Pop The Soda Shop is a new restaurant in Morgantown that focuses on one main thing: pop. Or, soda. Or coke, if you will.  



Specifically, these folks are creating hand-crafted sodas from mixing cola or lemon-lime bases with all sorts of other flavors, like cream, strawberry, peach puree and more. There are also energy drinks, milk shakes and more. They have a few snacks on hand, like pepperoni rolls. 



When I walked in, I was overwhelmed by the menu (maybe do your homework before coming), but it wasn't busy and I took my time. The service could benefit from some more experience, but they'll get there. I went with a pineapple upside down cake, which had cola, pineapple, cherry and cream. 



It really was quite tasty. I like it better than just a regular cola, which can seem a bit much sometimes. The fruit and cream seem to mellow out the flavors. My issue is - I don't really know when I would come here? Maybe if you're next door at the BBQ place, but otherwise, I'm not sure I would go to a place just to get a soda. I hope I'm wrong and they find a cool, niche audience. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Grade: B

While driving through Beckley, I saw The Bumbler Bee Baker - The Cake Box set up alongside the road.



I couldn't resist that sprinkled truck, so I stopped to check out what was up for sale. There were plenty of cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and pepperoni rolls.



The one that stuck out to me, though, was the "What Not Cup." It was a layered dessert with almond cake, cream and strawberry puree. This is really a smart idea for any cupcakes that may not turn out right - just crumble them up for a whole different dessert. And, I liked this even more than a traditional dessert - it's all contained, easier to eat and I get to decide how much of each component I want in each bite. The cream and strawberry were on point. I do think the cake portion was a bit dry, so some moisture there would've made this perfect. 



Grade: B

I made a trip to the Taste of Bridge Day this year just to track down one vendor: Twisted Sisterz BBQ & Catering.



Hosted at Adventures on the Gorge, the event brings together local food vendors who offer a variety of tasty options for attendees.



I have been trying to check out this particular place for quite some time, so I was excited when I saw that they were listed as attending. I got in line early, purchased enough tickets, and bee-lined right to the barbecue truck. I was one of the first ones in line and ordered the smoked pork sliders, which had a pumpkin barbecue and tangy apple coleslaw. I would've liked some punch your flavors with a bold barbecue and a strong smoky flavor from the pork but besides that, I do like that they had a creative spin on it.
 

Grade: B

Have you heard of Sali's Market & Deli?



The West Side shop has some fried foods made to order, plus lots of little snacks like drinks and candies.



I visited not too long ago with a coworker to check it out.



I found some unique candy that I hadn't seen elsewhere, so I snatched those up - like the Reese Snack Cakes (which are just ehhh). 



I also ordered a cheeseburger with ketchup, mayo and onion on a grilled bun. The burger was a bit dwarfed by the bun and could use a generous helping of salt. It was just too dry and under-seasoned for my taste. 



The fries did have some seasoning, but they could've gone a few minutes longer in the fryer. I like mine on the crisp side, though.



As always, it could vary by who is cooking that day and other variables like that.



Have you been?



Grade: C

There may not be many opportunities to enjoy snow cones while it's weather appropriate (though to me it is honestly always), so I headed south to Danville to check out Mmmm Tropical Sno/Coffee Shop.



So they offer the typical snow cone options that are popular around the state with fruity flavors, but they do also sell coffee, so that is a nice alternative to the sweet, cold options. 



I ordered a cherry and grape snow cone with this super handy plastic holder that honestly saved my sweater on this day. You can't really go wrong with a snowcone = flavored syrup and ice. But bonus points here for the holder and the drive through and the coffee. Bonus points if they had some extra flavor creations that are unique. 

Grade: B