With at least five irons in the fire, I am forced to write whenever I get the chance, more so than the inspiration. Therefore, I will be writing what’s on my mind with some fidelity to my daily categories, but the entries may not coincide with the actual day.
FATED
If you have been reading any of my blog, you know I love fast food and have restricted myself to one visit per month. The designated day is the 15th of every month. I also have made a vow to try different offerings not available in the Northeast.
One restaurant that is ubiquitous in the Carolinas is Bojangles. This past Friday, the 15th of September, I was subbing at a high school in Myrtle Beach, a high school of close to 3,000 students, resembling a small college.
A bit overwhelmed, I went straight to my room and settled in. Two young ladies came into the open room with two bags of Bojangles. They had breakfast sandwiches and fries. Bojangles was tired of me waiting, and now, they were right in my face.
REVIEWS
With three 90-minute classes and over sixty students, I thought it would build rapport to discuss the menu and quality of Bojangles. As in any group of teenagers, there were mixed feelings- some loved it, some not so much.
One of the students told me about Zaxby’s, but I was acutely focused on the mission at hand. After some light-hearted banter, I filled a post-it with a list of must-have items (Bo-rounds, mac and cheese, and the steak biscuit breakfast sandwich).
The day was uneventful, but I left tired and hungry. I was not concerned as I had come up Route 17, the major thoroughfare on the Grand Strand. Unfortunately, due to the time of day, my GPS took me home via backroads. No Arby’s. No Jersey Mike’s. No Bojangles.
SERENDIPITY
Sometimes, the stars align. Heading into Georgetown via 701, I spent an hour looking at trees, then I recognized the intersection to the building where Eileen works. Nice to have familiar landmarks, but nicer stiil, is that, a block from her office, lies a Bojangles. It’s Bo time.
At four in the afternoon, there was no line, and I was able to take my time perusing the cryptic menu. Yes, I have been to Popeye’s and KFC, so I got the basic gist, but then I was thunderstruck. Part of the menu blazoned, “all-day breakfast.” I could get the Bo-Rounds. I could get the Mac-n- Cheese. I could get the steak biscuit. Yes.
I ordered two chicken sandwiches (one for Eileen), a steak biscuit sandwich, and regular fries. I do not like mac-n-cheese and could not partake while driving. As for the Bo-rounds, pun intended, I “chickened” out.
BO TIME/NO TIME
Due to my intense hunger, the staff could have served me a deep fried shoe, and I would have probably enjoyed it. Before I was out of the parking lot, I dove into the fries. Like most of their offerings, the fries had some spiciness to them.
The fries also tasted like they were made in the same oil as the chicken. They had a clear, fried chicken taste which one would think would enhance their flavor, but it did not. I like distinction in taste; they were also not crinkle cut. Yes, I have quirky tastes.
By the time I got into the CVS drive-thru line, the fries were long gone. Based on medical advice, I hesitated to eat any more while driving; luckily, I was stopped in line. Biscuit time.
I love country-fried steak. It was something I rarely encountered, but I would always order it if it was on the menu. As a southern staple, I have ordered a couple already. Remember, one of the students said the steak biscuit was delicious. The most compelling aspect of country fried steak is the contrast between the batter, the pulverized steak, and the savory gravy.
Here’s the thing. The steak biscuit has the steak and the batter, but no gravy. Can you say dry? Ironically, they have another breakfast offering that has biscuits covered in sausage gravy. I am sure frequent patrons know this hack and will order them together. I only recently learned you can put Big Mac sauce on something other than a Big Mac.
I saved the chicken sandwich for home, and although it was tasty, it was no different from Popeye’s, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s or any other chicken sandwich with pickles. Why does everyone think pickles are a good addition to sandwiches? I, personally, do not.
I like spice, especially as my taste buds continue to dull, but Bojangles did not Bo me over. It joins Hardees as a viable option, but not a compelling one. On to Zaxby’s.
Going Out Shout Out
I have had to tighten my social budget, but I did watch the early games yesterday at the Teakwoods Bar vs. Grill in Litchfield. Eileen and I had tried it one night, but it was just reopening under new management, and it was a weekday night.
On Sunday, knowing it was a true sports bar, we tried it again. The restaurant is a large open space with the bar separating the dining area from some high top tables and two billiards tables.
They had all of the games on different televisions and all of the tv’s were labeled with placards. Our waitress asked us to seat ourselves in the proximity of the games we wanted to watch. I (we) liked that.
We chose to sit in the open dining area and as far away from the hooting Bills’ fans as possible.
Eileen ordered a big pretzel which was tasty; I ordered the chili cheese fries (don’t judge) which were not.
The menu is a bit limited, but on our first visit, I tried the roast beef melt, and Sunday, I tried the turkey melt. They do know how to make a tasty sandwich.
The place is no frills, but our waitress was attentive, and the food is solid if not spectacular. They also have a basket of mints and butterscotch candies. I have heard this is a family-owned place, and these touches show a valiant effort to make it homey. Give it a chance.
Love and laughter,
P.