What: The Over the Edge Wedge
Where: Serious Food and Drink, 415 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
How Much: $10.95
Contact: 760-832-6023; seriousfoodanddrink.com
Why: Pork. Belly. Croutons.
I am a simple man, who is into simple things. Whiskey. Baseball. Pork products. Etc.
Therefore, when I saw the description of the wedge salad on offer at Serious Food and Drink—a fantastic new restaurant occupying the building that previously housed Hamburger Mary’s—I was intrigued: “pork belly ‘croutons’ / grapes / bleu cheese-dill vinaigrette.”
Wait, what? Pork belly “croutons”?
Turns out bread has nothing to do with these “croutons.” No, these little cubes of deliciousness are pure pork, baby—specifically, they’re little fried pieces of pork belly that taste so awesome, you’ll have drool-inducing flashbacks for days afterward.
The rest of the salad is great, too. The dill in the bleu-cheese vinaigrette adds a welcome bit of pep. The grapes are fun, and create a lovely flavor profile when added to the bleu cheese. And cool, crisp lettuce is a welcome addition to almost anything when it’s 107 degrees outside.
But I’m not gonna lie: As nice as the lettuce, grapes and dressing all are, in this dish, it’s all about the pork. Yes, I’m a simple man—and these pork belly “croutons” make me very, very happy. Thank you, Serious Food and Drink, for bringing them into my life.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how fantastic Serious’ other offerings are, as well. There’s an amazing happy hour in the bar area, and the hand-crafted cocktails served here are among the best in town. The name is accurate: This is some serious food and drink, and the restaurant is a most welcome addition to the northern chunk of downtown Palm Springs.