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Chef Hunter Blackford .
In the Chef ’ s Corner
Brix 27
MAGGIE HATFIELD TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
In 2018 , Drew and Amber Johnson saw that Martinsburg , WV , needed a fine dining establishment with a little flair , and they both liked the functionality of the automated wine machines . Once they did some research and planning , the concept for Brix 27 was born .
“ We really never had a true vision for the restaurant , we just knew that the city of Martinsburg deserved something to be proud of ,” says Drew . “ My wife and I liked the look of the wine machines and then we just started creating a concept around it .”
When guests enter Brix 27 , the atmosphere is casual and inviting with touches of elegance .
“ We wanted all people to feel welcome , and we didn ’ t want to display anything stuffy or over the top ,” says Drew . “ When my wife , Amber , envisioned the design concept , she wanted to give a big city feel with small-town touches . When you walk into Brix 27 , she wanted you to feel like you have transported out of the city of Martinsburg during the dining experience .”
Most of the dishes display locally sourced ingredients from farmers in the area to enhance the freshness and quality of the food at Brix 27 .
“ We keep our relationships close to the vest with our local farms and CSAs ,” says Drew . “ We work hard to build these relationships so buying and supporting local is important to us .”
Depending on the time of year , the kitchen sources mushrooms , tomatoes , duck , beef , garlic , leaks and microgreens , just to name a few .
Hunter Blackford is the head chef at Brix 27 .
“ He has mastered his own craft of creating very hardy dishes that are presented and enjoyed in a very delicate way ,” Drew says .
Brix 27 has both a lunch and a dinner menu for guests to indulge in . The lunch menu features soups , salads and flatbreads that are all made in house and a few favorites such as the Brix Burger , shrimp salad roll and pork carnitas tacos . In the evening , the menu focuses on plates for patrons to pair with the restaurant ’ s ever-changing wine selection and share with others in their party . Truffle fries , crab mac and cheese and a charcuterie and cheese board are a few of the delicious offerings .
“ All our servers are trained to help our guests pair their food with their wines . Some people take wine very seriously and want to get it just right . Some people just want something that tastes good . That ’ s the beauty of Brix 27 — we give everyone the opportunity to explore ,” says Drew .
To top off the meal , guests can pick from a cast iron cookie , a lemon tart , the Basque Burnt Cheesecake and more .
“ We focus on good food and good wines and let the presentation speak for itself ,” says Drew .
As a premier wine bar , Brix 27 offers a rotating wine list of over 45 wines that are dispensed by automated wine machines . The establishment even offers over 15 different custom flights that the staff has designed from each country .
“ We are always looking for new wines , hard to find wines , cheap wines , expensive wines — we never stop looking ,” says Drew .
Brix 27 also runs a unique boutique called Downtown Winedown . The shop carries all the wines found at the restaurant and more .
“ So , if you like something at dinner you can simply pick up a bottle on the way home ,” says Drew .
The boutique sells other locally made goods such as olive oils , chocolate , compotes , wine accessories , vinegar , spices , honey and tapenades .
Brix 27 has an entire second floor and a space in the back of its location that are set aside for hosting private events .
“ We do all kinds of events — from small , private birthday events to renting out the entire facility for a wedding , we can do it all ,” says Drew .
Brix 27 is located at 131 North Queen Street in Martinsburg . It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a . m . to 2 p . m . and 4 p . m . to 9 p . m .; Friday through Saturday from 11 a . m . to 2 p . m . and 4 p . m . to 10 p . m .; and Brix 27 is closed on Sunday . To make a reservation , visit brix27 . com / reservations or call ( 304 ) 616-1628 . •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE