Some of the folks at church will occasionally ask me which restaurant I plan to review next. That happened recently, and while I didn’t say it outright, I asked my friend Mitchell if he knew why a local food truck was named what it was.
He responded, “If you knew the Cooke boys, their naming that food truck ‘The Grease Pit’ would make sense.”
Knowing Mitchell, he said that as a term of endearment because he plainly holds the Cooke boys in high regard.
Yesterday’s improved weather seemed like a great day to have an outdoor burger, so I went out to the corner of Airport and Battley Dairy roads. I ordered a double cheeseburger, fries and a hot dog. I sat down at one of the picnic tables and did a little people-watching for the 10 minutes or so that I waited.
When Brandy called my name, she handed me a plate that seemed heavier than I thought it should have been. Upon returning to the picnic table, I saw why.
I ordered knowing full well that I wouldn’t be able to eat everything I ordered, but y’all … don’t order this double cheeseburger if you didn’t bring your “A” game. You won’t leave here hungry, I can tell you that much.
I fully intended to take a cool cross-section picture of this burger, but I couldn’t. This is one of those situations wherein once you pick the burger up, you’re committed. If you plan to eat fries or take a sip of your drink while you're eating this burger, you're going to have to start by attempting to balance it in one hand so you can grab your fries or drink with the other.
There is no chance that you’ll be able to put this thing back down in one piece. Ask Raven for a stack of napkins before you get started. You’re going to need them.
The patties are just right. Juicy without being greasy, and with just enough crust on the outside to remind you they came off a grill. They were just what I was looking for. The chili and slaw were running off the burger before I even picked it up. You won’t want to be interrupted once you start eating this thing.
Unless I miss my guess, the hot dog is all-beef. If not, I’m even more impressed. There was almost an audible “snap” when I bit into it. I could be wrong, but I don’t think you could have gotten another ounce of toppings on that hot dog.
The fries were a rare treat. I declare I think they are frying in beef tallow. Either way, they remind me of the fries I used to get from that drive-in on Hwy 74 in Rockingham. I think it was The Colonial?
Anyway, whatever they are doing, it’s right. Perfectly salty and just the right amount of crispy. There is always room for the humble crinkle-cut fry in my world.
I’ll leave you with a cautionary tale: I had meetings after lunch yesterday, and I had to call the Warden for another shirt. RIP to your dress shirt if you happen to be wearing one when you eat this burger.
The Grease Pit is seriously good. Even though they have a lot of customers, they’re quick. If you haven't been yet, you should check them out. Just bring your appetite.
John White is a photographer and lover of food who lives in Hamlet.
