For the second consecutive year, Bricks & Barrels has been nominated in three distinct categories in the seventh annual People’s Choice Awards as conducted by the Charleston Convention Bureau. Area citizens of Charleston, WV, nominated Bricks & Barrels for inclusion on the 2019 ballot for Favorite Restaurant, Favorite Bartender and Favorite Dish. Nominations were accepted for the award and the top four in each category were included on the final ballot. Owner Nikki Holbert commented, “This is the second year in a row we’ve been nominated in these three categories and we’re both humbled and honored to have been chosen by our guests and the community as among the best of Charleston.”
- Favorite Dish – The Fried Green Tomato Napoleon was the creation of Chef Lee Swoope, a native Charlestonian that added several tasty and memorable dishes to the Bricks & Barrels
Fried Green Tomato Napoleon: A petite filet mignon atop a tower of fried green tomatoes battered with local, stone-ground cornmeal, interlayered with pimento cheese, and drizzled with balsamic glaze and a house-made tomato jam menu. Although listed on the menu as an appetizer, it can also be enjoyed as an entrée by requesting a large steak. Guests have the option of a 4oz, 6oz or 8oz filet mignon steak to satisfy all appetites. The dish is among the most sought-after dishes in the Kanawha Valley, but it faces stiff competition from previous award-winner Deep Fried Feta from Adelphia, recently acclaimed Pepperoni Rolls from Books & Brews, and the always popular Queso Fundido con Chorizo w/ Grilled Shrimp from Mi Cocina de Amor.
- Favorite Bartender – Bartender Drew Smith is on this year’s ballot for the third year in a row after winning the 2017 event. Drew has been the head bartender for Bricks & Barrels since its grand opening nearly four years ago and, over that four-year span, has gathered a sizeable following of loyal customers. Drew is an expert in craft beer and bourbon, but he’s best known for his ability to concoct unique cocktails such as his Purple Rain and Pecan Pie Martini. To win again this year, Drew will have to defend his crown again three other crafty bartenders: Joey and Travis from SOHO’s and veteran bartender Rosebud from the Lee Street Lounge.
- Favorite Restaurant – With nominations for Favorite Dish and Favorite Bartender, it’s no surprise Bricks & Barrels is also nominated for Favorite Restaurant. Known for its pleasant, soothing ambience featuring barrel-shaped dining alcoves, Bricks & Barrels remains the only fine-dining restaurant to be nominated in the seven-year history of the Awards. But to win the award it will have to topple previous award winners Adelphia, Pies & Pints and Big Joe’s. Bricks & Barrels can only win by receiving your votes.
Locals as well as tourists are encouraged to cast their votes online by midnight, April 30th. The top vote getter in each category receives the final award. Persons may vote up to 10 times per day. The CVB will announce the People’s Choice winners at a ceremony May 7 during National Tourism Week.