Happy Hour at The Fat Dog

Our lovely, winding streets in the Montrose Shopping Park have over the last five years become a “foodie” destination. When we first opened our store in 2000, this was not the case. Yes, there were a few well-known restaurant choices, but now we are ripe for the likes of a Food Network visit.

I have been writing this column for close to four years and am still making Montrose culinary discoveries that I love to pass on to you. These days many up and coming restaurants have a new spot on the menu, the cherry on the typical lunch and dinner fare, called “Happy Hour.” Happy hours are a good reason to dine early, catch up with friends, soak up the atmosphere, get waited on and save money doing it. Hey! I see the makings of a new show: “Triple H” – Happy Hour Hangouts.

In the meantime, I’ll get the party started.

The Fat Dog (2265 Honolulu Ave.) is a perfect place to start. When you step into Happy Hour at The Fat Dog, you are immediately thankful they have a good air conditioner that really works! The gastro pub food is enhanced by the carefully restored “Cali pub” atmosphere with chalkboards, rich dark woods and perfectly tiled floors. I was feeling happy already and then Madeline, our server, came along with a cute little rectangular dish of almonds. These almonds alone are worth the trip. Let me repeat: These almonds alone are worth the trip. They are roasted fresh in the kitchen with sea salt, rosemary, thyme and a pinch of cayenne and served warm. Amazing!

We were then given the special Happy Hour menu with delectable small plate and pub food choices. There are so many good ones that you should make it a goal to try several Happy Hours just to sample them all. Did you know FD is known for their burger? After trying one, I now know why. They use premium ground beef, seared to perfection for a charred flavor, top it with Vermont cheddar cheese served on a fresh, toasted bun with a side of herb sprinkled fries – all for only $4!

Have you ever tried fried olives? Fat Dog stuffs theirs with imported blue cheese and they are quite the decadent bite for $3. I was also delighted to find Swedish meatballs on the menu, another “must order” plate. The meatballs are accompanied by baby gold potatoes, lingonberry sauce and gravy for $5. Comfort food at its creative best!

Thick battered onion rings are served in a rolled brown paper bag along with two dipping sauces for $3 and you can also get warm, soft pretzels with an imported beer and cheese fondue, too! It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? To wash all of this down, enjoy house wine for $4, ice cold beers for $3, well drinks at $5, a good ol’ fashioned lemonade for $3, or fresh hot coffee at only $2.

So here’s my idea of another memorable Montrose Shopping Park day. Ready? Come to shop, stroll, and enjoy our unique “one of a kind” stores. Work up an appetite. Head to The Fat Dog around 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday to cool off and recharge. Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday. When you go, let them know you read about the almonds! I’ll be posting pics on the Montrose Shopping Park Facebook page of the fun fare described here.

See you in Montrose! www.shopmontrose.com