Epicurean Kentuckian: Unexpected delight - Bread of Life 'burger on ColumbiaMagazine.com

2016-07-22 - Bread of Life, 5369 US 127, Liberty, Casey County, KY 42539 - Photo by George Kolbenschlag, cell phone photo.

Many people make the trek from out-of-county for the Bread of Life's buffets, not so many for their hamburgers, which are extraordinary. This one came on the recommendation of one of their absolutely delightful wait staff - we've never encountered one who wasn't helpful. She was willing to vouch for it. "They are fresh, hand-patted," she said. And then personally guaranteed satisfaction. The recommendation included her choice of sides: "Waffle fries. That's what I have." The added bonus was that, unlike a few nationally branded locations, there wasn't a sneaky upcharge for any alternatives to plain crinkle cuts. Her recommendation was spot on. Dr. Kolbenschlag opted for their sweet potato fries, which come with a special sweet house sauce; that combination alone is reason to make the journey. And, again, no *sneaky upcharge - there's never a surprise on Bread of Life tickets. The sandwiches come on buns which hold the burger without getting soggy or falling apart, the onion ordered was a slice, and the tomato was fresh from a local garden, and a slice - not a hint. The lettuce? Yes, that's the way it came. Sticking out around the bun, which is lightly toasted. The product reminded me of the Rev. Eldon Trubee favorites from one of his list of "Sincere Restaurants," like the old Coomer's Cafe, where the product was the star. Best of all, while we were critiquing the restaurant, some folks from home came over to see us: Former UK Wildcat Basketball Great George Critz, who was there with his lovely bride, Doris. It's like Picadilly Circus - you always see someone you know. - EW.

*Sneaky upcharge: You see a combination on the drive-up menu. The price is $5.99, with drink and fries. You mentally calculate the tax as 36¢ for a total of $6.35. The Voice on the speaker asks what side you want. You ask, what do you have. The Voice says, "Regular fries, curly fries," and you go wild with adventure and say, "Curly fries." The voice says, "That will be $6.56." You don't recalculate and you don't make a scene. But later, the arithmetic nags. You look at the ticket. There's a 20¢ upcharge for the curly fries, and The Voice said nothing about that. No big deal? No. But you don't go back to that store. Sneaky upcharges are a pervasive problem with a few chains. To much so to think it is not a chiseling practice. And, in all fairness, I've never had it happen at a McDonald's - more often than not, the ticket is lower. Somehow they've usually given a discount for a reason I didn't know. Could be they recognize a Withering Years Old Guy, and give an Old Folks Discount. Much appreciated. - ED WAGGENER