Chefs & Restauranteurs
Paulie’s Fine Italian: Part 1
A conversation with chef-owner Paul Smith on Italian Heritage and championing West Virginia
Chef William Dissen: A Conversation on Appalachian Cuisine, Sustainability, and Thoughtful Cooking
Charleston-born, James Beard-nominated chef William Dissen was recently interviewed on stage at the Lewisburg Literary Festival by TasteWV’s Josh Baldwin. While there to discuss his cookbook Thoughtful Cooking, topics ranged from his time at The Greenbrier and the importance of mentorship in the industry to his views on Appalachian cuisine…
A Marriage of Food and Music at Beckley’s Black Circle Bistro
From the vinyl record logo plastered on the windows and the extensive sticker collection that adorns the front door and metal dining tables, to the Appalachian-tinged menu with burgers, sandwiches and other items named in honor of some of her favorite songs and singers, Black Circle Bistro (BCB) owner April…
The Olive Tree Cafe and Catering Strives to be All Things for All People
The Olive Tree Cafe and Catering owner Michael Jarrouj draws on his upbringing for the restaurant’s eclectic and Mediterranean inspired menu. Growing up in a Syrian and Carribean family, he credits his grandparents, who owned a restaurant and loved to cook, with sparking his own culinary flame. “My grandmother was…
The Peddler Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Huntington
A Huntington restaurant celebrating a decade in business, The Peddler is all about customer experience down to the very last detail, and it’s evident owner Drew Hetzer enjoys every minute of his job. From brews to burgers or Sunday brunch, you’re guaranteed a delicious time. _______________________ Drew Hetzer’s culinary philosophy…
Simplicity is key at Coco’s Kitchen + Cafe
Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require intricate cooking techniques or rare ingredients. It doesn’t need classical training or multiple courses. For one Charleston restaurant, good food just needs fresh, local ingredients, seasonal produce and balanced flavors. That’s according to breakfast and lunch restaurant Coco’s Kitchen +…
Savoring Success: Chef Christopher Dixon’s Path to Opening Christopher’s Eats
Before opening his own restaurant, Christopher’s Eats, in Barboursville in January 2013, Chef Christopher Dixon spent several years working in all sorts of kitchens throughout Florida and Louisiana. “Between privately/family-owned establishments, corporate restaurants, quick-service, full-service, country clubs, an exclusive, seasonal living community and even a barbecue joint — they’ve all…
Sergio’s: Blending background experience working in Mexican and Italian restaurants, Sergio Lugo-Mata has created two successful brands
Sergio Lugo-Mata may not have trained professionally as a chef, but growing up in restaurants, he gained all the experience he needed to open three successful culinary businesses of his own. A bit unruly in his school days, whenever he’d get in trouble, Lugo-Mata says his mom would pick him…
Gustard’s Bistro: A Chef Returns Home to White Sulphur Springs
Nestled in downtown White Sulphur Springs, Gustard’s Bistro stands as a testament to Chef Stephen Gustard’s remarkable culinary odyssey. From his roots in Virginia Beach to his influential roles across West Virginia, Chef Gustard and his partner Delphine Houssin have crafted a bistro that combines their rich culinary experiences with…
Hart of the Kitchen: Clarksburg Chef Crosses Road with New Restaurant
Which came first: the chicken or the egg? At Hart Kitchen in Clarksburg, it’s the “Deviled Eggs of the Moment” first as an appetizer and then the “Oven Roasted Half Chicken with pan sauce, herbs, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes” second as an entree. The deviled eggs, which are hard-boiled…
Paulie’s Fine Italian: Part 1
A conversation with chef-owner Paul Smith on Italian Heritage and championing West Virginia
Chef William Dissen: A Conversation on Appalachian Cuisine, Sustainability, and Thoughtful Cooking
Charleston-born, James Beard-nominated chef William Dissen was recently interviewed on stage at the Lewisburg Literary Festival by TasteWV’s Josh Baldwin. While there to discuss his cookbook Thoughtful Cooking, topics ranged from his time at The Greenbrier and the importance of mentorship in the industry to his views on Appalachian cuisine…
A Marriage of Food and Music at Beckley’s Black Circle Bistro
From the vinyl record logo plastered on the windows and the extensive sticker collection that adorns the front door and metal dining tables, to the Appalachian-tinged menu with burgers, sandwiches and other items named in honor of some of her favorite songs and singers, Black Circle Bistro (BCB) owner April…
The Olive Tree Cafe and Catering Strives to be All Things for All People
The Olive Tree Cafe and Catering owner Michael Jarrouj draws on his upbringing for the restaurant’s eclectic and Mediterranean inspired menu. Growing up in a Syrian and Carribean family, he credits his grandparents, who owned a restaurant and loved to cook, with sparking his own culinary flame. “My grandmother was…
The Peddler Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Huntington
A Huntington restaurant celebrating a decade in business, The Peddler is all about customer experience down to the very last detail, and it’s evident owner Drew Hetzer enjoys every minute of his job. From brews to burgers or Sunday brunch, you’re guaranteed a delicious time. _______________________ Drew Hetzer’s culinary philosophy…
Simplicity is key at Coco’s Kitchen + Cafe
Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require intricate cooking techniques or rare ingredients. It doesn’t need classical training or multiple courses. For one Charleston restaurant, good food just needs fresh, local ingredients, seasonal produce and balanced flavors. That’s according to breakfast and lunch restaurant Coco’s Kitchen +…
Savoring Success: Chef Christopher Dixon’s Path to Opening Christopher’s Eats
Before opening his own restaurant, Christopher’s Eats, in Barboursville in January 2013, Chef Christopher Dixon spent several years working in all sorts of kitchens throughout Florida and Louisiana. “Between privately/family-owned establishments, corporate restaurants, quick-service, full-service, country clubs, an exclusive, seasonal living community and even a barbecue joint — they’ve all…
Sergio’s: Blending background experience working in Mexican and Italian restaurants, Sergio Lugo-Mata has created two successful brands
Sergio Lugo-Mata may not have trained professionally as a chef, but growing up in restaurants, he gained all the experience he needed to open three successful culinary businesses of his own. A bit unruly in his school days, whenever he’d get in trouble, Lugo-Mata says his mom would pick him…
Gustard’s Bistro: A Chef Returns Home to White Sulphur Springs
Nestled in downtown White Sulphur Springs, Gustard’s Bistro stands as a testament to Chef Stephen Gustard’s remarkable culinary odyssey. From his roots in Virginia Beach to his influential roles across West Virginia, Chef Gustard and his partner Delphine Houssin have crafted a bistro that combines their rich culinary experiences with…
Hart of the Kitchen: Clarksburg Chef Crosses Road with New Restaurant
Which came first: the chicken or the egg? At Hart Kitchen in Clarksburg, it’s the “Deviled Eggs of the Moment” first as an appetizer and then the “Oven Roasted Half Chicken with pan sauce, herbs, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes” second as an entree. The deviled eggs, which are hard-boiled…
