Omnivore - Weird panino, sinful burger, fancy French stuff

Who knew a Brussels-sprout panino would be delicious?

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I had a good lunch at Campagnolo Friday. I initially balked at the idea of a panino made with roasted Brussels sprouts and anchovy aioli, plus prosciutto and Fontina cheese (photo above). But it was actually delicious, as our terrific server, Jerry, promised. The anchovies were apparently blended into the aioli with such moderation that their taste only showed up as saltiness....

It looks like the infamous Chick-fil-A cows may be winning the war against hamburger consumption. Chicken is popping up everywhere.

There’s the new Bantam & Biddy and Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano. And the beef-heavy Roxx is now featuring classic coq au vin ($14.95) Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 5 p.m. On the same days, the restaurant is bringing back its popular Honey Boo Chicken ($11.95), half a chicken roasted, grilled and glazed with a honey-barbecue sauce. It’s available all day....

Speaking of Bantam & Biddy, three of us lunched there Friday on the $6 special of country fried steak with mashed potatoes. I ordered a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. Super bargain....

And speaking of fried, Wayne and I dined at Dakota Blue a few nights ago and he ordered a gigantic, boneless pork chop coated and fried in panko, topped with pico de gallo and served over mashed potatoes and spinach. Another super bargain at $11.95....

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We dined at Republic Social House Thursday night. That’s when they host Dirty South Trivia, a (hilarious) contest with the theme of sex, drugs and rock and roll. We learned the “speed of ejaculate,” the added contents of a marijuana candy cane, and the sexual proclivities of the Three Wise Men. Something to gross-out everyone.

Considering the sinful and sexy-hot ambiance, I ordered the Va La Hades burger (left photo). It’s made with two patties, “fire spice rub,” jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and habanero mayo. It really wasn’t very hot at all - just enough to give you a nice taste of hell fire without plunging you into screaming pain....

Urban Eats Consulting Group, run by Todd Semrau, has its eye on the pending “resurgence” of the area around Turner Field. It’s already started with the renovation of a 4,000-sq.-ft property called Mechanicsville Plaza. Restaurant owners looking for new locations should check it out.