By Brooke A. Brown

I’ve been watching the 2008 Democratic National Convention these last couple of days (on C-SPAN… as I cannot stand most of the commentators and pundits on cable news). I’ve have been inspired by tremendous speeches from the likes of Sen. Ted Kennedy, First Lady hopeful Michelle Obama and the glass ceiling-shattering Sen. Hillary Clinton. Big names, soaring oratory and there are still two days left!

True to my typical television-viewing form, I have found myself snacking heavily during the convention festivities. The snack of choice has been the salty, malty deliciousness of Snyder’s mini pretzels. Considering the hand-to-bag-to-mouth frequency of my snacking, it’s a very good thing pretzels are a fat-free source of gluttony. But there’s a definite drawback, and it reminds me of a quote from my favorite show about nothing: “These pretzels… are making me thirsty!”

Luckily, and just in time for the 2008 Presidential election, the Jones Soda Company is offering up some appropriately-themed refreshment with its selection of Campaign Cola. Obviously, I’m a fan of the Yes We Can Cola. But supporters of other presidential contenders can enjoy a Pure McCain Cola or a Ron Paul Revolution Cola. Sure, the whole thing is a touch gimmicky. But the pure cane sugar sweetness of an ice-cold Jones soda might be a good remedy for those already tired of the negative ads and back-and-forth bickering of this election, not to mention those salty pretzels.

By Brooke A. Brown

I first blogged about the Tricky Fish back in April of this year (you can read that post by clicking here). Overall, I was optimistic about the possibilities held within the Washington Street beach-shack eatery, especially considering the wild success of owners John and Keeley Steele’s other restaurant, the Bluegrass Kitchen. And on subsequently tasty visits since, that optimism has proven to be bang on.

Not only have they perfected the art of frying catfish, oysters, onion rings and the like, they’ve done away with the red cabbage garnish and gladly confronted the hot sauce issue. And that bar in the back? It’s now stockpiled and margarita-ready, thanks to a brand-spanking, newly issued full liquor license. But the excitement only begins here. There are two more recent additions to the Tricky Fish that act as proverbial cherries on the cream pie.

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By Brooke A. Brown

In the August 7th edition of the Charleston Gazette, the ‘Business briefs’ section enlightened readers of the Thai House’s plan to open a bakery in Winfield. Opening day is scheduled for September 1st in the former location of the General’s Quarters Family Restaurant. Congratulations, Putnam County!

So I’m having dinner at the Dunbar location this past Saturday with a couple of friends who happen to be loyal customers of the Thai House and we get to talking about the new venture mentioned above. Turns out what is good news for Putnam Countians is not so good for Charlestonians, especially those of us who think it’s already a bit of a schlep to drive all the way out to Dunbar for our pad thai.

That’s right, folks. According to my well-informed tablemates, the Thai House will not be keeping the Roxalana Road location in operation. This is a bit of a blow to the loyal patrons who more often than not pack the tiny, yet well proportioned Dunbar dining room. But as one who refers to half a glass of Thai Iced tea as half-full, I’m hopeful that the new location will provide an even more extensive menu, more room and (fingers crossed) a debit/credit card reader.

“I’ll have one with mustard, hold the red nose.”

By Brooke A. Brown

Other than John Corbett’s role as Chris Stevens on Northern Exposure, what on earth does Alaska have to do with West Virginia? Well, perhaps not a lot. But for me, the Alaska-West Virginia connection couldn’t be stronger at the moment because that is where my Lovely Miss S is currently hanging out.

A lifelong lover of wildlife documentaries, Miss S is participating in American University’s Classroom in the Wild: Alaska. I am overwhelmed with pride as I write this because I’m witnessing a dream come true, if only virtually at the moment (thank you, iPhone). And that is where the reindeer sausage cart comes in.

Since my most favorite dining companion has been away, my meals have been, well, nothing to blog home about. I’ve been much more interested in the culinary offerings available in and around Anchorage. Miss S didn’t disappoint when informing me of the reindeer cart on a recent call.

Now, she swears she’s gonna try one before she returns home, and how could she not? I know I would. (When in Rome…  after all.) But the peculiar thing that is of interest to me is that even apart from the lower 48, in a place prized for its vast wilderness and ample wildlife, one can still find a food vendor on a random street corner. Now ain’t that America?

The only thing that doesn’t make sense regarding the cart is the cooler of Red Bull sitting next to it. Who needs an energy drink when it’s 11 p.m. and the sun hasn’t set?