
I've been a bit under the weather - and traveling - so apologies for the lack of posts. But nothing cheers me up more than a new box from J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile. So, let's see what we have this month.

Hand Sanitizer Spray from Rock Bottom Soap Co.
Sugar Cubes from Storied Goods
Berry Brigade Tea from Skirted Soldier
Halfway Homemade Massaman Curry from Vegetable Kingdom
Mountain Print from Hippie's Daughter
Red Corn Grits from Deep Roots Milling

Have you tried any of these products before? I love Hippie's Daughter, and I'm excited to check out the others!

Charleston is hosting "Food Truck Wednesdays" at Slack Plaza during the summer, and I am trying to keep my eye out for places I've not yet tried.

Recently, they've had the Shape Shop, Dem 2 Brothers, Busters Blazin' Grill, Mr. Choo Choo and then two new-to-me places: MR Poppins and Just Drinks.

MR Poppins had kettle corn; I got the original, which I really enjoyed! Sweet and salty and fresh - what more can you ask for? And Just Drinks has some really good lemonade. I needed that on this hot day.
Which other places have you tried?

Rolls on the River is one of my favorite FestivALL events.

One: It is a pepperoni roll festival. But two: I was here when it first got started.

Big Brothers Big Sisters started the festival years ago and got me involved because of my book. I then became involved with the board and was there when we passed off the festival to the Montessori School.

And now I've made my return as a judge, along with Steven Keith, Jeff Shirley and Don Wilson, and I had such a great time.

There were 9 rolls:

- Mea Cuppa had a round, fluffy roll full of pepperoni.
- Sweet Mamas had a large roll that pepperoni on the top - a bit greasy - but ultimately took home the judge's choice.
- Mardi Gras had a half roll that had some herbs but the cheese consistency was a bit off.
- Legacy Foods took home people's choice with their very traditional large roll with sliced pepperoni.
- Gritt's Farm had one of my favorites - it was cut in half with plenty of pepperoni and cheese and a crisper crust.
- The Governor's Mansion was my personal favorite with a small, sweet dough, a nice hunk of mozzarella and ample sliced pepperoni.
- DP Dough had mini pepperoni buns that were just on the dry side, but I like the construction
- Mountain Juice had a good rendition of a vegan roll that had a few differences in texture and consistency. They did have a dipping sauce, though, which I always enjoy.
- Finally, another favorite was the Pitch - a giant deep-fried ball with plenty of cheese and pepperoni. This was also a people's favorite runner up.




Steaming Cup Cafe in Ravenswood is a small coffee shop that packs some personality.

The space has a modern vibe and offers coffee, iced drinks, tea, smoothies, and food.

To start with, I ordered a blended cookies & cream drink.

If you want a milkshake with a little caffeine, this is the way to go. It is sweet and refreshing and comforting all at the same time, while also giving you that little bit of kick.

The food menu consists of sandwiches, paninis, wraps and muffins.

I went with a ham and cheddar sandwich, which came with lettuce and mayo.

Pretty straight-forward. All in all, a pretty decent meal. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but nothing bad either. I wouldn't mind stopping back here again and trying some other menu items.

Grade: B
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