Fries cooked in duck fat? Yes please.

When we travel, we're much more likely to check out a local favorite than eat at a chain restaurant. Boy did we hit a home run when we discovered Bull City Burger and Brewery in Durham, NC.

They use local, fresh ingredients. They make everything in house, even grinding their own beef from local cows for the amazing burgers they serve. They also save the grain leftover from the brewing operation for local farmers, who use it for animal feed. The atmosphere at Bull City Burger and Brewery is relaxed and inviting and you can see the brewing operation while you're waiting in line to order.


Now on to the really important stuff -- the food. They serve french fries cooked in duck fat and served with rosemary and Fleur de Sel (a sea salt).

Go ahead and let that sink in for a minute. This is the kind of dish that has you wetting the tip of your finger to grab the tiny bits of salt, rosemary and potato crumbs after all the fries are gone. 

We found Bull City Burger and Brewery when we went to see "Mary Poppins" last year. We ate there this weekend when we went to the Durham Performing Arts Center to see "The Book of Mormon" (great show, by the way). This time, we discovered something just as good as the Duck Fries. Bacon Marmalade.

I have already searched for some recipes because we will be working to perfect our own version very soon. It's sweet and salty and is a perfect burger topping. It makes bacon spreadable, taking the concept of bacon as a condiment to a whole new level.

And of course they brew terrific beers. This time, I had the Pale Ale and Jeffrey had the Olden Horny Barley Wine. The barley wine makes your mouth tingle. 

If you find yourself in Durham, check out this place. We're already trying to figure out another reason to go ourselves, just so John can try the Duck Fries.