Article by Fitz and Josh Gregory
Illustration by Greg Steele of Harrington Comics
Photos by Fitz
From buttery creamed leeks at Norfolk’s favorite burger bar in Ghent, to crispy, flakey, lumpia at VB’s long adored seafood watering hole on the strip, to juicy, perfectly fried pickle spears at the all things moo and creamy grilled cheese heaven in Downtown Norfolk, the following sides are unique and often overlooked considering the juxtaposition to genre of cuisine they accompany. Here, we shine the spotlight on three of our favorite bites locally that endeavor heroically to be more than what is expected of them and in so doing, save us from a world of mundane throw away sides.
UNO- 80/20 Burger Bar is open late every night saving us from the dreaded mundane burger experience too often at work across Hampton Roads. While rescuing us with mighty burgers that radiate powerful taste, fried, cheesy, and southern sidekicks are often employed for solid backup. But wait citizens, for a night of unique wonder, of the French variety, order their side of creamed leeks with your burger for one dynamic duo!
Creamed Leeks at 80/20 Burger Bar
DOS- C.P. Shuckers has outposts on Shore Drive as well as the Oceanfront. The over under on the nights that begin before or after 11 pm. is difficult to tally. Quality options for food that don’t involve the Culinary Axis of Evil (The Colonel, The Clown, and the King) are limited. Thus, when yearning for something fried after that third shot of Jager (admit it, you’ve been there), the lumpia at Shuckers provide the exact quality of late night bar food that you seek. In a place that’s famous for steamed shrimp, grilled wings, and plenty of ice cold Jager, take the road less traveled. You’ll wake up satiated and hopefully less hungover.
Lumpia at C.P. Shuckers
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Offering a variety of craft beers as well as hand-crafted elixirs, 1608 Crafthouse is a contemporary, casual, farm to table restaurant featuring regional Southern cuisine with an emphasis placed on the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic region. To learn more about 1608 visit them HERE or click the flier above.
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TRES- The Grilled Cheese Bistro serves the most explosively juicy fried pickles your tastebuds can behold locally. Inspired by owner Dina Taylor’s fond memories of fried pickle spears at theme parks and served with house-made chipotle dipping sauce, in part it may be the shortening used when frying these bad boys that makes them so divine. Next time you’re getting your cheese fix on in downtown Norfolk, start with these epic fried bites!
Fried Pickles at The Grilled Cheese Bistro
For more on 80/20 Burger Bar visit HERE
For more on C.P. Shuckers visit HERE
For more on The Grilled Cheese Bistro visit HERE
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