The Embassy Suites in Charleston is home to Brasserie 1863, a restaurant in the atrium area of the hotel.



Previously, the hotel was home to a sports bar, but I was excited to check out the rebrand especially because it pays homage to West Virginia by including 1863 in the name. 



I went with a few friends, and we looked over the menu. It's not huge, but it has enough variety to supply the standards and have something for everyone. 



I decided to keep it simple with a cheeseburger - the 1863 Burger, which is a custom blend of sirloin and brisket with cheddar on brioche. 



The burger was pretty solid. I dressed mine up with ketchup and mayo to suit my preferences, bit it was a good slate upon which you could build. Fries were good. AND, one of the amazing managers Meagan even gave us some dessert on the house - which always tastes better. Great service, good food and fun friends.


Grade: A

Napoli's has a few locations around the Mid-Ohio, and I'm making my way slowly through all of them. Today, we visit the 7th Street location in Parkersburg.



They are most noted for their pizzas or sandwiches, but been there, done that. This time, I went for a cheeseburger. And not an especially cheap one - $8 for a takeout burger. 



But after placing my order online, I went to pick it up, and it was in a warming oven of sorts waiting for me. I open it, and the cheese is just so melty, it has like engulfed the burger. I kinda love this. I know it's a little messy, but I just love that perfectly melty texture of the cheese. And, you better believe wrapper cheese is still my cheese.



It's not a bad burger overall, but it's a pretty utilitarian, fast food-esque one. A more gourmet burger might run $8, but this is not quite that.



But, tasty nonetheless.

Grade: B

Pineapple-on-pizza haters: You might want to stop reading now.  



Recently, I went to Gino's in Sissonville and wanted to try something a little different on the menu. I've had the pizza and the wings and the sandwiches. So, this time, I went for a flatbread.



Sure, it's similar to pizza. But, it is a different offering from them. Much thinner, crisper and that makes the toppings pop even more. And I did it: I went with a Hawaiian flatbread. And, it was good! I am on board with the combo of sweet and salty. And this is maybe one of my new favorites at Gino's. 

Grade: B

Have you heard of Von Blaze Sandwiches?



The current food truck and soon-to-be restaurant is dishing out some super creative sandwiches, wings and fries. 



I happened to get lucky and found Von Blaze out and about while in town. You may recognize Chris McDonald as the former chef at Stefano's who has been recognized for the incredible food he put out. So, I had high standards.



The first thing on the menu that stuck out to be was the "lobster dog." This housemade lobster and shrimp "hot dog" has napa slaw, fingerling potato chips, brown butter mayo, on a toasted New England style bun. 



That sounds weird, which is right up my alley. First of all, take a look at this beautiful specimen. It's not a regular hot dog. The potato chips on top are like these beautiful waves of crunchy, salty goodness. 



And it really is like seafood in a hot dog, but it works. It's more like seafood with a hint of salt and crunch and cream with the mayo. It all works for a weird Appalachian twist on a lobster roll. 



Grade: A

A new locally owned and operated butcher has opened in Morgantown recently.



Village Butcher and Market, located  on University Avenue in Star City in a new building, offers a variety of fresh cuts of beef, chicken and pork. 



They also have sausages, salamis and more. 



In addition, they also offer a sandwich menu, as well a other market goodies like kettle corn, biscotti, cheese, olives and prepared salads.



If I were living in town - or even had a cooler - I would be tempted to purchase a delicious steak. Local folks are going to have to tell me how those are.



But since I was just passing through, I opted for a sandwich.



The "Prosciutto" had my name written all over it: prosciutto, aged manchego, baby arugula, fresh Mission figs, house-made fig preserve, and a hint of Dijon served on a french demi baguette.



This sandwich is, hand's down, one of my favorites in all the state. 



The bread was fresh with that crusty top, the greens were fresh, the prosciutto was flavorful and shaved thin, the figs added a delicious sweetness, the manchego brought just a little funk, and the hint of dijon helped balance it all. 



It really is a fairly simple sandwich with a few high-end ingredients, but that's all it takes.



I also ordered a side of pasta salad, which was OK. I like mine to be really zesty, and this one was pretty mild in flavor - but not bad.



There were also a few products I wasn't familiar with that I'd like to try next time.



I've not had Almost Heaven Kettle Corn, but it looked good! 



I also need to try the house biscotti - with a nice coffee, of course. 



And I had no clue the folks from Tutto Gelato are making pasta! I really can't wait to pick up some of that. have you been? What's been your favorite purchase?

Grade: A