Most of you have figured out that this blog is more than a food review. In its own twisted way, this blog has chronicled the history of Montgomery for the past five years. One thing you can be sure of about history is that it will change depending on the lens of hindsight. For example, during 2013 public opinion on gay marriage reached the tipping point and shifted such that I think it is safe to say that prohibitions against same-sex marriages will be viewed in 10-20 years like the laws prohibiting inter-racial marriage of the 60s are today. The debate will undoubtedly go on despite the current trend but we completely understand that you--our loyal readers--want to know what this paradigm shift means for Lunch in the Gump.
Behind the scenes, we of the Lunch in the Gump gang have for
some time been testing and experimenting with non-traditional menu choices at
some of our favorite lunch spots. Here
is what we have learned:
Months ago, on a whim we ordered the hot dog at Hamburger King on Decatur Street. As
experimentation goes, this was a disaster.
The jumbo pink dog could not compete with the greasy scion of burger
that gives the little hole in the wall its name. I, frankly, do not know how you can make a
hot dog as greasy as a Hamburger King cheeseburger without splitting it in half
and deep frying the poor dog until it nearly detonates. Our advice, stick with the traditional namesake
at Hamburger King.
But one anecdotal example does not establish a trend. While the hamburger joint does not love the hot
dog, we have confirmed that it is possible for the hot dog emporium to love the
hamburger and make a home. Our Exhibit A
is Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs on Dexter Ave.
Although this family run icon of Montgomery cuisine is internationally
known for its hot dogs, just about every regular customer also pairs a
cheeseburger with their dog. The dog and
the burger share the “special Chris’ sauce” and steamed buns. Both are outstanding when enjoyed in
moderation (about once a month or quarter depending on the thickness of the
lining of your stomach). So, for you
newbies to the Gump, don’t forget to order a cheeseburger at Chris’ Famous Hot
Dogs. People will not look at you like
you just came out of the closet and you will be very pleasantly surprised.
What is the first thing you Montgomerians—except the Cornbread Carp—think of when the word “Martins” is spoken? That’s right: Yard Bird a/k/a fried chicken. The Carp, of course, thinks of a hot buttery muffin of Martin’s cornbread. The bird and the cornbread are so good at Martin’s (also family run)
that it is hard to break their grip on your gullet. But some months ago we ordered roast beef at Martin’s Restaurant at the corner of Carter Hill and Narrow Lane. Was the roast beast as good as the bird? Well, of course it was not. The bird beats the beast wings down. But it was good juicy roast beast and it also
comes with the fresh and hot cornbread muffins.
They even serve fish there, I have heard. However, I have never had the guts to order
fish in the bird’s nest that is Martin’s. Stick with the traditional yard bird at
Martins and let Sundown East serve up the “Beast” (the Gump’s largest hamburger
steak).
Finding a good fish with the bird is troublesome. For example, the chicken fingers at the Capitol Oyster Bar should remain anonymous. I know they are only probably there for the kiddies. We recommend you leave the tasteless globs of chewy chicken to the crumb snatchers who don't care what they put in their mouths (except vegetables) while you drink your frosty PBR, suck down
some fresh oysters and listen to great jazz on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
No doubt you all can think of countless other examples of ordering contrary to the traditional lunch conventional wisdom. Think of it: Bob’s Salad at Dreamland; a rib eye at Wintzell’s; grilled shrimp at the Irish Bred Pub etc. and etc.
The point is that the fish and the bird can
fall in love, even if they may have a heck of a time finding a home.
