Looking for the best places in West Virginia? We have those answers and more in this year’s Best of West Virginia issue. Each year our readers cast ballots, and this year they cast more than ever before. Nearly 200,000 votes rolled in selecting the very best in more than 70 categories. Read about this year’s winners in our chef category and use the 2020 Best of West Virginia awards as your personal guide to the state’s best eateries, towns, parks, cideries, museums, and more.
Elizabeth Nolle, Whistle Punk Grill & Taphouse
Elizabeth “Libby” Nolle is a Maryland native who came to West Virginia to study hospitality management with a focus on the culinary arts at Davis & Elkins College. Her years of experience and creative palate made her a fast fit with Lance Raffo, owner of Whistle Punk Grill & Taphouse, who worked with her at Snowshoe and knew her talent. “Even right out of college she had something special when it came to food and creating unique entrees,” Raffo says. Through her work, Nolle has developed relationships with area farmers and producers; her philosophy at Whistle Punk is to use the best locally sourced ingredients and let them shine. 35 East Main Street, Richwood, 304.846.2020, whistlepunkwv.com, @whistle.punk.richwood on Facebook
Runners-up
Paul Smith, 1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering, Barkadas, and The Pitch
1010 Bridge Road, Charleston, 681.265.0599, 1010bridge.com, “1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering” on Facebook; 100 Cantley Drive, Charleston, 681.205.8051, barkadasrestaurant.com, “Barkadas” on Facebook; 2947 Fairlawn Avenue, Dubar, thepitchwv.com, “The Pitch WV” on Facebook
Matt Welsch, Vagabond Kitchen
1201 Market Street, Wheeling, 304.905.6173, thevagabondkitchen.com, @thevagabondkitchen on Facebook
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