ABCs of the Tri-Cities: Most Improved and a Reliable Favorite

So, we're about a quarter of the way through with 2022. (I apologize to those who didn't want to be reminded.) No, I definitely haven't forgotten about my goal of "eating through the Tri-Cities alphabet." In fact, looking back on the past several years, I can say this has been one of the best resolutions I've ever made. And what's a resolution if not something that's meant to improve the current life you're already living?

With that in mind, I present to you the second post in my series of ABC's of the Tri-Cities. In my hunt for delicious food right here in my hometown, I didn't have to look too far for a place that would "B" the second checkmark on my list. The Bradley boasts "delicious small plates, handcrafted cocktails, microbrews, and a list of more than 30 of the best wines from around the world. Upscale service in a modern, comfortable environment with a chic industrial aesthetic." When The Bradley first opened a few years ago, I went with a couple of friends excited to experience this upscale service and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I can't even tell you what I ordered that night, but I remembered leaving feeling like the food was subpar and the drinks overpriced.

We decided to give them a second chance a few months ago, and we were blown away! I was short on time so while my friends ordered the hearty Bradley Burger, I opted for the Navajo taco from the Small Bites menu. And so began my love for barbacoa and micro greens. The meat was so flavorful and the micro greens so fresh that I am inclined to try barbacoa anywhere I go and I want to put micro greens on everything. Meanwhile, my two friends (who were not on a time crunch) raved about how good the burgers were. Regretting that I had another commitment, I paid my check left vowing to return soon.

Fortunately, soon came sooner than later, and I already knew I wanted the burger that I had been thinking about since my last visit. Waiting for a friend, I got started with the "Pretty Lady" cocktail, which was delivered promptly. fFor the gin lover, it's the perfect summertime drink. Do you hate it when you have a cold drink and by the end of the meal it's just a sugary, watered down glass of nothing? No problem with that at The Bradley as they've mastered the art of the fancy ice cube! And the burger? It definitely didn't disappoint. It was by far the best burger I've had in the Tri-Cities! Paired with the harissa fries, the burger was definitely an elevated version of the typical burger and fries. Giving this place another chance was definitely one of the best decisions I've made when it comes to TC cuisine. I was reminded that just like people, restaurants may need some time to iron out a few kinks when they're trying out something new. When I fall short of meeting expectations, I can only hope that I'll be granted some time, patience and grace while I try to make things right.

And if it's a good thing to see things grow and improve, it's also nice to have reliable mainstays. When it comes to the food industry in the Tri-Cities, there's no restaurant that better represents a reliable favorite than Barracuda Coffee Co. I first started going to Barracuda when I was living within walking distance of their Richland location. I remember perusing the menu and my eyes landing on the hemi, a chocolate, honey, and cinnamon based coffee. I thought it sounded interesting, so I ordered one. It soon became my favorite. Now, people who know me know that I'm not usually a big coffee drinker. But I've recently discovered that it's not that I don't like coffee. It's that I don't like bad coffee. Barracuda has GOOD coffee. Top it off with a croissant baked by Barracuda's friends at tsp and you've got a great start to the morning. As with any good coffee shop, it's not just that coffee that makes me come back. It's the atmosphere. There's nothing quite like walking into a place and being greeted by the baristas sometimes with a "Hello! Would you like your usual today?" For a long time, Barracuda Coffee Co has been where go to sit with a journal or notebook and write and reflect on my week. Unlike some other coffee shops, they don't have the loud music blaring over the speakers, and the outdoor seating is perfect or our sunny Tri-Cities days.

So while I enjoy The Bradley's innovation, I don't think I can ever leave the comfortable charm of this sweet little coffee shop, Barracuda.