What’s better than a buffet? Taste of Bridge Day, where top dishes from local restaurants are yours to enjoy! Here’s your preview to who’s cooking and what’s playing on Bridge Day eve.

What’s on the menu

It’s Friday night, right before the festival. What better way to celebrate than with a feast? That’s the spirit behind Taste of Bridge Day, held at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing.

This year’s lineup includes:

• Chetty’s Pub— Appalachian-inspired comfort food that’s imaginative and hearty
• Woody’s— Award-winning wood-fired pizzas and specialty sandwiches
• Cafe 110— Comforting West Virginia favorites
• Gumbo’s— Zesty Louisiana and Cajun classics
• Dobra Zupas— Artisan cuisine that’s seasonal and inspirational
• Sweet T’s Bake Shop— Homemade treats, from pastries to cupcakes

… and much more! In fact, you’ll have to pick from 13 restaurants (tip: bring an appetite, preferably stoked by rafting or hiking). Taste of Bridge Day will also serve wine and craft beer. Bottoms up!

But let’s be honest: the food is the best part. Look forward to appetizers like crawfish etouffee and white bean chicken chili, paired with BBQ West Virginia-style baloney sliders. Other highlights include chicken French medallions, orecchiette pasta and bacon-and-blue stuffed potato pave.

Dessert is no slouch, either. Cinnamon rolls, spicy peach bread pudding and New York-style cheesecake are just the beginning. Pace yourself accordingly.

Entertainment

Taste of Bridge Day isn’t just an upscale sampling of the region’s best food. It’s also a relaxing event with gorgeous scenery, live music and vendors.

Location really sets it apart. Set above trees, the venue overlooks incredible mountain scenery. Watch as dusk settles over the colorful New River Gorge. It’s a delightful way to enjoy dinner with your family.

Live music also sets the mood. As you dine, listen to Common Houses, an acoustic band specializing in pop, bluegrass, and rock. Taste of Bridge Day will also host Danny Cooper, a talented bassist.

Taste of Bridge Day has lots of activities, too. New for this year is the “kids’ zone,” where families can dine or play. Enchant your tots with putt putt, face painting, super hero appearances and balloon art. Teenagers and adults can also shop for local artwork.

How it works

Hungry? Taste of Bridge Day is free to visit, but for dinner, you’ll need tasting tickets. Get them online, at the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce or at the event.

Tasting tickets are sold in $10 increments, with meal samples ranging from $1 to $7. Proceeds go towards Just For Kids, a charity for children.

Taste of Bridge Day is Oct. 20 from 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy!

What’s your favorite Taste of Bridge Day dish?