king cake...

Fat Tuesday.  Sounds like such a jolly time.  And the roommates and I made sure it was.  Never mind the beads, we went straight for the beef and checked out a new restaurant that had opened recently near us - the Snak Shack, formerly known as the Shake Shack (until it's name was copyrighted by someone else), formerly known as Wheat State Pizza (until this location went out of business).

It's a quirky little place.  Sporadic decor posted on the walls and random items in the dining area (note Renee's knight helmet) had me a little confused between hole in the wall every band poster ever made plastered floor to ceiling and quaint, personality-filled spot to grab a bite.  I'd possibly like to say it gave the effect of trying too hard to be cool, without looking like trying hard, but really, the decor matters much less than the food.  So forget the walls.

The burgers were fabulous.  Lean beef, yummy romaine, and a thick bun that didn't get loaded with grease.  And the onion rings were phenomenal.  I'm a bit of an onion ring snob, and these were the best I've had.  That I remember.  Really, really good.  You must try them.  And, even better, the restaurant sources locally raised and organic ingredients.  Makes me happy.

I brought along the camera because the poor thing has been up in the closet for way too long this winter. It needed some action.  Something colorful and warm and bright.  I think we all found a little bit this rainy, Mardi Gras of a night.