Pacific International Market is a specialty foods store that has all sorts of Persian, Indian, Asian, Arabian, and African products. They also prepare some hot made-to-order food items, like kebabs, shawarmas and gyros. I ordered a chicken shawarma and hummus, which were both "Tastie" - get it? Hummus is pureed chickpeas, which can read a little bland to me unless it's super punched up with garlic. This could've gone with 10 more cloves for my liking. I liked the shawarma, which was like grilled in this case. And I'm really weird about like warm lettuce, so I would have preferred if it was fresh and raw. And again, if it was drenched in garlic sauce.


Grade: B

BootLeg Distilling is a distillery located in Martinsburg - all the way over in the Eastern Panhandle. I was fortunate to stop by to check out their offerings. But first, a little background:

"You can call us the 'farm-to-table' of distilling. We are a family owned and operated distillery created from a pole barn (essentially a steel barn with support poles). This handcrafted facility was constructed by the unique skills and devoted hands of owner/founder Brad Armel. Being nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains allows you to enjoy our spirits in an atmosphere with nature. We pride ourselves on manufacturing quality spirits. We use grains from local farmers, while also using limestone filtered water. This considerably increases the quality of our premium spirits – aged rum, bourbon, and corn whiskey, with moonshine coming soon. Creating a new-school taste for the old-school drink. This taste is developed through filtering and blending all-natural, locally sourced flavor profiles of smooth/sweet aromas. We can’t give it all away online, so come visit us to learn more. Our distinct process is not just a craft, but a passion. It is our pleasure to produce spirits from our distillery for you to enjoy with friends and family at your table or at ours. Brad and Lucia Armel welcome you to BootLeg Distilling. We’re a family business looking to put a smile on people’s faces by sharing our passion of distilling.



They offer rums in unique flavors - like strawberries & lemon and sweet cinnamon. They have corn whiskey and bourbon whiskey. I had to try the sweet cinnamon - because a local version of Fireball sounds delish. And it is! Smooth, spicy and a great base for cocktails.



It deserves a space on my bar cart and on your shelf, too. Have you been yet?

Hot Dog Hut in Philipi is a hometown restaurant that features, you guessed it, hot dogs.



But they do have more than just hot dogs; they also have meatball sandwiches, pepperoni rolls, sloppy joes, and more.



The space is actually quite large and has some cute decor of wiener dogs. I decided to try a few different things.



So, I went with pasta, salad, hot dogs, and the pepperoni roll, just for good measure.



Pasta salad was fine. I like mine a little bit more zesty. It was fairly mild – average.



The pepperoni roll was much of the same. Pretty standard, for what it was, which is better than being too dry. The grease made its way through the bread to give it all some decent flavor.



I know there are some folks who are very passionate about what you got on top of your hot dog. I decided to split the difference and go with my boring, ordinary order of ketchup and onions. But I also got a West Virginia style one with chili, slaw, mustard, and onions.



I liked mine, topped with ketchup and onion. It added sweetness and texture, and it just reminded me of a backyard dog.



The West Virginia style dog was also tasty; it's a totally different experience. This dog is more wet and has a totally different flavor combination. I liked that the slaw was really finely chopped, so it made a sort of paste. The chili was good and the onions and mustard were minimal so they didn't overtake the flavor. I was a fan.



Overall, a solid, local joint that has some decent food options with local charm.



Grade: B

Wild Graze is a "Gourmet Grazing Company in CWV specializing in delicious boxes of edible art."



The business is located on Smith Street, in the same building as Spa Bliss. The shop often carries mini graze boxes available day of. But if there's a larger order, it's best to call it in in advance.



Graze Boxes are "Cheese & Charcuterie with all the accompaniments conveniently crafted in our sustainable eco-friendly balsa wood boxes. Ready to take on your next adventure into the WV wild (camping, picnics, river days) or home to enjoy cozied up on your couch with a good bottle."



The mini specifically has: 3 cheeses, 1 type of Charcuterie, Seasonal fresh and dried fruit, olives, nuts, crackers, and a sweet treat! Served with honey or jam. (aka the adult lunchable) Perfect for one~ for lunch, dinner, cocktail hour, or anything in between!



It was delicious. Fresh, varied, with unique offerings. The box had artisan meats and cheeses that you won't find at your regular grocery store, which made it fun. Not to mention, everything was tasty and made tasty combinations together.



Mountain State Flower Farm also stocks bouquets at the shop. It is a sustainable cut flower farm in Putnam Co. I would love to visit one day because the flowers are just beyond.



Have you checked out either place?



Grade: A

New China in Parkersburg is a Chinese-American restaurant serving up many of the classics: General Tso's chicken, pork fried rice, and the like.



For their crab cheese wontons, they use the folded-over method, which I like. It seems to have more cream cheese inside. I didn't notice much - if any - crab, but I do not mind. I like the fried cream cheese with sweet-and-sour sauce.



The egg roll was pretty run-of-the-mill. It seemed to have a lot of cabbage, and not much else. But that seems to be the norm locally.



For my entrée, I ordered sesame chicken but with white meat chicken. this is my favorite hack when it's available. All the delicious flavor of the sweet and tangy sauce, but over top of white meat chicken. No stringy or gristley pieces. Just fresh, tasty bites of chicken with some zing.



Do you have a favorite Chinese-American menu hack?



Grade: B