OPINION —
In 2008, Brittney Patton, my niece, earned her two bachelor’s degrees from Texas State University. She graduated in three years, summa cum laude, with highest honor, and with a perfect 4.0. The girl was a little bright.
At that time, Brittney also earned her second Lieutenant’s stripe. She then was stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Brittney eventually became a captain in the U.S. Army with the Military Police. She was an outstanding army officer; she loved our country so much she wanted to help protect it; she became my husband Mike’s and my hero. She served tours in Iraq and South Korea. I could see her becoming the first female General Patton; we were and are so proud of her.
However, her service in the U.S. Army led to many serious medical issues, some of which she is dealing with currently. Therefore, after 16 years of service to our country, Brittney received a medical retirement.
During her time in the military, Brittney received a master’s degree from Webster University. After her medical discharge, Brittney moved to Missouri, where she received her second master’s degree at the University of Missouri.
But I digress.
Back in 2008, when our niece received her two bachelor’s degrees and second Lieutenant’s stripe, our family went out to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate. Now, I love Mexican food, so we ordered our favorite appetizer, jalapeño poppers.
However, I had only eaten Mexican food in Alabama and Georgia, so I wasn’t ready for jalapeño poppers in Texas.
I bit into that jalapeño popper, and I turned into a fire-breathing dragon. It was too hot. I managed to finish that one pepper after downing a lot of Diet Coke.
Even Mike, who loved spicy foods, could also eat only one popper.
Then I asked Brittney’s uncle on her sweet Mama’s side if he would like my second popper; he said he would, thanked me and downed that jalapeño popper without any liquid whatsoever. But I digress again.
Awhile back, Mike and I traveled to 121 N. College St. in Auburn to try Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. I loved Hattie B’s orange and blue interior, obviously, and its’ upbeat vibe. The restaurant had big screen TVs covering the walls.
I told Mike, “This place will clean up during football and basketball season.”
He agreed.
Justice, who took our order, was delightful and answered all of my questions.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken opened last July 16. Nick Bishop Sr., who co-founded the company with his son Nick Bishop Jr., is a 1976 graduate of Auburn University.
According to a previous article in The Observer, the Auburn location is the 19th Hattie B’s to be opened by the father-son duo. Nick Sr. said that it was special to bring Hattie B’s to Auburn because the town has held such fond memories for his family. Our server Justice told me Hattie B’s is named after Nick Jr.’s little girl; in fact, we just missed her when we ordered our meals.
Since Mike and I can’t eat spicy food without waking up with acid reflux, we happily ordered the Not Spicy Southern chicken tenders with Zero Burn.
And we both chose crinkle-cut French fries as our side. Man, those chicken tenders were delicious and caused ZERO acid reflux. The fries were great, too.
Also, Hattie B’s gets bonus points for serving Heinz Ketchup, the only one I love. I surely wish that Hattie B’s Hot Chicken had been at Auburn when I was there in the mid-‘80s.
Hattie B’s has Every Day Heat Levels of Mild, which has “just a kiss” of fire. I loved that the restaurant used fire memes to indicate how hot the chicken tenders or wings were. Medium, the most popular, had two fire memes, and Hot On the Edge had three.
The Enthusiast Heat Levels were by far the hottest, with Habanero with four fire memes and Ghost with five.
Other sides at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken included: pimento mac ‘n cheese, baked beans, bacon-cheddar grits, Southern greens, creamy coleslaw, lil’ salad and two waffles, which contained pork. Also, five of the sides are gluten free.
Once again, Mike and I were bad because we ordered banana pudding. As a diabetic, I shouldn’t do that, but I tried it for my readers. Sure, that’s the reason.
That banana pudding tasted just right, as Goldilocks would have said. Other desserts included peach cobbler, vanilla ice cream and a waffle Sundae.
Trust me, run and do not walk to Hattie B’s Hot Chicken; you’ll be glad you did.
Brittney, this review was for you. Thank you for your service to our country.
Your Uncle Mike and I love you and are very proud of you.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, Making the Grade, will appear in The Observer every other week. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
