Whitman students, like most college students, ponder a select group of questions on the average day-to-day basis: Should I go to that party at so-and-so’s or study for my physics exam? Is this shirt clean enough to wear again? And, of course, most importantly: What am I going to eat tonight? For those looking for something outside of Bon Appétit, fast food: particularly french fries: rarely fails to satisfy. For those not sure where to look for the Perfect French Fry, you are not alone. Walla Walla, despite its many local restaurants, does not appear at first glance to offer much aside from the Jack-In-The-Box in the way of close-to-home, good-and-greasy pieces of potatoes. Rather than returning immediately to Bon Appétit, however, check out our recommendations. Here are a few of our favorite fries:
Fast Eddy’s: “The Best Portion for the Price” Fries, or “The Most Sociable” Fries
Though not exactly the most complex-tasting fry, Fast Eddie’s Drive Thru: known for a slightly more diverse menu than Ice-Burg’s: includes house fries that do give you quite a bang for your buck. Whether you order the fries themselves or alongside some juicy mound of ground beef and cheese, they come in a heaping pile of decent-tasting greasy goodness. Thick and plentiful, they filled me up pretty quickly, as well as my housemates, who eagerly and happily assisted me in finishing them. With a nice, light amount of salt and pepper seasoning, Fast Eddy’s fries not only gave me a plentiful amount of french fries but a spontaneous moment of housemate bonding. For that alone, I give Fast Eddy’s a place amongst the top fries crew.
Ice-Burg Drive-In: “The Best Overall House Fries”
I am not a huge fan of salt. It’s not that I mind salt, but every time I order something “salty”: e.g. most fast-food fries: I feel like I’m consuming over a week’s worth of sodium. However, Ice-Burg’s house fries find the right balance of salt to fry, making them my personal favorite fry out of the bunch. Light, crispy and buttery in texture, Ice-Burg offers a decent, though not overly abundant, portion of tasty ‘taters. A relatively all-American fry: without the all-too-tangible amount of grease: Ice-Burg’s house fries taste great, are reasonably priced and won’t put you over your sodium limit for the day. Or, at least, the week.
The Green Lantern: “The Better-Than-Average Bar Fries”
Since at least half of the Whitman student body is under 21, it seems slightly unnecessary to include the popular bar’s heaping portion of bar fries to the best-fries list. Yet, after several recommendations touting the pub’s fries as exceptional, I decided to check them out. While not overwhelmingly delicious, they were surprisingly well-cooked and seasoned despite being a “bar fry.” Containing both skinny and more jojo-type fries, The Green provides a moderately greasy but palatable serving. For Whitties who are of age, consider heading to the Green not just for a brewskie or cocktail but for a healthy-sized portion of fries as well.
Brasserie Four: “The Classy House Fries”
If your wallet can handle the price, Brasserie Four includes more than just fancy French courses. With exotic-tasting seasonings and a buttery side sauce, the fries are not only interesting to look at but fun to eat as well. Though I found them to taste a little bit overcooked, they included a rather unique edge to the run-of-the-mill house fry with their parsley-like garnish and interesting seasonings. For anyone looking to add a fancy flair to their french fry: and with a little extra money to burn since the fries cost around $5.12 total with tax: try the local “date” restaurant.
Mill Creek Brewpub: “The Sensational Seasoned Fries”
Unlike The Green Lantern, the Mill Creek Brewpub does let minors in until around 10 p.m. for decent (though fairly expensive) dining. These fries have been recommended to me several times, and not without reason: The delicious aroma wafting from the fries as I made my way out into the cold with my doggie bag, heading toward home, was enough to make several passers-by ask for a bite. The mile-high pile of thick-wedge fries tasted almost better than they smelled with the garlic, spices, pepper and salt.
