Let’s take a break from all of these depressing restaurant closings of late to talk about one that’s coming back, albeit a small spot.
Just two months after closing its doors on March 9, the Pita Pit of Hurricane has reopened under new ownership – and they’re bringing their Sam’s Hot Dog menu back as well.
The restaurant just off I-64 and Hurricane Creek Road held a soft opening this past Saturday and teased an upcoming “Grand Reopening Extravaganza” featuring food deals, giveaways and fun activities.
“We can't wait to welcome you back and share our passion for delicious, healthy food with the amazing Hurricane/Teays Valley community,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “Get ready to experience the Pita Pit magic all over again!”
Folks in the Charleston area also lost their local Pita Pit last fall when the Kanawha City location closed after its owner passed away. That storefront is now the home of Oishii Hibachi, the new permanent location of the popular Asian food truck.
For those who are unfamiliar, Pita Pit is a Canadian-based fast-casual restaurant with franchises around the world serving pita bowls and sandwiches stuffed with grilled meats, vegetables, sauces and more.
The Hurricane restaurant is located at 49 Davis Court in Hurricane.
A grand opening date and hours have not been announced yet, but you can call 681-233-3577 or follow their new Facebook page for more details.
Lola's expanding in South Hills
Popular pizza (and sangria!) spot Lola's in South Hills recently closed its outdoor dining area to pour new concrete where gravel was once spread under its picnic tables. I initially thought they were just putting in a more stable base for said outdoor tables, but there's more to it!
A photo the restaurant posted on Facebook Tuesday shows a large new roof now covering part of that outdoor area, with a new door leading to it on the side of the restaurant where the bar is inside.
There were no details shared about exactly what improvements are in store, but the restaurant is most definitely expanding. In the meantime, I have a reader looking to recreate the restaurant's delicious hummus.
“I’ve enjoyed hummus from most of the restaurants in Charleston,” reader Sandra Squire writes,” and the one at Lola’s is by far my favorite. Think you could get them to share the recipe?”
I imagine that awesome pizza spot in South Hills holds that recipe pretty tight, as most restaurants do, but I’ll see what I can find out!
Who has the best eggs Benedict?
Speaking of good food, reader Ivy Wallace and I share a love for an awesome eggs Benedict.
“I’m looking for a restaurant that has eggs Benedict on the menu,” she asked, “any suggestions? We look forward to your column each week and love it!”
Thanks so much for the kind words, Ivy. The only place I know that has them pretty consistently is First Watch, and even though it's a chain their food (and eggs Benedicts) are VERY good.
Soho's at Capitol Market has a smoked salmon eggs Benedict on its brunch menu on Sundays only, and I believe there are occasionally eggs Benedicts on the menu at Coco's for breakfast and Barkadas for weekend brunch.
Those are all that come to mind right now, but you can't go wrong at First Watch. Are there any others I’m missing?
Reader in need of apple dumplings
Reader Emma Browning needs our help picking a place to find a sweet treat.
“We enjoy your column and the information you provide,” she wrote. “My husband and I spent the better part of one evening looking for a place that serves apple dumplings to no avail. Would you happen to know of a place that does? We looked from Charleston to Huntington.”
I know chains like Cracker Barrel or Bob Evans usually serve fried apples, and local restaurants Harding's in Mink Shoals and Shonet's in Milton do as well.
But does anyone have any other leads for Emma on where you can find a good apple DUMPLING in the greater Metro Valley?
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Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy” who writes a weekly column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and has appeared in several state, regional and national culinary publications. Follow him online at www.wvfoodguy.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or at wvfoodguy@aol.com.