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.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Grilled Surume Squid at Sushi Fix
This entree size “starter” is gorgeous and delicious. Marinated in ginger soy, the expertly grilled squid is slightly sweet and salty — and not the least bit chewy. Pro-tip: Request extra fresh lemon because the citrusy acid cranks the dish up a few more notches.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Joshua Page]
Oatmeal at Colossal Cafe
Oatmeal is the sort of thing you don’t think about until it hits you like a thunderbolt. There’s a tremendous difference between good, lovingly prepared steel-cut oatmeal and the mushy, characterless instant variety that is the dominant local format for this classic breakfast staple. The oatmeal at Colossal Cafe is perfectly cooked — chewy but tender — and a great receptacle for any of the many add-ins offered on the menu (for my money, you can’t beat brown sugar and raisins, but to each their own). There’s nothing sexy about it, but it’s one of the tastiest (and best priced) restaurant breakfasts in town.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Grilled Pork Banh Mi at Lu’s Sandwiches
This is one of our favorite renditions of the classic banh mi in a town full of good ones. The fillings are balanced, with pickled veg offsetting the rich flavors of pork and pate, and a house-made mayo tying everything together. The bread has some chew and is robust enough to carry its contents without being leathery (as is sadly sometimes the case with these sandwiches, particularly when they’ve sat around for a while).
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #1 | Submitted by James Norton]
House-made Limeade at the Old Town Coffee Saloon
The house-made limeade at the Old Town Coffee Saloon in Jordan will wake you right up. It’s light on sugar and heavy on fresh lime juice, and has a sprig of mint to tease you. Yes, this is pretty acidic and spicy, but great if you love the true flavor of lime (and I do), and it will definitely cool you off on a hot day.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Amy Rea]
Green Bee‘s Power Shot
Green Bee Juicery’s Power Shot will knock you on your butt, so be prepared. It’s a fresh, condensed dose of ginger, lemon, honey, and cayenne. We sipped first, then realized what we were getting into, then slammed the remainder of the little powerhouse drink. If you need a pick-me-up in the morning, reach for one of these. Yowza! $3 for the 2-ounce bottle.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Brenda Johnson]