Gourmet Granny is based in Madison, but you can often find her at vendor shows around the region.



Her signature is caramel apples made with Granny Smith apples in a variety of specialty flavors.



But she also sells chocolate-covered pretzels, turtles and other goodies.   



My friend Beth and I stopped by during an adventure. 



These little chocolate-covered pretzels were delish. I snacked on these for days, and they were the perfect little sweet treat. 



But my favorite were these little turtles that were filled with white chocolate and caramel and so tasty.



My apple, too, of course, was great. These are very sweet treats that make great gifts or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Grade: A

The Pink Pig has been bopping around the southern part of the state - from Fayetteville to Huntington to Beckley - and I was lucky to catch them open a few months ago in their Beckley location. 



I've had their food in a few different locations, so it's no surprise I knew what I wanted: these delicious jalapeno poppers covered in bacon and some pasta salad. These are flavorful and satisfying. The ambiance and service left a bit to be desired but no major complaints.



They also had some products for sale - like Blue Smoke Salsa and Moon Pies. That was a fun little throwback. 



Overall, a tasty meal. But I don't think they're currently open, and it's tough to keep track of when they are.

Grade: B

Joyland: Quality Comfort Food - "A fun new concept by Chef Sean Brock designed to spread JOY" A new project by Chef Sean Brock bringing JOY to East Nashville, TN through delicious food.



There doesn't need to be much more said to convince me to try out this Nasvhille, Tennessee, restaurant. I love Sean Brock, and there's a weird, high-end twist on fast food? I'm here for it.



It's a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it's pretty cool. Red, blue and yellow stripes decorate the place, and the menu features burgers, fried chicken, biscuits, shakes and fries. 



I ordered a few things: A crustburger, which is a super-duper thin crust as a bun and a smash burger inside with onion, American cheese and a side of fancy sauce. I mean. My mouth is watering just typing that. 



I also ordered one JoyBurger Deluxe, which is Bear Creek Private Label Beef with Joy Sauce, pickles, onions and American cheese. More of a classic burger with quality ingredients - made fast. 



I couldn't NOT get a chocolate milkshake to wash it all down with.



Delicious? Yes. Fun? Yes. Quirky? Yes. 



Grade: A

I was in Clendenin not too long ago for an event, and I decided to check out some of the local grub while here.



Paddlers Bar & Grill is a local bar/grill with a kayaking or rafting or canoeing theme. It's a bit of a local dive, with everyone knowing each other but still welcoming out-of-towners (like me). 



I dissected the menu to determine whether I was in a burger or wings mood. I went with the "wa'a" burger, which means "canoe" in Hawaiian. It features white American cheese, pineapple, ham, red onion and Hawaiian sauce. 



If you're into sweet and sour, this is a good burger for you. It was a bit on the greasy side, and I would've loved more of the sauce to replace some of that grease. But the flavor combo was dynamite. 

Grade: B

Short Story Brewing is a Rivesville-based brewery that recently opened a second location in downtown Charleston. I love their original location and was excited to see their brews a little closer to home. 



Their addition creates this little craft beer corner with them, Fife Street and Black Sheep. Then, skip on over to the Charleston Nano-Brewery to complete a local beer crawl.



The Short Story space is lovely - large, open, dark green accents, floral touches and greenery. It was beyond busy the first night open; downtown was bustling; holiday lights were twinkling; and people were having a joyous - and very loud - time. I enjoyed a "Neon Gardens Sour," with passionfruit, blood orange and raspberry. If growlers were allowed, I would have taken one home with me. It was just a little tart, pleasantly so, and a hint sweet and just well-balanced for a perfectly delicious beer. 



Have you been? What's your favorite?

Grade: A