While traveling for work, we spent an evening in Evansville, Indiana. Now, I've been to this town previously because my good friend Kayla lives nearby. But I was excited to try a new place I had never been: Turoni's Pizzery & Brewery.



This pizza shop is also a brewery. So, it's the best of both worlds here. The restaurant is known for its super, super thin crust pizza - like almost a cracker! I've learned this is reminiscent of St. Louis-style pizza.



For my order, I went with the Iron Man, which had mushrooms, garlic, spinach and artichoke hearts. Very thin crust, but the toppings were tasty. Definitely get more of a taste for those than with a thicker dough that can mask some of that flavor.



OKAY and then there was the beer. They had a handful of local brews. So I went with a flight to try a little of everything.



Unfortunately, things got a little mixed up and turned around so we weren't totally sure which beer was which and we ended up with an extra. I can tell you, though, my favorites were the honey one and my least favorite was the dark beer. It had a certain kind of bitter.

Grade: B

The Pinch Sam's Hot Dog Stand is a bit elusive. It tends to only be open on weekdays during lunch hours.



But on this visit, I got lucky. I was able to snag a pepperoni roll - stuffed with pepperoni and thick dough! Pretty standard.



UPDATE 10/29/23: Finally was able to check it out - and they have a really solid hot dog - if not a little mushy.



Grade: B

Comfort is a town I had never heard of - but I ventured there in search of hot dogs.
The Sam's Hot Dog Stand here is primarily a gambling spot - I had to buzz to get let inside. And when I asked for a hot dog, they said they didn't carry any.



After looking puzzled, they prepared me one.



I gotta say, it was a pretty sad looking hot dog. It looked like they cut it a few times, so it wasn't entirely appetizing.

My last column in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, for now:

In these times of uncertainty, there’s one sure comfort: Girl Scout Cookies.

You know them as Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Toffee-Tastics, Girl Scout S’mores and the new Lemon-Ups.

As a young Girl Scout, I peddled the classic cookies up and down my neighborhood, vying for a coveted prize like inflatable furniture or a neon T-shirt. It was the ’90s, after all.

My love for Girl Scout Cookies began at a young age (namely, Samoas), and it’s continued throughout my life (now, Tagalongs). Not just because they’re delicious, but also because of what they represent: young women entrepreneurs learning key skills to make them leaders.

Recently, I was honored to participate in the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Taste-Off. This event featured Girl Scout-created desserts that highlighted six of the cookies. Girl Scout Cookies are no doubt tasty, but they can also be incorporated into so many desserts, which makes them very versatile. Just look at this lineup of delicious creations:

- Tagalongs Do-si-dos Cupcake
- Thin Mints Sweet and Salty Mix
- Tagalong Shake
- Girl Scout S’more Campfire Cupcakes
- Trefoils Cheesecake Cup
- Samoa Brownie Parfait
If you missed out, you can make these at home by following recipes supplied by the bakery, Little Brownie Bakers.

The desserts were truly scrumptious. Each bite was made more so knowing that the program — and organization — is dedicated to helping develop girls into leaders across the state and beyond.

Sweet in flavor and sweet in satisfaction — a match made in cookie heaven.

In full disclosure, I am employed by the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, and opinions expressed here do not reflect or express those of the Council. They are solely my own. I’ve always loved Girl Scout Cookies, so I am excited to share my devotion — no matter where I am.

I've made my way to Danville to try the Sam's Hot Dog Stand. This Sam's had a cute little set-up in a gas station with cute overhead signage and a decent space on the side.



But what caught my eye first is that there were a whole, fresh pile of pepperoni rolls on the counter. I got a "Zesty" roll, which had salami, sauce and banana peppers. So, so tasty.



The hot dog - this time with just ketchup - was solid. If not a bit too much ketchup.