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Photo by Coat of Arms .
In the Chef ’ s Corner
MAGGIE HATFIELD
The Forks Restaurant and Inn
Since its opening in December 2012 , the owners of The Forks Restaurant and Inn have strived to create a space that West Virginians can be proud of .
“ We wanted to create something that could be compared with top restaurants in major cities while in a setting that shows off the immense beauty of our state ,” says co-owner Trevor Stalnaker .
Trevor , along with co-owners Drew Stalnaker and Chef Eric Stalnaker , knows that running a family business can be difficult , and the most important skill they have learned over the years is being able to separate work from their personal lives .
“ There will always be disagreements in any business , but we all know we are still going to sit down at Thanksgiving together , so we leave the work stuff where it belongs — at work ,” Drew says .
Guests should make reservations two weeks in advance to be safe ; however , reservations are accepted on the day of if space is available .
“ We have created a space that limits the number of guests we accept in an evening . By doing this , we have been able to create unique private seating that allows our guests to not feel crowded or rushed , so that is why reservations are highly encouraged ,” Drew says .
The Forks Restaurant and Inn is known for its six-course meal option featuring dishes that combine French and Appalachian American cuisine . The
six-course menu includes an appetizer , soup , salad , entrée and dessert .
“ We want our guests to experience as much as they can when they dine with us , and our six-course menu allows them to do just that ,” says Eric . “ The portions are smaller to allow our guests to make it through the whole dinner without getting too full , and a typical dining experience takes about two hours .”
The full menu is also available à la carte for guests who are looking for a more traditional dining experience .
To start off the evening from the spring menu , for example , guests can select appetizers such as the Crab Margarita , a charcuterie board or the French baguette . The spring soup is a classic shrimp bisque and then patrons can select either spring greens or a baby wedge salad . To cleanse the palate in between courses , there is a house-made sorbet offered to guests . The entrees include delicious options such as a cooked free-range chicken , a filet of beef tenderloin or the vegetarian delight . To end the night on a sweet note , there are offerings of cheesecake , a raspberry tart and a rum baba .
To make sure every ingredient that goes into each dish is top quality , the Stalnakers grow most of their own herbs and smoke a variety of meats on-site . The menu is updated seasonally and the produce that is readily available sets the tone each time .
“ When it comes to the products we source , our number one priority is quality . Sourcing locally is great , and we do it as often as possible , particularly when it comes to mushrooms , since we live in an area that is full of all types ,” Trevor says .
The Forks Restaurant and Inn also features a cocktail bar .
“ Our bar is a guest favorite , where we have an extensive collection of spirits that are displayed from floor to ceiling with industrial shelving and a floral backdrop ,” says Drew . “ We really enjoy being creative in our offerings and are always striving to create new and exciting flavors for our guests . We especially love using wild foraged ingredients such as spruce tips and reishi mushrooms .”
After dining , guests also have the option to stay at one of the five guest rooms at the inn that are located directly above the restaurant . The highlight of each room is the private balcony that overlooks beautiful mountains .
“ Our scenic view is one of the most spectacular in the state , and when you stay with us , you get your own private viewing space ,” Trevor says .
The Forks Restaurant and Inn is located at Kelly Mountain Road in Elkins . It is open on Thursday , Friday , Saturday and Sunday from 5-9 p . m . Reservations are encouraged . To make a reservation for the restaurant or the inn , visit attheforks . com . •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE