Huntington’s newest restaurant features farm-to-table dishes with foods supplied by West Virginia producers.
By Molly McClennen
HQ 108 | WINTER 2020
Over a decade ago, restaurateur Sandy Call fell in love with the space on the first floor of the West Virginia Building and dreamed of opening a restaurant there. She envisioned a quaint, intimate place where people could enjoy a night out with family and friends, or escape for an evening alone to relax and recharge. In the fall of 2019, Call brought that dream to fruition when she opened Sunset Grill, the sister restaurant to her acclaimed Bridge Row Bistro in Charleston.
Like Bridge Row Bistro, Sunset Grill features farm-to-table dishes with foods supplied by West Virginia producers. The menu includes items like Angelo’s sausage-stuffed banana peppers and a hydroponic Boston bibb salad with grilled apples, pecans, blue cheese and an apple vinaigrette, as well as options for vegetarian and vegan customers. The brick-fired pizza oven enhances Sunset Grill’s cozy atmosphere and provides guests the opportunity to enjoy one of several pizzas on the menu or to build their own pie. Executive Chef John Wright drew from his 34 years of experience in the culinary arts in creating the menu, which varies by season depending on the availability of local foods.
“There was one thing I approached Chef John about,” says Call. “I am a born and raised West Virginian, and I wanted us to have some good comfort food. I asked him to put meatloaf on the menu, and he did it with a twist. It is a veal, pork and beef meatloaf wrapped in Applewood-smoked bacon, with Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, green beans and savory brown gravy. That has been very popular.”
Call says she is especially excited about Sunset Grill’s proximity to venues featuring live music, like the Keith-Albee, V-Club and Mountain Health Arena. The restaurant offers the perfect spot to enjoy dinner, a glass of wine or a martini before or after a concert.
“I love how Huntington is so full of life and has such a great vibe. We want to contribute to that,” says Call.
Call’s love of music is reflected in Sunset Grill’s décor, which features framed albums from her record collection.
“They are great conversation starters,” says Call. “People look at them and talk about them and are reminded how great music is.”
In addition to supporting local food suppliers, Sunset Grill also supports local musicians by featuring live music several nights a week. The Bandwagon from West Hamlin and Jason Mays from Ashland play regularly. Other local artists, as well as artists passing through to play at other venues, also perform.
Call is not done with her dreams for Sunset Grill. Her next project is opening up the West Virginia Building’s 15th floor as an event space and piano bar.
The savory food and simple, yet elegant atmosphere are not the only things drawing patrons to Huntington’s newest hot spot. Call credits her staff for contributing to Sunset Grill’s warm, comfortable vibe with their kindness and hospitality.
“We believe in being kind to people, and we love feeding people. We enjoy joking with our customers, seeing them smile and even taking selfies with them.”
