ABCs of the Tri-Cities: Magic Potatoes
"If you get this right, I'll give you a magic potato."
The eyes of 13-year olds widened in a way I wasn't expecting. Could this actually work?
I had been trying to get the attention of a classroom of middle schoolers when I went to the last resort: the magic potato.
What is the magic potato you say? The magic potato is an invisible prize invented by a 16 year old volunteer who just a few years prior was in this same position. I watched him as he balled his hands into a make believe tuber and toss it to a middle schooler who caught it with glee.
The magic potato became a legend. I was able to use it as a tool to navigate the waters of adolescent learning, and I leaned on it when I had forgotten to bring a bag of candy to use as prizes. And why wouldn't a potato be held up as a trophy of sorts? You've seen the meme that says "if this (a potato) can turn into vodka, you can do anything!" In fact, I've often claimed that French fries are my favorite food. There's no denying that this versatile spud is something special.
The cool thing about potatoes is that they can be enjoyed from sunup to sundown in different forms: baked, mashed, roasted, grilled, scalloped. But without a doubt, my favorite potatoes are crispy on the outside and velvety on the inside. And so I present to you...my favorite spuds in the Tri-Cities...from restaurants that start with the letter "D."
While I can't claim to be a breakfast connoisseur, I've searched high and low for a go to breakfast/brunch place for those days when I want something special on a lazy morning. I was happy to find Drumheller's brunch menu. The first time I went there, I went with a friend and ordered the Denver Omelet which came with a side of their seasoned breakfast potatoes. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed!
The omelet was filling without being too heavy even with the ham and cheddar. The eggs were light and fluffy and good 'til the last bite. And the potatoes are by far the best breakfast potatoes I've ever had. They were just as I like them, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. A feat of culinary science! But the thing that put them over the top was the seasoning. Far from just plain old seasoning salt, I felt like whoever was in the kitchen making these magic potatoes must have a special blend of spices meant just for these potatoes. Since that first visit to Drumheller, I have gone back solo a few more times. I've tried everything from their classic breakfast to their waffles, and every time I've gotten the potatoes as well. And every time I've been delighted.
I've enjoyed Drumheller both inside their cozy dining room and outside on their deck which faces the mighty Columbia River. Aside from the tasty food and the welcoming atmosphere, the service also keeps me coming back. I've been blessed to have the same server each time, a lovely woman named Darcy. I've always said that good service can make up for mediocre food, but at Drumheller the service is the icing on the cake. Whenever she serves me, Darcy serves with a smile, remembers who I am, and takes the time to chat even if she's busy. And in a world that can sometimes be fast-paced and self-serving, her courtesy is well...magical.
Taking a turn from breakfast to dinner brings me to The Dive, an edgy bar with Wednesday Trivia Nights. Some of my most hilarious moments took place here when a friend and I impulsively joined in on trivia night. What started out as a wind down after a long work day turned into belly laugh memories. It was the kind of night that leads to inside jokes that will last a lifetime. And those chuckles were accompanied by some of the best French fries I've ever had. In fact, I enjoyed the fries so much that the next time we went there, I ordered just fries in the form of poutine. As much as I enjoy fries, I guess you can say I'm a bit of a purist. As I've gotten older, I haven't been as big of a fan of novelty fries like chili cheese fries or, of course, poutine (see first picture). Still, I must say I enjoyed my first experience of Canada's best exports (alongside maple syrup and Nanaimo bars). The gravy definitely made the meal, and while they weren't as good as the meal progressed, the cheese curds made me feel like I was making the most of the calories. But the best part for me was the base - the actual fries. Because just as nachos are no good with soggy chips, poutine is no good with soggy fries. The Dive makes their fries like thin steak fries so they're almost like potato chips. They definitely get points for creativity because I haven't seen any other restaurant pull this off nearly as well. The fries at The Dive are definitely some of the best in the Tri-Cities.
Say what you will about carbs and empty calories. I'm happy to indulge in Drumheller and The Dive once in a while. It's a fun treat. What's life if you can't treat yourself to a little bit of magic every once in a while.
