Charleston Area Inspiration Guide - Charleston Area Inspiration Guide 2019
Food from the Hip
2019-07-10 04:53:15
ETHNIC OR APPALACHIAN? UPSCALE OR DOWNHOME? A BOUNTY OF DELICIOUS OPTIONS AWAIT
CHARLESTON’S BUSTLING culinary scene puts the “Almost Heaven” into “Hip, Historic … Almost Heaven.” From high-end dining and award-winning barbecue to diverse ethnic fare and the state’s best margaritas, these mouth-watering selections will have you coming back for seconds.
Local Favorites
West Virginia may be a landlocked state, but you can still enjoy fresh premium seafood at Tidewater Grill. For more than 30 years, the restaurant has offered the catch of the day, homemade pastas and a fresh raw bar at its Charleston Town Center mall location.
In Charleston’s historic East End, savor locally-sourced gourmet food in an artistic setting at Bluegrass Kitchen or venture across the street to the quirky Tricky Fish. (Singer Melissa Etheridge tweeted about their sumptuous hush puppies when she performed in town!)
Dip into a deliciously sticky plate of ribs or a pulled-pork sandwich at Dem 2 Brothers & a Grill on Charleston’s West Side. Known as the best-smelling corner in Charleston, the restaurant often hosts special events like Soul Food Sunday and Sippin’ On Sunday.
Watch the barges float by on the Kanawha River while digging into gourmet pizza at Mountain Pie Company, where toppings range from buffalo chicken to marinated steak.
Luscious Libations
The Kanawha Valley’s brewpubs, bars and bistros offer plenty to wet your whistle.
The Market is known for its seasonal New Appalachian creations that pair well with a hand-mixed drink, craft beer or a selection from its award-winning wine list, which has earned a Wine Spectator Award for five consecutive years. Locals enjoy live music and crazy-good cocktails at nearby Bridge Road Bistro on Thursdays, staying around for gourmet offerings from Chef John Wright. ›
Everyone loves the famous burgers, hot wings and prime rib sandwiches at Sam’s Uptown Café, but this bar also serves up a mean brunch to go with your mimosa or bloody mary.
Under the same roof, T&M Meats and WV Brick Oven Bistro offer a wide selection of hand-cut meats and pizzas, along with growler fills of all your favorite local and regional craft beers.
Looking for a quiet, romantic dinner? Head to Bricks & Barrels, where some tables are set into alcoves resembling giant wine barrels. Toast each other with a glass of wine or take your pick from a huge selection of craft beers.
Fun Food Fests
Bring your appetite and prepare your taste buds for a treat. These food festivals and food-centric events deliver scrumptious offerings to suit every palate.
Sit down to a five-course gourmet meal with expertly chosen wine and beer pairings at FeastivALL, FestivALL’s annual fundraiser at Berry Hills Country Club. Guests vote for their favorite pairing after each course to determine if hops or grapes win the night!
Chili is good in any weather and the Charleston area is long on tasting opportunities. The Green Chili Shootout & Craft Beer Fest at Capitol Market takes place each March, while Smoke on the Water heats up June. Wagging Tails & Nitro Ales Craft Beer and Chili Cookoff takes place in the fall, with benefits going to a local dog rescue group.
Sample creative and delicious recipes featuring everyone’s favorite comfort food at Capitol Market’s annual Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cookoff. J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works hosts tours of its operations during the annual Malden Salt Fest. Highlights include live music, a parade, crafts, food and more. Both of these events take place during the fall.
A Seasoned Success
Nancy Bruns, who was recently featured in Food & Wine magazine, and her brother Lewis Payne are seventh-generation salt makers who have not only revived their family’s business, but are taking the culinary world by storm with their hand-crafted artisanal salt. The family farm, which sits upon an ancient ocean, was once the site of one of the largest salt-producing regions in the country in the 1800s. Today, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works is now a curious and delightful destination for salt-making tours, farm-to-table dinners featuring local chefs, an annual salt festival and charming outdoor events.
Unlike her ancestors, who boiled down brine in furnaces, Bruns uses solar evaporation to remove the water and extract the salt. Indeed, JQD’s entire philosophy is “pure, sustainable food and living.” The salt-works is just down the road from historic Malden, which is home to a replica of Booker T. Washington’s cabin and the African Zion Baptist Church, the state’s first African-American church, where he attended. Learn more at jqdsalt.com!
Axes and Ales
Axe throwing and pickles? Believe it or not, that’s a thing at Axes and Ales, Charleston’s axe-throwing deli and bar. Step in for a nice, thick sandwich accompanied by a crunchy dill pickle, then stick around to enjoy craft beer and axe-throwing in a lively environment. axesandaleswv.com
Trivillian’s Pharmacy & Soda Fountain
Step back in time at this independent pharmacy and soda fountain, which has been a local hangout since 1950! Happy families, politicians and business folk alike can be seen at lunch enjoying traditional soda fountain fare like hot dogs, chicken salad and, of course, made-to-order milkshakes. Located at the base of the 35th Street bridge in Kanawha City, Trivillian’s is a real Charleston institution. trivillians.com
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