This past Sunday's "Tastiest Town" feature on Fayetteville stirred up lots of folks raving about that little city's food scene - and uncovered a little mystery for me, as well.
"It was amazing to read The Food Guy's reviews of Fayetteville," wrote Sherry Hill. "Fabulous article and photos. You all outdid yourselves!"
I really appreciate the kudos, and she's right about the stunning images and interesting videos that appear each week online at www.wvgazettemail.com/life/tastiesttown. The Gazette-Mail photojournalism team has done an incredible job showcasing the cities and restaurants I'm visiting.
Sherry also shared the story behind the naming of Vandal's Kitchen, one of the neatest little spots I've discovered during this marathon tasting tour of the state.
"The restaurant itself is named after Abraham Vandal, the pioneer who settled a 200-acre farm where downtown Fayetteville now stands," she said. "His farm supplied food directly to the public through his tavern, a practice now replicated at Vandal's Kitchen."
I was wondering where the name came from, and I think ol' Abe would be proud. This tiny restaurant is making big waves in town.
Another reader, who didn't leave a name, said: "I relished your Fayetteville article and hope you visit my favorite spot, The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill, on your next trip."
I wanted to check it out, too, but it wasn't quite open for the season during my visit. It is now, so I'll add that to my must-eat list along with The Station, which has since opened as well.
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Shepherdstown was one of the first cities featured during our series, but is still generating comments weeks later - perhaps more than any other town profiled so far.
"Your review of Shepherdstown came at a great time," wrote Libby Ballard, who found herself there for a festival recently. "We followed your recommendations and visited Domestic and Press Room for dinners and Betty Lou's twice for breakfast. Betty Lou's was packed and served up really tasty fare for breakfast. I tried their sausage gravy and my companion had an omelet and pancakes. The portions were huge and perfectly prepared, considering the volume they were doing. The gravy was full of sausage pieces and had just the right amount of peppering."
She said Domestic was her favorite spot (for its subtly seasoned pasta with scallops and delicious roasted Brussels sprouts) although she was a little disappointed in the Press Room, where she reported her glazed salmon was a bit bland but the beet salad was good.
"I loved the town and it was my first visit there," she added. "Obviously, people there take pride in the appearance of their buildings and property. We had an enjoyable couple of days. I do enjoy your column."
Thanks so much, Libby, and I'm glad you had a nice time.
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Six down, one to go!
With this past Sunday's profile of Fayetteville restaurants in the books, we're less than two weeks away from revealing my pick for "West Virginia's Tastiest Town." This Sunday's feature will recap my adventures eating through my old hometown of Huntington.
You can catch up on the previous six city profiles at www.wvgazettemail.com/life/tastiesttown, then be sure to check out June 19's Sunday-Gazette Mail to see which city's food scene reigns supreme!
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In case you missed the news last week, Capitol Market just announced it is hosting a new summer craft beer and food festival with only a limited number of tickets being sold.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, "Capitol Market ON TAP!" will feature dozens of local and regional breweries offering unlimited samples in a commemorative Mason jar tasting glass, which is included in the price of your ticket.
If you're looking to satisfy your appetite, too, market vendors will be selling an array of specialty food items for $5 and $7, including marinated meatballs from WV Marketplace, fish and fries from the Fresh Seafood Company & Market, fresh-ground burgers and beer bratwurst from Johnnie's Fresh Meat, slow-cooked barbecue from Purple Onion, roasted corn-on-the-cob from Gritt's Farm, signature sushi from Sushi Garden and custom desserts from Holl's Chocolates and Ellen's Ice Cream.
And while you sip and savor your way through the market, the Voodoo Katz and Mike Pushkin will enhance the experience with live music.
Whereas this spring's Foam at the Dome festival at Laidley Field sold more than 1,500 tickets, Capitol Market officials say ON TAP! will be limited to about 500 guests, creating a more intimate tasting environment.
For more information or to buy tickets (while they last!) visit www.CapitolMarketOnTap.com.
Steven Keith writes a weekly food column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and an occasional food blog at http://blogs.wvgazettemail.com/foodguy/. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or by e-mail at wvfoodguy@aol.com. You can also follow him on Facebook as "WV Food Guy" and on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest as "WVFoodGuy."