WVA Food Scene: 1010 Bridge
Roadtrip Foodie Adventures
—1010 BRIDGE ROAD - CHARLESTON, WV
We have driven through Charleston, WV countless times and only ever stopped for a quick lunch on our way to/from someplace else – this time we chose to spend the night and try out a restaurant we recently read about whose owner/chef is a two-time James Beard Award finalist…Executive Chef Paul Smith… and so happy we did!
1010 Bridge Restaurant is tucked into a small shopping spot in the South Hills neighborhood of Charleston, WV, but the moment you step through the door they provide such a warm welcoming experience that you just know you’re going to enjoy being here. We opted to switch from a table to two seats at the bar which gave us the opportunity to chat up Derek, the master craft cocktail maker, and several other patrons who appeared to be weekly regulars and gladly shared their recommendations. We started with a couple of signature Old Fashioned cocktails one Spiced Rum and one Rusty Rye (SO good and yes, got the recipe: Private Label Smooth Ambler Spirits Rye Bourbon, Carrot Simple Syrup, Cardamom Bitters, Cinnamon Tincture). Along with the cocktails we had White Cheddar Pimento on Spicy Saltines topped with Jalapeño Pepper Jelly and Candied Pecans. It paired perfectly, but then we heard about the Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche special and had to put in for one of those too – so now we need wine to go with! Got a beautifully, crisp Côtes Du Rhône Belleruche Blanc bottle to take us through the rest of our dining choices. We were torn between so many delicious sounding items, but Chef Paul himself spent quite a bit of time chatting with us and described how everything came together with a real Appalachian flare and a lot of detail going in to how each dish is prepared. Such a pleasure getting to know him and what an interesting person, background, and community supporter he is. But back to the feasting…..went with a recommendation for the “Derek Special” – Risotto Carbonara topped with a couple of pan-seared scallops – it was melt in the mouth good. They then insisted we try a side of the candied onion Brussel sprouts which were super yummy. Also had the savory Braised Beef Short Rib Bolognese with a glass of Excelsior South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon that complemented perfectly. Afterwards, we were told we couldn’t pass up the Chocolate Silk Tart with Graham Cracker Crust, and Salted Caramel, topped with Toasted Marshmallow – damn glad we got that too!!!
If you ever find yourself passing this way, highly recommend you add a stop – well worth the overnight! Will be watching for the JBF announcement on June 10 - sorry to be missing out on the watch party - good luck Chef!
UPDATE: He won! Congrats Chef!! (see post at bottom of page)
#1010bridge #thebeet #thechocolatesmith #jbf #chefpaulsmith
