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Posts Tagged ‘food’

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Around Town: How to Wow Your Guests This Holiday Season

Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

So your family is in town for the holidays, and once you’ve gotten all the gifts unwrapped and the feast is over, it’s time for them to kick into ‘tourist’ mode. Here’s how to show ‘em a good time in southern WV (while not compromising your own entertainment or happiness.)

A Different Glimpse of the Gorge

Having family in town near the New River Gorge and not taking them to see the New River Gorge Bridge is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. It’s a standard-defying structure and a gorgeous work of art all at once. But instead of (or in addition to) the traditional overlook, what about a group hike to a more scenic view? There are tons of trails that overlook the Gorge. You can also get up close and personal with BridgeWalk, scaling the bottom catwalk of the bridge for an aerial view of the river.

The Whole Family Will Love Bridge Walk

Get Out

Outdoor adventure opportunities in the New River Gorge are vast year-round. Hike or bike the expansive trails, ATV through the mountain terrain or zipline from tree top to tree top. The more cautious of your guests can still have a good time, taking in the state’s natural beauty with a woodland stroll. The iconic Babcock State Park Grist Mill is an especially breathtaking sight in the winter. Top off the day huddled around a campfire making s’mores.

Local Fair With Flair

While you’re nearby, try Fayetteville’s amazing array of eateries. The unique brew options at Pies and Pints pair well with their non-traditional topping pizzas. Or, treat your family to a taste of The Secret Sandwich Society’s bacon jam, a spread that somehow makes the most delectable food on the planet even better. Beans and cornbread is a flavorful favorite Mountain State meal, so share it with your out-of-state visitors by dropping by Cafe One Ten.

Winter Funnerland

The best part about getting to visit WV around the holidays is the snowy slopes of the Mountain State, which are perfect for all sorts of recreation. Take a traditional sled or an old garbage can lid down the local hills if it’s snowing! If it isn’t, visit Winterplace Ski Resort, where you’re guaranteed a layer of powder on the peaks. Skiing, snowboarding and inner tubing are family fun for all of your guests.

Spend the Holiday Cash on WV Treasures

Before you see off your loved ones for their journeys home, take them to pick out pieces of WV to take with them. Tamarack is only a short drive from the New River Gorge Bridge, and has a wide selection of work from some of the state’s most prominent crafters. Fayetteville is also full of its own trinket and souvenir shops, with quality local goods nearly everywhere you go. Wisteria Gifts is a great place to start for home goods, antiques and glass. Stop for a beverage break at Cathedral Cafe and look through their assortment of handmade soaps and up-cycled accessories.

What kind of holiday experience are you planning for your family at Gorge?

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Hot Chocolate: The Winter Drink of Choice Here in Gorge Country

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

After a chilly jaunt through the snow, wind slicing across your face, you finally reach your door, taking shelter from the weather. You rub your hands together and try to get your blood pumping, but what’s the best way to combat the cold?

A steaming cup of hot chocolate, of course!

While a good cup of hot chocolate is only cocoa powder and a mug of water away, a GREAT cup could also be awaiting you in your cabinets.

COCOA 2.0

Do you know the history of hot chocolate? It was originally a Mayan delicacy: a spicy, but bitter “acquired taste.” Not so appealing, but there is something to be taken away from the Mayans’ recipe: the sizzle.

Here’s a more modern mix with an ancient inspiration. Just boil a cup of milk, then add:

  • 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of cayenne pepper

For an extra kick, stir it with half of a chili pepper (seeds removed). Or, to tone it down, add honey to taste.

Warm Up With Hot Chocolate This Winter

SHOT CHOCOLATE

If it’s the end of the day, maybe you’d prefer a beverage with a buzz. A simple, seasonal spin on traditional hot chocolate: add butterscotch schnapps.

Just mix your hot chocolate according to instructions, then add about 2 shots of the schnapps. You can add more, but keep in mind that the alcohol doesn’t taste strong, and it can be easy to overdo it.

SOME TO SHARE

These recipes are too good to keep to yourself, but it’s not easy to wrap a piping cup of liquid with a ribbon or bow. Good thing it is easy to whip up and share hot chocolate truffles! They’re an instant treat when you drop them in hot milk. Try a batch yourself!

On low heat, whisk:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1 cup cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Once the ingredients are blended, pop the dough in the fridge until it’s firm. Then, roll it into balls, and viola! Instant hot chocolate to share with friends. You can even garnish them with candy cane crumbles or extra cocoa.

The Bridge Day BASE jumpers could probably use a cup of these recipes after their descent! But you can enjoy them any time.

Happy sipping!

What’s your favorite hot chocolate recipe?

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Taste of Bridge Day 2012

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

We’re looking forward to this year’s WOAY Taste of Bridge Day, and we hope you are too.

Last year’s event was pretty amazing, and we expect 2012 to be no different.

Sample plates at Taste of Bridge Day

Here’s the scoop: on Friday, October 19, join other Bridge Day faithful at Smokey’s on the Gorge from 5-9 pm. There, you can purchase tickets for small ‘tasting plates’ from vendors. Mingle, have a drink, and check out all the stations. It’s a lot of fun, and most of you’ll have the chance to catch up with old friends (or make some new ones).

The confirmed vendors for 2012 are:

  • ACE Adventure Center
  • Appalachian Coffee & More
  • Buffler’s
  • Boston Beanery
  • Chetty’s
  • Gumbo’s
  • Hawks Nest Restaurant
  • Longpoint Grille
  • Maloney’s
  • Mumsey’s Iron Skillet
  • New River Exxon
  • Smokey’s on the Gorge
Hope to see you there!

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Hungry? Our Five-Course, Bridge Day Inspired Meal

Friday, July 20th, 2012

The cuisine that “The Taste of Bridge Day” serves up the evening before Bridge Day is a wonderful contribution from area restaurants. It’s a nice addition to the World Famous Bridge Day festival for sure.

But there is just something about festival food that can’t be denied.You know, that sugary, sticky, and possibly greasy treat that isn’t good for you but tastes amazing? Whether it’s the atmosphere that makes those funnel cakes so delicious or the fact that you may only get to eat them once a year, it’s hard to say.

Beware: These are not the five food groups

No matter what the reason, there’s definitely something intensely desirable about festival food. We thought we would create our own 5-course Bridge Day feast to get you thinking about what you’ll eat when you’re on the Bridge this year.

For Starters

Right out of the gate, a big pretzel makes a great first food. Easy to handle and share, it is definitely a good appetizer for one (or more). This perfect doughy, salty treat can be made even better with dips. We’re talking butter garlic or nacho cheese.  And you can’t go wrong with the classic mustard.

Moving On

As a second course (and palette cleanser), we suggest a caramel apple. Oh yes. The tart, juicy apple and sweet caramel will contrast very well with the salty tang of the first course pretzel. Plus, it won’t hurt to have the 4-5 grams of fiber the apple offers to help balance out this meal. Can caramel apples be classified as a health food?

Getting Into It

Onto the third course, where this Bridge Day feast gets serious. This is the course where we suggest a hearty bite to help you power through the other courses. The BBQ sandwich has a real WV feel and great smoked barbeque should be experienced by everyone.

A big sandwich, piled high with delectable smoked pork, smothered in a tangy sauce and heaped with cole slaw makes for great Bridge Day fare.

Just For Kicks

As a fourth course and “after dinner” snack, we cannot resist that perennial festival favorite: funnel cake. This fried delight is a must have for any festival or fair. The deep fried batter treat has its origins with our neighbors to the north, the Pennsylvania Dutch. We will take ours in the traditional style; with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. But feel free to jazz yours up anyway you see fit.

For Dessert

After a meal that includes a caramel apple and a funnel cake, it may not seem like dessert is necessary. Au contraire; this isn’t a normal meal. This is a feast fit for one of the world’s largest and highest bridges, and hey, it’s a festival.

So, with that in mind, we figure that a deep fried Twinkie is the way to end our Bridge Day meal. Yes, a cream filled sponge cake is good, but we know it can be better. How? Yep, batter-dip it and drop it in some hot oil. Delicious!

So there’s our Bridge Day feast. Yes, it may not be a balanced meal including the five food groups, but that wasn’t the goal. Sometimes you’ve just got to splurge. Right?

What does your ultimate Bridge Day Feast include? 

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Top 5 Spring ‘Must-Dos’ Around the New River Gorge Bridge

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Spring weather has arrived with a rush this year. Ramps, morel mushrooms, and budding trees and flowers are all a few weeks earlier than normal. This means folks are already getting out and enjoying all the activities the New River Gorge has to offer.

Rafting is one obvious must-do adventure for visitors. But there are also other must-do activities that you might not know about (but should try to fit in your visit to the Bridge area).

Here’s our list of the top 5 musts for spring in New River Gorge Bridge country.

1. Drive the Gorge

Take a trip down old State Rt. 82 from the north side to the south. You can start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and take advantage of the overlooks and the interpretive center there. Once traveling through the Gorge, there are great spots to get pictures of the Bridge. Be sure to stop at the bottom and watch rafts run Fayette Station rapid. There’s also a pull-off on the south side with a bridge over Wolf Creek and a hiking trail to the old Kaymoor Mines, if you want to stretch your legs.

2. Swirl Ice Cream Parlor

Located in downtown Fayetteville, this ice cream shop has lots of toys and goodies for kids you probably haven’t seen in years. Retro trinkets and toys are on display and available for purchase here. And oh yeah, they have great hand-dipped ice cream too.

3. Take flight in a WWII Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company offers biplane rides over the Gorge in an authentic WWII Biplane. With an open cockpit, you’ll have great views of the Gorge from Thurmond to Fayetteville. Make sure you hang on. It’s a wild ride.

4. Long Point Trail

Just a couple of miles outside of Fayetteville, this 3.2 mile round trip hike will give you a wonderful view of the New River and the Bridge. If you’re looking for more hiking there, are also trails that branch off the main trail that can take you to Fayetteville, Fayette Station Road or the Kaymoor mines. This trail is a local favorite, so you know it’s worth the hike.

5. New River Jet Boats

Docked on the New River just below Hawks Nest State Park Lodge, this is another fun and interesting way to enjoy the river and see the Bridge. You can access the Jet Boat dock area by either riding the tram from Hawks Nest Lodge to the river or driving down Mill Creek out of Ansted. Either way, the trip on Miss M. Rocks is a great way to enjoy a little time on the New River and a wonderful view of the Bridge. This is an especially great option for those who aren’t able to raft the New River.

So this spring (or on your next visit to the Gorge), try one of these unique activities.

What are your ‘must-do’ adventures in the New River Gorge?

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Bridge Day Behind The Scenes: The Rotary Club

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Two groups that have an important behind-the-scenes role with Bridge Day are the Oak Hill and Fayetteville Rotary Clubs. The Oak Hill Rotary Club originally worked with Bridge Day beginning in 2001, and in 2005 the Fayetteville Club came on board as well.

The Oak Hill and Fayetteville Clubs each have about 12 members, and they work tirelessly to help the club meet its goals.  Rotary International service projects include helping disaster victims, clean water efforts, education projects and their largest project, eradicating polio worldwide.

Rotary at Taste of Bridge Day

What Does Rotary Do At Bridge Day?

Rotary is responsible for the transportation shuttles from the parking areas to the Bridge. They “man” each of the parking pick-up points, managing the flow of visitors.  They inform riders of the shuttle system, collect shuttle fees, and review Bridge Day guidelines. Rotary has been performing this service since 2004.

Taste of Bridge Day

The Rotary Club is responsible for one of everyone’s favorite events during Bridge Day weekend – the Taste of Bridge Day.  Staged at Smokey’s on the Gorge on Friday, the Taste incorporates food offerings from many local and state eateries.

Taste of Bridge Day showcases amazing area restaurants and kicks off Bridge Day weekend with a bang. The Rotary passes out awards at the end of the event, including Best Appetizer, Best Entree, and People’s Choice. This gives the winners bragging rights for a year and fosters some friendly competition for the next Taste.

Restaurants must register and pay a participation fee, and they share a portion of their event earnings with the Rotary. Taste of Bridge Day was first held in 2001 as a collaboration between Oak Hill Rotary and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. The Rotary Club became the sole host of Taste in 2006 and has been joined every year since then by WOAY, the lead sponsor.

The work that Rotary does with Bridge Day allows them to fund other community programs.   Just another reason why Bridge Day is such an important event!

 

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Bring Bridge Day to the Holidays With Funnel Cake

Friday, December 30th, 2011

One of the staples of Bridge Day is the funnel cake. Some locals hit the Bridge just for a taste of this wonderful goodness.  No matter how many funnel cakes you eat throughout the year, you always want just one more.

Funnel Cake = Deliciousness

So why not bring a bit of Bridge Day into your life and make funnel cakes part of the holiday celebration?  Kids (and lots of adults) are on vacation, New Year’s parties are taking place, and there’s plenty of football to watch.  It’s the perfect time to give funnel cake-making a try!

Try this basic recipe, and then make one (or all) of these fun toppings.

The Batter

There are a few different recipes for funnel cakes, but they all share one crucial ingredient: FUN!  Seriously, you and your loved ones will have a blast making these cakes. You will need a deep fryer to properly make these treats.

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups of milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 Cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ stick of butter, melted

 

Directions

Combine milk, egg, and vanilla in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar and gradually add to wet ingredients. Beat with a mixer until a smooth batter forms. Fold in melted butter. Pour batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle while using your index finger to stop the flow of the batter. Bring the funnel over the hot oil and release your finger to start a stream of batter while moving the funnel in a circular motion to create spiral-like shapes. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.

The Toppings

The traditional topping for funnel cake is plain ‘ol powdered sugar.  But if you’re going to make these treats from scratch, you may as well up the ante and top them with some holiday cheer. Here are a few ideas for some toppings:

Caramel Topping

  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine sugar and syrup. Cook until soft ball stage. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.  Pour over funnel cake.

Cranberry Topping

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 16-oz can organic whole-berry cranberry sauce

In a small saucepan whisk together the cornstarch and orange juice to combine, making sure there are no large clumps. Pour in cranberry sauce, stir, and bring mixture to a boil over medium to medium-high heat for one minute. Cool for 10 minutes.  Pour over funnel cake.

Cinnamon Apple Topping

  • 2 tbsp. bottle lemon juice
  • 1/3 c. water
  • 7 c. thinly sliced, peeled, Granny Smith apples
  • 3 c. sugar
  • 3/4 tsp. Cinnamon

In a 6-8 quart saucepan, heat lemon juice for 1 minute over medium – high heat. Add water, apples, sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Spoon out over funnel cake.

What’s your favorite funnel cake topping?

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The Taste of Bridge Day – An Insider’s View

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Everyone knows the magnitude of the festival that is Bridge Day. With over 400 BASE jumpers, over 300 rappellers and close to 100,000 spectators, it’s the largest one-day festival in West Virginia.

As Bridge Day has evolved over the years, one of the additions that has steadily grown in popularity and participation has been the feasting that takes place on Friday evening. The Taste of Bridge Day showcases some of the area’s finest cuisine and exposes people to the talents of local restaurants and caterers.

One of those local talents is Rezan Nese.  Rezan was raised in Fayette County, but she has Turkish roots.  She is the head chef and kitchen manager of Chetty’s Pub, one of the eateries at Adventures on the Gorge.  Rezan takes her cooking very seriously.

Background

Rezan has well over 23 years working with food. She has cooked in many different places including Costa Rica, Turkey and at her own place in Fayetteville, which she recently sold after four years. She credits her unusual recipes to the diversity of cuisine she has been exposed to around the world.

Rezan Nese

The Taste

This year’s Taste of Bridge Day featured 14 restaurants from a multi-county area. Rezan relates a few of her feelings about the annual event.  “It’s a great advertising and exposure tool for local mom and pop restaurants. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience new food and flavors that many people would not normally try or have exposure to.”

Initially we planned to share a couple of Rezan’s Taste of Bridge Day recipes here for people to recreate. But as Rezan related, “mine are all in my head, which I know seems a little crazy, but that’s just the way I do it.”

Maybe you’ll get inspiration to try making something new and unique yourself.

Her Dishes

Rezan shared some descriptions of very unique dishes created according to her varied tastes. Her Thai lettuce wrap with red curry features red curry paste, coconut milk, garlic and ginger, your choice of  meat or seafood, shredded carrots, cabbage, shittake mushrooms, leaf lettuce and green onions.

Another favorite dish of Rezan’s is a Peanut Noodle Bowl.  It features rice noodles, peanut butter, chicken broth, crushed red pepper, garlic, ginger and cashew pieces for a garnish.

Rezan has served these dishes at the Taste of Bridge Day in previous years.  They are certainly not your typical WV cuisine.  Rezan says, “Each year I try to do something unique.”

What’s your favorite Taste of Bridge Day dish?

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Bridge Day – Why Yes, There’s an App for That

Monday, October 10th, 2011

This year’s Bridge Day Festival is indeed a special one. This year, we are debuting the Official Bridge Day 2011 mobile app for iPhone and Android.

Bridge Day at Your Fingertips

The purpose of the app is to help you find your way around Bridge Day and share the experience with your friends and family. The application has vendor and event information, a map, a barcode scanner, and the iPhone version can even make digital postcards to help you share your experience.

Also built into the app is a “Check-In” screen, that will let you post to Facebook, Twitter, Gowalla and Foursquare right from the app. You’ll also have access to the Bridge Day blog, which will be updated during Bridge Day on all the festival happenings.

The app is free, so get to downloading!

See you on the Bridge!

 

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Bridge Day – Five Days and Counting…

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Five days and counting until Bridge Day 2011.  And what’s our office like?  CRAZY!

Although we work all year long to get ready for Bridge Day, these last two weeks are crunch time.   Not a problem for the Bridge Day Team.  That’s life and it makes things interesting.

The most interesting question so far?  “Are horses allowed under the Bridge?”  We love animals as much as you do.  Dogs, cats, and horses.  But not on Bridge Day.  With all the people in attendance, it’s just not the right time to introduce your pet to the beauty of the Gorge.

Posters are ready to go!

Vendors

At this point we have our vendors lined up and are happy to say that we have more vendors this year than at any time since 9/11.  It takes some planning to make sure everyone has the right booth and all the food vendors have their health permit.  Martha and Sharon have been working their tails off.  Make sure and come hungry, as we have some great food vendors!

Sponsors

And great sponsors!  Subaru is on board again as our presenting sponsor and will be previewing the NEW Subaru 2012 Impreza.  You will also enter the Bridge through Red Bull arches at each end of the Bridge this year.

So what else keeps us busy?  Answering questions from media that want to cover Bridge Day.  We love this part because it gives us chances to showcase the New River Gorge and that is our job.  This is the opportunity for the New River Gorge, and hopefully the sun, to shine.

What else would you see if you were a fly on our walls?

• Lights on the phone bank flashing.

• Stacks of the 2011 Bridge Day posters waiting for Ginger Danz to sign in the Bridge Day tent on the south side.

• A picture of the Bridge with cut-out witches placed strategically on it.  Don’t ask.

• Stacks of signs and corners filled with flags to mark the bus routes & parking areas.

• Orange and green vests for the volunteers that answer questions & give directions.

• The GEICO Gecko.  Okay, not really, but he will be at Bridge Day

• Pop-up tents and recycle bins ready to make their way to the Bridge.

• Boxes of Official Bridge Day shirts from Sustain U.

We have a big Bridge, and I think we need a bigger office.  See you at Bridge Day!

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