I had the immense pleasure of spending the weekend attending parties, lectures and events in Chicago this weekend before walking the red carpet Monday night to attend the 2026 James Beard Awards gala and after-party, where two West Virginia restaurants were honored on the nation’s biggest culinary stage.

Suzi’s partners with a BBQ food truck, new popcorn shop opens

Enjoy tasty pub grub and craft beers in the old Strand

Looking to shake up my evening routine, I accepted a last-minute invite to join friends for a cocktail-making class at The Bullock Distillery at 121 W. Washington St. in Elk City last Thursday night.