By John Halterman There are many reasons for why I love North Central West Virginia: the beautiful landscapes, the friendly faces, and, of course, the food. Some may just consider the area a cozy place, but we also have delicious food at every turn! Much like the culture of Beacon Wealth Management, the restaurant industry aims to serve others as it strives to make a difference in people’s lives. North Central West Virginia might not be as big on the map as places like New York City or Chicago, but our star restaurants have been around for years, which shows how beloved they are to us. Without further ado, I’d love to tell you about my five favorite restaurants in North Central West Virginia. 1. Muriale’s Italian Kitchen In Fairmont Muriale’s has been an icon here since 1969. It’s family-owned and operated with authentic Italian recipes they’ve been passing down for generations. Visiting Muriale’s is like visiting family. New to the area? You’ve got to try one of my favorite dishes, Aunt Mary’s lasagna. It’s the ultimate comfort food perfected! I also recommend the shrimp fra diavolo and the mushrooms on the Sicilian spaghetti. 2. The Wonder Bar Steakhouse In Clarksburg This steakhouse has been serving up an award-winning menu since 1946. Steeped in tradition and history, this is an absolute must-visit when you’re in the area and want the best steak of your life. With excellent cuts seared to perfection, the bar proudly features only USDA Choice or higher-grade aged Certified Angus Beef, aged at least 21 days for maximum flavor and tenderness. Also try the crispy onion rings and a vast selection of fresh seafood! 3. Gourmet Catering In Clarksburg Looking for a great lunch spot? Gourmet Catering serves up the best steak hoagies you’ll ever have, and they also do a wonderful job catering (in fact, that’s how it all started). The staff puts their heart and soul into everything they do, which is why the food tastes so good! 4. Giovanni’s In Weston Giovanni’s is a great place for a casual bite, especially when you’re craving different flavors. They serve everything from pizza to sandwiches to fried green tomatoes. I can’t help but order calzones when I go because the bread is so sweet with a unique, amazing taste. I also love the naked honey habanero wings, a great choice if you like wings with a kick. You also don’t want to overlook the Giovanni Special sandwich with steak, peppers, and cheese. 5. Julio’s Café In Clarksburg Last but not least, Julio’s is another place with staying power. It’s been here for more than 50 years, serving up some of the best Italian food in North Central West Virginia. The chicken pastina soup is a must when it’s available. I also love the shrimp wraps and perfectly cooked steaks. For a starter, don’t miss the roasted red pepper served on garlic toast with provolone cheese and gorgonzola, toasted and topped with secret sauce which is worth ordering for that alone! Make A Difference In Your Life Our mission at Beacon Wealth Management is to help you make smart decisions about your money—not just about finding the best restaurant in town. We aim to always have the most up-to-date understanding of your personal situation when creating the perfect financial plan for you. You can contact me at (304) 626-3900 or email me at jhalterman@bwmwv.com. About John John is the founder and owner of Beacon Wealth Management. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs, professional practitioners, and retiree red-zoners overcome the major financial challenges facing affluent families. As a trusted and friendly financial partner, John delivers a collaborative client experience that empowers and guides people to reach a greater purpose for their wealth and pursue their financial dreams. He understands the multifaceted set of financial worries people face as they become more successful and get within the retirement red zone. John is well-regarded throughout the business community for his expertise. He has appeared as an expert guest on the The Brian Tracy Show and Hollywood Live with Jack Canfield, is the co-author of the book Masters of Success with Brian Tracy, is the host of the WDTV News 5 segment “Solutions 4 Financial Independence,” and has conducted hundreds of educational events on Retirement and Investment Advisory, Tax Reduction, and Wealth Transfer Planning. These include many Universities, Federal Employee Organizations, Professional Associations, and Large Energy Companies throughout the eastern United States. With more than two decades of experience, John is credentialed as a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), Certified Estate Planner (CEP), Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC), Professional Plan Consultant (PPC), and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC). He is also a past multi-year member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Study Group. A native of Weston, West Virginia, John served in the United States Air Force prior to becoming a Wealth Advisor. Today, he resides with his family in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 2005 and have three amazing children. A family-oriented man, he is passionate about giving back to his community, coaching youth sports, landscaping, architectural design, and playing racquetball.