Huntington is home to a few Gino's locations, and the most recent one I tried is on Washington Avenue. This spot, unlike many, is stand-alone restaurant without a connection to a Tudor's.
The Huntington locations have some slightly different options, as they have a different owner. So, I always enjoy trying something I don't always see - like this chicken parmesan. It is pretty much the homestyle spaghetti with lots of mozzarella and chicken bits sprinkled on top. I wouldn't have hated a giant breaded chicken cutlet, but it was still a not bad and filling meal. Some chunks of peppers and onions makes the sauce feel homemade, and anything covered in cheese can't be too bad.
Grade: B
I think Sushi Garden is a hidden gem in the area. 
The popular Capitol Market vendor also has a stand-alone location in Cross Lanes, where they serve their delicious sushi, as well as ramen, teriyaki and more. 
The restaurant itself is small, intimate. There is only room for a few tables. A large sushi menu adorns two dry-erase boards and includes inventive rolls with tasty combinations.
I went all out and ordered shoyu seafood ramen first. A huge contributing factor in this choice was the fish cake - that beautiful little pink swirled guy. I don't know why, but I just love them. It also had shrimp, bamboo shoots, green onion, seaweed and chashu - or Japanese braised pork belly. I didn't love the broth - a bit fishy (duh) - but I loved every single ingredient.
On the sushi side, I went for a roll with crab, cream cheese, tempura batter, masago, and scallions - just a few of my favorite things. Lots of different fresh flavors and textures - no simple, straightforward roll this visit.
What's your favorite order here?
Grade: A
Uncle Bill's Pub & Grill is not a restaurant I hear come up in conversation often. Maybe it's because they're more of a sports bar that caters to a regular crowd.
The restaurant is set back a bit off the main road in Barboursville and is adorned with flags flying outside.
Inside, the walls are red, there are 18 beers on top, 8 big screen TVs, darts and a small menu. They have specials on a chalkboard, which definitely caught my attention.
I ordered some "Bill's Balls," which are round dough balls stuffed with a filling. Ham, Italian, reuben, cheese and buffalo are all available.
I went with cheese, and they were pretty good - I don't think you can go wrong with dough, cheese and marinara. But I do love getting the slight crisp paired with the cheese before being dipped into the marinara. That arrangement really does change the flavors.
I also had the meatballs, which has that "from the freezer section" flavor and texture - not my favorite. The pretzel bites in cheese weren't bad, though. I think it's fairly on par for what I'd expect from a bar and grill - though I do think the "balls" are a bit more fun.
Grade: B
While I love all food and new food, Italian food has a special place in my heart - or tummy. It's comfort food - and is especially comforting in cold temperatures.
Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - I've tried all the Italian restaurants nearby. But I was in the mood for a new place, so I ventured just across the border into Gallipolis, Ohio, to dine at Tuscany's.
Tuscany's is a sister restaurant to Fratelli's in Barboursville. The branding is similar, and the menu items are similar, too. My goal was to find the richest, most indulgent dish, and I landed on the lobster and shrimp ravioli: ravioli stuffed with shrimp and lobster tail, blended with ricotta, romano, parmesan cheese, Italian herbs and spices, and topped with a blend of their creamy lobster bisque and their signature alfredo sauce.
First, though, I had some simple breadsticks. They are pretty thing and just lightly dusted with parmesan. Not a ton of flavor, but something to whet your appetite.
Then, a simple salad was served. Some crunchy lettuce, slivers of red onion, tomatoes, a few croutons and a side of French dressing for me.
Finally, that entree. It may not photograph beautifully, but it tastes great. The lobster meat gives a slight sweetness to a heavy, rich creamy sauce. It is all comfort in one bite. Some more herbs could have added some brightness, but the flavor was still great.
Grade: A
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