West Virginia is woefully lacking when it comes to bagels. So, when I travel, bagels are often at the top of my list to seek out during breakfast. On one of my most recent travels, I didn't even need to wait til my destination to get my bagel fix. Right at the Pittsburgh airport was Bruegger's Bagels.



"Everyone knows that New York City is the home of the best-tasting, most authentic bagels anywhere. So when the idea for Bruegger’s was born in 1983, the first thing we did was head for the Big Apple.

We learned the time-honored, traditional methods that had made New York famous for bagels such as kettle-cooking the bagels before baking them in a real stone hearth oven. We spent two and a half years working with a professional bagel baker to perfect our recipe and process. Then we set off on our mission to introduce the authentic taste of New York-style bagels to the rest of America.

Our neighboring state played an important role, too. Real, made-in-Vermont cream cheese provides the smooth, delicious foundation for a dozen unique blends you’ll find only in our bakeries. From Onion & Chive to Jalapeño to Bacon Scallion, there’s a spread to complement every bagel — and fulfill every craving.

Now in our 35th year, Bruegger’s Bagels operates nearly 260 bakeries nationwide. Our menu has grown to include sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, garden-fresh salads, hearty soups, desserts and custom-roasted coffee — but the essence of Bruegger’s hasn’t changed. We’re still committed to serving genuine, New York-style bagels and real, made-in-Vermont cream cheese," reads the website.



I love a lox bagel with cream cheese, capers, and red onion. Your seatmate might not appreciate it, but the combo is just *chef's kiss*. Bruegger's version on this particular visit was OK. I don't love the tomato on it because it's usually a bit lifeless and mealy. The bread and salmon were both good, though. It was still a treat to me.

There are a few things in life better than pasta. I have made my love for macaroni and cheese well-known, but I love pastas and all shapes and forms and topped in different sauces. That's why the fast-casual restaurant Noodles & Company caught my attention.



This chain restaurant is primarily found in larger metro areas, so I don't believe there is a location in West Virginia. I happened upon this location while in Virginia with my friend Kayla.

The menu features international and American noodle dishes, as well as soups, salads, and pasta: mac & cheese, spaghetti, pad Thai, roasted garlic creamy tortellini, Japanese pan noodles, chicken parmesan, and more.



I wanted to try everything, but I landed on the roasted garlic cream tortelloni: Cheese-filled tortelloni in light roasted garlic & onion cream sauce with zucchini, mushrooms and spinach finished with MontAmoré cheese and parsley. I also ordered some of the Korean barbecue meatballs, which are sweet and spicy with gochujang.



I was happy with my pasta dish, which did not have the beautiful al dente pasta that you might expect with a sit-down restaurant, but it also wasn't totally void of texture. It was somewhere in-between. The sauce was rich and creamy, but a bit too thin. The meatballs were not my favorite, as that texture was more difficult for me to get over. More on the spicier side than the sweet side, which surprised me. Overall, a fun find.

Peking Nagoya is a Chinese buffet in Weirton. Fun fact: I used to work at the former K-Mart that was next door throughout high school.



So, I have been to this restaurant throughout its various name changes in various forms. The decor is standard for Chinese–American restaurants with some big chandeliers and half-wall partitions throughout the dining space. I haven't noticed much of a change in the food over the last 15 years, but I wanted to check out this latest rendition.



I ordered coconut chicken, general tso's chicken and honey chicken to split with the family. Plus, steak hibachi with rice & veggies.



Every entrée was pretty average. The quality of the chicken is usually what sets the food apart for me. But these were a bit stringy, at least as far as the chicken goes. The steak hibachi was OK. I did like the veggie mix, but the steak was just kind of steamed so it didn't get much of a sear.



The steak lo mein may have actually been my favorite because the steak seemed less soggy and the noodles had a slight bite to them.



Grade: C

I have never been part of a country club or tennis club, but I have frequented them for events or other special occasions. Recently, I checked out the Charleston Tennis Club with some coworkers.



"The Charleston Tennis Cub is the region’s premier tennis, pickleball, swimming and fitness facility! It is quietly nestled away on 25 acres of maintained grounds. Our beautiful, newly constructed Clubhouse features indoor and patio dining during the summer months ... The club boasts 11 outdoor tennis courts, 9 Har-Tru (clay) courts, 2 hard courts, and 6 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts... The Club also includes a beautiful heated 25 meter outdoor swimming pool with a diving well. Additionally we have a baby pool, snack bar, playground, shelter area, and basketball court," reads the website.



Of course, my visit centered on the Clubhouse restaurant - and specifically lunch. The menu is fairly simple, with some finger foods, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and quesadillas. I thought it was only fitting to get the club sandwich, which can just hit the spot some days. This was a solid version, which was not SO stacked that it's difficult to eat. It was maybe just a little bit dry, so more mayo would have been my preference. Fries were decent, but I liked the chips more. Housemade chips were a nice touch - extra crispy with ranch.



Grade: B

"We took what many saw as a dilapidated community eyesore, scrubbed away the 2016 flood mud, and turned it into a place that feels like home. We rose like a swine wallowing in the mud on a hot summer’s day to create an authentic BBQ place on the River. The Swine Barrel is your one stop shop to get delicious food and your share of friendly conversation and a few tall tales while you wait," reads the website.



Located in Elkview, this tiny BBQ shop has a really cute interior with bright pops of color, textures and industrial touches.



Seating is pretty minimal, especially if you have a large party. I put in a to-go order and snagged one of those high-top chairs while waiting for my meal.



I ordered a bunch of different things to try out at home, which included the brisket. It was smoky, a bit fattier than I would prefer, but had the appropriate accoutrements with it: pickled onion, pickles, and a barbecue sauce with lots of pepper. All the sides were good, though I think they have the potential to be great.



Mac & Cheese - Velvety and rich macaroni and cheese with a crisp panko topping and the perfect kiss of smoke flavor.



Deviled Eggs - 1/2 dozen of original deviled eggs with a hint of smoke and topped with pulled pork and pickled onions.



Sausage Balls - Homemade cheddar sausage balls served with sweet and sassy raspberry dipping sauce.



Caprese Salad - A generous serving of fresh mozzarella, stuffed in a ripe red tomato. a handful of basil leaves and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.



Grade: B