(page 30) MAY 2015
A TASTE OF SARCASM BY DENISE DEPAOLO
101 S. Phillips Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 274-7074 www.pappystheoriginal.com
PAPPY’S THE ORIGINAL “If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.” Herodotus, Greek Historian Pappy’s is bright, modern, and busy on a weekday. I showed up for lunch with a friend on a Friday afternoon, and although it took us a moment to find the correct door on the first level of downtown Sioux Falls’ DocuTap Building, the lack of exterior signage was not a problem indoors. As we walked up to the counter to order, the eatery’s overall décor was striking, but not overdone. Jewel tone reds and purples were offset by splashes of citrusy yellow and orange. Neon block letters behind the counter reminded guests exactly where they were. At the counter, drinks, salads and yogurts were laid out like treasures in a glass display case. Since it was our first time dining at Pappy’s it took us a few minutes to decide on a strategy. The culinary offerings included standard lunch fare like sandwiches and salads, in addition to breakfast sandwiches, yogurts with inventive toppings, and drink options that include bottled beverages, espresso bar classics, and a respectable beer and wine list. We decided on the Benjamin Franklin and Ulysses S. Grant
sandwiches, the Chicken Salad salad, and the Strawberry & Prosciutto yogurt. Our sodas, which were poured behind the counter, came in to-go glasses that could be described as “American small.” Altogether, our lunch cost right around $30. The first sandwich I tried was the Ulysses S. Grant. Now, I know it’s popular to name things after presidents in South Dakota – the whole faces on the mountain and all – but I’m not sure what a flatbread with Greek-inspired fillings has to do with the Civil War general. But semantics be damned, the flavors were good. The combination of grilled chicken, figs, feta, greens, tomato, and onion with balsamic glaze is a tried and true winner. However, it did prove a little messy as we tried to eat our halves. Dressing hands aside, it was a sandwich I’d order again. Next came the Benjamin Franklin. I’m not sure if the denomination of the bills these men represent is a subconscious cue as to the goodness of the sandwiches, but the Franklin was the clear champion at our table. The mix of tender pot roast, Havarti cheese, caramelized onions, and truffle-infused may-
(ATMOSPHERE)
(SERVICE)
(TASTE)
The colorful, modern décor blends seamlessly with the building aesthetic established by DocuTap. Touches like the massive orange honeycomb light fixture are playful, yet sensible. The addition of charging stations at the bar stools is both brilliant and thoughtful.
The staff was super friendly and helpful. Our salad came without dressing, so we had to inquire about it back at the counter, but otherwise everything was smooth.
There were obvious standouts amongst our selections, like the Benjamin Franklin, but I would order any of them again. Maybe I’ll even try the yogurt with the salmon next time. Maybe.