Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
Hog Frites at Surly Brewing
These fries are like poutine on crack: giardiniera, magically light cheese sauce, and perfectly pulled pork. There were audible gasps from the dude bros on either side of us at the bar.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Kate NG Sommers]
Noodles at Macy’s Skyroom
Macy’s Skyroom noodles are good in a fast-food ramen sort of way: The chewy noodles are a great contrast to the fresh veggies and thinly sliced meat. The broth was remarkably good … not too salty, yet with a lot of flavor.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]
Hot Fried Chicken at Revival
Texture: boldly crispy skin over tender, flavorful meat. Flavor: about as much heat as you can handle — right on the border of too much, without crossing over. The seasoning spices of the chicken’s breading are still discernible beneath the gentle but assertive waves of heat. This stuff is dangerous. The newly opened Revival (read our roundtable review) is going to change the way fried chicken is eaten around here.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #4 | Submitted by James Norton]
Loukaniko from Clancey’s Meats and Fish
Clancey’s usually makes this classic Greek sausage in links, but they made the last batch in patties wrapped in a layer of lacy caul fat. The caul fat kept the meat moist as it cooked, bringing out the floral, citrusy notes. We ate them with a fork and knife (and a side of asparagus), but I could totally imagining turning the loukaniko burger with tzatziki into a summer thing.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #3 | Submitted by Tricia Cornell]
Chicken Fajitas at El Nuevo Rodeo
Chicken fajitas have acquired a bad name, having been dragged through the dirt of just about every mainstream sit-down restaurant concept in recent history, from Perkins to TGI Friday’s. But there’s no reason that they can’t be executed elegantly and deliciously, with plenty of sizzle and char, as they are at El Nuevo Rodeo.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]