During the summer, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern West Virginia hosts Food Truck Fridays where a couple local food trucks set up during lunch time at their space and give a percentage of their proceeds to the charity.



This is a genius idea because it's consistent, but with new opportunities, and allows folks to try a few different things. It's like a mini festival every week. Recently, I was able to go and got to try a brand new-to-me food truck: Philipos!



This Italian-American food truck features hamburgers, hot dogs, fried bologna and meatballs. I had to try a meatball, of course. It was a good size and had just a bit of cheese on it. I wouldn't have hated more salt, but not bad overall.

Grade: B

I know I just got around to sharing the June Appalachian Mercantile box ... but now it's time for July! So I don't forget. This one came complete with scone mix, berry jam, hot sauce, salt, a shrub, and an iron hook. Which have you tried?

Sweetz Da Snackery is a Beckley restaurant that specializes in soul food. They've been helping the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic and is a Black-owned business. Just a couple reasons I wanted to support them as soon as possible.



The building is bright - yellow and red - so it's definitely eye-catching! When you walk inside, there's a small shop to the right where you can get candies, snacks and drinks. Ahead, there are the main offerings of the day.



On this day, I went for the fried chicken and macaroni & cheese. Plus a Grape Crush. I mean, does it get any better?



The chicken had a nice crisp breading. Usually I'd choose a drumstick, but these were tasty. But let's talk about the macaroni and cheese. This is literally one of my favorite foods - whether it's blue box Kraft or a homemade style. But this, this was a different level. A heaping portion of baked sweet and creamy mac & cheese. The kind that I beg for here in Charleston. It's just... so good. Do yourself a favor and get some ASAP.



Grade: A

When July hit, I began a search for local tomatoes. And where's the best place to find that? A farmer's market. Sara and I stopped at the St. Albans Farmers Market.



My main stop was at Thankful Valley Farms & Hatchery, where I found some plump tomatoes!



These bad boys made a for a few really good tomato & mayo & salt sandwiches. Where's your favorite spot to find tomatoes?

During these crazy times, I'm trying to stay as safe as possible while also supporting local businesses. So, there has been a lot of takeout. A LOT of takeout. Even at places like Dockside Grille, which considers one of its biggest selling points being right on the river.



Nonetheless, I got a nice view of the space when I went to pick up. The island vibe is spread throughout the space, while still having a touch of refinement.



To start off, I ordered the coconut shrimp. Breaded, deep-fried shrimp with the sweet coconut outer layer. Plus a side of a creamy sweet chili sauce brought it all together. Yum.



Then, it's lobster ravioli time. Plump ravioli, stuffed with lobster meat and cheese, and topped with a creamy tomato sauce. This is not a new flavor to me, but it is one of my favorites. Creamy, cheesy, indulgent - in all the best ways.



Grade: A