Lili's Diner

Onion rings

Both the menu and a server boasted that these onion rings were the "BEST in town." And I have to hand it to them, there certainly was ooh-ing and ahh-ing when they arrived at the table. They were huge, and if you'll notice, they're a little picked over in this photo. In theory, when food arrives at the table, I photograph it first in all its steamy bounty and then dig in. I was so hungry and ready for these puppies that I completely forgot to take the picture. I was about mid-way through my third ring when I cussed aloud and begrudgingly started snapping photos with half an onion ring still hanging out of my mouth. So realize that this basket arrived with a larger pile than what you see here.

And they were good. I'm more accustomed to a thicker breading on onion rings and these were on the lighter side. They were crunchy without being heavy. They needed a little salt, but after that addition they were even better. The lightness worries me, though. When I eat those heavier rings, I can get through about two before the violent self-loathing begins. This lighter batter eliminated that natural break in face-shoveage and I wound up eating more than I intended. They may have won the battle ... but they have not won the war. What am I talking about. They won the war too ($4.99).