This year marks Capitol Market’s “Silver” Anniversary. We've had this amazing market for 25 years! 



Capitol Market’s annual fundraiser, Market Mixer, was held on Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Capitol Market in downtown Charleston!



It was an amazing evening that showcased why Capitol Market is a true gem in our capital city.



Proceeds benefit Capitol Market and help sustain the historic property and continue our mission of supporting small businesses, lifting up local farmers, and creating a community space for all.



There were drinks, hors d’oeuvres from Chef Paul Smith and the culinary students from Carver Career & Technical Center, live music, vendors giving away samples and doing demonstrations, and more. 



Here were some of the goodies:   



Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Herb Spaetzle

Fried Goat Cheese Skewers
- Plum, Spinach, Prosciutto and a Honey Vinaigrette

Fall Chicken Quesadilla
- Sage Roasted Chicken, Butternut Squash, Kale, Onion, & Fontina Cheese

Sweet Potato and Quinoa Crab Cakes
- Remoulade Sauce



Fall Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche
- kale pomegranate jalapeños apricots

Curried Beef Meatballs

Apple Butter Brie Bites
- with Brussels Sprouts and Toasted Walnuts



Fried Pumpkin Pie Wontons
- Coated with Cinnamon Sugar and JQ Caramel Sauce



Plus the market vendors had lots of giveaways, too, like popcorn, sushi, prosecco, crab dip, koozies, coffee, and soup. 

It's calzone time! This time at the Gino's in Danville. 



If you've been following along, yes I am going to all of the Gino's locations. And yes, the calzone is my favorite item.



So, how does Danville's version stack up? It was a bit on the wet side - though I'd rather it be that than dry - but otherwise, not bad. Plenty of toppings and sauce, but a bit messy to eat when the bottom is a touch soggy.

Grade: B

Ripley is home to a new steakhouse: Roadhouse 2081.



"It all began in 1990 as a family-owned and operated Ponderosa Steakhouse here in Ripley, WV. After the expiration of our contract with Ponderosa in 2020, we decided to update and remodel our building into a new casual family steakhouse named Roadhouse 2081, with the emphasis on "Food, Spirits, and Friends." We have and will always be totally committed to great quality food, impeccable service in a very clean atmosphere! That has been our family way for 31 years and going forward the Roadhouse 2081 way!"



The building is really lovely; dark wood; rustic but clean and not cluttered. Service was quick, and the colors were reminiscent of fire. 



The menu features many steakhouse staples like potato skins, prime rib, sirloin and shrimp. For my money, though, I went with the sirloin with sides of veggies and mac & cheese. I liked the extra spices on the sirloin, and the flavor was tasty, but a little overdone for my liking. Just a touch. The mac & cheese and veggies were OK - they could've benefited from some of the seasoning on the steak! 

Grade: B

The Tap is part of a revitalization of the main street area in St. Albans, in. my opinion.



There's coffee, ice cream and now, a tap house. "We are a local tap house in St. Albans, WV. We have a specialty food menu along with some of the finest craft beer, wine, ciders & seltzers from the state of West Virginia and the surrounding areas."



The space is lovely, but not too big. It's been packed each time I've gone. Because of that, I think, service has been hit or miss. 



Drinks have been decent - I had a house sangria, but I appreciate the variety they bring in from places like The Peddler and Weathered Ground.



When I've gone for brunch, I tried the chicken and waffles; the chicken cut itself could have been a better quality, but I did enjoy the waffle with the local syrup. 



Avocado toast (with goat cheese!) was pretty tasty and stacked with toppings, and the breakfast pizza was the winner of the group. 



It had that ooey, gooey cheese and comforting flavors that hit the spot on a Sunday.



Grade: B

Two of the area's favorite restaurants have come together in Rising Creek 2 Tutto Gelato.



"We are very excited to announce the partnership of Rising Creek Bakery & Tutto Gelato Cafe. Bringing you a fusion of our menus in a new space located at Colonial Park in Suncrest. Offering homemade baked goods, salt rising bread, panini, soup, gelato, full espresso bar and more. Our partnership is focused around friends, family, community and quality products rooted in our familial backgrounds."



This was really an exciting find for me when I stumbled upon it some time ago now. These are two great restaurants - one that has been located over the state border and another that has been a pillar in the Morgantown community for years. 



Gelato? Sandwiches? Appalachian bread? This new spot has it all and more.



Located in Star City in a small plaza that I haven't seen a restaurant in before, Rising Creek 2 Gelato offers breakfast options like smoked salmon on salt rising bread, lunch options like the "Florentine," which has grilled chicken, provolone, fontina, tomato, spinach, sun-dried tomato pesto and garlic mayo; and gelato and espresso.



I ultimately went with the "SMOKED SALMON ON SALT RISING" - Smoked salmon, house made cream cheese caper spread, pickled red onions and fresh greens served with a side of fruit. It's like an Appalachian version of bagel & lox. It's that same tasty flavor profile all piled on salt rising bread. 



And that salt rising bread adds a deliciously buttery flavor. And something as simple as a green salad and fresh fruit adds some lightness, freshness and acidity. Very tasty.



To top it all off, I tried a macaron! You can't find them everywhere in town, so it's a bit of a treat. And, it was tasty, too. Overall, a lovely brunch that I wouldn't hesitate to enjoy again.

Grade: A