A new locally owned full-service steakhouse and bar serving “mouthwatering steaks, sizzling sides and a cozy atmosphere” is scheduled to open in the old TGI Friday’s location at 4 Goff Crossing in Cross Lanes next month.
Owned by Milton resident Kelly Lester, who also operates Smokin Momma’s Burgers & BBQ at 200 Mall Rd. in Barboursville, Cattlemen’s Roadhouse is not to be confused with Cattleman’s Roadhouse (note different spelling), which is a popular regional steakhouse chain with 10 locations across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“We are not affiliated with the ones in Kentucky,” Lester told me. “Honestly, we fell in love with the name and filed it with West Virginia before we even knew there was a chain place in Kentucky. We had to change our spelling to Cattlemen’s and are trying to make it known we are not affiliated with them.”
A Facebook post announcing the news lists a grand opening date of Feb. 10.
“Saddle up, foodies, the all-new Cattlemen’s Roadhouse is ready to serve you a taste of something amazing,” it read. “Did you know that we source our ingredients locally, ensuring fresh flavors in every bite? Plus, our friendly staff is all about making your dining experience unforgettable. Drop by, bring your friends and let’s make some delicious memories together. Opening Feb. 10, 2025!”
Stay tuned to The Food Guy and follow the new restaurant’s Facebook page for updates, sneak peeks and exclusive offers.
Kita celebrates 5 years with epic buffet
One of my favorite local restaurants just celebrated 5 years in business with a private soiree that included a DJ, local dignitaries, a Champagne toast and a massive buffet of sushi and more than a dozen Japanese and Indonesian dishes.
I was grateful to have scored an invite because the celebration was a significant one.
Not only did Kita Modern Japanese at Southridge survive opening just a short time before COVID wreaked havoc on restaurants worldwide (my glowing review of the place ran just two weeks before restaurants closed at the start of the pandemic) but it eventually opened even stronger and has since thrived as an outstanding Izakaya-style contemporary Japanese bistro offering elegant tapas, creative sushi, delicious entrees and grilled meats.
A unanimous go-to choice for our family, Kita has been the site of incredible meals, impeccable service and memorable evenings for us, time and time again, since first opening its doors.
Late December’s anniversary party was a testament that they’ve not only provided that for my family, but have done the same for so many others throughout the Kanawha Valley these past five years.
I constantly have readers asking for my favorite restaurants in town – and the state, actually – and I always place Kita on those lists. (It was also named one of WV Living’s 25 Best Restaurants in the state, by the way.)
I also frequently have folks confess they still haven’t been to Kita because they presume it’s just another iteration of the not-very-good Red Fire Asian Grill that occupied the same space years ago.
Trust me, it’s not. I may sound like a broken record, but I really can’t sing Kita’s praises enough.
More chicken livers in the news
Since I know many of you care about this way more than me, I wanted to share a reader’s tip for those looking for chicken livers.
“I just had lunch at Dwight’s in St. Albans and discovered they have fried chicken livers on the menu,” reader Bob Corey wrote.
“Having read your recent column, they were on my mind. Simply put, they could not have been any better – perfectly cooked and totally non-greasy with perfectly sautéed onions on crisp Texas toast.”
He said the experience was further enhanced by spiced apples, sweet corn and a flavorful yeast roll on the side.
“Even if you don’t like liver or chicken liver, these may be an exception,” he added. “The morning and lunch chef has been there over 20 years and takes great pride in putting out solid, delicious food.”
I have a very strong aversion to chicken livers, but you all are about to break me. I may actually have to give these a try.
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Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy” who writes a weekly column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and has appeared in several state, regional and national culinary publications. Follow him online at www.wvfoodguy.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or at wvfoodguy@aol.com.