Month: December 2018

Gluten-Free Seafood Pasta with Zucchini Noodles

by stephsimply, posted in Recipes

           “Nothing is better than going home to family and eating good food and relaxing.”—Irina Shayk

           “I’m not a chef.  But I’m passionate about food—the traditional of it, cooking it, and sharing it.”—Zac Posen

 

           This past August, John and I were dinner guests of Amy and Keith VanHorn in Bethany, WV, while visiting our daughter, Madelyn, at Bethany College.  While we were there, Amy and Keith shared dinner with Maddie, a few of her college friends as well as John and me. One of the dishes they served was zucchini noodles prepared simply in what I believe was olive oil, perhaps a bit of butter, salt and pepper. John, who is not necessarily, a big zucchini lover, to my great surprise, loved that dish and suggested that we begin to incorporate zucchini in recipes at home.  Fine by me! I love all veggies, and I am all about discovering and/or creating new ways to prepare them!

 

gray stainless steel sauce pan and green cucumber illustration
Photo by Toa Heftiba Şinca on Pexels.com

 

           As I began to mull over various way to incorporate those zucchini noodles, I was reminded of one of Maddie and John’s favorite dishes, Fettuccini Alfredo.  While I enjoy making it from scratch. It is full of fat, and takes a bit of time. I began to wonder, however, if there was a way I could make a lighter, more calorie friendly version of this family favorite that would include zucchini noodles. Hmm . . .

           Another thought came to me as well.  What about a favorite seafood stew, taught to me by our friends, Vincent and Gisele Theriault from New Brunswick, Canada?  This seafood dish is cooked in a Rose-style sauce and served over white rice. Vincent and Gisele once made this recipe for our family by combining one jar of red pasta sauce with one jar of Alfredo pasta sauce.  Then, they stirred in leftover freshly caught crab and lobster meat from a meal they had shared with us the night before. It was such a tasty way to use seafood, that it is a recipe I have made on occasion at home—only substituting canned crab, baby shrimp, and clams in lieu of fresh fish.

 

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Vincent, Gisele, and Bijou Theriault of Janeville (summer) and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

 

           One night, John, seemingly reading my mind, said, “You know, Steph, I bet those zucchini noodles would be good with Alfredo Sauce over them.”  As I pondered what he said, the idea began to form that I could create a dish similar to that of Theriault’s seafood stew, but instead of serving it over rice, I could incorporate our favorite gluten free, high fiber pasta and zucchini noodles.  It would be the best of both worlds—a lower fat variation of Fettuccini Alfredo and Theirault’s hearty seafood stew.

           The recipe I share with you today, is one I have made several times with a few variations. I have made it with nothing but two jars of reduced fat Alfredo sauce.  I have also made the Theriault-rose variation with both a jar of reduced fat Alfredo sauce along with a jar of rich red pasta sauce. Additionally, I have used a number of combinations of seafood, but I feel certain it would be just as good without seafood.

 

           Some of the ingredients to gather for making this recipe.

 

           Finally, another tasty variation of this recipe that John and I have created with the leftovers is to pour the uneaten portion of pasta and sauce into a prepared casserole dish.  Then coat foil with nonstick cooking spray, before covering the leftovers, and storing in refrigerator. When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Next, remove foil long enough to add desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, gluten free breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and/or bacon bits. Then, recover with same foil and bake 20-25 minutes until sauce begins to bubble.  Finally, remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until top begins to brown.

 

           Take any leftovers, place in prepared casserole dish, and top with your favorite shredded cheese, nutritional yeast, gluten-free bread crumbs, bacon bit, and/or so forth.

 

           This is a great recipe to make on a busy work night because it can be thrown together quickly; and, if you are only serving 2-3 people, you should have enough leftovers for another meal! Likewise, if you are feeding a family of 4-6, you will have plenty of servings for everyone, with a leftover dish or two for lunch packing.

           From my home to yours, I wish you healthy, happy, and homemade meals!

 

          Cooks up in one pot, pasta and all!  Makes for easy clean-up and a tasty, quick dinner!

 

Gluten Free Seafood Pasta with Zucchini Noodles

Serves 6-8 (Leftovers are great baked in a casserole dish and topped with optional toppings; such as, parmesan cheese, other shredded cheeses, bacon bits, nutritional yeast, and/or gluten-free bread crumbs)

Can also be made vegan or vegetarian.

2  (12-ounce) packages of zucchini noodles (We like Green Giant frozen bags.)

1 (8-ounce) package favorite gluten free pasta (We like POW lentil pasta or Banza Chickpea Pasta.)

Your favorite style of seafood, enough for 6-8 servings, examples include: lump crabmeat or claw meat, clams, baby shrimp, imitation flaked crab meat, lobster, etc . . . (Obviously, if preparing this as a vegan or vegetarian recipe, you would leave out seafood.)

2 jars of favorite pasta sauce (We like Bertolli Reduced Fat Alfredo Sauce and/or Muir Glen Organic Portabella Mushroom Pasta Sauce.)

½ cup favorite clear broth, such as vegetable broth or chicken bone broth

½ cup water

¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast could be substituted for vegan version)

1-tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)

½ teaspoon Bragg’s liquid aminos (Can substitute salt)

Use the following seasonings to taste:

–Italian Seasoning

–Onion Powder

–Red pepper flakes

–Black pepper

To Make:

Coat large pot with nonstick cooking spray and place pot on medium heat.

Empty contents of both pasta sauces into pot.

Fill one empty sauce jar with ½ cup clear broth, cover tightly with original lid, shake well, and empty into pot.

Fill other jar with ½ cup water, cover tightly with original lid, shake well, and empty into pot.

Stir in uncooked pasta noodles.

Meanwhile, follow microwave directions for heating/thawing zucchini noodles, one package at a time. (I typically reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.  I just want zucchini slightly warmed.)

Drain water from zucchini package before stirring into pot.

Once both packages of zucchini noodles have been added to sauce and pasta, stir well, and continue simmering over medium heat, checking to ensure nothing is sticking to bottom of pot.  If, at any time, sticking begins to occur, gradually reduce heat, but try to maintain a simmer.

Begin to stir in desired seafood.

Next, stir in parmesan cheese (and/or nutritional yeast if using)

Finally, stir in seasonings. (If I had to guess, I would say I use ½ or more teaspoon of both Italian seasoning and onion powder; and ¼ or more teaspoons of black pepper and red pepper flakes.)

Stir well and continue simmering for 10, or more, minutes until pasta is al dente.

Reduce heat to low and cover.  Allow dish to rest in pot for 10, or more, minutes.

Serve warm.

 

A Christmas Sort of Story, 2018

by stephsimply, posted in Simple Observations and Musings

           Most people never really sat down and get to know a homeless person, but every homeless person is just a real person that was created by God and it is the same kinds of different as us; they just have a different story.—Ron Hall

           There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control.  We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help.—Jan Schakowsky

 

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As seen on Instagram at sbtbreathe.

 

          We were tired, our bodies ached, and we were hungry.  Our school day started at 7:30. After school, I spent time with students in my “Elevate Writing and Arts” Club until 5:15 or so. Afterwards, I joined the other St. Joseph Catholic Middle School Teachers who were already busily working away to prepare and decorate our school gym for a Christmas movie themed dance for 6-8 grades at both our school and Our Lady of Fatima School.  Soon, the students began arriving.

           Overall, the dance went well.  Kids seemed to have a great time, there was plenty of food, and their Christmas movie themed costumes were phenomenally fun! All in all, we felt pleased that everything seemed to come together without a hitch.  

           Of course, once students were safely returned to their parents, there was still the clean-up process.  When all floors, decorations, tables, and so forth, were sufficiently returned, each to its proper place, we were able to lock up the school, and walk out of its doors sometime between 10:00 and 10:30 pm.

 

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Heading towards Roosters located at Pullman Square in Huntington, WV

 

           John, my husband and co-worker, asked me if I wanted to grab a bite to eat since we had not yet eaten dinner.   We were both too tired to cook, but wondered if there would be any late night eateries open. Sure enough, Roosters, in Pullman Plaza was open until midnight, and served food until 11:30.  It sounded perfect as it was only located a few minutes from our school.

           Once there, J’lisa Kelly-Walker was our server/bartender.  She was quick with a smile and possessed an easy-going, friendly demeanor.  We sat in the bar as that is where most patrons this time of evening were dining.  John ordered a sandwich, and I ordered a salad. While we were waiting, we shared pleasant conversation, despite our overall fatigue as we took in the people around us.

 

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Entrance to Roosters at Pullman Square in Huntington, WV

 

           Not long after we placed our order, a dapper looking gentleman sat at the bar beside us.  Dressed in a suit, he gave off the appearance of having just finished his workday as well.  He was unassuming, ordered his food, and seemed content to sit quietly as he waited. While J’lisa seemed to know him, perhaps he was a regular customer; she respected his desire for solitude.

           As a long-suffering people watcher, this man’s purpose seemed one of efficiency.   He talked into a wireless headset occasionally while reading on his phone. He courteously interacted with J’lisa, and received his food around the same time we received our meals; however, he did not engage in active conversation with her as we were doing. (J’lisa is a mom of three beautiful children, and we enjoyed chatting with her.)

 

 

 

           While we were finishing the last of our food, the reserved man beside us, who had already paid, quietly slipped away into the chilly night.   Ten or so minutes later, just after we had asked for our bill, I noticed the same man re-enter Roosters, but this time, he had another man with him. The other man was a pale, stark contrast to his well-dressed, black companion, as he looked a bit disheveled with a visible line of black beneath his nails.  His hair was in need of some TLC, but he was civil and peaceeable. The more distinguished man seated his companion in the same area in which he once sat, whispered to him, and then motioned for J’lisa to come over.

           It a minute or two past 11:30, as J’lisa cheerfully asked the seated man what he wanted to drink.  I could not help but notice J’lisa giving him not one, but two to-go cups filled with Mello Yellow soft drink.  Then, she met the unknown businessman at the opposite end of the bar as the man talked softly to her and then gave her his credit card.

 

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As seen on Instagram at positiveaffirmations101

 

 

            J’lisa walked to speak with what appeared to be a manager.  I overheard the manager say, “The kitchen closes at 11:30, and it is past that time.”

           J’lisa, not to be deterred, sweetly and sincerely, smiled, and urgently replied, “But they’re not shut completely down, the other man is willing to pay, the guy is hungry, and it’s cold outside.  See if they will do for me.”

 

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As seen on Instagram at positiveenergyalways

 

           Though he wasn’t mad, he certainly wore the expression of inconvenience, as he walked in the direction of the kitchen, and soon returned to whisper in J’lisa ear.  I watched in focused anticipation and baited breath as John asked me what was going on.

           “I’m trying to figure out if the restaurant is going to do the right thing.”

           “What?”

           “Shhh . . .”

           Admittedly, I was taking people watching to an extreme, but my heart had a vested interest in this unfolding drama.  I watched as J’lisa walked toward the bar. Was the credit card still in her hand? I couldn’t see it! Oh no! The suited gentleman began to walk toward the other man, leaned in, whispered, and patted his arm. The seated man nodded, and turned slightly towards the other with the appearance of disbelief.  Meanwhile, my heart pounded as I wondered if he going to be fed?

 

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J’lisa Kelly-Walker, student, mother of three, bar-tender/waitress, and kind person to ALL.

 

           Suddenly, J’lisa appeared, handed the businessman his credit card as well as the bill.  Another hungry, alone soul would have warm meal in his belly before another cold night on the streets. John and I quietly walked away, and I felt tears sting my eyes with gratitude for bearing witness to the Christmas spirit embodied in the actions of this one man, followed by J’lisa, the Roosters management, and kitchen staff.  

 

nativity scene table decor
Photo by Jessica Lewis on Pexels.com

 

           What if the man who owned the Inn, had turned Mary and Joseph away all those years ago?  I am sure that they, too, were disheveled with dust/dirt-covered clothes and skin as they had travel for miles on a dirt road.  It is certainly worth remembering and contemplating.

P.S.  Thank you J’lisa, Rooster’s staff and management, and unknown man-of-action for inspiring this story.  It is my hope it will ignite others into simple acts of kindness, not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the year.  Finally, my wish for the hungry man at Roosters is that he may come to know peace, love, and compassion; and, most of all, may he one day no longer need to be at the mercy of others for food and warmth.

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As seen on Instagram at spiritualmovement

           

           

           

           

 

Midland Trail, National Scenic Byway, a Road Full of Adventure and Fun

by stephsimply, posted in Travels

            “I am not a great book, I am not a great artist, but I love art and I love food, so I am the perfect traveler.”–Michael Palin

 

“To travel is to evolve.”—Pierre Bernardo

 

Author’s Note: This is the last installment of a three-part travel series that mostly featured the Greenbrier Valley area of WV. While the first and second part focused on the outdoor attractions, specifically C B Ranch, and the numerous dining experiences that abound in and around the city of Lewisburg, WV, this piece will focus more on the numerous attractions along the Midland Trail Nation Scenic Byway (US 60).

 

“Well, should we drive Interstate 64 home, or should we try Route 60?”

 

I mulled over the question John, my husband, just asked.  The interstate was full of orange barrels (construction) and, most likely, would be busy with Black Friday shoppers driving to and from shopping centers, malls, and big box stores.  We weren’t, per se, in a hurry, so why not slow down a bit?

 

After a bit more conversation, it was decided. We would travel along Midland Trail Scenic Byway (U. S. Route 60) or Midland Trail, for short.  After all, it was a crisp fall day with bright, clear sunshine that imbued the landscape with a golden light allowing the leafless trees and fallen leaves to possess the color of toasted pecans.

 

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The familiar road leading us from the beloved C B Ranch to the Midland Trail.

 

 

Historic landmarks and a small cemetery along the roadside leading to and from C B Ranch.

 

As we departed from C B Ranch, just outside of Lewisburg, where we had been staying, the surrounding farmlands glistened in the mid-morning light.  This now familiar road led us directly to the Midland Trail.  However, instead of the usual right that would have led back into Lewisburg, we turned left, and away we drove past expansive farmland, horse and cattle pastures, and earthen fields seemingly at rest for the upcoming winter season.

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Once last view as we departed C B Ranch.

 

The Midland Trail is part of a longer transcontinental road linking Washington DC to both Los Angeles, CA as well as San Francisco, CA that runs through a 172 mile southern portion of West Virginia, from Kenova (Mile 0) to White Sulphur Springs (Mile 172).  Research indicates that buffalo and/or native people mostly likely originated this expanse.  Later, George Washington ordered the trail to be cleared.  Of added note, John and I could not help but marvel at how earlier travelers could have ever managed the multiplicity of steep inclines and nausea-inducing switchbacks and curves in covered wagons, coaches or even horseback.  One thing was, and is still, for certain; the Midland Trail offers all travelers picturesque scenery.

 

Since we were departing from Lewisburg, we completely missed White Sulphur Springs.  (We will have to save that for another adventure.) We were, however, able to drive by Sam Black United Methodist Church, an historic, and quite majestic looking, Carpenter Gothic-style church, located in Greenbrier County and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It was built in 1902 in honor of the Rev. Samuel Black, a circuit-riding Southern Methodist preacher credited for spreading the gospel through Greenbrier, Clay, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, and even Kanawha counties.  Black sold socks and deerskin gloves made by women of his congregations in order to help organize and build numerous churches throughout his beloved circuit. Thus, he came to be affectionately known as, “Uncle Sam.”

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Sam Black Church image as found on Trip Advisor.

 

Babcock State Park, the next point of interest after Lewisburg, took us by surprise, and we unintentionally drove past the exit.  We had been told that we needed to see and photograph the Glade Creek Grist Mill where cornmeal is still freshly ground, so we will have to save that for another visit.

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Glade Creek Grist Mill image via Trip Advisor.

 

Next up, Ansted and Hawks Nest State Park. While we did not, precisely, drive into the park, we stop at the look out area as well as the gift shop. This was a beautiful rest area with plenty of picnic and hiking spots, but it was the lookout that was indeed the true focal point.  This area offers breath-taking views of the New River Gorge.  While I am typically not afraid of heights, I have to admit, looking straight down over the edge of the lookout rock wall made me dizzy and a bit nervous!  Still, what an awe-inspiring view!

 

 

A few views from Hawk’s Nest.

 

While our daughter has never visited Hawk’s nest, I couldn’t help by photograph a rock with her name carved in it.  Looking over the rock ledge made me nervous and dizzy.

 

Driving on, we passed both Mystery Hole and Chimney Corner.  Described as a place where gravity does not apply, Mystery Hole is exactly that—still a mystery to me as we did not stop.  We have read that it is certainly worth the time to see balls roll uphill and chairs sit on a wall, but we decided to save both it, and Chimney Corner, with its country store and corner café, for another trip.

 

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Image via Trip Advisor.

 

Traveling westward, we derived great pleasure by the views at Gauley Bridge where the New and Gauley Rivers join to create the Great Kanawha River.  Additionally, we were able to see the remaining piers from a bridge burnt by Civil War soldiers for which we had read about at the Hawks Nest look out. However, it was the stunning sounds and view of Cathedral Falls that left us speechless!  Of course, the mere fact that water roared at deafening levels as it cascaded over the mountainous granite wall made any conversation nearly impossible!

 

Images from Cathedral Falls and Gauley Bridge area in WV.

 

 

Listen to the sounds of Cathedral Falls, WV.

 

Making our further along Midland Trail, John skillfully maneuvered the car around the twists and sharp turns of Gauley Mountain while I navigated the waves of carsickness attempting to overtake me. Gratefully, we entered a semi-straight stretch of the byway as we took in the view of Kanawha Falls and the Glen Ferris Inn.  My sister-in-law, Jacki Humphreys, and her husband, Tony, had recommended that we stop in the 1839 Inn for a bite of lunch to savor the view of the falls; however, since it was hours past lunch time, we decided that this should be saved for another trip. In the meantime, we did stop at the boat ramp, which appeared to be fairly unkempt due to what appeared to be heavy flooding, in order to better view and take pictures of the rushing falls.   Plus, the fresh air was an excellent remedy to motion sickness!

 

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Kanawha Falls with Glen Ferris Inn in the background.

 

 

 

Continuing on, we drove past Cedar Grove with great interest, but did not take time to stop by, choosing to also save it for another trip.  Of interesting note regarding this town, it was established in 1774 and was the location for the finishing point of the original road George Washington commissioned. There is both a mansion and a chapel from the mid-19thcentury located within the town’s borders.

 

Ten or so miles past Cedar Grove, is Malden, known as the boyhood home of Booker T. Washington.  This town has a replica of Washington’s childhood cabin as well as the church in which he taught Sunday School which can be viewed by the public.

 

Of course, the Midland Trail does end there. Other highlights include Charleston–the state capital of WV, South Charleston, St. Albans, Hurricane, Milton—home of Blinko Glass, Huntington with its Old Central City section, Camden Park— a 109-year-old-amusement part, and of course, Kenova, the starting point, that the geographical borders of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.  However, as these areas are our own local stomping grounds, and certainly noteworthy, each in their own right, we decided to drive on home, so we could plan our next traveling adventure.

 

Hmm . . . I wonder where the road will take us the next time?

 

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John and I pose for a selfie in front of Cathedral Falls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lewisburg Dining: Feed your Inner-Foodie

by stephsimply, posted in Restaurant Reviews

           “Eat and sip your way through downtown morning, noon, and night . . .

Plan your food adventure for any time of the day.”—visitlewisburgwv.com

Author’s Note:  This began as one piece, but quickly became too long!  Therefore, this is part two of a three-part travel series, once more featuring the Greenbrier Valley area of WV.  In the first part, I focused more on the abundant outdoor attractions, especially those of C B Ranch. During this second piece, I will feature the wide array of dining experiences that can be enjoyed while visiting Lewisburg.  Finally, next week, I will offer snapshots of what can be discovered along the Midland Trail National Scenic Highway.

           “Hi! Welcome back!  How have you been?”

           I was a bit taken aback.  As my brain immediately recognized her face from our previous visit at the end of summer, my thoughts kept swirling as I tried to recall her name.  Furthermore, how on earth did she remember us with as many guests as they must serve daily? Nonetheless, after engaging in a few minutes of pleasant conversation with both her (I think her name is Paige.) and Annie, FOH manager, John, my husband, and I knew we made the right choice by deciding to kick off our dining adventures in Lewisburg, WV at Hill and Holler Pizza.

           While we had been to Hill and Holler on our previous trip, the food, staff, and atmosphere at Hill and Holler is wonderful; therefore, we had to visit again—especially since they offer gluten-free pizza with their own house made crust that actually tastes delicious!  With 16 beers on tap, Greenbrier trained chef and manager, Todd Wagner, and a menu that is way more than pizza; including homemade ice cream, house-smoked wings, crab cakes, and freshly plated salads, Hill and Holler is not your usual pizza joint. It is eclectic, hip, and possesses bistro flair.  Plus, it possesses one of the largest stages in town for regular musical offerings.

 

 

 

Garden salad for me (top); and a Caesar salad (bottom) for John.  Gluten-free veggie pizza for me (left); and Pepperoni and sausage with extra cheese pizza for John (right).

 

           Meanwhile, back at the tranquil setting of C B Ranch, where we were staying, John began to pore through Trip Advisor as well as local web sites in search of our next Lewisburg food experiences.  Honestly, it was hard to choose as there are so many interesting and varied offerings in the Lewisburg area. John, who is ever conscious of the fact that I have celiac disease and am not a big meat eater, read menu after menu in an attempt to find just the right places.

 

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CB Ranch, Lewisburg, WV

           There are several key points that make the Lewisburg food scene so darn good.  To begin, the Lewisburg area possesses a local distillery, brewery, and cidery; and after much conversation at numerous local establishments, they all agree it is the fresh, clean taste of the locally available spring-fed mountain water that contributes to the success of those local businesses. Additionally, Lewisburg is in the heart of the Greenbrier Valley surrounded by a plethora of farms. Thus, most Lewisburg dining establishments feature numerous locally raised ingredients on their menu. Which brings me to my final point, while there are a few restaurant chains in the Lewisburg area, most restaurants and food venues are locally owned/operated; and, most importantly, all of these businesses seem to support one another.

           Our next dining adventure occurred at Del sol Cantina and Grille.  Jamie, our waitress and bartender, spent a large time discussing all the menu options available at Del sol, which is varied and wide.  From house made pizza to their version of hamburgers, and from fresh seafood dishes to traditional Latin fair, this menu offers a wide range of tasting options.  In the end, Jamie recommended the Veggie Bowl for me and Pork Enchiladas for John. Plus, we also sampled the their tortilla chips served with two house made sides.  I chose salsa, and John chose Salsa De Queso. All told, our meals, service, and atmosphere were excellent, and I have no problem recommending this tasty restaurant.

 

 

 

Chips with salsa and queso (top); Veggie Bowl for me (bottom); Pork Enchiladas for John; Jamie, our super helpful/friendly waitress/bar-tender at Del Sol Cantina.

 

           Retro Donuts was the location of our next food foray.  Situated about 5-10 minutes outside of downtown Lewisburg, this diner definitely offers more than your typical donut shop.  Not only does Retro Donuts offer freshly made donuts and pastries, (Oh boy, did they ever look good!), but it also features organic/fair trade coffees, teas, and espresso, unique breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and homemade soups and salads, with both vegetarian and gluten-free options available! Plus, it is all served up in a 60s diner retro theme!  Even the on-going background music is from the 60s, adding to the dining experience. Once discovered, we ended up visiting Retro Donuts twice during our stay. John enjoyed their donuts (of course!) as well as two different breakfast-style sandwiches. I enjoyed their cappuccino as well as a breakfast bowl one morning and their house-made granola with fresh berries and nonfat Greek yogurt on another.  As two visits indicates, I highly recommend Retro Donuts for efficient service, amusing atmosphere, and quality food!

 

 

 

Retro food fare . . .Harvest bowl with house made cappuccino (Top Right); jelly donut with hot cup of free trade, organic black coffee; (Top Left) the classic BLT (Bottom R); House made Granola Parfait; (Center); and Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich served on their world famous Donut Bun!

 

           Next up for us was a visit to The Asylum. Also located in downtown Lewisburg, The Asylum offers a unique and eclectic menu along with numerous craft beers and spirits.  The atmosphere is casual and cool with a large stone fireplace, leather couches/chairs, abundant tables, large bar, numerous large screen TVs, and multiple levels of sitting areas.  Yet, like all the other Lewisburg establishments, it was the food that made us want to visit again. John and I started off with a basket of their House Fried Potato Chips served Sizzling Sriracha style.  Next, I enjoyed their fresh house salad with house made dressing. Finally, John savored the oversized Pork BBQ sandwich with a side of homemade Mac-n-cheese; while I enjoyed their house made (gluten-free) black bean burger sans bun and served with fresh veggies and hummus. Yes, this is certainly another new favorite eatery that I highly recommend!

 

 

Images from the Asylum, open seven days per week.

 

 

 

Eating at the Asylum:  Sizzling Siracha House Fried Potato Chips; Pork BBQ with a side of house made Mac-n-Cheese; House made gluten-free Black Bean Burger served with fresh veggies and hummus as well as a House side salad.

 

           We were undecided about our last cuisine expedition until we happened to meet the owner of Retro Donuts, Arthur Forgette. He, along with Debbie Porter, are also the proprietors of The French Goat.  As the name indicates, The French Goat offers traditional cuisine as well as several twists on classic French dishes. Located in an attractively decorated house, the dining and bar areas are intimate, elegant, and comfortable.  Staff members go out of their way to ensure that every part of your dining experience is exquisite. Featuring the beautifully prepared and plated foods created by highly trained and much sought-after, Chef Stephen Gustard, The French Goat is a must-do dining experience.  John and I enjoyed being served and spending time with Shawn Huffman, bartender extraordinaire, who like Gustard, spent numerous years working and training at the Greenbrier. The wine and cocktail menu was extensive, and Huffman made perfect recommendations that enhanced our dining experience. We started with a decadent Cheese and Charcuterie Platter with tastes that seemed to melt in your mouth. After consulting with me extensively, Huffman recommended the Tuna Nicoise for dinner, but rather than serve it with the traditional ahi tuna, he suggested perfectly prepared, pan-seared scallops.  Meanwhile, Huffman suggested John try The French Goat twist on the traditional burger. The French Goat offered us a lovely and unique dining experience that I also highly recommend. Additionally, I could not help but notice the French Goat also has Bed and Breakfast! If our dining experience is any indication, I am sure the Bed and Breakfast would be restful and lovely respite.

 

 

 

Images from the French Goat . . .

 

 

 

Extensive Menus from the French Goat . . .

 

 

 

Dining at The French Goat . . . Nicoise Salad with scallops (Top right); The perfect red wine (Top Center) as suggested by Shawn Huffman (Top Left); Cheese and Charcuterie Platter (Bottom Left); and French Goat Hamburger

 

           Overall, Lewisburg, WV offers numerous choices to feed your inner-foodie! Unfortunately, on this visit, we were unable to revisit Stardust Café, Thunderbird Tacos, and the Irish Pub, but rest assured they are quite spectacular.  Additionally, we did spend a brief time in both The Wild Bean as well as Blackwell Catering, in which I, unbelievably, found a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie sealed in cellophane wrap to prevent cross contamination. The offerings in both eateries looked scrumptious!  Likewise, we heard great things about Amy’s Cakes and Cones as well as Corn and Flour, but due to my celiac,  we did not visit either one. Finally, we still have not yet visited General Lewis Inn, The Livery, The Market, as well as Food and Friends. Hmm . . . does this mean another trip on the horizon?

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