It's an event that brings together chefs and restaurant owners from all over the state to meet, eat and talk about West Virginia cuisine.

Friday night's taste-around featured all sorts of food, from steaks and seafood to cookies and cakes. But the three-day event is more than just eating food.

It's about learning the skills and witnessing all the time and preparation that go into each dish.

The ballroom at the Stonewall Resort was like Disneyland. Each different food was like a different culinary ride. For the folks who were taking in the different tastes, it was a mouthwatering experience.

The event is aimed at getting chefs and restaurant owners together to meet, see what's cooking and gather ideas from each other to take back to their own kitchens.

The taste-around also was a chance for some students to get their first taste at cooking for a large crowd. The culinary class at the Pierpont Community and Technical College in Fairmont was just one of the different tables set up.

Folks who took part in the taste-around will participate in workshops all weekend long, from making appetizers to wine tasting and cook-offs.