Frickle Fest 2011: Midtown Bar & Grill

About a week after making a list of restaurants that served frickles (see the post here and new tab here), Jess and I decided we needed to continue our adventures. We had both sampled the frickles from Leaf and the frickles from Cinebarre, so we decided to check out Midtown Bar & Grill next. DSC_2982

Although frickles aren’t on their current menu, Luke told me he had them before, and Amanda sent Austin a heads-up message saying we wanted to come taste test. I also messaged Fred on facebook telling him they better start preparing!fredpickles

Amanda, Jess, Mary, and I met at Midtown last Thursday with just two things in mind: alcohol and frickles. We had no idea that our frickle testing adventure would actually turn into a fried food extravaganza.

Apparently neither Austin nor Fred took Amanda and me very seriously, because when we came in demanding frickles, they kind of just laughed at us and asked us what we’d like to drink. After a couple minutes of convincing them that this was serious business, we four lucky ladies were presented with  two plates of frickles! DSC_2951

Wearing the name tags that Jess made us, our tasting began.

me, Jess, Amanda, MaryDSC_2954

Amanda absolutely loved the frickles:DSC_2959

Jess thought they were delicious:DSC_2960

I was also very pleased:DSC_2961

Mary, who doesn’t even like regular pickles, was a bit skeptical. She ended up loving them, too!DSC_2958

After pretty much inhaling them, James Maybank, executive chef, brought us out a second type of fried pickles. These used the new pickles they just purchased from Charleston Pickle Company. Holy heck, these were even better! They were thicker slices, so they had a better pickle to batter ratio. And such zing!DSC_2956

James must have loved how much we were enjoying his food because he brought out two more experiments: fried okra and fried jalapenos. We were in absolute grease heaven. Both of these were awesome – the okra was sweet and crunchy and the jalapenos were super spicy. A couple Happy Hour beers ($1 off!) were necessary to wash it all down.DSC_2965

Despite all this food, we still ordered dinner. Jess and I shared the Turkey Avocado Wrap: roast turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, crumbled bacon and pimento mayo, and a side of sweet potato fries. DSC_2967

Amanda and Mary split the Fried Chicken Wrap: strips of fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, crumbled bacon, jack and cheddar cheese and honey mustard, with a side of mac & cheese. Look at all that cheese!DSC_2968

We were in pain from so much good food, but it was totally worth it. Right as we were about to leave, James asked us if we had ever had their wings. We all moaned out a “Mmmm no” and he asked if we had just a couple more minutes to spare. Oh holy heavens, he was bringing out wings.DSC_2973

These were hands-down the best wings I have ever had. We four girls all took a bite at the same time and looked at each other, wings hanging out of our mouths. Our eyes bulged from the flavor. The wings on the left were their signature smoked flavor that had been dry rubbed, smoked for two hours, cooled, fried for extra texture, and tossed again in the rub. No wonder they were so flavorful! The wings on the right were the teriyaki flavor that won best wings in the 2010 Lowcountry Wingapalooza contest. DSC_2969

We absolutely had to take a pictures with James – he deserves so much credit for his culinary skills. DSC_2976

We were stuffed to the brim but oh-so happy. Jess summed up the evening by saying, “I’m all frickled out.” Mary said, “I don’t even eat pickles, but I enjoyed it. The thicker the better.” Bahhaha. My Charleston friends need to go to Midtown for some good eats. You can check out the rest of their menu here but I’m telling you to GET THE WINGS. And 5 or 6 beers. :)

P.S.: On the weekends they have awesome live bands. You can get your dance on to burn off all the frickles and beer!

Special thanks to Mike, James, and Austin for showing us a DILLicious time!

Midtown Bar & Grill on Urbanspoon

  • http://hayleyinlondon.blogspot.com/ Hayley

     ALL of that food looks insanely delicious. I must say, the sweet potato fries are catching my eye the most. I think I’m as passionate about sweet potato fries as you are with frickles! And just my luck — London doesn’t really “do” sweet potato fries. I can not wait to be home in the good old U.S. of A. in three months so I can completely pig out on some. I have true dining envy of you right now!

    Also, you and your friends are so lovely!

  • itzyskitchen

    hahhaha! I love how serious this taste testing has become!!!! Fried jalapenos? OMG- Josh would be in HEAVEN. Maybe if we go there we can convince them to bring out a plate. I’ve never been to midtown!! 

  • Ashton

    We need to convince James & Mike to add fried pickles permanently!  I can’t believe you had never had their wings. Delish!  Also, what is James doing with his foot?  He looks like he is about to dance a jig…

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      Omg when I saw that pic, I almost peed laughing bc of his foot. And why am I
      grabbing his boob? I think Fred told me to do it and after a couple beers, I
      was like ok sure! Uhhhh…I’m sure his gf will appreciate that. And yeah,
      I’m pretty sure they’ll be adding it to the menu permanently. Hopefully this
      post will convince them.

  • dddd89

     Those pickles look amazing!  Also, I love your shoes!  What brand are they?

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      Thanks! They are by Kensie girl…got them at Belk. :)

  • http://greekyogurtandappleslices.wordpress.com/ Holly

     DILLicious time <—hahahahah! BEST ending to your post ;)
    That is AWESOME how much food he brought you guys out- DANG! I need to hang out with you!! :)
    LOVE your shoes & LOVE your friend Amanda's outfit– SOOOOO cute- the dress is HOT & the sandals are adorable!

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      thanks! yes, amanda is quite the fashionista.

      • Amanda

        Thanks for such a nice compliment!  Dress is from the Banana outlet — $15!!!  Shoes are Sam Edelman! 

  • http://twitter.com/RissyTalks Carissa Anne

     I’ve even worked at 2 restaurants that served frickles, and have never tasted one. 

    I really love Mary’s apprehensive look. 

    And I guess I will just have to take your word for it on the awesomeness for awhile until I get down to Charleston. 

    CarissaExplainsItAll

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      EAT SOME. get down here asap.

  • http://twitter.com/AHealthySlice Brittany

     I’d chow down on those fried jalapenos!! What a fun afternoon… oh the perks of being a food blogger :)

  • http://dishinaboutnutrition.wordpress.com Jessica

    Holy crapola, that food looks amaaazing! I could eat both of those wraps, the fries and probs the frickles right now, I am starvin’!!!  Cute shoes by the way!

  • Amanda

    Most fun time ever…and the food was FANTASTIC!!  

  • http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/ Bianca Garcia

    I want some frickles!!! And fried jalapenos :)

  • Thehealthyapron

    Looks like fun! You gals are hilarious! I would love to try frickles though (AND your sweet potato fries!!) 

  • Lauren

     those wraps look AMAZING! I am desperate to try some of the pimento mayo!!! :)  
    xo:: Lauren @ tickled.

  • http://iheartvegetables.wordpress.com/ Liz @ Iheartvegetables

    Ahh, the power of a food blogger ;) haha That looks like so much fun!!! I’m jealous :)

  • Donnierdh

    If you liked the fried jalapanos and the fried okra, you would love the Spanish okra and Spanish fries at Matt’s Burgers and Chilie in Summerville.  It is fried okra and french fries that have fried jalapanoes mixed in.  No healthy, diet food there, but all delicious. 

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine

     I think it would be worth a trip to Charleston just to try these frickles….could I join your official group please?!

  • http://www.eatdrinkandrun.blogspot.com/ Emily @ eat.drink.run.

    mmm i could really go for some frickles and beers right about now…that’s so nice that they made you  two types even though they weren’t on the menu! i’ve had fried okra before – its really good!

  • Kerr

    Yum! James treated yall well. I love the nachos at Midtown. I dont think I have had them since football season and that is entirely too long. I need to get over there for happy hour, stat.  

  • http://www.running-from-the-law.blogspot.com sasha @ running from the law

     for a chain, smashburger does fabulous frickles!! very pickle-y!

  • Charleston Pickle Company

     Hello, this is the Charleston Pickle Company!  I have been sent your review and I was very happy that you enjoyed our pickles.  Fairly soon the Charleston Piggly Wiggly will be stocking our pickles.  Like us on FB or check in at our website to see which stores will be carrying first!

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      Glad you liked it! How did you find it? Do you currently only sell to restaurants?

      • Charleston Pickle Company

        A passionate Chas Pickle Co.  follower posted it on our Charleston Pickle Company FB page and I had also called James to see how he was making out with the pickles- he told us as well.  We currently are only selling to restaurants, but are waiting on Piggly Wiggly to put us in their system so we may sell to some of the local Charleston Pig stores.  You can follow us on FB to find out which stores are first.  You can also purchase our pickles at The Sprout @ 627 Johnnie Dodds Bld in Mt. Pleasant where I make them.  The Sprout generously allows us to share their kitchen to create our pickles! 

  • Logan Osterhout

    I was cracking up each time you thought you were done, and something else would come out of the kitchen. It all looks so good, especially the mac and cheese. Looks like you set out for a mission and accomplished it!

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      It was awesome. We felt so large after all that.

  • http://abs-nottooshabby.blogspot.com Abby

     I’ve never been to Midtown Bar and Grill. Now I really want to go! They seem so nice and the food looks delish!

  • http://www.icouldbeordinary.com amanda

    i want frickles in my stomach right this second.

  • http://www.charmofcharleston.com Sarah

    Must try those wings.  They look awesome!

    Love the frickle taste tester signs and the ongoing fickle extravaganza/investigation/challenge.

    Who seriously brought dark Dove chocolates out to eat?  Love it!

    • http://www.hungrymeetshealthy.com/ Christina

      psssh you know that was me. that was our appetizer.

  • http://onehealthymunchkin.blogspot.com/ Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin

    Ok this has made me really want to try frickles! But I think I might have a hard time finding them here… I’ve never seen them on a menu here before!

  • Shanna, like Banana

    Hmm frickles and mac and cheese?  could the night be any better?

  • http://www.peasandcrayons.com Jenn @ Peas and Crayons

    You little rockstar! Only you could demand something that isnt on the menu and get the red carpet treatment =) It looks like a flipping blast and i’m totallllly wanting some frickles now! and all the other goodies from you happy hour!

  • Natalie

    I love this post. I kind of wish I could have participated in frickle fest. I heart anything fried. My hubs bought a fry daddy and one night we fried all sorts of stuff from asparagus to pickles. I might need to have you for a fried food fest. Oh and skibos on James island serves frickles and they are delish!

  • Jess

    Frickles?! That is the cutest name for a pickle..ever!!

  • http://cupcakedynamite.wordpress.com/ courtney @ cupcakedynamite

    UMMMMMM, I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS. those seriously look so different then every other frickle I’ve seen!!

  • http://starsinthecity.wordpress.com/ Christina

    This whole post is awesomesauce!

  • http://www.cottercrunch.com lindsay cotter

    lol, i had no idea what a frickle was but now i do. duh! gotta love southern food festivals!

  • http://profiles.google.com/lawgal13 Ashley Webb

    I actually don’t like pickles, but now that I see your pickle-disliking friend Mary enjoyed the frickles, I might have to try them.

  • http://sundressesandsmiles.blogspot.com Allie

    What a fun adventure…I’m not sure if I would like frickles but that mac-n-cheese and those ribs look DELICIOUS!! I just found your blog and think it’s really cute!  Please stop by mine:  http://sundressesandsmiles.blogspot.com

  • http://lifeisbetterthanfiction.wordpress.com/ MegLIBTF

    Wow, that is some amazing food.  I’d like to re-create that turkey avocado wrap, one of my favorite combos!  Totally jealous of your frickle fest 2011.  

  • Megan @ The Oatmeal Diaries

    You guys are hilarious! This looks like soo much fun. Frickles, sweet potato fries, and beer… doesn’t get much better :)

  • chinkygirlmel

    omg! food porn! everything on there looks good!

  • http://twitter.com/wtfdoor Christine

    I love fried pickles! I’ve only had them at Hooters, though, and I assume they are much tastier elsewhere.

  • http://thisitalianfamily.wordpress.com/ Rach

    Oh my goodness, this is MY kind of a good time! I so need to visit Charleston! Why does it have to be so dang far away?? Haha! Seriously, it all looks amazing! 

  • http://www.thepreppyvegan.com The_preppy_vegan

    Frickles AND sweet potato fries? Um…yes please. 

    Also, I would totally buy a nametag that said “frickle taste tester”. Awesommmmme.