Macarons have hit the Kanawha Valley, and folks can't get enough. Bake My Day is a home baker who is specializing in French macarons and popping up at events all over. Sure, there are some other bakeries in the area where you may find a flavor or two of macarons. But Bake My...

Continue Reading

There's another teal-tinted business that opened up in South Charleston. This one is doling out coffee and breakfast food. Cocoa Coffee offers the standard coffee and espresso drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. They also have a few bubble tea options, which I thought was exciting so I ordered the strawberry one. Food...

Continue Reading

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is one of the most famous BBQ restaurants in the country. Here are just a few reasons why: - Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain listed Joe's original Kansas City location as one of "13 Places You Must Eat Before You Die." [7]- Joe's was named "Kansas City's Best Barbecue" by Zagat. [9]- USA Today said the ribs were...

Continue Reading

Here’s my latest column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail:What do biscuits, toast and peanut butter all have in common? They’re better with jam. Or jelly. Or preserves. Or fruit butter.In Appalachia, fruit (or veggie) spreads are just one of many preservation methods used to capture the flavors of produce during the peak of freshness...

Continue Reading

Black Draft Farm & Distillery is a lovely agritourism destination that I've seen grow over the years. My first visit was to their home property with a barn in the back. Now, they have a full-on event venue in Martinsburg that plays host to music, food trucks and more every weekend. Not only...

Continue Reading