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.