'101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia' for Summer Road Trips

by Hanna Raskin, Posted Jul 24th 2009 @ 4:00PM

These rolls await you in West Virginia. Photo: transplanted mountaineer, Flickr

The many Americans who learned everything they know about West Virginia from John Denver probably don't realize the state is renowned for its chili dogs and pepperoni rolls, two foodstuffs featured prominently in the brand-new brochure "101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia."

The brochure, issued last week by the West Virginia Division of Tourism and the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia, highlights the Mountain State's momentous culinary achievements that apparently didn't rhyme with "Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River," including horseradish pickles, buckwheat pancakes and beer served in fishbowls (the signature item at Mario's in Morgantown.)

The listed restaurants were selected via an online vote, in which West Virginians were invited to cast a ballot for any locally owned eatery that had scheduled hours (thus, grandma's kitchen didn't count.) The results, though slightly idiosyncratic -- steak and shrimp scampi might qualify as unique in Craigsville, but probably wouldn't have made the cut in more urbane spots -- deeply satisfied Department of Tourism staffers.

"We were delighted," Division of Tourism commissioner Betty Carver reports. "Our goal was to get people off the Interstates and into our communities."

The brochure allows even vicarious travelers to pluck a new understanding of West Virginia from its short descriptive blurbs. The vitality of the state's wilderness areas is summed up by Wally's Restaurant, home to "Wally Bear, a mounted black bear who used to eat at the restaurant every day until game wardens had to protect the patrons," Carver says.

Kissell Stop Café, "housed in the original 1896 Opera House," reminds diners that wealthy coal barons once converged upon West Virginia. And the glut of Italian restaurants bespeaks a long history of immigration.

"We've had so many different immigrants, and all those influences really go into the food," Carver told Slashfood. "West Virginia food is very homestyle, with a very, very strong Southern touch, but it's that mix that makes West Virginian food."

In response to demand, the Tourism Division has put the restaurant list on its Web site. Don't despair if your favorite eatery isn't on it: Carver hints a sequel may be in the works.

Filed Under: Lists, Food Politics, Chefs & Restaurants, Restaurants
Tags: southern states

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-26-2009 @10:57AM Hans said... When I saw the title I thought "please mention pepperoni rolls, please mention pepperoni rolls, ...."

Yes! The feature photo is a tray of pepperoni rolls! I loved those things when I was in college 30 years ago; haven't seen them since.
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