This small-town Main Street runs along the Tygart River with heavily forested hills on both sides of the valley, so that no spot in this town of less than 3,000 people is without its frilly green border, always in the corner of my eye. Shops and houses line the street, and the courthouse with large lawn, front and sides, is a quiet spot with benches and this clock that hints of yesteryear.

On down Main Street, we park on the curb in front of Medallion Restaurant, right in front of the entrance. Even before we get out of the car, we see the sign straight out of another decade. Was it the 1960’s when you could get all-you-can-eat for $4.95?

One wall is lined with booths, and the long counter runs along the opposite wall. Tables occupy the space in between, and the food bar is set up near the back--that’s where we sit. I’m always disappointed by food bars that offer only iceberg lettuce, and that’s what I sometimes find in a small town. Not here! Spinach salad is decorated with bits of candied fruits, red and green peppers, and an oily dressing that is delicious. Pasta salad, two kinds, contain black olives and red peppers galore. Wheat rolls appear to be homemade.

Second trip, my plate looks like this:

Okay, so the carrots are probably canned, and so are the green beans, but what can one expect for $4.95? I would drive down here any day for that cabbage! It’s delicious, and I feel as though I’ve been transported to Germany. The meatloaf is also good. Beautiful, tall chocolate cake tempts me, but my dessert must be more of that cabbage. I get a soup bowl full. It is cooked just right, tender and not overcooked.

David has fried chicken, meatloaf, and potatoes piled high on his plate, and I ask if his food is good, too. His comment is that it reminds him of Cracker Barrel's. That’s fair, especially since he loves their food. This little establishment puts out a pretty good country-style buffet.

At the register, our waitress, who appears to be an owner, strikes up a conversation about the hot weather and lack of rain in Philippi. This is a surprise to me, since my hometown just an hour away has had flood and storm warnings many days running, on and off for weeks. Not Philippi. (It’s been unusually dry for this time of year.) So, that’s the topic of conversation around town, and just as she is about to reveal what else residents are discussing, she’s called to the kitchen. The establishment is filling up with their Wednesday evening crowd. Everyone can afford dinner here, and it’s too hot to cook.