Does anyone else remember the Wonderbread stores growing up? I remember going to the one in Wellsburg to get small snack cakes for my dad's lunches and other cheap packaged bakery goods for home.

A Schwebel's Bakery Outlet opened at 800 Business Park Drive - off Point Marion Road - in Morgantown recently. I learned that there's only one other one in West Virginia (in Ona), and the only other places they are found are Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Indiana. So, I went to check it out.

Lots of bread, snacks and other junk food that I shouldn't be buying. They had Junior Caramels (I've heard of Junior Mints -- but caramels?! I also picked up some of those small fruit pie snacks - but with cream, as well!

Just reminds me of growing up with all these snacks that now make me nostalgic. If you go:
800 Business Park Dr. 26508
(304) 212-4438

MON, TUES, THUR, FRI: 9:30-5:00
SATURDAY: 9:30-5:00
SUNDAY: CLOSED

The most beloved pizza joint in town has opened a new location at the University Town Centre. Pizza Al's Granville, located near the new Sleep Number store, began welcoming customers a few weeks ago.

The new space has loads of seating and the typical tower of Pizza Al's pizza boxes at the counter just awaiting fresh, piping hot pies. Typical chairs and tables with the same types of offerings - all just in a new location.

So, I called in an order for a small mushroom pizza. It's a bit more expensive at this location. In 20 minutes, my pizza was done and ready to go.

First bite: The crust is a bit softer (maybe that oven needs more time to warm up), but the signature slightly sweet sauce and tons of melty cheese are still there. If you're craving a taste of classic Pizza Al's on this side of town, this location won't disappoint. And if you've never have Pizza Al's, you definitely need to try the original to get the full experience.

Grade: A

There are some vendors at the Morgantown Farmers Market that I'm just now getting around to trying! Richardson's Farm is one of them. My good friend Lisa, who used to be the market manager, gave me some insight to this vendor.

Richardson's Farm is run by Sudawan “Sue” Richardson in Fairmont, WV. This 5-acre plot is covered in a large variety of produce from a few fruit trees, a berry patch, herb garden, rows upon rows of tomatoes and peppers, and a large variety of other veggies that can be found at her market table. 

Sue is originally from Thailand, where she was a school teacher, but she came to America as a mail-order bride. She married her husband Curtis, who recently passed away (May 2016) after a long illness and years of being bed-ridden. Sue’s story is excellent and I could do no justice in telling the whole thing, but it is rather fantastic and involves rejecting a Canadian millionaire because she didn’t know what that meant in English. 

She is not a USDA Certified Organic grower, but does her best to not use any chemicals on the farm. Speaking from experience, the amount of spiders and weeds is a testament to those practices. Sue happily invites people to visit the farm for events, tours, or if you have a desire to pick produce. You can find her produce at a few area farmers markets and at the independent “All Things Herbal Local Market” in Fairmont.

I got some delicious strawberries here! What's your fav item from Richardson's Farm?

If you didn't go to last year's Taste of Morgantown, you once again missed out.

But you have another chance. The seventh annual Taste of Morgantown is scheduled for June 8 at the Erickson Alumni Center. The fundraiser, which benefits the American Red Cross, showcases Morgantown restaurants through delicious, innovative dishes. More than 25 restaurants and vendors will be in attendance.

The event takes place on June 8th at the Erickson Alumni Center at WVU from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the event cost $40 per person or $75 for couples. Tickets can be purchased at the American Red Cross office in Morgantown, online at www.RedCross.org/TasteOfMorgantown or at the door the evening of the event.

At the end of the evening an esteemed panel of judges (including yours truly) will present awards for the best dishes in several categories. Among this year’s participants are Sargasso, Iron Horse Tavern, Table 9, Wine Bar at Vintner Valley, Morgantown Brewing Company, Tin 202, Tutto Gelato Café, Mountain State Brewing Company, and Tailpipes.

Morgantown’s Northeast WV Chapter of The American Red Cross has aided local residents who were severely impacted by extreme weather, house fires, and other disasters in the past year. By attending Taste of Morgantown you will be contributing to the American Red Cross and supporting their invaluable emergency assistance and disaster relief efforts.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and the food tasting begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact The Red Cross at 304-598-9500 or visit the event website at www.RedCross.org/TasteOfMorgantown.

We've made it, you guys. The very LAST restaurant on the 101 Most Unique Places to Dine in WV list. The VERY LAST one! It's hard to really guess how long it took me to knock off this list, because I had about half of them already complete when the list came out, and then I was just casually knocking them off as I could. Within the past 6 months or so, I've really focused on completing those ones that are out along unbeaten paths in the state. Like the Holly River State Park Restaurant in Hacker Valley.

Fun story: I actually tried to visit this place earlier this year while knocking off a few other restaurants in the area. Then, MUCH to my dismay, I discovered it is seasonal. It is closed during the winter and opens back up in April. It's only open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Memorial Day. Then, it should be open daily until Labor Day, then it goes back to weekends only. BUT, you'd be safe to just give them a call if you are planning a visit (304-493-9493).

After the 2.5 hour drive south, I arrived at the cabin that houses the restaurant. And - with a sigh of relief - I saw other vehicles parked out front. Yes! Open! This time, when I turned the door knob to the screen door, it opened and revealed this rustic, wood-paneled dining room. There was one table enjoying a meal, and I found a table toward the back.

After a few minutes, I received the menu. They were no longer serving breakfast, but everything else was up for grabs. I had read the meatloaf was great, and the homemade pies and cakes were divine. So, I ordered up the meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes (and gravy) and corn. I also ordered a slice of hot cherry pie.

The restaurant is operated by Debby Schoolcraft Catering, who I can only assume was the woman who waited on me because she apologized profusely for my initial wait. And, she took care of me for the whole meal - always tending to my refills and asking if the food is good.

The meatloaf, while good flavoring, was a bit dry. I remedied that by sharing the giant helping of mashed potatoes and gravy with each bite of meatloaf. The mashed potatoes are very thin and reminded me of school cafeteria food - but not in a bad way. I actually liked them. Also, a big fan of the roll served with dinner.

Dessert, though, was so good. This pie was piping hot and perfect. The crumbly crust and sweet cherries were a special treat that I don't get often. If you're in the area, stop by and get yourself a nice heaping helping of pie.

Grade: B