Brewing goodness at Coal River Coffee
- Steven Keith
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Plus, another Ray's Deli recipe request and new restaurants opening
After writing about my love of coffee – and sharing the news that the West Virginia Coffee Festival is coming to Charleston in a few weeks – a reader reached out to pick my caffeinated brain.
“I love coffee also,” Joann Polidori told me. “Since you are a connoisseur, may I ask what is your favorite brand of coffee? I enjoy your column.”
That’s a tough question, Joann. Since I’m always on the lookout for new and unique roasts and brands, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
But I can say my current (and local!) favorite right now is "Hello Darkness My Old Blend" from Cherry River Coffee Roasters in Richwood.
It's a special blend they were making for Mea Cuppa locations at Capitol Market, Bigley Avenue, the Kanawha County Public Library’s main branch and (just announced last week) coming soon to Yeager Airport.
Those beans have been the go-to in my espresso maker at home since that roast debuted in April 2024, but they stopped appearing on local shelves a few months ago. With my supply dwindling, I reached out to Mea Cuppa owner Venu Menon to get the scoop.
Venu told me Cherry River recently changed ownership and he’s working with them to reformulate the blend and improve its consistency from batch to batch. He promised to let me know once it’s back in stock – and I’ll be first in line.
On a related coffee note, I found myself spending a morning at Coal River Coffee Company at 64 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans a few weeks back when my car was in the shop just a block away.
While there, I saw a steady stream of customers come in to pick up coffee and breakfast to go or to enjoy amongst the café’s tables, chairs, sofas and such while reading, working on laptops, meeting with family, participating in a study group.
Open since 2018, Coal River Coffee is owned and operated by the husband-wife team of Michael and Rachel Ervin, who offer small-batch roasted coffee, made-to-order espresso, coffee and tea drinks, plus a selection of pastries, sandwiches, craft beer and wine.
With a mission of “brewing community,” the café also supports local music, hosting a weekly open mic and other performances throughout the week.
I can vouch that it’s definitely a popular place, and my dark roast latte with an everything bagel breakfast sandwich filled with egg, fresh spinach and tomato were both delish.
IF YOU GO: Coal River Coffee Company at 64 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 304-786-2020, visit the café’s Facebook page or visit www.coalrivercoffee.com.
Another Ray’s Deli recipe request
Last week’s column sharing the original Ray’s Deli menu of signature sandwiches that long-closed Kanawha City restaurant was known for lit up my inbox with so many sharing their thanks to reader Ginny Miller, who provided it to me.
Many also shared more memories from what clearly was a beloved hangout, including those who loved more than just those sandwiches.
“While Ray’s sandwiches were popular, their most outstanding menu item was their cheesecake,” reader Eric Lutz told me.
“No Jell-O pudding and pie filling, but genuine New York-style baked cheesecake.”
Lutz went on to say that Ray’s uncle, Ed Max, was his father-in-law’s business partner and every year he and his wife, Maxine Max, gave him one of those cheesecakes for his birthday. “I would love to have that recipe.”
You all have been so good helping me track down other food favorites from the past, so I’m hoping someone will have a lead on this cheesecake.
More new restaurants on the way
Finally, here’s a round robin of several new restaurants announced over the past week. I’ll be sharing more details as plans progress.
Haystax has opened where Loopy Leaf used to be at 700 Virginia St. in downtown Charleston, offering a selection of low-fat, lower-calorie and often vegetarian-friendly bowls, smoothies, desserts and more. I was able to pop in during their soft opening last week and will report back once I’ve had a chance to try more of the menu.
The City of South Charleston has announced that 7 Brew Coffee (West Virginia’s third location) and another Chipotle Mexican Grill will be coming to the new Park Place Shopping Center being built across from RiverWalk Plaza. A national drive-through coffee chain with more than 600 locations in 38 states, 7 Brew previously opened shops in Huntington and Beckley.
Also in South Charleston, Shucker’s Seafood & Italian Fare in St. Albans has opened a second location called The Galley By Shuckers at BridgeValley Community and Technical College at 2001 Union Carbide Dr. (Building 2000) inside West Virginia Regional Technology Park.
Finally, as mentioned above, Mea Cuppa will open its fourth location as part of the terminal renovation project currently underway at West International Yeager Airport. The coffee shop will be located outside of security, but an opening timeline has not been released.
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 publications. Follow him online at www.wvfoodguy.com or on Facebook, X, Instagram and Pinterest as “WV Food Guy.” He can be reached at wvfoodguy@aol.com.