I have been waiting for Monkey Wrench Books to open for quite some time, so I was pleased to see them operating during my last visit – and not only that, there was a surprise coffee shop inside! A locally owned bookstore and coffee shop is a welcome addition Morgantown. They have a nice little selection of Appalachian books and cooking books, which are the two I'm most interested in. Unfortunately, no The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll book...yet. I found the perfect warm beverage. Hot chocolate + strawberry + cryptid inspired name? Meet The Mothman. Sweet, hot, frothy goodness. Grade: A

Wrdensville is a cool little town with a handful of amazing, locally owned shops and restaurants. Drifters Cafe is one of those - and a hidden gem, as it is literally on the backside of a building with a bookstore so you need to walk around to get to the entrance. This open space offers food and coffee in a relaxing, fast-casual environment. I opted for a blended hot cocoa and breakfast quesadilla with a side of avocado ranch. A frozen hot chocolate is maybe one of my most favorite drinks. It may be partly because of the paradox, but I know I just enjoy it. It is sweet, has that icytexture and has just a tiny touch of bitterness from the cocoa, making it not too sweet. The breakfast quesadilla was huge. It could have fed too easily. I enjoy the concept here, but I do wish that there was some more melted cheese and salsa. The ranch just didn't hit like salsa would. Overall, though, I did enjoy this combo and would be happy to stop here again to try some more menu items. Grade: B

Enter into the delightful scent of freshly baked treats, sandwiches brimming with local flair, and indulge in irresistible pastries... That's the intro to Happy & More Bakery & Cafe in Thomas. This bakery offers some pastries, muffins, brownies, cakes and cookies in the countertop case. They also have coffee, soda and tea for drinks. Finally, they also have some made-to-order items in their café, such as biscuits and gravy, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and hotdogs. Their offerings are pretty simple, but they do have a second portion to the business, which is retail. There are a number of food products, local art and plenty of gifts for purchase. I took two goodies home with me: a spinach and parmesan pastry, as well as a caramel apple cookie. i'm not sure the pastries are made in house, as this particular one looks very familiar to me. But, that did not mean that it's not delicious. It's rich and savory and all the best ways. The cookie was nice and chewy, which is my preferred cookie texture. Plus I love when there's that pull of caramel inside. A nice little shop that has some tasty treats and unique finds. Grade: B

Modern Mountain Measures is a fundraiser for the Junior League of Charleston WV that features modern takes from Chef Paul of 1010 Bridge on classic recipes found in Junior League cookbooks: Mountain Measures and Mountain Measures: A Second Serving DRINK
Pomegranate Sparkling
HORS D'OEUVRES
Pickled Shrimp Shooters
Inspired by: Pickled Shrimp, Mountain Measures, page 29, submitted by Mrs. Soul Snyder

Parmesan on Rye
Inspired by: Parmesan-On-Rye Canapes, Mountain Measures, page 28, submitted by Mrs. Edward W. Rugeley, Jr.

Crabmeat Spread
Inspired by: Crabmeat Spread, Mountain Measures, page 37, submitted by Mrs. Joseph R. Goodwin

SALAD
Marinated Artichoke Salad with Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach, Parmesan & Croutons with Seasonal Dressing
Inspired by: Mandarin and Lettuce Salad, Mountain Measures, page 52, submitted by Mrs. Kenneth Kleeman ENTREE
Beef Arlesienne with White Cheddar Grits and Roasted Spring Vegetables
Inspired by: Beef Arlesienne, Mountain Measures, page 161, submitted by Mrs. High G. Thompson, Jr.

OR

Hernshaw Mushroom & Tofu with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Inspired by: Miss Bess’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, Mountain Measures, page 46, submitted by Mrs. Frederick W. Prichard DESSERT
Opal’s Apple Bread Pudding
Inspired by: Opal’s Apple Pudding, Mountain Measures, page 355, submitted by Mrs. John Raynes

South Ridge Church held its inaugural Biscuit and Gravy bowl at Capitol Market today. It served as a fundraiser, as well as a fun community gathering to celebrate one of Appalachia's most beloved dishes. There were 10 competitors total, with most making biscuits and gravy, but others made other breakfast staples. TICKERS & TIMBERS BOARDHOUSE CHARCUTERIE
This brunch board was beautiful. The little pancake platter was adorable, and they did have a small sample of the biscuits and gravy. ROMEO'S GRAVYYY
This chipped beef gravy was a family recipe and favorite amongst the crowd. RAISED IN ROANE
These FBLA students made a tomato gravy, which is creative and a nice counterbalance to all of the others. COG TATERS
These cheesy potatoes, I learned, are found at many church events. And, I can see why. They are delicious! Buttery, cheesy, potato. Yes. SAM'S UPTOWN CAFE
The smoked paprika flavor gave this gravy a yellow-orange hue. It had some heat, and I think it ended up being the crowd favorite of the day. BAR 101 | ICHIBAN
A wonderful mix between traditional and creative. There was a biscuit and hash crumble with a green chili and Angelo's sausage gravy. Wow. BOGEY'S AT CAPITOL MARKET
maybe the most traditional of the bunch, with a light pepper heat. A nice homemade biscuit. ISLAND FOOD SHOP
A sweet Jamaican porridge with a jerk sausage biscuit made for a new spin on the classic that was super tasty. THE ZWICK GROUP
chocolate gravy! What a neat and different addition to the competition. DAD BOD BISCUITS
A more traditional biscuits and gravy with a very thick gravy.


Judge's Winners:
1. Sam's Uptown Cafe
2. Romeo's Gravyyy

People’s Choice:
1. Sam’s Uptown Cafe
2. Romeo's Gravyyy
3. Island Food Shop

Kids' Choice:
1.Island Food Shop
2. Bogeys at Capitol Market
3. TIE: Ichiban | Bar 101 and Tickers & Timbers