Fargo-Moorhead is currently being pounded by a winter storm.
Unlike the people who are responsible for clearing the side roads, and my parking lot, I don’t go into hiding when the going gets tough. I risked my life to bring you this content, so here it is.
I ventured downtown to grab lunch with a few friends at Fryn’ Pan. This restaurant is comparable to Perkins, or like a poor man’s Shack on Broadway. I’m not throwing shade, that’s just a fact.
At first glance, this basket looked promising. After I laid eyes on it, I was expecting to be a near duplicate of Truckers Inn in Sauk Centre, Minn. I expected all-around respectable food. And the basket itself was lined with checkered paper. I love when food comes on checkered paper.
This basket just missed on its key components. The chicken was average quality and the breading was OK. They tasted like they were in the fryer a hair too long, as the edges were a little too brown and crunchy, believe it or not.
The fries, on the other hand, needed another minute to crisp up. They were on the flimsy side, which some people like, but I prefer a crispy fry. They also needed salt. Fryn’ Pan’s solid ranch helped elevate the other elements to some extent. The Texas toast was nice, too.
Overall, I’m rolling with a 6.1. As I neared the end of my meal, I realized that’s too high, but I had already decided on a score. A mid- to high-5 would’ve been more fitting. What can I say? I was hungry. I was in good company. I was vulnerable. But it is what it is.
I don’t mean to leave a bad mark on the Fryn’ Pan, it has good food. The chicken strips could just use a little work.
Shoutout to Emma, Austin and Raj for joining me on our trek through the wintery paradise. And shoutout to the Jeep Wrangler for getting us there safely (this isn’t a sponsored blog, but it could be, Jeep).
Funny story about the Fryn’ Pan: My first experience there was a few years ago when a couple friends and I were going out to dinner.
Let’s just say, it might’ve been our waitress’ first night on the job. When she came to take our food order, I said I just wanted an order of onion rings. Then the other two ordered and she came back around to me and said, “you’re not eating?” I SAID, I’ll take an order of ONION RINGS. So that was awkward.
Anyways, a couple of us were drinking apple juice (hardcore, I know) and we ended up being charged for every refill. Well, between the two of us, we probably drank about five glasses (I KNOW. We had to Uber home).
Altogether it was like $15 worth of apple juice, which is obscene. It’s pretty lame if a restaurant doesn’t offer free refills, but if you insist on doing that, at least let us know beforehand so we don’t go on a juice bender and rack up a huge tab.
Oh and we asked for separate checks between the three of us, but she threw my food and cocktails on one of the others’ bill. Nice.
Again, not trying to drag Fryn’ Pan. It’s a good option if you’re in the mood for a Perkins-like experience. 6.1.
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