branchandroot

Today’s happy hour happened at Zingerman’s Roadhouse, courtesy of my ‘thank you for helping Fall start without utter catastrophe’ gift certificate. And I need to take a moment to sing the praises of Zingerman’s, because I just spent a hundred bucks on dinner, and it was worth every electronic dime.

First off, the cocktails were strong and delicious. Tequila, mezcal, grapefruit, and lime are a fine combination; I may have to try mixing that one myself.

Next, the cheese flight was heavenly. I love strong cheeses, so aged goat cheddar, a lovely farmhouse, and a /goat Brie/ really hit the spot.

I am thankful I thought to order a cup of the veggie beef soup, because holy wow. Seasonal vegetables and tender, shredded beef in a frankly amazing broth. I was hard-pressed to eat decorously, with an actual spoon, and not just shove my face in the bowl.

The crowning touch was a pimento cheese bacon burger. It was juicy and delicious and perfectly on the edge of well done with that just-grilled taste. The bacon was done just to the point of crisp. The pimento cheese made it so rich I could barely finish half of it. And the fries were so light and crisp I nearly cried.

There is a salted caramel cupcake filled with dulce du leche for when I am able to contemplate eating again. Probably tomorrow evening. And while I was there, the bar tender came and spent ten minutes talking with the couple at the next table in order to re-create a cocktail they remembered having there years ago.

Every now and then I think “is Zingerman’s starting to hype themselves too much?” And then I go buy a loaf of fresh rye, or a reuben-like-god-intended, or a Roadhouse meal, and I have to admit… probably not.