OUT + OUTFIT

Kenny and I popped into Ash back on this post and knew we’d be back.  And we went back.  We went back last Saturday just us two.  And then back again with friends that following Thursday.  Huge fans.

There is plenty to sing about here but it really is about the Mac Daddy burger.  Speaking from three times of experience, it truly is unbeatable.  It’s gourmet with short rib, bacon, arugula, and a truffled egg.  I mean, that combination alone is outrageous, but it is seriously tasty right down to the bun.  The last time we went, four out of the six of us ordered it.  Let’s hear a collective boooo for the Kramers who ordered ribs and the Frenchy burger.  (Although I had a bite of both and each was super delicious.  Can’t lie.)

Now the second time we dined we did explore the menu a bit, just to get a sense of what they have to offer.  I (of course) opted for paella.  Chock full of seafood, I was pretty happy, especially with the shrimp.  But bottom line, the burger is just so hard to beat.  I mean it was fine, but when you’ve had the most delicious thing ever created on earth, everything else tastes like drive thru.

The second best thing on the menu is the short rib fries.  Fries with short rib, gravy, ricotta, and mozzarella…I actually just laughed out loud typing that sentence.  Totally worth an extra hunnert murder squats at the Define barre.  I promise to chug some bonus green smoothies to make up for that madness.

I can’t recommend this place enough.  Go, forget about diets, and enjoy.

Today is a wonderful day because this post is about a world where calories don’t exist.

Last week I finally made it to The Eagle.  This southern comfort hot spot is an absolute go to in OTR.  The wait is always a long one but like most places down there, it’s totally worth it.  First and foremost, the decor and atmosphere is very cool.  It used to be a post office and there are vintage mailboxes that fill parts of the walls.  There is a large circular bar in the middle, which opens to both sides of the restaurant, and most of the place is made up of wood and character.

The menu is a la carte and everything is designed to be shared.  There were eight of us there that night, therefore we opted for a number of appetizers and sides.  First up was the kale and artichoke dip.  Awesome.  Awesome, awesome, awesome.  It was creamy and warm and served with tortilla chips.  This dish is tied for first in my book as to what is the favorite.

 But the real reason you go to The Eagle is for the fried chicken.  Nearly all of us ordered the sandwich because what could possibly be disappointing about fried chicken, cole slaw, spicy mayo, and pickles?  Exactly.  And the sandwich is enormous – definitely needs to be shared.  So either split with a buddy there, or plan on taking half home to a roomie.  (Or make it your fourth meal.  No judgment.)

Back to the sides.  We pretty much went the whole hog.  Mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and spoonbread.  All were glorious and rich and perfectly southern.  However they offered a sample of grits, which are not on the menu yet.  These were by far my favorite.  The waiter said they are open to suggestions and I made a joke saying add shrimp!  I’ve never just had grits as grits but these were unreal.  They smoked all other sides and the second they are officially on the menu is the second I’ll be waiting in line to dine.

Overall, the spot is cool, the food is great, and the prices are steals.  What more could you want?