A Barrel of fun

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their po- sition with the Sun Day.

Jim and I received our first and second COVID vaccinations, and it seems like there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Restaurants have officially opened up for indoor dining, and we now may be able to keep giving you restaurant reviews instead of rambling on about our dysfunctional life. We do, however, put the fun in dys“fun”ctional!!!

Before you decide to dine in at one of your favorite restaurants from days gone by, it is a good idea to give them a call. Nancy and I tried two different restaurants, and to our dismay, we learned they didn’t survive the COVID pandemic. Following up on a tip from one of our loyal readers, we called the Copper Barrel on State in Hampshire to see if they were open. To our surprise, they were, and off we went.

This restaurant is in the heart of downtown Hampshire. Be advised, there is only street parking available, but the restaurant is handicap accessible. The décor is nicely done. They have wooden beams with hanging lights and wooden planter boxes separating a section of the restaurant. It seemed to have sort of a modern rustic feel to it.

We decided to share an appetizer of Grilled Jalapenos ($7.45). This was grilled jalapenos, halved (4) and stuffed with chipotle cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and served with their homemade ranch dressing. These were awesome and hit a “7” on Jim’s Sweathead Meter, and the ranch dressing helped cool it down a bit. Don’t pass these up. They are tasty, and they won’t spoil your appetite for dinner because they are so light.

Jim decided on one of the lunch specials, the Brisket Three Cheese Grilled Cheese ($12.45). It was described as mozzarella, cheddar, American cheese, and brisket served on grilled marble rye bread, accompanied with seasoned fries. To his surprise, his sandwich was more brisket than cheese. The brisket was lean, tender, and one of the best briskets he has ever had.

Nancy, even though she is sweet enough, ordered the Pork Some Sugar on Me ($9.45). It consisted of slow roasted pulled pork, bacon, sweet barbecue sauce, and horseradish pickles all served on a gourmet roll. It came with a side of seasoned fries and she asked for them extra crispy. The lean pulled pork was moist, and they added just enough barbecue sauce to make this delectable sandwich perfect. Those horseradish pickles enhanced the taste of the sandwich.

No dessert today because we licked our plates clean, and we couldn’t fit in another bite. This is unusual for us, since we are seniors and like to take home doggie bags. We were just exceptionally hungry today since we ate a little later than usual.

We really have to get out with people more often. Being desperate for conversation, our waitress is now our new best friend. We even started suggesting items to be put on their menu, such as: A Pick Two or Pick Three of their smoked meats and call it the “Smokestack.” This will be discussed further in their Monday morning meeting. You’re welcome Copper Barrel.

Copper Barrel is a hidden gem. We can’t wait to go back for their Smokehouse Platters. Maybe they will implement our “Smokestack” suggestions so we can try even more meats!!!

The cost for our barrel of fun today was $38.16, conversing with another human being, priceless…

Jim’s take: Be careful, jalapenos are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get, hot or mild.

Nancy’s take: Jim needs to get his big boy pants on. My Sweathead meter registered about a “2.”

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com

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