I am casually on a journey to try all of the Sam's Hot Dogs locations in West Virginia. I am not as determined as my Tudor's and Gino's adventures, but as I see them, I'm trying to check them off. So I went to the Elkview gas station, which had a Sam's hotdog location inside and wanted to check it out. However, I've had a lot of Sam's Hot Dogs at this point, and I saw that this location had some other items - like the spicy chicken sandwich - I got this with mayo. Now, this is a gas station, so there isn't much to be said for the ambience, seating or service, but I was pleasantly surprised with the sandwich. It's totally simple, but it was pretty good. The bread was grilled. The chicken was crispy and moist, and the mayo was standard, but gave it that creamy element and, I think, above all else, it was better than I had expected. It was better than I could make it home. And I wouldn't hesitate to order it again.



Grade: B

Cross Lanes is home to a Husson's Pizza location, and I stopped by recently to see how it stacks up to the other locations. I placed my order online, as per usual, and it was ready as soon as I arrived. But they do have some seating if you choose to dine in. I took mine to go and opened up my box as soon as I got in the car.



I actually went for a pizza with all the toppings this time. Olives, mushrooms, banana, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, onions, and green peppers. The works. There really is something delicious with all these toppings combined. I can see why my parents ordered pizzas like this for so many years. I like changing it up and enjoying new flavors. It's fresh, but hearty and crunchy but gooey. My biggest qualm is that the pizza was not cut well, so sometimes the pieces would drag off toppings of other slices, and it became quite a chore to eat without utensils. and, of course, when some slices have toppings, and some don't, it changes the flavor.



Grade:B

Boulders is not necessarily a restaurant that we sought out, but it was nearby, convenient, and quick when our tummies were rumbling while out and about in Mesa.



we were the only ones in the restaurant at the time but service was still a little slow. The atmosphere is bike & climbing themed, and the menu reflects that too.



we started with something called "pizza nuggets," which instantly drew, our attention. But really, it was more like a flatbread with marinara sauce on the side. I guess if you rip off pieces they could be considered nuggets? A little bland.



For my entree, I went with a mushroom swiss burger, which was pretty average. Patty was a little dry; a sauce could have done a world of difference. I went with sweet potato tots on the side, which were fine, but again, could have benefited from a good complementary sauce. I didn't really want to use ketchup or ranch, but a sweet and tangy sauce would've been a nice pairing.



Grade: C

I attended a new-to-me event this evening.



Tuxes & Tails is Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year. It is a special evening where hundreds of supportive and involved animal lovers and donors come together to celebrate, bid on wonderful auction items, and support the life-saving mission of KCHA, according to their website. 



This year, get your hats and bowties ready for Tuxes & Tails "Down and Derby" at the Capitol Market! Come dressed in your favorite derby attire and feel free to be creative! Enjoy delicious food by SOHOs, specialty cocktails, silent auction, live entertainment by DJEJ, Photo Booth, contests, and more!



One of my favorite parts of the evening was the wiener dog races. My friend, Kelsey, entered her dog, Teddy, who came in second place!



Soho's catered the event and offered cheese, fruit, shrimp cocktail, shrimp skewers, hot browns, meatballs and some desserts. Later on, they brought out some pizzas, as well.



Have you been?

A "paleta" is a Mexican fresh fruit and cream pop from Michoacán, Mexico. It's similar to a popsicle - but fresher. 
   

Paletas Betty has been making Mexican ice and cream pops since 2010, so they know a thing or two.



In addition to the paletas, they offer fruit salads, fruit drinks and cold brew coffee. 



Paletas come in a number of flavors: mocha (coffee and chocolate), Mexican hot chocolate (cinnamon and chocolate), arroz con leche (rice and cinnamon), and the one that caught my eye: fresca con crema - strawberries & cream. 



Side note: I think this photo of Josh & Kaitee is album cover worthy. 



I think ice cold desserts are necessary in a place like Arizona, because everything feels like it's on fire all the time. So the desserts help cool things down. And these paletas hit the spot. It was so cool and sweet and refreshing. The creamy ones are a bit more decadent, but still fresh. I also love that these have some chunks of fruit so the texture adds a little something-something.



Grade: A