One of my favorite days of the year is the Great Pepperoni Roll Cookoff in Morgantown. Now in its fifth year, the festival is something that draws folks near and far. And I'm lucky to be one of the judges.

This and That Bakery was a new one to me - they had some nice herbs and flavors throughout the dough that I really liked.

Mid-Atlantic Market - this is always a crowd favorite. They have mozzarella, provolone and pepperjack cheese ones. Plus marinara. The outside is like this buttery, golden, slightly crisp exterior.

Emi's Edibles - They came with a pretzel pepperoni roll with a side of cheese. Definitely a cool spin on a pepperoni roll.

Bourbon Prime had a bit of a different pepperoni roll than I recall. Definitely a crispier, breadier version.


Screech Owl Brewing uses the spent grain from brewing to create their pepperoni roll, which is just so unique. It gives it a

The Pizza Place is a new contender. They make a tasty pepperoni roll that is most reminiscent of a portable pizza.

Tygart Valley Bulk Foods is a pretty traditional pepperoni roll that is reminiscent of the ones folks love from school.

Coop's Buns is a crowd-favorite, with its piping hot rolls stuff with tons of pepperoni and cheese.

Finally, Vocelli's made a solid appearance with these bite-size pepperoni rolls complete with dipping sauce.

Girls Night Out is a fundraiser for the YWCA to help eliminated domestic violence.

It's a great cause that brings together tons of women in the community to party.

They rented out the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in a few different spaces, so the event was spread out.

There was an outdoor space, as well as a n auction space, a VIP area and the main area.

The VIP area had its own drink area and some appetizers: coconut chicken, crab dip, samosas, shrimp cocktail.

Then out in the main area, they had those, as well as tons of food from local restaurants! There was Baskin Robbins with ice cream, and Stella's with gelato (I went with cookies & cream).

Bricks and Barrels - They had a ton of stuff, include a bruschetta, caprese shooter and meatball.

Bridge Road Bistro - shrimp

Edgewood Country Club - philly cheesesteak eggroll

Edible Arrangements - chocolate covered goodies

Mountain Pie - pepperoni rolls

Cold Spot - wings

Chop House - lobster bisque

Tidewater Grill - shrimp

Ichiban - Almost Heaven maki



Nosh - tacos & flatbread

Did you got this year?

The restaurant space up at Eagle View has switched hands a few times.

The latest iteration is The Lookout Bar & Grill, which features a general American food menu.

I went up on Italian night, because lord knows I can't pass up some pasta and got an order to go.

First, I ordered coconut shrimp, which came with an apricot relish.

Then, the special was a chicken piccata with capers and pasta. Mmm!

The Java Break is this quirky coffee shop - and cereal bar! - in Lawrence.

Instead of coffee, I went for the cereal bar. You can mix up to three kinds of cereal, top it with a topping and get a sauce on top. How neat is that?

Well, I mixed Reese's Puffs and Cookie Crisp and got marshmallows on top (with skim milk).

There are also a bunch of rooms to explore and little nooks to get some work done. Just make sure to get a unique wifi passcode at the register.

The Red Carpet is Charleston's local watering hole for everyone from locals and politicians to journalists and teachers.

While there with friends, I noticed they had a Thursday Night Dinner special. I didn't really know they served food, so I was excited to see that.

I went to the bar and put an order in for the special, which was steak & shrimp, served with onion-roasted potatoes, cucumber and tomato salad, and bread. 

It's a big portion of food! Have you had one of their specials?