Category Archives: Fancy Pants

‘Quite Lovely’

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Andy Staples

NEW YORK – SI.com college football producer Ben Glicksman, who as of this moment has a standing invitation to every forthcoming Heaven Is a Buffet review meal, stared at the raw mustard greens before him like an astronaut examining a … Continue reading →

Posted in BBQ, Fancy Pants | Tagged , | 5 Comments

From jowl to tail

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Andy Staples

CHICAGO – Even when I’ve eaten whole hog barbecue, I haven’t really eaten the whole hog. Sure, I’ve eaten snout at Petty’s in Starkville, Miss., but most of my swine dining has come from the popular cuts. Wednesday, I set … Continue reading →

Posted in Fancy Pants, Side Dishes | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

My question: Answered

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Andy Staples

WASHINGTON – Restaurant workers, take a lesson from the hardest working bartender inside the Beltway. When I asked Charles to name the best entrée on the Founding Farmers menu Monday night, he didn’t offer either of the following mealy-mouthed answers.

Posted in Bacon, Fancy Pants, Fried Goodness, Side Dishes | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Trolling with grits

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Andy Staples

NEW ORLEANS – NOLA-based scribe Brett Michael Dykes is a friend to hungry sportswriters. He never steers us wrong when we visit his city. Friday night, a few of us got a direct message on Twitter from Dykes that he … Continue reading →

Posted in Fancy Pants, Fried Goodness, Laissez les bons temps rouler, Late night | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Just following orders

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Andy Staples

NEW ORLEANS – I don’t usually write about places that require a collared shirt to dine. Shoot, many of the places I frequent barely require pants. But when the boss lady is picking up the check, you steam your blazer, … Continue reading →

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A culinary penthouse in a basement

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Andy Staples

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Hammerheads web site warns diners ahead of time. Don’t bring large parties. Expect to wait. The chefs aren’t trying to be divas. They aren’t trying to be unnecessarily surly. They simply need you to accept the … Continue reading →

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The upscale hole in the wall

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Andy Staples

RALEIGH, N.C. – When I saw the sign, my stomach tightened. Valet parking? At a barbecue joint?

Posted in BBQ, Fancy Pants, Side Dishes | 9 Comments

Quality vs. Quantity (and Quality)

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Andy Staples

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – During a swing through the Midwest, I had to answer a burning existential question regarding the University of Michigan. Are Wolverines fans happier because their school hired Brady Hoke as head coach or because of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fancy Pants, Sammiches, Side Dishes, Value | Tagged , , | 52 Comments