A lot of people don’t realize how important local cuisine is to a cultureand sense of place. Our country has been so oversaturated with national chains and franchises that much of the local “flavor” has been lost.

That’s why we’re excited to see the WV Division of Tourism and the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia are looking for your nominations on West Virginia’s most popular (and highest quality) local eateries.

Details from the press release: 

Due to popular demand for a list of top eateries, the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia and the West Virginia Department of Tourism have joined together – with support from the Benedum Foundation – for the “People’s Choice – West Virginia’s Unique Places to Dine.” Your help is needed in identifying 101 local eateries with good cooking.

We’re looking for the kind of places that all the local folks know about.  Some of these establishments may have been around for years while others may have opened more recently. But, it doesn’t really matter because everywhere people seek out great food. 

There are lots of people who would be glad to know about these places around the state – to have a one-stop list – so that if they go to that town, they won’t miss out on some of the best dishes. 
 
Your input can help ensure that the whole state is well represented. After the names are submitted and reviewed, there will be a brochure printed to promote our state’s best restaurants. The brochures will be available to welcome centers, in- and out-of-state bus tour companies, Convention & Visitors Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce and other outlets.

What types of places are eligible for this free publicity? 

• Eateries that have a storefront that is open on scheduled hours to the public to make purchases. 
• It must be both in-state owned and not national chains. 
• It must continuously meet West Virginia Health Department standards.

The information that we are gathering about these eateries includes: 

• Restaurant’s name
• Location
• Owner’s name
• Contact information (phone and e-mail)
• The dish the restaurant is best known for, is proudest of, and/or is most unique 
• Any special historical aspect to the eatery
• If the restaurant has an online site, provide the Web address.

The closing date for submitting this information is April 15, 2009. Remember that this is a statewide effort and so a restaurant’s submitting the above information does not guarantee them a spot on the brochure.
  
Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia’s Web site is www.wvfarm2u.org.  Responses to this questionnaire should be submitted to Debbie Huber at Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia either by completing the electronic form at the following Web site address www.wvfarm2u.org/survey/restaurants.aspx