I recently attended an event that was catered by Hungry Bear Catering in Fayetteville. While the offerings were fairly simple - a sandwich, salad and cookie - I was impressed with the freshness of the components. Simple, but enjoyable. The salad had a base of cabbage, which I was a huge fan of. The cookie could have used more love, as it was a bit dry. Grade: B

Dave & Buster's is like a Chuck E. Cheese for adults. There are arcade games, large TVs, food, and drinks. it marks the first location in West Virginia and, they have some decent food options. "THE STORY OF DAVE & BUSTER - Yes, they're real guys! Back in the late 1970s, Buster opened a restaurant known for its tasty food and friendly service. A few doors down, Dave opened an outrageous place for entertainment and games where adults were irresistibly drawn for fun. The two young entrepreneurs noticed people rotating between their establishments, and an idea started to form: What if they put both under one roof?" according to the website. "FIRST STORE OPENS IN DALLAS, 1982 The two young men headed to "Restaurant Row" in Dallas where they found an empty 40,000 square-foot warehouse. Having been proclaimed certifiably crazy by many in the restaurant industry, Dave and Buster dove headlong into construction. With Dave’s name first because he won a coin toss, they opened the first Dave & Buster’s in December 1982." "OVER 140 D&B LOCATIONS. Each store has more state of the art games than ever, more mouthwatering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound." They have tons of shareable apps, wings, flatbreads, burgers, entrees and desserts. I went for the cali caesar chicken bowl but subbed steak for the chicken. It was supposed to come with guacamole, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons and bacon. I was missing the guacamole, which was my main draw for the salad, so that was a bit of a bummer. But it was still huge and not bad. Have you eaten here before? What's the best thing?

Located in a gas station travel plaza, Mabel's Family Restaurant is a sit-down restaurant in Mt. Nebo. It gives off retro diner vibes, and the food follows suit. There is a wide selection of breakfast staples, plus a variety of lunch and dinner options. I ordered a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit to go. While the sausage and egg were average, the biscuit was thick and clearly freshly made. next time, I would just get one of those fresh biscuits with some butter and jelly and call it win. Grade: B

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Salem Apple Butter Festival. And, it was my very first in attendance. "The Salem Apple Butter Festival, founded in 1984, provides live demonstrations of old fashion apple butter making. You will see the process done outdoors using copper kettles suspended over wood fire with the tasty product and canned on the spot for visitors to purchase. Other attractions include entertainment daily, grand parade, food, crafts, celebrity auction and many contests including quilt show, the Sam Warner Memorial 5k Run, bicycle poker ride, pet show-off, talent show, car show, and corn hole tournament. The festival is a drug and alcohol free event providing family fun for all ages. There is no admission charge and all entertainment is free, as well," reads the website. Dorie's Concessions, The Sister Hibachi, Glen Elk Boys and Papa's Belly were all food vendors I would like to try! Plus many more. I'm not fully sure what the greased pig contest is, but I would love to check that out next time. My favorite part was watching folks stir the apple butter in the huge kettles. And, it's right along the rail trail so it's pretty scenic. Can't forget the dancers performing Country Roads. Have you been?

Here is my latest column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail:

Few drinks are as symbolic of southern culture as the burgundy soda found in convenience stores and gas stations across the region.

Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink, has been a staple in the Appalachian south for more than a century. Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1917, the soda was created by general store owner L.D. Peeler amid a sugar shortage. He discovered he could use less sugar with the punchy cherry flavor and still deliver a delicious drink.

The effervescent beverage stood out amongst the more common colas and root beer sodas at the time. Though Cheerwine is named for its cherry hue and not for any alcoholic content, it gained immediate popularity as a refreshing, non-alcoholic alternative.

Cheerwine slowly expanded across the Appalachian region, spreading its cherry goodness into Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and beyond. And in doing so, it evolved into more than just a sweet and slightly tangy drink. It became a representation of place and a point of pride.

And, its application evolved as well.

“In addition to being great on its own, Cheerwine is the most versatile soft drink around,” reads the website. “Our unique cherry taste does wonders for all types of food and drink recipes. From smoothing out hot wings to adding that great cherry flavor to brownies, the possibilities are endless”

Cheerwine’s signature sweetness and subtle tang complement a wide variety of dishes, from glazed ham to baked beans. In some parts of Appalachia, you’ll even find recipes passed down through generations that incorporate the soda, with cooks using it to marinate meats, sweeten sauces or even add to desserts.

But perhaps the most famous Cheerwine-inspired dish is barbecue sauce. The deep cherry notes are sweet, tangy, and rich; it’s a perfect match for many of the region’s traditional foods like slow-cooked pork, fried chicken and more. The barbecue sauce has gained a cult following and can be found in local restaurants as a wing flavor or paired with jalapeño poppers.

Cheerwine’s distinct flavor, history, and deep roots in the region make it a beloved icon in the region. For many in Appalachia, Cheerwine represents more than just a soft drink—it’s a connection to the past. Whether it’s sipping a bottle of Cheerwine on a front porch or passing down family recipes that incorporate the soda, there’s a sense of pride and tradition that surrounds it.