I went home recently for Father's Day, and in my family of three, whoever's day it is that we're celebrating, that person gets to choose where we have dinner.

So, my dad chose Chinese. I wouldn't say the Northern Panhandle has a a wide selection of Asian food. Growing up, we didn't have any options for that until a small take-out shop opened up in Follansbee during high school.


Before then, our only options beyond local diner food, fast food or Italian were Pittsburgh, really. I remember going to work with my dad one day and eating lunch from a Chinese street vendor. It was the first time I ever had an eggroll, and it was my first exposure to any sort of ethnic cuisine.


Which, I think, is why Chinese food remains my favorite. And the fact that I didn't grow up with that variety makes me interested in trying as many new places as possible.

Just dropped a little knowledge on ya.

So the Imperial China Buffet is relatively new at the Ft. Steuben Mall. I want to say it came in when I was in high school? I guess that's not relatively new anymore. But the mall in Steubenville was the closest mall to us, and even though it was kind of sad, we would go in high school if we didn't feel like traveling the extra half hour or so to Pittsburgh's mall.

This Chinese buffet is good by the area's standards. There is decent variety, with a couple different islands, and they have the basics like General Tsos, Coconut shrimp, crab cheese rangoons, lo mein, etc.

They even had some basic sushi rolls.

There wasn't anything that was exceptionally prepared, though I did have a half-dozen stuffed mushrooms. And I really think it's a good option in the area. And, it might even be better than some of the places I've been to in Morgantown.

If you're looking for a Chinese buffet in the area, it's probably the best bet.

Grade: B

Bluegrass Kitchen's bottomless mimosas and bloody Mary's may be the best/worst thing I've discovered in Charleston.

Bluegrass is quickly rising to the top of my favorite restaurants in Charleston.

And you can get endless mimosas or bloody Mary's during brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for $10? Yes, please.

They're usually $3.25. So drink at least four to get your money's worth.

Grade: C

After reviewing at least a dozen Chinese buffets, you'd think I'd have this down to a science, right? Well, the truth is, a Chinese buffet is a lot like a fast food joint. You can expect the same kind of food across the board, but the quality differs.

Main Tin is in South Charleston near a cluster of other restaurants, and it's only the second Chinese buffet I've heard about in Charleston. I stumbled into it by accident, actually.


The front of the restaurant looks like a simple take-out place. But behind that is a buffet restaurant. While most of the basic offerings were there, they were not necessarily the most fresh. Maybe we caught them at a bad time.

But it's fine. It's good for what it is. I'd be happy if there were more offerings, more fresh offerings and if they had something a little different, too. A girl can only have so much General Tso's, believe it or not.

Grade: C

I have been covering a lot of stories on the Boy Scout Jamboree in Fayette County, and on the way back from one particular trip, we stopped at a local Italian spot. A quick Urbanspoon search showed Giuseppe's had decent reviews, and it was nearby, so we stopped.

It's a local place that has that hometown feel. It's a little worn but in a good way. It has charm and character. A quick look over the menu really made me want everything, but I ordered the small rigatoni. I like my pasta to sauce ratio heavier on the pasta side, so even though spaghetti is their specialty, the rigatoni has a better chance of wowing me.

A house salad proved to be mediocre. Some iceberg lettuce, mozzarella cheese and a few tomatoes. At least they had French dressing available.

Some buttered bread was fantastic. Weird, right? I don't know how some bread can be so good - though I know many people who love bread, that's just not typically me - but the garlic and flavor on this one hit the spot for me.

The rigatoni! Some of the best I've had. I love the homestyle, traditional restaurants that have authentic recipes that have probably been around for ages. This sauce seems to fit that bill. I can see this sauce being fine-tuned and perfected over the years before its served to salivating patrons like myself.

If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit.

Oh, and if you have an EXTRA minute, stop at this cool little shop across the road. It's just ... amazeballs.



Grade: A