The Myrtle Beach area is probably the most common vacation spot for West Virginians.
In fact, some folks call it the "56th county" of West Virginia because of how many Mountaineers you'll find there.
So, it only makes sense that there's a pepperoni roll outpost nearby so that folks can still get their fix."
That's where D'Annunzio's Bakery comes in.
The Clarksburg bakery offers bread, pepperoni rolls, and those same versions can be found at this Longs, S.C., bakery by the same name. My understanding is that it's a family member who opened the South Carolina location.
Were the pepperoni rolls just as good? They sure were. A very bready roll - but classic.
They also had some products I've not seen at the Clarksburg spot that are bit more adventuruous - like apple raisin bread and cranberry walnut bread. They even had Oliverio's peppers to top your favorite Italian dishes with.
Grade: A
Crafts of Coal is taking over St. Albans. What started as an ice cream truck has now expanded into a storefront on Olde Main.
The shop focuses on ice cream - and a ton of different flavors of it. There is seating, but it's not very comfortable or large.
In fact, there were so many, I couldn't choose. I always struggle whether I want to go the fruity route or the caramel route - and they rarely go well together. Which is why their "flight" option is perfect for people like me.
Banana Pudding - banana pudding ice cream swirled with marshmallow creme and vanilla cookies
Blueberry Muffin - blueberry muffin ice cream, chocolate covered waffle cones and blueberries
Carolina Peach - peach flavored ice cream
Lime Daiquiri Sorbet - lime flavored sorbet
Smoky Mountain Toffee - toffee ice cream swirled with whiskey sauce and chunks of Heath car
Turtle Trail - sea salt caramel ice cream, caramel swirl, chocolate-caramel candies
On this day, my favorites were the lime sorbet - usually not one I'd go for! But it was refreshing and flavorful. I also was a big fan of the sea salt caramel - but of course. What are your favs?
Grade: A
I remember when smoothie bowls or acai bowls became really popular a few years ago. I drove to Fayetteville - the closest crunchiest town - to try one and just thought it was the most refreshing thing. Fast forward a few years later, and these types of cafes are springing up more frequently - most recently as Fruition Bowls and Brews in Morgantown.
This new restaurant is a secondary location to its Waynesburg, PA, spot. They offer smoothies, bowls, coffee, specialty toasts and other snacks.
The interior is bright and trendy, while also having a darker accent wall and tables. It feels clean. And healthy.
I ordered the peanut butter & jelly smoothie: banana, blackberry, blueberry, almond milk and house-made peanut butter. I was hoping for a pb&j sandwich vibe, but it kinda fell flat. It was just a bit bland - not overly sweet or nutty or flavorful. Not bad; I just wanted more.
I also went with an avocado toast complete with multigrain toast, everything seasoning, freshly sliced avocado, and red pepper flakes. Plus I added feta cheese. And, it was really yummy. It was creamy and a little funky and very satisfying. Definitely add the feta if you are a feta fan. Just be prepared for feta to fall everywhere - your shirt, your car, your phone. Worth it.
Grade: A
Dog Haus Biergarten is a chain that focuses on hot dogs with a German vibe.
They just opened a Barboursville location, so I went out of my way one day to check it out. And lots of other folks had the same idea because it was quite busy. The interior is pretty straightforward - lots of high-top seating and basic art.
All of their dogs, sausages and burgers are served on grilled King's Hawaiian rolls. They have some unique creations - some California-inspired, some Texas-inspired, some Mexican-inspired, etc.
I went with a to-go order: Old Town - smoked bacon wrapped dog, caramelized onions, chipotle aoili, pickled jalapenos and cotija cheese. I also ordered a cheeseburger slider, mini corn dog and chili cheese tots.
Let's start with my absolute favorite - this little cheeseburger slider. It has mayo, white American cheese and caramelized onions. It's so simple but perfectly executed.
I wish I would've ordered 5 more of these sliders.
The mini corndog was OK - just a bit too *much* for me - too much breading, too greasy, not my jam.
The hot dog was good. It's not the traditional hot dog experience, but it's like a whole other flavor experience completely. There's a little sweet, a little funk, a little heat and a good quality dog.
Finally, the tots. I love that they separated out the chili and cheese for the to-go order so they didn't get all soggy. I self administered too much chili, I think, but I enjoyed the cheese and especially the scallions.
Grade: A
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