Urban Cookhouse

I have started my mission of eating every item on the list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die. My husband keeps reminding me that I have until I die to complete the list, but since I'm never sure when that might happen, I am doing this as fast as I can. The first items to be checked off were the Chipotle Braised Pork Sandwich and Half Baked Cookie from Urban Cookhouse.

I went to The Summit location; it’s new and looks very similar to an earth-toned Zoe’s. You order at the counter, take a number and have your food brought to you.

Chipotle Braised Pork Sandwich with Hot Cheddar Pasta

I went with the Chipotle Braised Pork sandwich with hot cheddar pasta (aka mac and cheese). I only got water to drink, but immediately regretted not getting the housemade strawberry lemonade. They also appeared to have a good wine selection, but it was Sunday lunch so I decided not to start a fuss with the church crowd.

The sandwich was good, but lacked in the chipotle area. I would’ve liked a little bit more heat, so I wouldn't get this if you're looking for a good kick in the mouth. The sandwich comes in the form of two sliders. Don’t let this fool you. Those little things are packed full or meat and will hold you over for quite some time. The hot cheddar pasta was average; a nice texture but lacked in flavor. I’m a sucker for mac and cheese though.

My husband got the Urban Cowboy with a side salad. We both thought it sounded great. His only complaint was that it needed some sort of sauce (he found Tabasco by the trashcans as we were leaving). He also isn’t a fan of honey mustard dressing, but said their honey mustard vinaigrette was one of the best he has ever had.

We ordered the Half Baked Cookie with the rest of our meal because it takes 20 minutes to prepare. It comes out smokin’ hot in an individual cast iron skillet. The ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie that is perfectly crisp on the top is covered with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My original thought was to have one bite and be done, but before I knew it, the whole thing was gone. I try to watch my dessert intake, as most do, but I left Urban Cookhouse without any regrets (oh, except the strawberry lemonade) and a larger waistline.  



Half Baked Cookie

If can’t manage to gorge yourself with the cookie, opt for some of Millie Ray’s Orange Rolls. These recently became my favorite breakfast roll, but I wouldn’t say no if it was offered with my lunch or dinner.  I think a roll is served with every “Fork & Knife” plate, but you can also order a whole basket or an order to bake at home. (Yes, they’re frozen, but they’re made locally).

Gettin’ Grubby: Urban Cookhouse’s motto is “Buy Local, Eat Urban.” That gives it extra points in my book. They offer as many local items as possible, depending on the season. Another cool aspect is that most of the meats are cooked in a kamado-style cooker (Big Green Egg) and this allows for tons of flavor with less fat. Jackpot!

Atmosphere: eh, 6. It’s nice and new, but nothing special

Service: For an order at the counter place, it’s a 9.

Food: 7.5. I’ll be back soon to try a different entrée.

The Ridge Eat and Drink

I spend so much time at this place; it’s hard to believe I haven’t tried everything on the menu. The Ridge Eat and Drink is tucked back off Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia. You either have to be looking for it or already know it’s there. As sister to Cahaba Heights’ Mudtown, The Ridge is a delightful addition to Vestavia.



Tuna App after I had eaten half

Last night, I started with the Grilled Tuna Tataki. All the apps are great, but if you aren’t in the mood for something fried, try the tuna. The sweet potato chips are perfectly crisp and I am not kidding when I say the blue cheese bacon dip is to die for! The flavor is unbelievable and I don’t even like blue cheese!

The salads are a nice surprise. In a sports bar-esque type atmosphere, you wouldn’t expect to find such unique beds of lettuce with the freshest ingredients. The homemade dressings really make it.

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich w/ onion rings

 The sandwiches are hit or miss. A few of them are on the bland side, but most hit just the right spot. My picks would be the Cuban, Monte Cristo, Rueben (with Russian dressing) and Fish Tacos. Last night I went with the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and I have now found my new favorite menu item. The chicken is smothered in their Cahaba sauce (buffalo with a slightly better flavor… get it on the wings too) and topped off with a blue cheese slaw. Again, I’m not big on blue cheese, but the slaw was perfect with the Cahaba sauce. I have to give props to the onion rings as well. I consider myself somewhat of an onion ring connoisseur, and these were at the top of my list.

My husband got the Ribeye and said it was cooked spot on. Their grilled veggies are literally the best I have ever had. They are a perfect side to any entrée.  

Ribeye w/ mashed potatoes and veggies

Oh, did I forget to mention our beverages? Beer, of course. They have an excellent new wine menu and the signature mixed drinks are great too, but there is nothing like some good fried food and beer. My favorite right now is the Terapin Octoberfest.

Now for the best part. It has to be a big deal for me to do dessert, but when I heard the words “fried pies,” I was hooked. They were offering apple and chocolate. I ordered the chocolate and ate it so fast I didn’t even have time to snap a picture. To put it simple, pie is gooood.

Getting’ Grubby: I have seen a lot of complaints about it being upstairs.  If you eat as much of the blue cheese bacon dip as I do, your butt needs to be walking up some stairs. The service is wonderful. This literally is the friendliest staff I have ever come across. If something isn’t right, let them know. Lastly, they have a Sunday brunch that makes me wish everyday was Sunday. Stuffing yourself with their Shrimp and Grits is a great way to start your day of rest.

 

Service: 8.5

Food: 8

Atmosphere: 7.5