Lunches, like bank robberies and colonoscopies, are better when shared with good company. At Faylunchin, we're proud to be friends as well as bloggers, and we hope that friendship is apparent in each review. Even so, it's always a nice treat to bring in a new perspective, one who might underline our genius critiques, or disagree with us wholeheartedly. And there has certainly been one perspective that we have sorely lacked up to this point.
...notice the lack of "woman" in our headline. An Englishman, a Chinese Man, and an Indian could certainly do with this crucial opinion. More importantly, we're too scared to explore the women's restroom during our visits, and no amount of eyeliner and pantyhose could disguise our awkward masculinity. Imagine the lawsuits, imagine hairy legs stretching nylon. Ugh.
Running to our rescue is a special guest like no other we've had the pleasure of hosting. She is not only a "she", she is a prominent member of the Fayetteville community, a hard-working philanthropist with a great following. Honestly, we're not even sure we're cool enough to be eating with her. But, hey, she's got a giving spirit.
...notice the lack of "woman" in our headline. An Englishman, a Chinese Man, and an Indian could certainly do with this crucial opinion. More importantly, we're too scared to explore the women's restroom during our visits, and no amount of eyeliner and pantyhose could disguise our awkward masculinity. Imagine the lawsuits, imagine hairy legs stretching nylon. Ugh.
Running to our rescue is a special guest like no other we've had the pleasure of hosting. She is not only a "she", she is a prominent member of the Fayetteville community, a hard-working philanthropist with a great following. Honestly, we're not even sure we're cool enough to be eating with her. But, hey, she's got a giving spirit.
Sarah Ann is an off-and-on-again Fayettevillian, having lived and studied here, worked as a teacher abroad, and returned to coordinate YoungLives, an off-shoot of Young Life Ministries that reaches out to adolescents.
Sarah Ann is exceedingly friendly, bright, and enthusiastic, much of the qualities that the Faylunchin trio foreswore in favor of snobby satire. But thanks to Sarah Ann's magnetic shine, lunch with a new face inevitably ended as lunch with a friend. |
YoungLives, as described by Sarah Ann, "specifically works with pregnant teens and teen moms. We are partnered with the local alternative school in Fayetteville and have begun reaching out to girls in Springdale. We are currently fundraising in order to take six girls along with their babies to camp this summer. It is very rewarding to be a part of an organization that encourages the girls to become more independent and successful in life, regardless of their backgrounds and past experiences."
For further information and access to donate your time or money, we encourage you to please click the links.
See what we mean? She's great! And the cherry on top--she's an excellent critic, with an eye for a good deal. On this fateful day, Sarah Ann turned that eye towards a Fayetteville fixture, strangely a place that Faylunchin has never reviewed despite our numerous visits.
Alright, you lactose lovers! We're talking about Hammontree's Gourmet Grilled Cheese, home of pterodactyls, self-marketing arcade games, and cheese that melds gloriously with foamy beer in phantasmagorical ecstasy.
Our rating system is structured within four primary categories: Atmosphere, Food, Lunch Bargain, and Service. We base our scores out of a possible ten points per category--typical stuff, we know. But this is where our ratings diverge! Sure, we count up the numbers, but they don't have so much to do with the restaurant's overall score. That, friends, is our pride and joy: a celebrity tribute, where we define a restaurant's personality with a famous person's name. Cool, huh? Ya, we know.
Alright, you lactose lovers! We're talking about Hammontree's Gourmet Grilled Cheese, home of pterodactyls, self-marketing arcade games, and cheese that melds gloriously with foamy beer in phantasmagorical ecstasy.
Our rating system is structured within four primary categories: Atmosphere, Food, Lunch Bargain, and Service. We base our scores out of a possible ten points per category--typical stuff, we know. But this is where our ratings diverge! Sure, we count up the numbers, but they don't have so much to do with the restaurant's overall score. That, friends, is our pride and joy: a celebrity tribute, where we define a restaurant's personality with a famous person's name. Cool, huh? Ya, we know.
ATMOSPHERE
For anyone on the lookout for a regularly popular lunch site, look no further than this restaurant and bar. Don't be surprised to find the patio swelling with diners, and the bar overflowing with people waiting on seats. Hammontree's prime location--at the head of West Avenue's corral of pubs, pool halls, and karaoke lounges--makes for convenient visits, especially with the onset of great weather.
Of course, this held true when we arrived at noon and found no vacant seating outside. All around us was the ebb and flow of sundresses and sunglasses, polos and cargo shorts. Ahh, Springtime at last. The seating policy is liberal, even at the peak of lunch, so we took a seat at the front of the restaurant, crooning to the low hum of the nearby bar. There was soft music pulsing above, but listening to people was more entertaining.
Looming behind us, large, jagged, and green, hung a propped pterodactyl, monitoring our food and others' in prehistoric vigilance. And before us, within sight of the entrance, sat the arcade machine that shares its name with its place of residence. Globes of gaseous planets rotated on their stringed axes above the bar, framing psychedelic paintings and vinyl records on the walls. All this, together with the easy pace and nonchalance of the seating, gives you credence to feel relaxed. You can just eat, no decorum required. We were in the heart of the man-cave, which is fully appropriate seeing as how grilled cheese and beer are a bachelor's best friend. Let's get to those scores.
Of course, this held true when we arrived at noon and found no vacant seating outside. All around us was the ebb and flow of sundresses and sunglasses, polos and cargo shorts. Ahh, Springtime at last. The seating policy is liberal, even at the peak of lunch, so we took a seat at the front of the restaurant, crooning to the low hum of the nearby bar. There was soft music pulsing above, but listening to people was more entertaining.
Looming behind us, large, jagged, and green, hung a propped pterodactyl, monitoring our food and others' in prehistoric vigilance. And before us, within sight of the entrance, sat the arcade machine that shares its name with its place of residence. Globes of gaseous planets rotated on their stringed axes above the bar, framing psychedelic paintings and vinyl records on the walls. All this, together with the easy pace and nonchalance of the seating, gives you credence to feel relaxed. You can just eat, no decorum required. We were in the heart of the man-cave, which is fully appropriate seeing as how grilled cheese and beer are a bachelor's best friend. Let's get to those scores.
- Our Englishman liked the basement qualities of the restaurant, though he found them a bit "dusty." HARVEY'S SCORE 7/10
- Qi is truly at home in nerdom. When he saw all the Star War's paraphernalia decorating the walls, he had to say, "The Force is strong in this one." QI'S SCORE 8.5/10
- Despite the green pterodactyl peeping over his shoulder, Mike quickly found comfort in his seat. Though, at times, he felt those beady eyes judging him. MIKE'S SCORE 8/10
- Sarah Ann is no stranger to Hammontree's mellow appeal. Perhaps that's why she felt so at home. Like herself, Hammontree's meshes the "laid back" with the "quirky". SARAH ANN'S SCORE 8/10
Bathrooms
We believe bathrooms are crucial enough to be a subcategory of Atmosphere, deserving of its own score. And hooray! We have a woman to visit the bathroom for a change! Sarah Ann did us the courtesy of grooming the ladies' room, and upon her return awarded it a B MINUS. It was "clean" she said, thankfully, though "there was no decoration." And the men have to agree. Without decor, what fun is a wee anyway? SCORE 7.5/10
We believe bathrooms are crucial enough to be a subcategory of Atmosphere, deserving of its own score. And hooray! We have a woman to visit the bathroom for a change! Sarah Ann did us the courtesy of grooming the ladies' room, and upon her return awarded it a B MINUS. It was "clean" she said, thankfully, though "there was no decoration." And the men have to agree. Without decor, what fun is a wee anyway? SCORE 7.5/10
FOOD
(for Hammontree's menu, click here)
(for Hammontree's menu, click here)
Qi's (or should we say Sarah Ann's) Side
In a very Qi-esque move, Sarah Ann paved the way for our lunch by ordering a basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Ranch Dippin' Sauce. These came out hot and greasy, a comfortable quantity for dipping. Only Harvey was not inclined to enjoy them, but that's because he holds a grudge against any potato that's sweet. One word of caution: eat these fries quickly, as they're inclined to stringiness when cold. SCORE 7/10
In a very Qi-esque move, Sarah Ann paved the way for our lunch by ordering a basket of Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Ranch Dippin' Sauce. These came out hot and greasy, a comfortable quantity for dipping. Only Harvey was not inclined to enjoy them, but that's because he holds a grudge against any potato that's sweet. One word of caution: eat these fries quickly, as they're inclined to stringiness when cold. SCORE 7/10
For entrees, it was a very clear choice. Grilled Cheese sandwiches or bust. However, before you think that there is no option aside from melty, cheesy goodness (and if you do, you're weird), there are options for salads, soups, and hot dogs. Yes, there is even an option for vegan cheese, though we'd be remiss to tell you what "vegan cheese" is. :-\
- Harvey ordered the Brie's Company (brie, gouda, grilled apples, caramelized onions, fig jam on sour dough. OMG!) And though he was content with the side of crisps, dual cheeses, and toasty bread, Harvey commented that they were "a bit stingy with the apples." HARVEY'S SCORE 7.5/10
- If it's not clear by now, Qi is our biggest stickler for food. But he found himself impressed with his combination: a half Italian Stallion sandwich (salami, ham, and provolone with bruschetta and olive tapenade), and Crawfish Bisque soup. Most especially the soup, which he shared, boasting of its freshness. That's what he does when he likes something. QI'S SCORE 7.5/10
- Mike, like Harvey, chose the default option of sandwich and chips. In this case, the Cheebacca (white cheddar, bacon, pulled pork with grilled onions and garlic cilantro). This sandwich was a mouthful, no joke. Mike loves a challenge, and holding all this mouthwatering goodness in his piehole required all his attention. MIKE'S SCORE 8/10
- Sarah Ann, like Qi, opted for a sandwich/salad combo. The half Scarlett Cheddar (New York sharp cheddar, 24 month vintage cheddar, and seriously sharp cheddar with turkey) made this the classiest plate at our table. Paired with a generously portioned salad, Sarah Ann was eating pretty, although by her admission, "the salad could use more ingredients." SARAH ANN'S SCORE 7/10
SERVICE
It's lunch time at a busy restaurant, and guests can just sit anywhere they choose. Those words can be a nightmare for a server and diner alike. However, we feel like our server really held her own, never once leaving us unattended or without full waters. And our entrees were served in only 15 minutes! Perhaps it was the watchful gaze of that pterodactyl, or perhaps Hammontree's is well-accustomed to the rush. Either way, we went through our meals with only the slightest of snafus.
It's lunch time at a busy restaurant, and guests can just sit anywhere they choose. Those words can be a nightmare for a server and diner alike. However, we feel like our server really held her own, never once leaving us unattended or without full waters. And our entrees were served in only 15 minutes! Perhaps it was the watchful gaze of that pterodactyl, or perhaps Hammontree's is well-accustomed to the rush. Either way, we went through our meals with only the slightest of snafus.
- Harvey shared a tip with Sarah Ann, who accidentally received the wrong salad dressing at first: a successful restaurant maintains "secure sauce transportation." Whatever that means. Of course, the mistake was corrected in seconds, but an Englishman never forgets... HARVEY'S SCORE 7.5/10
- Qi was visited by one of Hammontree's managers, a fellow soccer player. They discussed the weather, what makes cheese so great, which member of One Direction they love best (Harry Styles or that deserter Zayn). It was enough to pad Qi's score. QI'S SCORE 8.5/10
- Mike appreciated all the efforts of the staff, especially considering the buzz about the place. And most importantly, he didn't want to seem like a prick in front of their guest judge. So, on service he keeps it simple. "Busy, but good." MIKE'S SCORE 9/10
- More than likely...actually no, it's guaranteed. Sarah Ann is a nicer person than us. We've obviously let the power of hosting a food blog go to our heads. Sarah Ann reminds us that the most important thing about eating is to enjoy the food and respect diligent service. In one word, she describes our server's performance. "Kind." SARAH ANN'S SCORE 9/10
LUNCH BARGAIN
Let's keep this category simple. Hammontree's has no lunch menu, yet their simple but comprehensive menu offers a bit more than what you'd expect of a grilled cheese restaurant. More than that, its straightforward design and manageable prices make eating there a no-brainer. Our one small recommendation, and this holds for any restaurant seeking to experiment, is to introduce a menu for the lunch crowd. Or simpler, maybe just a weekly special. Take it from an Englishman, a Chinese Man, an Indian (And Sarah Ann): diversity is power, people!
Let's keep this category simple. Hammontree's has no lunch menu, yet their simple but comprehensive menu offers a bit more than what you'd expect of a grilled cheese restaurant. More than that, its straightforward design and manageable prices make eating there a no-brainer. Our one small recommendation, and this holds for any restaurant seeking to experiment, is to introduce a menu for the lunch crowd. Or simpler, maybe just a weekly special. Take it from an Englishman, a Chinese Man, an Indian (And Sarah Ann): diversity is power, people!
- HARVEY'S SCORE 7.1/10
- QI'S SCORE 7.1/10 (Yes, Qi and Harvey gave the same odd score)
- MIKE'S SCORE 7/10
- SARAH ANN'S SCORE 7/10 (Yes, Sarah Ann and Mike gave the same normal score)
OVERALL SCORE
Our celebrity score for Hammontree's Gourmet Grilled Cheese is no stranger to the limelight. In fact, he's been cheesing it up since the early 90s. Faylunchers, put your hands together for...
Our celebrity score for Hammontree's Gourmet Grilled Cheese is no stranger to the limelight. In fact, he's been cheesing it up since the early 90s. Faylunchers, put your hands together for...
(photo courtesy of people.com)
When we last saw Paul Rudd, he was running around in sewer drains and stealing bread crumbs off picnic blankets (that's what Ant-Man does, right?). But you may remember your first glimpse of this soft-eyed funnyman from 1995's "Clueless". "Clueless" was exactly not what Sarah Ann was when asked which celebrity best matched Hammontree's personality.
Like Hammontree's atmosphere, Paul's got the laid-back, quirky, and just-a-bit grungy qualities that we all find so attractive. After his appearances in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Anchorman", we might all agree that Paul's Sex Panther cologne would pair wonderfully in a man-cave. Sure, he can dress up, and yes, he's got a fine crop of hair. But we really adore Paul because of his basement appeal--that is, he could still be living in his parents' basement, surrounded by Star Wars figurines and the hardened crusts of grilled cheese sandwiches, and he'd still be Paul Rudd. And boy, can that man slap da bass!
Like Hammontree's atmosphere, Paul's got the laid-back, quirky, and just-a-bit grungy qualities that we all find so attractive. After his appearances in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Anchorman", we might all agree that Paul's Sex Panther cologne would pair wonderfully in a man-cave. Sure, he can dress up, and yes, he's got a fine crop of hair. But we really adore Paul because of his basement appeal--that is, he could still be living in his parents' basement, surrounded by Star Wars figurines and the hardened crusts of grilled cheese sandwiches, and he'd still be Paul Rudd. And boy, can that man slap da bass!
Good choice, Sarah Ann.
Like our blog? Have any restaurants that need reviewing? Please, leave us a comment or email us. And thanks!
Like our blog? Have any restaurants that need reviewing? Please, leave us a comment or email us. And thanks!
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