DRAFT is a restaurant & bar in Morgantown that has a bit of a sports bar bend - large TVs, subscriptions to the local networks and some creative drinks like the giant mimosa table tower we saw as soon as we walked in.



I went with my friend Kayla for brunch, and we were excited by both the food and drinks. I started off with the Bloody Mary Board, which came with a Bloody Mary prepared with Absolut peppar vodka plus tons of accoutrements - onion cheddar, shrimp, bacon, horseradish pickles, sweet pickled peppers, cocktail sauce. This is the best part of a bloody mary, so I was in heaven. It's mostly just snacking and using the bloody mary as a dipping sauce.



For my main meal, I went with the chicken & waffles. You know how the chicken and fish at Long John Silver's kinda taste the same because they're all using the same batter? I kinda had that effect here. Both the waffles and chicken were cooked to the same color and all covered in powdered sugar. I did like the waffles - they were the crispy, Belgian kind that have a bit more chew. 



What's your favorite thing here?



Grade: B

Giuseppe's has been a mainstay in Mount Hope for years, though it's gone through some openings and closings. And most recently, they seem to have shuttered their doors.



Hopefully they can make a comeback. But in the meantime, let's take a quick look at the Italian restaurant from my last visit.



The interior has some traditional decor, red and white checkered tablecloths and a menu full of classics. I went with a cheese ravioli in a blush sauce, which came with salad and breadsticks. 



This is comfort food to me. The pasta is rich and carb-tastic. I do wish maybe some fresh herbs or something was there to add a bit of brightness to the dish. The house dressing is tasty and punchy, though I would've loved something other than iceberg. And my breadsticks - covered in butter and cheese - were delish - if not a little unevenly baked.



Overall, a classic, homestyle Italian. restaurant with a good bit of history that I hope returns.

Grade: B

Have you ever been to a murder mystery dinner? I've been to one on a train before, but recently enjoyed a more "traditional" version at the local Holiday Inn with my friend Erin.



Hosted by the Murder and Merriment company, the actors played out a few scenes and mostly went from table to table having convos with the attendees and leaving clues.



The food? It was catered by the hotel, so it included salad with ranch or Italian dressing, penne with marinara, chicken lasagna, garlic bread and pecan and pumpkin pie. They also had a number of holiday cocktails. It was pretty standard for hotel catering - though they do have a restaurant that I want to check out at some point. Have you ever been?

Coffee on Main is a fairly new coffee shop in Beckley that not only offers coffee, but also pastries, sandwiches and more. 



Unfortunately, they will be closing their doors so I wanted to make sure I share my lovely experience here. 



The inside is cozy and a bit rustic. I started with an iced coffee with caramel. I didn't see any real specialty creations, so I kept it simple. And, it was good! 



And a good blueberry muffin is one of my weaknesses, so when I saw it, I knew it was coming home with me. 



This, too, was tasty. I love when it has that sugared top that gives some texture, but this was straight-forward and good.



Nothing too crazy, nothing out of the norm. But solid and satisfying.



Grade: B

The Capitol Market held its inaugural Merry Market Mingle recently, and it was an end-of-the-year celebration to enjoy all things holiday and local business related.



There were roving carolers, a little gift bag with jam, a wooden bookmark and Holl's chocolate sucker.



Plus, there was a lovely. spread of cheeses, fruits, veggies, sushi and more. 



If you didn't make it this year, be sure to check out the next one!