Spotlight #1 - Gordon's BBQ, Chicken and Seafood

So my first spotlight will be on "Pride of Apex." This little Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant is located at 700 E Williams street in Apex, NC. A few minutes Southwest of Raleigh. I was out visiting the area for 2 weeks for some work I had out there. I was looking for a place that did wings, when my GPS took me by Gordon's. I didn't see the wings place, but I did see a little parking lot completely filled at about 2:00. "Bingo," I thought to myself. Several run-down pickup trucks, a couple of cars. I glanced in through the windows, and Yep, every table was full. I figured that it must have been destiny.
The hostess/waitress was completely english speaking. She spoke mostly Spanish, but she did a wonderful job. She sat me at the first booth that opened up - in the back, next to the restroom. She promptly brought me some Hush Puppies. I still don't know what they are, but oh, Man, were they good. Some sort of deep fried bread, I think. I asked the waitress about a couple of the specials. Sounded good, but not quite what I was wanting. I figured I would try something I hadn't ever had before. It was called the "Backyard Burger." The menu says "We use 100% FRESH ground Beef for our hand-pressed burgers. Topped with slaw, chili, ketchup, mustard and onions......$4.99" I wasn't too sure what to expect. Chili, cole slaw? I was hesitant. It was amazing. It was out in about 5 or 6 minutes, with another round of hush puppies, a huge serving of delicious fries, and a water. I had gone with the slice of cheese. I am anti American-cheese. That was the only downside to my burger. The chili was excellent, the slaw had a great flavor that tied it all together. I even liked the American Cheese. I was stuffed, and the waitress asked if I wanted some homemade banana pudding. It sounded delicious, but I just wasn't going to be able to down a bite of it. The burger was good size, I had 3 servings of Hush puppies, and a huge portion of fries. (BTW - if you take fries home, you ALWAYS have to reheat them in the oven. It doesn't work well in the microwave) I had enough leftovers for dinner, and my total was around $5.79 after taxes. I obviously left a decent tip.
Compare and contrast to "Carolina Ale House" that I had a few days later. Completely opposite side of the spectrum. Though it had a decent atmosphere (a sports bar), I was unimpressed. I ordered one of the specials (I think it was some sort of barbecue chicken), only to be told 45 minutes later that they did not have any. I think the waitress told us as soon as she heard, but it still was frustrating. I ended up REordering. This time it was the "Taste of Carolina" Burger. Here is what the Menu says "A classic hamburger topped with Ale House Chili, Cole Slaw, mustard and onions." Sounds about the same, right? This one was $7.99 (plus the salad that was supposed to be part of my special that I ordered, I was then charged for). I am not the guy that complains and asks about getting a free meal, a free drink, or a free dessert. At least very often. I didn't complain or ask for any of that. I figure it is good customer service to at least offer one of those right? After waiting that long? ESPECIALLY don't charge me for the salad after YOU had to change my order. Besides that, the chili was not very good. The beans were dry, the entire burger was a disaster to try to hold on to. If you know me, you know that I am not exactly a clean eater anyway. The burger was a little bit larger.
So, if you are in the Raleigh/Durham Triangle Area, I recommend going down to the "Pride of Apex. Almost Famous Eastern NC Barbecue." You will be glad you did. Check out their website at www.gordonsbbq.com

Introduction

I will introduce myself a little bit here: My name is Jason. I live in Boise, Idaho. I have been married for 5 years, and have 2 little boys. I have traveled quite a bit for work (no jet setter, but quite a bit of travel), and realized a couple of years ago that I am in love with Hole in the Wall restaurants. I just kind of got tired of the same old Applebee's, Chili's, and the myriad of other 'traditional' restaurants. Not to say that I dislike any of them, it is just so.....bland. It is always the same. Sometimes good service, sometimes not. Sometimes decent food, sometimes not. Nothing spunky or original. Just everyday, run of the mill.
I don't know when I decided I was a Hole-in-the-Wall kind of guy. It just kind of happened. I can't possible be the only one can I? It seems that every travel blog/article/whatever always tells people that when they go to a foreign country, that they need to check out the 'local' cuisine. Try the little corner stands. But I don't ever hear about that in the U.S. So, this is my Toast to Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants - May you always keep us coming back for more!