Michael B.
Google
Well, my denim-clad compadre and I have done it again. We've filled our bellies with yet another mind-blowingly exceptional lunch! This time at a local staple that had been at the top of my list for way too long, Heritage East at Culture ETX.
We arrived to a full-house at roughly 12:40, but were seated almost immediately, after being greeted by a friendly, smiling face. We came seeking that incredible looking chicken fried steak that we keep seeing, but unfortunately that wasn't available on the lunch menu. No worries, we quickly pivoted. Wagyu hot dogs?!? Um... Yes, please. 1000x yes.
I can never resist Chicago style dogs, so the choice came pretty easily for me, Windy City Dogs. Meanwhile, my farm-to-table fashion icon of a friend had spotted a couple of the Italian Beef Dogs in the making. I get it, who could resist gobs of melted cheese after watching it being poured over something that already looked so craveable? Home made chips... absolutely. Fresh cut fries... those too. Oh, and Crawfish Rolls... we're gonna need a couple of those as well.
The best things are worth waiting for, and this rang true today. While Verizon was taking a personal day, what would we stare at while we waited? Easy. I wouldn't have had my eyes on my phone today anyway. The kitchen is a WHOLE show! We're hooked, and ready for the next episode. The highlight, though, was watching the culinary craftsman attempting to close a to-go box containing a Cow Tipper burger. I have GOT to get back there for that burger!
The seats began to empty, as the lunch rush came to an end. Beautifully handled by the staff, I might add. They were never hurried or even the least bit stressed, while still maintaining the utmost attentiveness. Just as I began to consider it, our waitress appeared with a "great minds think alike" moment. We were getting a table upgrade. More elbow room, and better kitchen views. Yessss.
It was time. Our dogs and rolls were finally presented to us. I think our waitress put them on the table, but my memory is that they descended from the heavens. These were some serious dogs. Forget the ballpark, we had found the true big leagues. Oh, and those chips and fries? The kitchen had massacred enough potatoes to save Ireland.
As I proceeded to dive mouth-first into my first Windy City Dog, I realized one napkin would absolutely not be enough for this. Less than 10 seconds later, more napkins arrived, as if she were actually reading my mind. Dog, chips, dog, fries, repeat. Oh, and the Cajun ranch to dip the fries in... yep. Do that.
It became rapidly clear that I wouldn't make it to my 2nd dog, especially considering there was still the matter of this Crawfish Roll. The Dungaree Duke had already landed his first bite, and the picture of him just after said bite says it all. I dove right in. Again... yep. Do that. It was like a whole crawfish boil in every bite. Bits of ham helped to balance it out perfectly, and oh that sauce! Incredible!
As we humpty-dumptied around in our seats, we realized that we were the only remaining customers. We quickly requested a couple of defeated signs (to-go boxes), and began preparing for our hike back to the parking garage. Not so hasty, said the staff. They already felt like old friends, and were game for a bit of chit-chat before we departed. Y'all, these folks had genuine pride in that restaurant! They were excited to talk to us about everything Heritage East. The deal had been sealed, we are both already planning our next meal here.
Execution: 10/10
The Bite: 10/10
The Vibe: 10/10
Expectation vs Reality: 10/10
Final verdict: Worth the drive, the wait, the hype, and then some.
