Food Fight: Wise about fries
Eegee's gets piles of praise
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.07.2008
Eegee's has been hailed as having the fry to try in our latest Food Fight.
The local fast-food chain, with 21 locations all over town, started as a vending truck business specializing in frozen fruit drinks, in 1971.
Today, you can find an Eegee's in just about any neighborhood. Its ranch fries, a pile of crispy fries covered in ranch dressing and bacon bits, were a particular favorite among the contributors to this contest, which drew more than 175 comments.
"When I used to work for Eegee's in high school, I used to make a ranch fry, well-done, with shredded cheese, jalapeños with extra bacon bits on top," said Kevin Davies, 19, now a student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. "A heart attack on a plate, but you have not lived until you've tried one."
Pat's and Luke's
Two other homegrown favorites also had strong showings.
Pat's Drive-In, the drive-up classic at 1202 W. Niagara St., had many a fry fan taking a stroll down memory lane.
"I love the fries at Pat's," said George Camacho, 30, a deputy constable. The food stop first opened its doors in 1962. "I can remember being a kid, sitting in front of Pat's with fries and a root beer. It was absolute heaven."
And Rene Lomeli, 24, swore that Pat's french fries were actually "deep fried in the spit of the gods."
"A fry at Pat's can only be described as something akin to a religious experience that will bring your mind, stomach and soul a little bit closer to becoming one with the universe," he said.
Luke's Italian Beef, with several locations including one at 101 E. Fort Lowell Road, also took in piles of praise.
"My wife is originally from Chicago, and she turned me on to Luke's," said Mike Collins, a 50-year-old software tester and self-proclaimed computer geek. "I simply love the fries, especially when you order a Chicago Dog where the fries and the dog come wrapped up together in wax paper. It's awesome."
High pro-fry-le
Several participants threw some upscale restaurants into the mix.
When school psychologist Sandi Thompson needs her fry fix, she heads down to the 58 Degrees and Holding Co. which has two locations, including one at 5340 E. Broadway.
"(They) are out of this world," said Thompson. "They come with two great sauces and lots of sea salt."
"And where else can you get the best martini in town to drink with your fries?" she asked in a follow-up e-mail.
Office manager Karen Parrish loves the taste of the "crispy, awesome fries" she gets at Zinburger, 1865 E. River Road.
And Gale Mitchell, a fan of Pastiche Modern Eatery at 3025 N. Campbell Ave., asked, "What is better than a lightly-crispy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside french fry?
"Pastiche's well-named 'Diablo' fries come with a peppery ranch dipping sauce that adds the perfect spark to the perfect fries," she added.
More options
In-N-Out Burger, with locations at 3711 E. Broadway and 8180 N. Cortaro Road.
Café a-La Carte, 150 N. Main Ave.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers at the Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road.
Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sports Grille, 2075 W. Grant Road.
The Hogie House, with locations at 5138 E. Speedway, 5810 E. 22nd St. and 3608 N. Oracle Road.
Cody's Beef 'n Beans, 2708 E. Fort Lowell Road.
Shooter's Steakhouse and Saloon, 3115 E. Prince Road.
Claim Jumper, 3761 E. Broadway.
Fuddruckers, 6118 E. Speedway.
For all of the french fry Food Fight comments and past Food Fights on the best burgers, pizzas, burritos and more in Tucson, visit www.aznightbuzz.com/foodfight.
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