Real Bites of On The Crunchy Side

By Jason Sethre
jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Thu, Jan 5th, 2012
Posted in All Real Bites

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Last Thursday, after a long and busy day at the office, I contemplated getting a quick bite to eat along with co-worker Tyler Grundman, a lead developer with SMG Web Design. We both happened to be working late and apparently hungry.

So, with a little collaboration, we made plans for a road trip to Harmony to dine at On The Crunchy Side.

I've been there a number of times, and I like trying something different each time -- always a pleasant surprise.

For a restaurant blended with a bar, this is not your typical dining establishment. As a matter of fact, from my experience of traveling from one eatery to the next, I don't think there is any other place like On The Crunchy Side in all of Southeast Minnesota. OTCS is more of an upscale bar with really, really good food at a very affordable price.

That night, I ordered the special, which was a visual masterpiece.

After consuming my plate of medallion steaks covered in mushrooms and gravy along with a healthy side of broccoli, cheesy garlic bread and the most delicious soup I think I've ever had, I talked to Miles Petree, the owner and chef, about this particular meal.

I had no idea what thought and preparation went into this meal.

Specifically, I was interested in the soup. Miles explained that he uses locally-grown squash along with some spices to assemble this creation. I had never indulged in a soup like that, and I do hope he continues to offer it throughout this changing season.

As curious minds want to know, I asked Miles if he made this soup from a special recipe he found somewhere. With a smile, he said, "No, it's my own creation." Through a series of his own experimental taste tests, masterful chef Miles brings something fresh and unique to the menu. The only other person I know who can do that with relentless and credible success is my grandmother. Her authentic homeade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches rank among my top five favorite meals.

If you're interested in learning more about On The Crunchy Side, you can check out their menu at www.onthecrunchyside.com or give them a call at 507-886-5560.

I feel fortunate to live in an area where we have absolutely no corporate-owned restaurants. Every restaurant in our area is family owned and operated. Every dining establishment in the area provides something unique from the ambiance to the tasty bites that keep us coming back for more. We have a great selection of restaurants right here in our own backyard, and I plan on sharing my dining experiences from one town to the next.

Look for this feature every week in the Fillmore County Journal, along with online under the Real Bites section.

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