Each state in this amazing country has something different and unique to show us. Whether this feature is all about their landscape, the neat activities, or some delicious food, you will be able to find something to keep you busy and allows you to enjoy some of the culture there. When you make a stop in West Virginia, you must stop and try some of the most popular foods. Your taste buds will thank you and you will want to take a bunch of it home with you. Some of the most popular foods to try when visiting the Appalachian state include:

Biscuits and Gravy

Rumor has it that biscuits and gravy originated in Appalachia, so you can’t go wrong when you make a breakfast stop in West Virginia and enjoy some of their biscuits and gravy. While this is a dish you can find in almost every state in the nation now, the best ones to enjoy are found in West Virginia. Make sure to get a hearty plate and something good to drink to start your morning off right.

Buckwheat Pancakes

West Virginians like to party and you can even find a festival devoted to the famous buckwheat pancake too. Buckwheat is a popular ingredient in the state and they celebrate it at the Preston Buckwheat Festival at the end of September. These pancakes don’t contain wheat, which makes them a good choice for a lot of people passing through with dietary concerns, but they are still tasty with some maple syrup right away in the morning.

Pepperoni Rolls

Looking for something familiar, yet amazing, then these pepperoni rolls are the ones you need to try. If you happen to be in the area at the time, stop by the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival and have a bite. If not, this staple is the official state food, so you will have plenty of other chances to take a bite. The legend goes that in 1930, an Italian baker came up with this recipe as an easy meal for the miners to carry in their packs.

Venison

Similar to that of Polynesian culture (e.g. the Cook Islands), hunting is a large part of life for Appalachian culture as well. It makes sense then that venison is a popular dish that you can find often in the state. This meat, when it is done the right way, is gamey and tender and is similar to bison or beef. It can be eaten in steak, but works in stews and chilis as well. Some can be dried to take along as a snack if you need something to enjoy on that next long car ride through the state with the kids, so pack some up to take home with you.

If this list has your mouth watering and ready for all the good treats, then it is time to book your trip to the state of West Virginia. There is so much to do and see when you cross the border, you will never want to go back home!

Are you the kind of person who likes to eat your food while having a meaningful experience? Then you need not look further than the Hill and Hollow restaurant in Morgantown.

This particular spot continues to gain popularity among visitors and locals alike because they serve meals while keeping the community in mind with their unique experiences. What do we mean by that? Read on to find out.

Dining hours and takeout delights

Whether you are hungry or just craving a particular dish, Hill and Hollow will get you sorted. They open their doors from Wednesday all through to Sunday between 5 PM and 10 PM for dinner. But why during this time window? Well, it takes time to prepare food that is worthy of all the praise that the restaurant gets.

Hill and Hollow also caters for those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home or simply do not have the time to dine at the eatery. They can easily order takeout.

Community and social responsibility first

Hill and Hollow has to be one of the few establishments that are keen on giving back to the community rather than just sell food for profit.

This is why they are involved in CSR activities around Morgantown and surrounding areas. Most recently, the restaurant extended a hand in lending their support to families affected by floods. What’s more, most of the resources used for this initiative were offered by their customers hence displaying the power of unity.

Events that delight and support

Summers in Morgantown are not the same without Hill and Hollow outdoor events. They put together these themed gatherings in a bid to unite new and old customers while engaging their senses and taste buds.

 During such events, local artists will be seem showcasing their craft while patrons partake in different culinary delights.

The best parts is that these events also double up as fundraisers where money is raised to support charity projects.

Podcasts for food enthusiasts

You have probably never imagined that you could learn anything while at a restaurant. Well, Hill and Hollow is not your average kind of restaurant and has managed to make that possible with their weekly podcast.

As you have probably imagined, this podcast is about recipes and food, but they also feature valuable insights from chefs and small business owners that revelers can pick and use to build themselves. Ultimately, whoever tunes in will be entertained and educated at the same time.

Merchandise to showcase and support

By now, it is evident that Hill and Hollow has a good reputation in Morgantown. However, this good name needs to be spread further. That is why the restaurant came up with an initiative to make merchandise like t-shirts and mugs.

These not only raise money to help the community, but also market the eatery.

Conclusion

A combination of art, music and food helps in preserving the Appalachian Heritage which not many people have been able to do. However, Hill and Hollow has managed to do just that making it not your average eatery, but also a place where the community comes together and supports each other.

Opening and Closing

Hill & Hollow restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday for dinner only.  It helps the proprietors and staff to work on their other projects.  It also provides time to rest and develop creative recipes for their customers.

You can catch drinks or meals between 5 PM and 10 PM. You can walk in and order takeout to enjoy the meal at home or order and eat in the restaurant.

Social Responsibility

Hill & Hollow restaurant organizes and actively participates in CSR activities in Morgantown and neighboring areas.

In 2022, Hill & Hollow restaurant, and the Vagabond Kitchen, set out south to help communities affected by floods. Their combined customer base gave contributions to the project which they documented. Additionally, there were news features of their noble initiative.

Events

Hill & Hollow owners organize outdoor events in the summer months when many of their customers can attend outdoor events.

The events are themed and have lots of culinary experiences. Local and renowned bands provide entertainment to the attendees.

The events also help when fundraising. Hill & Hollow raises funds for worthy charity projects in their city. Their transparency on the money collected and its use for the good of the community causes more people to love and trust them.

Podcasts

Hill & Hollow restaurant owners also run a popular weekly podcast. It attracts many viewers due to the valuable education and information its guests dish out. They interview chefs and small business owners and feature restaurants around the state and country.

It teaches its viewers about farmers’ markets and farms where they can get fresh food by visiting different types of farms and showcasing their unique products. Many of their shows receive praise and commendation from loyal viewers. Their content is as unique and creative as the food they serve in the restaurant.

Their social media pages actively promote the podcast and invite their followers to watch the live recordings. If you miss that, you can watch it when it airs on TV. The TV show helps the owners of Hill & Hollow get a marketing platform with a large audience for their restaurant and other activities.

Merchandise

Hill & Hollow has built a positive brand in Morgantown. It has led to demand for merchandise such as t-shirts and mugs that their loyal fans and customers purchase.

Conclusion

Hill & Hollow is a classy and accessible restaurant in Morgantown. It is loved by everyone who visits as shown by the raving reviews it gets on restaurant rating websites. Its owners are passionate chefs and restaurateurs who offer the best experience and food. It is a family-focused restaurant where you can enjoy meals with your children.

Food

The food you get here is why Hill & Hollow is the best restaurant in Morgantown. It specializes in Appalachian cuisine made with fresh supplies from their farm, the market, and other WV farmers.

Hill & Hollow restaurant is a pioneer in farm-to-table cuisine in Morgantown. Fresh food in season determines the restaurant menu design. Therefore, you must condition your palette to enjoy whatever is on the menu. The creative combination of fresh ingredients to make tasty, high-quality meals is the end goal at Hill & Hollow.

Chef Marion has worked in hotels and restaurants worldwide. You will feel the skill level in the kitchen when you take your first bite of the food you order. I will give some advice to the guests. Take your time as you eat. It will help you feel the passion of the chef and the unique taste of fresh ingredients perfectly turned into a cooked meal.

Since only fresh ingredients make the meals here, it is best to ask your server to recommend what to eat.

Hill & Hollow has vegan meals on their menu. They are tasty and executed creatively. The meal presentation is excellent and appetizing and served in portions that leave you feeling full.

Also, Hill & Hollow stocks and serves a delectable range of desserts and wines.

Service

Service at Hill & Hollow is speedy and efficient. The servers are patient and polite and will answer any questions and even have the chef come to your table when available for clarification. All the staff is pleasant and warm.

Additionally, Hill & Hollow has a well-stocked bar with knowledgeable and easy to talk to staff. You can drink and eat here. They serve a range of drinks and cocktails at the bar. You will see the creativity and experience of the bartenders in the unique cocktails and martinis you can order at the bar. 

Everybody is welcome at Hill & Hollow. It is a walk-in restaurant with many tables and dishes for all customers.

Take your time to enjoy the meals at Hill & Hollow, which taste best when enjoyed slowly. It ensures that you can feel the taste of all the ingredients. Additionally, they allow the clients to sit at their table for as long as they want. 

If you need catering services, Hill & Hollow is excellent. They provide catering services at all types of events. You can hire them for a wedding, at home, or in your office. They serve fresh and tasty food that leaves your guests happy and satisfied.

At Hill & Hollow, you can order a takeaway meal. Unfortunately, they do not deliver.

Value

Hill & Hollow restaurant provides value for money. The prices are fitting, considering the food quality and the chefs’ effort and creativity. Also, everything you eat in the restaurant is fresh.

As a farm-to-table restaurant, food prices depend on the season. Meals made from ingredients in season are cheaper and in plenty. You will pay more if you get a meal made with out-of-season ingredients.

If you visit Morgantown, WV, step into Hill & Hollow for a fresh, tasty, and nutritious meal. Many locals and visitors consider it the hidden jewel of Morgantown. You will enjoy the time you spend at the restaurant as much as you will enjoy the meals, friendly staff, and other patrons.

Hill & Hollow restaurant is among the pioneer restaurants that serve farm-to-table food. It serves fresh, succulent meat and tasty meals made with ingredients sourced from farmer’s markets and the family farms nearby.

Ownership

Hill & Hollow restaurant in Morgantown, WV, is owned by Alegria and Marion Ohlinger, who are husband and wife. Together, they have over fifty years of experience in the restaurant business. They have worked in and owned several other restaurants before starting Hill & Hollow.

Their experience is visible in their meticulous meals, restaurant design and planning, and well-trained staff.

Since they are a health-conscious family, they ensure to serve Appalachian cuisine with fresh food supplies from their farm and other family farms in the Morgantown area.

Marion is a professional chef with years of experience who ensures that the restaurant places high-quality meals on its guests’ plates. He has developed his culinary skills by working in hotels and restaurants worldwide for many years.

Also, the couple has founded and exited several other restaurants in West Virginia and other states. They were the founders of Solera and the Riverwood Grill.

Alegra & Marion Ohlinger are also known for the culinary events they organize every summer. Morgantown residents have attended these events to enjoy quality food and entertainment for over a decade. Their longevity in the industry has seen them become opinion leaders, creators, and promoters of Appalachian cuisine in America.

How they combine their worldwide experience, local ingredients, creativity, and imagination has made Hill & Hollow the restaurant it is. Anyone who has visited it will agree with me that its owners put a lot of thought and heart into it.

Ambiance

Restaurants go all out to create an inviting environment for their customers. How you feel the first time in a restaurant can make you a loyal customer or not. Your initial experience at Hill & Hollow will get you hooked on it.

I can attest to the relaxing and comfortable environment whether you visit for business or pleasure.  The minimalist interior design allows for space, many tables, and comfortable furniture.

The restaurant has lots of secure parking. 

Once inside, it is cozy and comfortable. One of the interior highlights of the restaurant is the fireplace. It keeps the restaurant warm and allows patrons to relax and enjoy perfectly executed meals.

 Further, Hill & Hollow is wheelchair accessible.

Another aspect of Hill & Hollow that makes me love it is the patio. It gives you a beautiful view of the street and the inside of the restaurant. If you like, you can sit outside in groups, solo, or as a couple, and it will not feel like you are in a different restaurant as it happens in other places.

Whenever you are celebrating anything, Hill & Hollow is the place to do it.  You can request private rooms for your party. The interior design allows privacy when you are dining in a group.

The lighting is comfortable and accentuates the focal points of the restaurant.

Hill & Hollow restaurant has elegant interiors that create anticipation of the meal you expect. And you will not be disappointed.