Frost Me Sweet (Richland, WA)

Last Friday, we hopped in our respective rides at high noon and headed west on the ole 240. The sun shone brightly over the Y, spring had unquestionably arrived. I scanned the radio for cruising tunes. AM sports talk had to take a backseat on a day such as this. And there it was…an auspicious relic of 80s rock n’ roll… Danger Zone.

We were on the highway to the Danger Zone aka Frost Me Sweet, where sweet and savory flavors hit you like an F14 buzzing the control tower. Torey was my Maverick, jettisoning us from the office doldrums towards Food Friday Fun. Welcome to the Frost Me Sweet and Paper Street mash up lunch blog, brought to you by Kenny Bloggins.

Our arrival to Frost Me Sweet was, once again, met with favorable news. The interior dining room being packed, with a waiting list, brought about the overflow of outdoor seating. It was here that we settled into our seats under a salubrious Mid-Columbia spring sun. Gentle breeze blowing through the parkway, we ordered our refreshments and began an afternoon of gentlemanly tippling.

Being a well-oiled lunching machine of a team, we were swift and decisive with the appetizer: BBQ Pork Crostini. The bread was fresh to the crust and bits of bacon the proverbial icing on the cake – an all too appropriate metaphor given our dining location.

It was here that our discussion took a turn towards the macabre. Perhaps it was the intensity with which we devoured our appetizers, one can never really tell where the conversational tangent truly takes hold. This departure in dialogue saw us discussing the finer points of insect mating habits, namely those of the praying mantis.

Next, just before our lunch arrived, we revisited an old internet gem, the octogenarian Spanish artist who attempted an honest restoration of a 19^th century fresco of Jesus – and failed miserably despite her best intentions. This discussion may have come about due in part to Torey’s dramatic reading of the ingredients comprising the Big Hoss burger, which Shannon (who joined us on this Food Friday) decided to take on after some encouragement. The only thing you really need to know is that this particular burger married together a triumvirate of tasty meats – Ground Beef, Pulled Pork and Bacon. It also featured a diversity bun that brought together seeds of all colors. Truly breathtaking to behold by all accounts.

While the ingredients of our other lunch offerings may pale in pure numbers, they were nonetheless a boon for our buds of taste. Torey made quick work of his carne asada street tacos. They were delivered on little taco racks. Such implements should not be overlooked as they add to the overall eating experience in ways that can only be described as metaphysical. Alyson, being a sucker for the Italian sandwich arts, ordered a Garlic Chicken Panini. I know it had a green leaf of some kind on it, may have been basil or spinach. She can’t quite recall as I type this…

There is one lunch item that drew rave reviews across the table – garlic parmesan french fries. They are not shy with the shaved parmesan, and their cheesy altruism should be applauded. As such, I’ve got the office slow clapping now. According to Alyson, these were indeed “Heaven sent spuds.”

Personally, I would go back there for a plate of fries and a cold beer on the deck. If you’re ever in the area, please don’t hesitate to enjoy this divine trifecta. When all was said and done, we were unable to continue on to the sweeter side of things – the savory had done us in. Thank you to our server-extraordinaire, Christina (tell me I got this correct!), who was a true sport through all of our shenanigans.

On the way to the car we stopped into Paper Street Brewing Co. for a liquid lunchcap. Sibling owner-operator-brewers, Robbie and Sam regaled us with story and allowed us to sample their hoppy offerings. A St. Paddy’s Day inspired mint-brewed ale gave great insight into their creative brewing process. Thanks guys for letting us sample beers and snap photos!

Remember, go try out Frost Me Sweet and Paper Street in the Richland Parkway. Also, keep those Zones fraught with Danger.

Kenny Bloggins, out.