Holiday Dining - Brunch with the Grinch

 

Hungry Jr and I discovered Willie's when we started working through our list of trying restaurants that we had not been to in the 225 last year. The pictures they posted on Instagram always looked delicious so we made the leap to try it and were not disappointed. We've been trying to get Momma and Papa Hungry out here for a while, and Brunch with the Grinch finally gave us that opportunity! It was a clever concept, and we enjoyed something a little different than Santa. 

We got there a little before they opened and there was a line already, which we heard is common for brunch and not just with the Grinch. The line moved fairly quickly and it helped that the Grinch was right at the front so you could get a photo op while waiting to see the hostess to be seated. (This may be our virtual holiday card picture this year.)

Hungry Jr wanted an appetizer and surprised everyone when she requested the Cheese Logs. I was positive she was going for the BBQ Frychos (which are a meal in themselves and amazing!) and Momma Hungry really wanted the pork rinds (only served at brunch or happy hour). There were so many good options on the menu, but once you look at these cheese logs, you'll see why they were a solid choice. 

Legit Logs! That marinara is delicious too.

The entrees were the hardest decision. Do we order from the brunch menu? Do we order from the regular menu? Do we do a combo order? SO MANY CHOICES! Momma Hungry opted for a cup of etouffee and the pork rinds (which are served with maple syrup and trust me, it's a combo you didn't know you needed in your life), Hungry Jr got the shrimp kids meal, and Papa Hungry got the Basic B (eggs, bacon, biscuit, and grits). 

I went with a waffle and the spicy chicken biscuit, because you can never have too many carbs at brunch. The chicken biscuit comes topped with white gravy and bacon bits and is served with hash browns. I was a little nervous about there being TOO much gravy (for me that is a thing) but there was a just enough gravy to wet the biscuit a little and provide it some flavor. 

                  

Y'all. I wasn't expecting the thickness of this biscuit, but I'm not upset about it. As you can see, there is some white gravy on the plate, but it wasn't dripping down my arm as I ate. My concern was the gravy overpowering the chicken, but it was just enough to compliment it. *chef's kiss* 

While the chicken biscuit was the star of the show, it's sidekick was delightful as well. The hash browns were not what I was expecting. I'll let them speak for themselves real quick ...

Perfectly cooked mini-french fries! I've officially declared that this is how upscale hash browns should always be cooked from here on out. We overheard other tables make the same comment, about them being mini-french fries not declarations of love and admiration, so it's an accurate description of this friend goodness in a bowl. 

The Hungry fam is already making plans to head back to Willie's and try to the things that didn't make the cut for our brunch selections, and we encourage all of you to follow them on Instagram or check out their website and try to decide before you go so you don't panic order the entire menu.