the dish
Embraces a casual lifes by lauren baugh
T
here are many restaurants here in Lee County, many of which are unique in their own right. One of these unique restaurants is one where you can go to Happy Hour and see many of your legal community colleagues regularly. That restaurant is…Hooters! When someone says Hooters, I always immediately think of the one on US 41 near the Edison Mall. It never fails when I walk in the restaurant, I see at least one table with people I know – people I work with, people I grew up with, friends, etc. I consider Fort Myers Hooters a true neighborhood staple. The staff changes, but it remains the same as it has been. I remember as a kid going with my family for various charity events, concerts or just a Saturday wing stop. On the day I am in Hooters to write this edition of “The Dish”, I am sitting near the kitchen expo area, so I can get the full perspective of what goes on. I am sure this is one of the busiest lunch spots in town. I am honestly surprised how incredibly efficient the kitchen staff is. They all have their specific spot to manage, and they work well together. It’s a well-oiled machine. The guy finalizing touches on the dishes that servers take to the tables is clearly in
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charge. He receives a plate, makes sure it matches the ticket and calls out that it’s ready. The servers hear him from across the restaurant. He is not yelling loud; the whole place is just running smoothly. Most people think of Hooters for their… wings. I think of their chicken sandwiches. Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but their chicken sandwich beats their wings any day of the week. They have perfected grilling chicken. Another staple I order each time I go there is the fried pickles. I will argue with anyone that they have the absolute best fried pickles and dipping sauce. They are fried to perfection and remain crisp. That is hard to do, and they have hit the nail on the head. Another fan favorite is the curly fries, which you can opt to get with cheese sauce. While it sounds bizarre, it is actually really a great combo. For those looking to eat on the healthier side, Hooters also offers a variety of salads. I guess I cannot write this story without mentioning what I am sure each reader is thinking about when reading the word “Hooters”. That is their beer! After all, an ice-cold Budweiser with a piping hot chicken wing is a great combo. LeeBar.org
