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.
Strawberry Pie from The Bungalow Club
The Bungalow Club’s strawberry pie was the last official taste of our East Lake Checklist, and it honestly could not have been better. The crust was so crispy it was audible when cut with a fork. It was so buttery that its aroma preceded it to the table. The strawberry filling was a bit undersweet so that when it collided with the vanilla ice cream it was served with, it combined into something absolutely delicious. Talk about going out with a bang.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from the East Lake Checklist by James Norton]
Mangonada at Hmongtown Marketplace
This sweet / tart / spicy / funky blend of chamoy sauce, mangos, lime juice, and chili powder offers a whole lot of complexity for a casual beverage, but that’s the appeal. You can get these on East Lake Street, too – they’re the beverage of choice for people who want two barrels of intense flavor.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from Snacking in the Bike Lane by Mecca Bos]
Lake and Marshall Bridge Burger at Peppers and Fries
The Lake and Marshall Bridge burger looked simple enough on the menu – two 1/4 pound patties, American cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles and special sauce on a three-tier bun. Got it – kind of a play on a Big Mac. But no: The thing is a burger TOWER. It leans crazily over the plate, and it intimidates the riff-raff. The bun is pleasingly eggy, the sauce on point, the toppings in balance, and – this can’t be over-emphasized – the seasoning on the meat absolutely perfect, salty in a savory and encouraging way with plenty of pepper for balance. We destroyed this thing.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #1 | Submitted from the East Lake Checklist by James Norton]
Iraqi Flatbread at Al Amir Bakery
Yes, these massive pieces of Middle Eastern flatbread are chewy, but they’re also crispy, and they’re often warm when you stop by the bakery to buy them. They’re exceedingly popular and it’s easy to see why: they’re cheap (four massive pieces for $3) and brilliant for breakfast sandwiches, wraps, or just eating out of the bag resting on the passenger’s side of the car, as I often find myself doing immediately post-purchase.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from a post by James Norton]
Sicilian Pizza from the Paparazzi Pop-Up at Al Vento
It’s always fun to see restaurants evolve and experiment, as is the case with Al Vento’s pizza-focused restaurant-within-a-restaurant, Paparazzi. A 12″ Sicilian pie feeds about three (maybe four?) for $19.50, and it can be loaded down with as many premium toppings as you’d like. We thought the crust was delightful (light and almost fluffy with a crispy exterior) and in balance with its toppings. Pictured: A delicious Sicilian pizza with roasted fennel, kalamata olives, prosciutto, goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan.
[Last Week on the Hot Five: #5 | Submitted from an Instagram post by James Norton]