If you're like me, you may be familiar with Rocas in Charleston, but did you know Nitro has a location too (and Virginia, too!)?



I am a fan of the Rocas location in Charleston, so I was interested in trying the Nitro location with my friend Sara. One thing I have really come to enjoy is the creamy white sauce they bring out along with the salsa and chips. It's sweet, creamy, a little tangy, and wholly unexpected. 



Here's my strategy for most things in life: search out the cheese dip. So, when I came across "Arroz con Camarones" with grilled shrimp, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and rice ALL topped with cheese dip, I ordered it before I finished reading the remainder of the menu. 



Listen, you can't really go wrong in my book if the dish is covered in queso - yes, even seafood. Creamy, salty, savory delicious. Little crunch with the bell peppers and soft rice. Makes for a tasty meal.

Grade: A

There aren't as many Gino's locations as there are Tudor's locations in West Virginia ... but there is more variation from one location to another. Some have certain menu items that others do not, and that's what it's fun to try a new location. This visit, we're heading to Eleanor.



Eleanor is closer toward Huntington than many of the recent locations I've been to, so I was curious to see if they might offer some of the more Huntington-specific offerings. I believe those locations have a different owner, which can account for the difference. Alas, Eleanor had the standard items you'd find on a Charleston Gino's menu.



But, instead of the pizza, which I've been trying lately ... I went for pasta. Spaghetti is one of my least favorite pasta shapes (give me more noodle to sauce ratio please), but this was fine. It had a thick layer of meat sauce on top, so it was actually kinda tough to twirl noodles at first without them just breaking apart. Once I got into it, I could appreciate the basic and easy dish. It's simple, homestyle and satisfying. 

Grade: B

For some reason, I really enjoy the short drive from Charleston to Point Pleasant. It's a scenic trip with some rolling hills, farmland and small communities.



Along that drive, there's a small red building known as Farm Fresh Favorites in front of a larger farm space. 



They offer an assortment of beef, pork and lamb, as well as jellies, jams, eggs, deli meats and cheeses. Plus, they also have sandwiches you can get made right from the deli case. That includes a pulled pork bbq, chicken salad, club sandwich (ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato), turkey lovers (oven roasted or cajun, with cheese, lettuce or tomato), roast beef sandwich (provolone, lettuce and tomato) and hot dogs. 



So I went with a club sandwich with turkey, ham, tomato, mayo and cheddar. It's a good ol' fashioned sandwich that isn't trying to be anything more than it is. A simple deli sandwich that is both satisfying, simple and delicious - and stacked high with ingredients.



Grade: A

These home-based charcuterie businesses are popping up around the state - and I am so happy about it. We've tried one in Morgantown and one in Charleston, and now, there's Gourmet Grazing in Beckley.



There are a variety of different kinds of charcuterie boards you can order, depending on how many folks you plan to feed. For a small portion, I ordered a 6x6 and when asked if there were any specifications, I just asked for no dark chocolate (bleh) - which is so nice! Since she prompted me, I felt like I wasn't being a pain. 



Typically, they deliver, but since I was just driving through town, I picked it up. I also believe they may be in the process of getting their own location - which is so exciting! 



The box was full of cheese, fruit, salami, chocolate and more. 



And I absolutely loved the cute little wooden utensils, like this absolutely adorable honey dipper. I just can't with how cute it is. I think that's part of this whole like experience - the picking and choosing and abundance of goodies and it's all presented in this lovely little package. Are you a fan?

I stumbled upon Oma Goodness on Facebook, and I love to support a local business - especially when they're offering sweets! 



"Oma Goodness is a home based candy business that offers homemade goodies from your childhood. Fantasy fudge, no-baked cookies, potato candy, hard rock candy, coconut bon-bons and more! It is all custom made, all by hand." 



I ordered some milk chocolate buckeyes (yum!) and some cool whip candy, because it sounded fun! She even threw in an extra St. Patrick's Day-themed candy sucker because it was near the holiday! The buckeyes were delish. I always love a good buckeye. The cool whip candy was kinda reminiscent for me of a Three Musketeers. Have you tried this tasty home business yet?