"Crispy Caramel Chicken Salad"

Last week I went to lunch with some friends and we decided to check out Hamburger Mary’s. It’s a new spot that recently came to downtown Orlando and is definitely a fun spot. It’s perfect for this gal – I mean they even serve your check in a STILETTO!

SL had been coveting their “to die for” salmon salad and, well, who am I to argue. Plus – I do have a bone to pick with Downtown Orlando – lunch options are really limited. Whatever is really good tends to disappear. I mean, c’mon – Cafe Ritazza and Nature’s Table have gone downhill and if I’m going to spend $8+ for a sandwich, it better be good.

In between catching up with Mich and SL and checking out the latest dance vids on one of the many screens playing through Hamburger Mary’s, we decided to split an app. – Fried Mac ‘N Cheese.  Delish!  For my entree, I was brave, coming out of my safe shell and try something that had me intrigued – the Crispy Caramel Chicken Salad. I figured “Well, it’s probably sweet and savory” and thought that the caramel was an accent. Well either the chef had a craving for a caramel sundae or they seriously think this hot ass mess was definitely palatable.

From Hamburger Mary’s website:

CRISPY CARAMEL CHICKEN SALAD

Fresh chilled mixed greens topped with crispy fried caramel chicken, tomato, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, croutons with ranch dressing.

 Let me be frank – there was no “CARAMEL CHICKEN“. It was caramel drowning every iota of this salad. It was just, for lack of a better term, horrid.

SL was so gracious when he tried it, commenting “Well, it’s not my favorite” and resumed attacking his salmon salad with gusto (more than likely to erase that swill of caramel swirled over the chicken like it was vanilla ice cream). I kept trying to find the good in it but I just couldn’t.  I came to the conclusion that while they thought they were being innovative, quite frankly, the term “less is more” should apply here.

 Hamburger Mary’s, I’m sorry but you get a “FAIL” when it comes to this idea.   I think that the next time I come in, I’ll be sticking with something safe – like the salmon.