I've judged a few chili cook-offs in my day, but they're usually in the dead of summer when it's 95 degrees outside. Recently, I was super lucky to join the Bridge Day Chili Cook-off in Fayetteville as a judge - and it was perfect fall weather!

There were four entries across two categories - beans and no beans.

And, the first one I had I loved so much! It almost tasted bbq-y, like baked beans were involved. But it was delicious and I ended up taking the remainder of the judges portion to-go. A few little pieces of cornbread, and it was heaven.

The others ranged from much thinner, more southwestern style, to spicy versions that would be at home on a hot dog.

How do you like your chili?

I'm continually amazed at all the incredible food in West Virginia - even in some of the most unexpected places.

I recently went to ACE Adventure Resort and, of course, had to get a bite to eat while there. Look at that margherita pizza!

And these nachos have kicked off a never-ending hunt for amazing nachos. Look at all that queso.

And boozy slushies are the perfect dessert for any lunch.


Have you been here before?

For some reason, pickles are all the craze this year. People are putting them on everything - pizza included.

Cross Lanes restaurant and market T&M Meats has jumped on the trend, creating their version in their Brick Oven Bistro restaurant.

It's made with a homemade garlic Parmesan sauce, a blend of cheeses and dill stackers. And while I think it could be even better with black olives, sausage and feta, the owner urged me to try it just as it is. And you know, it was pretty good.

For someone who is just OK with pickles, I was expecting the flavor to be overwhelming. But, it wasn't. The cheese mellows it out very well.

Would you try it?

I've talked before about how southern West Virginia certainly has a hot dog culture.



I honestly didn't know how much people loved hot dogs until I moved here the first time.

Recently, I was reading this piece on a West Virginia hot dog road trip and noticed a place I hadn't been to: Buddy B's Market.

This Sissonville grocery serves a few hot items like hot dogs and hot bologna, in addition to their packaged products.

I went to the small counter to the right and decided to try two different hot dogs this time: a traditional West Virginia hot dog with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. Then I also got one with ketchup and onions just to switch it up a bit.




They were prepared on a small paper and slid into a bag, but remained in tact for consumption. Super fine slaw and onions.




I read somewhere that only people under like 10 are allowed to put ketchup on a hot dog. Welp, here we are!

Who makes your favorite hot dog?

I recently got on a kick where I wanted to try all of the sandwich shops in the area to find out which should be my go-to. Growing up, we only had Subway, so it was my standard. But, as I moved further south, I have discovered a whole bunch of others I had never been to. So, here's a quick post about my recent adventures.



Subway
This will forever be one of my favorites because it was one of the few fast food places in Wellsburg growing up, and $5 footlongs have a special place in my heart.





Jimmy John's
As a poor journalist in downtown Charleston, Jimmy John's became a go-to. It is seriously freaky fast, so it makes for an easy lunch.

Jersey Mikes
This sub shop was brand new to me until recently. I made a trek to Teays Valley just to try their Italian. Which, I must say, is pretty dang good.







Penn Station
I've only been to Penn Station 2 or 3 times. And, never to the ones in Charleston, so I decided to check out the Corridor G location. A pizza sub is a different option.










Steak Escape
I had never been to - or really heard of - a Steak Escape until recently. So I went to check it out on Corridor G. If you love Philly cheesesteaks, it might be one to check out. For posterity - I had to try both locations on Corridor G and MacCorkle.





Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs is probably my favorite hot sub shop. If I want a cold sub (which I tend to call hoagies), it might be Jimmy Johns. But hot subs - this place.

Quaker Steak & Lube
So I guess this place really isn't a sub shop, but I didn't know that. I learned quickly the thing to get here is wings, so I went for that (and some mac & cheese). They're OK.


Steak 'n Shake
I had heard of Steak 'n Shake's cult following, but there were never really any super close to where I've lived. I learned it's a sit-down restaurant, and they have pretty dang good burgers. I got one with mushrooms and truffle aioli, and it was fabulous. Not to mention parmesan fries and a s'mores milkshake. Heaven.











Charley's Philly Steaks
I had to add this one to the list because I just tried it! And, I gotta say: I enjoyed the chicken teriyaki philly. Maybe next time I'll nix the pickles. But still - tasty!

When I asked folks their favorite sub shop, I also got answers like: Potbelly, Primanti Brothers, Quiznos, Schlotzsky's, Which Which, Bellacino's, Pita Pit, and DiBellas. Which is your favorite?