Weekly One-Shot Challenge – Week 20 – You're a Reporter. Write a story that takes place in Bon Temps.
The Bon Temps Warbler
Dining Review – Merlotte's
This month we visit a long-standing establishment - Merlotte's. Yes, it's a bar, but they also have food, and good food at that.
The evening I visited Merlotte's, I was greeted warmly by new part-owner Sookie Stackhouse. Miss Stackhouse has worked at Merlotte's for many years and is a familiar face in Bon Temps. Miss Stackhouse surprised me by remembering that I drink unsweetened tea (unlike most patrons), informing me she'd bring it to me right as I sat in the booth. The tea was delicious as always.
I ordered the chicken fingers basket. Miss Stackhouse informed me that they now have a selection of dipping sauces for the basket – a new feature she'd recommended. Now you don't have to stick with gravy or catsup – they also offer ranch, honey mustard and barbeque. I asked for all of them, and got onion rings to go along with the fries. I hope Miss Stackhouse didn't think too much about my supposed gluttony, but I was there on a mission.
The chicken fingers were moist and crunchy, with wonderful flavor. The breading was evenly disbursed, and each dipping sauce was delicious, though if I had to choose, I'd still go with the gravy. You really can't beat Merlotte's cream gravy, unless you're at your own mama's house.
The fries were crisp and hot, but they could have used a bit more salt. Their beer-battered onion rings had the right amount of crunch, and taste good dipped in that new ranch dressing.
Miss Stackhouse informed me that they now carry a selection of pies – apple, cherry and chocolate. I decided to try the apple, since that's a perennial favorite. The apples were deliciously flavored but the bottom of the crust was underdone. I know this is a new menu item but I'd suggest Miss Stackhouse and Mr. Merlotte to continue working on the pastries.
All in all Merlotte's still stands as the best bar food in town. I am thrilled with the new additions to the menu, and hope they add more. Maybe a salad?
I did not partake of any alcoholic beverage, as I was working, but while I dined, Merlotte's had a vampire visitor from Shreveport. He seemed like a regular, so I asked him what he thought about Merlotte's, from an undead perspective. He said the service was 'invigorating' and the staff, Miss Stackhouse in particular, gave top notch service to his every need when he was in town. I couldn't deny the truth of that, as Miss Stackhouse was quite attentive during my visit and always had a smile. I imagine Merlotte's is only going to get better with her also at the helm.
Four and a half stars.