Local eats: Hopcat’s BLT Tantalizes the Taste Buds

HopCat 25 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

by Louise H.

When we walked into Hopcat’s at 25 Ionia Ave. SW in Grand Rapids, Mich., we were hit by the aroma of something wonderful cooking. As we looked over the menu, we decided on the BLT for $9.95 over the long line of burgers. We thought it would be something special, and we weren’t disappointed. It only took 10 minutes to prepare.
When the sandwich arrived on our plates, we noticed the tomatoes first. They were ripe and juicy and slid down our throats with ease. The tomato was full of flavor unlike other tomatoes we have eaten. The romaine lettuce was fresh and crisp. What made the sandwich the most delicious experience we have had in a long time was the cherry-smoked bacon. It was grilled perfectly, just the way we like it. The chef put the three parts of the sandwich on light rye bread and grilled it, adding a distinctive flavor to the main components. To bring out the best of the flavors, the chef added a blue-cheese-black pepper mayonnaise on the bread.
Besides the excellent sandwich, our palate was watering over the generous portion of Hopcat’s famous Crack Fries. We overdosed on those fries as an appetizer. If we had read the menu more carefully, we would not have ordered the fries as an appetizer.
The restaurant describes the fries as famously addictive. It must be right because one bite and we were hooked. And, they are famous. In its July/August issue, Food Network Magazine ranked the Crack Fries in its list of top 10 American fries.
Overall, we had a great time at Hopcat’s and recommend you visit and try the BLT.