Hey, Charleston, hit me with your best burger!
Not, like, physically. But I really am curious to know who you think serves up the best hamburger in town.
All the recent on-again, off-again talk about Fayetteville's mega-popular Secret Sandwich Society possibly opening a restaurant in Charleston has left lots of folks with burgers on the brain. I can tell, because I've heard a lot of you lament Charleston's lack of a really strong casual, but somewhat upscale, craft burger and beer joint.
You know, those places that top their giant, juicy, beefy patties with goodies like avocado, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, kimchi, chipotle mayo, pesto, thick-cut bacon or a fried egg oozing goodness. All served on an artisan bun, of course.
And they're right. I'm always stumped when often asked: "Who has the absolute best?"
Well, um ... I've had good ones at B&D Gastropub in Kanawha City and I'm hearing great buzz about the burger lineup at Bricks & Barrels downtown. I know The Grill serves a classic version on the West Side and I do fancy Quaker Steak's Lube Burger out at Southridge.
But as for declaring THE best place for burgers in the Kanawha Valley, I just can't say.
So, where do you go to get your ultimate burger fix? Inquiring minds want to know!
nnn
As promised, I made my mea culpa visit to Captain Ds this week after making a lighthearted jab about the fast food chain's dining options during Charleston Seafood Week, which just wrapped up this past Sunday.
Turns out they're a national sponsor of the event and thought I should come give their healthier grilled menu items a spin. But instead of accepting a complimentary tasting, I popped in unannounced and paid my own way - just as I do when reviewing a local restaurant.
And just as with a local restaurant, there were a few culinary ups and downs.
The grilled salmon entrée wasn't bad, just a tad overcooked, making it a little dry, which is easy to do with salmon. So few restaurants do it well. The blackened whitefish was a little more forgiving - with the seasoning adding flavor and the fish itself a little more moist - and the grilled shrimp skewers were solid.
The plain-looking rice served on the side was quite good, actually, tasting almost like a seasoned dirty rice instead. Bursting with flavor, its only downfall was being pretty (too?) salty.
The green beans on one plate were outstanding, but the broccoli on the other was steamed to within an inch of its life, leaving it squishy, tasteless and very sad. Each plate came with a breadstick that was also fine, although I'd splurge on hushpuppies next time.
I'll continue to enjoy the guilty pleasure of a tasty platter of Captain D's deep-fried fish and chips from time to time. But when I'm in the mood for something more waist-friendly, it's nice to know there are options in that category, too.
nnn
Since we're just finishing up Charleston Seafood Week, reader Kevin Price said he thought it might be a nice time to reach out with this question:
"Years ago at General Seafood, and later on the Edward Moonlight Barge Restaurant, they used to have Cajun Seafood Pasta on their menu," he said. "Is there any way you could come up with that recipe? Any help will be greatly appreciated!"
Well, Kevin, after a couple of hiccups we were able to track down the elusive Cagney's Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe earlier this year. Maybe we'll have similar luck here.
Anyone?
nnn
Apparently, I am too darn busy. The organizers of three (three!) upcoming local food fests have all asked me to be a celebrity judge at their events, but I'm already tied up those weekends.
Nonetheless, they all promise plenty of hot eats (wings and chili) and cool treats (beer and more beer) that you won't want to miss.
This Saturday, the Hops & Heat craft beer festival and chili cook-off will welcome hundreds to the East End Bazaar at 1428 Washington St. East to sample chili prepared by local cooks and beer made by regional breweries.
Although I can't make it to this year's second annual soiree, I was on hand to judge last year's inaugural event and can tell you first-hand you're in for a really good time.
From 2 to 6 p.m., guests can sample more than 70 different Appalachian beers from some 20 breweries throughout West Virginia and surrounding states, all while enjoying live music and vendor booths.
Tickets cost $30 and include unlimited chili samples while supplies last, a 5-ounce sampling cup good for unlimited beer tastings, plus three drink tickets that can be used for larger 12-ounce pours. (Additional beer tickets can be purchased on site as well.) Tickets for non-beer drinkers are $20.
For more information (including the full beer lineup) look for "Hops & Heat" on Facebook or visit charleston eastend.com/east-end-bazaar/hops-heat/.
One week later, on Oct. 29, the YWCA's 11th annual Guys Night Out fundraiser is expected to draw more than 200 local men (plus media, restaurant vendors and female volunteers) for a WVU tailgate-themed party complete with beer, a pig pickin' and the popular "Best Wings in the Valley" contest, as determined by the guys who attend and a panel of celebrity judges (minus one; #poutyface).
Reigning champ Adelphia is returning this year, along with Hooters, Quaker Steak & Lube, Rollin' Smoke BBQ, Sam's Uptown Café, Timothy's at the Quarrier Diner, Buffalo Wild Wings, Embassy Suites and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 519.
Guys will watch the WVU-Oklahoma State football game while enjoying beer, barbecue and all the fixins. Tickets are $75 and include all food and drink, plus a cigar. All proceeds benefit homeless women and families at the YWCA Sojourner's Shelter.
The event takes place at MRC Global at 835 Hillcrest Drive in Charleston. For more information, visit www.guysnightoutcharleston.com.
Then, on the following Saturday, Nov. 5, the third-annual Wagging Tails Chili Challenge will also feature plenty of music, chili, beer and more along Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans - all to raise money for Dog Bless, a Kanawha Valley dog rescue group.
I also have to miss this year's event (not liking this trend, by the way) but served as a judge here last year and had a nice time.
The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. that day and admission is free. Tickets will be sold for chili sampling and additional food, beer and other treats will be available for purchase. For more information, visit "Wagging Tails Chili Challenge" on Facebook or call 304-382-3305.
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."