadillas, tortas and drinks.

Reyna and Maritza are sisters and best friends. They were born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico. They moved with their family to Austin, TX after graduating from High School and have lived here ever since. In fact, they love Austin so much that they never want to leave! 

Reyna grew up helping her mother in their family restaurant near the beautiful Veracruzana beach. Starting at a very young age, both her grandmother and mother taught her the ins and outs of the kitchen and she has loved to cook ever since. She especially likes to be creative with her recipes and continually tries to do new things with her cooking. In addition to being creative, she is passionate about using both organic and fresh ingredients in her cooking.

So, I ordered one "Migas," which had eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, pico de gallo, and monterey jack cheese. This particular breakfast taco has been named on of the top 5 tacos in America by Food Network. I also got a taco with bacon egg and cheese.

The migas was good, but without one of the yummy dipping sauces on the side, it didn't blow me away. I guess tacos are simple by nature, but with such a prestigious award, I was thinking maybe there would be just a bit more. This was a good taco, though, and the bacon/egg/cheese one was good, as well. Just used some extra spice from the dipping sauces.

Overall, good tacos. Definitely better with some zing from the sauces.

Grade: B

In 2013 Matt Welsch, the Vagabond Chef, traversed the country by motorcycle discovering and exploring the culinary renaissance in the United States. At the end of the year, Welsch returned home to the Wheeling bringing with him a wealth of restaurant and food experience, inspiration, and excitement which became the foundation of the Vagabond Kitchen. 

The first incarnation of Vagabond opened on June 8, 2014 in the McLure Hotel. The Vagabond Kitchen operated there until December 2015, at which point the restaurant closed its doors to relocate in a new and better location. Unfortunately, that location fell through at the last second. In an effort to remain on the lips and tongues of the Ohio Valley, the vagabonds operated out of the First State Capitol Building as a lunch counter called the State Cellar. 

It is now with great excitement that we reopen our doors as the Vagabond Kitchen, right where we should have been all along: in the heart of downtown Wheeling. Come into Vagabond at 1201 Market Street for a truly unique experience. Chef Welsch and his team have taken flavors from all over the world and translated them into something new for the regional palette. A meal at the Vagabond Kitchen is unlike any anywhere else!

We didn't have a ton of time, but I did want to check out the new place. I see his dinner specials, and they look amazing, so I need to try that again soon. But, on this visit, I had a simple "The Brews" burger, which had blackened seasoning and bleu cheese. Also, I got a side of pasta salad. The burger was good - heavy on the seasoning and tons of melted cheese. The pasta salad was tasty - wouldn't have hated more dressing. But, overall, a good meal and I can't wait to come back and try something out for dinner.

Grade: A