It’s hard to believe it has been almost fifteen years since I came back home.
After graduating from Charleston Catholic, I had the same urge that so many young people from West Virginia have to get out and explore the world, but no matter where my travels took me – from Hyde Park to Napa Valley to Asheville to the Gulf Coast – deep down I always knew that someday I would end up back here.
Home…where I belong.
Those years away taught me a lot of things, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Obviously, I learned a lot of technical skills in culinary school in New York and California, but being able to see what world class hospitality looked and felt like was even more of an eye opener. The more I saw and the more I learned, the more I wanted to come home.
Deep down I just wanted to bring some of my experiences and knowledge back home to help make a difference here.
I’ve probably learned more about myself and my beliefs since coming back than I did in all those years traveling around the country. What really stands out to me is the abundance of natural resources we have at our fingertips to make this place a world class destination.
Obviously, I’m not talking about natural resources in the way that we usually think of here in West Virginia. As a grandson of a coal miner, I appreciate what our coal and gas industries have meant to the state. I’m talking about different natural resources — home grown delicacies like ramps and mushrooms and fresh vegetables to locally sourced meats through projects like Appalachian Abattoir to the incredibly talented PEOPLE we call neighbors.
We are sitting on a tourism industry that is on the verge of exploding.
One of my core beliefs – and if you’ve spent any time around me at all, you’ve probably heard me use this expression – is that a rising tide carries all boats. That’s why you’ll see me spending as much time promoting other West Virginia businesses as I do my own. We can all rise together, and I’m here to help do my part.
As a kind of “prodigal son”, I’ve seen our state and a decent part of the world. I know where we have been, where we are, and where I think we can go. I’m excited to play my part in that journey.
Great idea hope you getting lots of followers
Your truly are an inspiration to so many. I’m a big foodie and love delicious food. I’m lucky enough to have sampled many of your recipes. Keep doing what you do best and I’m following and watching!
Outstanding job, Paul! It’s amazing to see how you’ve grown over the years. My experiences were much like yours, went to college in California, served in military, school in Ohio, time in New Jersey and then back home to West Virginia. There is so much here and we all need to grow together. Excellent blog!!
Really nice article. We are all glad you chose to come home.
West Virginia has SO benefited from your presence Chef Paul. We anxiously watch as you continue to grow the hospitality businesses you touch. It is a privilege to know and learn from you, and certainly to eat your food!
So happy you came back to WV Paul as I know and recognize that your roots are deep here. WV is the lucky benefactor of all you travel experience so I thank you. And, you have been so forthcoming and generous in sharing your knowledge about food (from casual to formal dining) and just as importantly, that food should be savored…an experience. We are blessed that your energy and talent are present in the restaurants you have brought to life here. Thank you and best wishes Chef Paul.
Having known you since you were in kindergarten with my daughter, I am not surprised by your success. You were always a winner,and you are clearly on top of the food world. Congratulations!!
I love what you wrote. I have similar feelings about leaving West Virginia, and returning with my two favorite people in the world, my husband and daughter. You should check with Kasey on her departure from WV and return with her loves. We all have such a strong bond to this place we call home sweet home.
I love what you wrote. It’s similar to how I felt about WV. I left WV to embark on my personal endeavors and returned with the loves of my life. Now Kasey has a story too how she left and returned with her loves. It’s such an endearing place we love to call home sweet home. Good luck with the blog.
We are so glad you came home and provide us with the must incredible meals. You are definitely making a difference in the culinary world in West Virginia. Thank you
We’re so proud of you Paul and not just because you’re my son in law! I love how you love WV and want to help others succeed as you have! I look forward to your posts!
I have always admired your ability to support other restaurants and not take the competitor view. You are Aces my friend!
You helped Wendy when you moved back. You prepared meals in our home. Bill told you stories about Sally joining the law firm. You have thrived in the Charleston area and now look at you! A major influencer! Well done and best wishes for more success going forward. I will continue to read your posts!
Great article, Paul! I feel the same way about our home and I’m ready to do my part to take it to the next level also.