Beautiful Riverside Dining – Cheat River Inn and Pub

Gus says…

Having to travel quite a bit for work, I can attest that finding something to eat on the road can be full of promise and disappointment. I always try to avoid the chains, where it’s more likely a promise to be disappointed. So, eating somewhere that doesn’t have a slogan is more my style, even if it takes a little more looking.   A few miles outside Elkins on old route 33 is a place called the Cheat River Inn and Pub, I could tell by the simple, rustic exterior that this was just the place I was looking for to stretch my road legs.

I didn’t hesitate in the least when the hostess suggested I sit at the deck; the weather was beautiful, with a welcome breeze- and I was in full view of the Cheat. I was sitting at the main deck with a few other diners, drinking the house red from Front Porch Vineyard. The deck itself is tiered in a fashion that affords more intimate dining.  And with an outdoor bar complimenting the full bar inside, this place would be perfect for two. 

News Nugget – Coming Soon

Susan says…

The former Wing World and WV Hot Dog Heaven location in Hurricane is going through some changes.  The WV Hot Dog Blog didn’t agree with the claim, rating their so-called heavenly hot dogs with only 2.5 weenies.  Did Chris James’ poor review contribute to the demise of the restaurant?

I am guessing that the new place, Cheese Steak 101, will be serving hot subs, including a Philly cheese steak.   

Pita: The Other White Bread

Has anyone else noticed what’s happening in the former Schlotzsky’s building in Kanawha City?  There is a sign for a Pita Pit coming soon.  Is that the national chain, Pita Pit, of which there is a location in Huntington already?

I like the nutritional information on the Pita Pit website.  You can “build your own pita” with the fillings, toppings and extras of your choice.  I found out that the Chicken Souvlaki on wheat has 582 calories.   And, by utilizing my superior logic and mathemtical skills, the tzatziki sauce has 100 calories.  Yep, I can do without that. 

Doomed Location?

The Charleston Gazette has reported that Little India will give it a go in the ever-changing Firehouse location on Washington Street East.  Owners Harish and Meena Anada also have the International Grocery in Kanawha City and a store in Morgantown.  

Indian food within walking distance from my work?  Be still my heart!  Opening is scheduled for August 14.  

Shaken, Not Stirred

The same Gazette article notes that South Hills Market and Cafe has obtained a permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals to serve mixed drinks in addition to current beer and wine offerings.  Just when I thought that place couldn’t get any better…

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Reviews From the Redneck Riviera: Black River Grill

Ashley says…

Dear Black River Grill:

My darling, where have you been all my life?  Ever since the day we first met last spring, you have been on my mind.  You are a rose among thorns, a diamond in the rough and well, just perfect.  I can’t imagine life without you.  Our love affair has been short, but so deep.   I hope to see you many, many times in the future so that we may continue this amazing journey. ..

Oh, excuse me.  I was daydreaming.  What the heck was that, you’re wondering?  Well, it’s just me expressing my love of a recent discovery in Myrtle Beach, Black River Grill.  After I prematurely quit a golf game at Wicked Stick Golf Course (don’t ask!) and was waiting on my husband to finish the last two holes on a balmy spring evening, I was strolling around the clubhouse when I picked up a Xerox copy of a menu for Black River Grill. The pro shop employee casually told me the place was pretty good and that his friend worked there.  It was just across the road, there was a coupon for a free appetizer and I was starving.   So why not?  We love to try new places. 

Good Food in Winfield – Riverside Cafe

Ashley says…

The old Silky’s? Yep, sure is.  But way better.  Not that I had ever been to Silky’s, but my husband had and he said it wasn’t pretty.  Silky’s was a bar…and that was it.  Silky’s was sold, and in 2008 it was remodeled and Riverside Café was opened.  Radio advertisements and fliers brought us in for the first time about a year ago.    

 Putnam County still has not adopted the smoking ban, much to my disappointment.  So upon entry into Riverside Café, you’re immediately hit by cigarette smoke.   You walk right into the main bar area.  Tables, booths and a stage are in the back of the building, as is the patio.  We always walk straight to one of those areas where either we’re the only ones there or there are very few other people and if they’re smoking we can’t smell it.  This visit was on a low-humidity Saturday afternoon, so it was the patio for us.  We ordered a couple of frosty draughts while passing through the bar to save our server a trip out back. 

Reviews From the Redneck Riviera: Akel’s Family Restaurant

 

Ashley says…

My husband and I discovered Akel’s a few years ago when we first bought our condo at Myrtle Beach.  It’s the second closest breakfast joint to our place, and we didn’t like the one that was closer.  Akel’s is a “family restaurant” serving breakfast and lunch and is also a favorite among the locals.  Since it doesn’t have the words “pancake” or “breakfast” in its name, some tourists may not even consider stopping there. 

The front of the building states that Akel’s has been “a beach favorite since 1975” so they must be doing something right.  The interior of the place is a little dated, but I’ve eaten at many pancake houses along the Grand Strand and I don’t remember a single one that would get any interior design awards.   But what I like about the interior of Akel’s  is the collection of photos of old Myrtle Beach and its changes through the years in addition to the autographed photos by celebrities such as Mike Ditka, Jerry Reed and Arnold Palmer (among many famous golfers.)  But hey, it’s not about the décor, it’s about the food.