Still working on the catchy headlines, so my deepest apologies.
I pulled out of the studio parking lot for dinner last night, and my vehicle almost automatically pulled into the parking space in front of Dine 82. It could have been the charm of the Christmas lights and the glowing light emanating from the plate-glass windows, but it looked like just the right amount of comfort.
Stepping inside, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. I was immediately greeted and given my choice of seating, so I chose a booth at the front so I could watch traffic while I waited for dinner.
The service was impeccable, and before I knew it, my meal was in front of me. Piping hot, looking just like an ad on TV, the buffalo wings, mac and cheese and fries looked just amazing. The portions were perfectly sized.
Well, I ordered a dozen wings, and I am not sure that's a portion for a mortal, but I came to do business, and my belt is a fence around a chicken wing graveyard.
I had to start with the mac and cheese in order to give the wings a few minutes to cool. I asked my server Bryttney if I was tasting lemon pepper in the mac and cheese, and let her know that I understood if she couldn't tell me. She is fairly new to Dine 82, but you wouldn't know it. There's something amazing lurking in that mac and cheese, just so you know.
The buffalo wings had cooled to a point that I could touch them, and that worked out because I was through waiting. These wings are big and meaty, but somehow also tender. The flavor was perfect, with just enough heat in the sauce. The wings were seasoned before they were sauced, so Dine 82 built satisfaction in from the ground up.
The fries are mentioned last, but not because there was anything wrong with them. They were not, however, "just fries" like some chains pawn off on us. They were perfectly golden, seasoned with the right amount of salt and cracked pepper. There was something else, but I couldn't put my finger on it ... maybe it was the love and craftsmanship that Ingrid was baking into every dish that came out of the kitchen. Whatever it was, I am here for it every time I visit.
This place is Hamlet, y'all.
Herman Little walked in to pick dinner up, and ended up sitting down to talk for a while. Apologies to whoever was waiting on food at home, but Herman and I are going to do that if we see each other.
On the way out the door, Tessie Caulder-Brigman said "let me hug your neck." She had a fried porkchop on her plate that looked immaculate, and the field peas looked like Mama's. She confirmed that the pork chop tasted just like it looked.
My glass was never empty, I waited just the right amount of time for them to cook those wings and fries to order, and I was so full I almost nodded off back up here in the chair in the studio.
If you haven't seen the City of Hamlet's Christmas lights and other decorations, you should come down. Grab a bite from Dine 82 and watch our own little Norman Rockwell painting play out around the historic depot.
John White is a photographer and lover of food who lives in Hamlet.
