! Hashcapades

What? Expecting a fancy photo of potato hash? Fughgeddaboudit! I officially declare complete and total hash victory. That’s right – Orange Table sets a new standard for an old favorite, corned beef hash, with southwest machismo and flare – olé! Tucked away in Scottsdale Mall in Old Town, Orange Table is worth the drive from just about anywhere in the valley. In my case, I was attending WordCamp Phoenix 2012 in Chandler, but hit the 101 northbound in a flash to hook up with my hashcapade posse.

Quick confession – WordCamp Phoenix knows how to throw a party. So, let’s just say I was looking a wee bit rough, as I shielded my eyes from the bright sun! (I’m from Portland – what’s that shiny thing?) Fortunately, our cheerful hostess made us feel right at home as we waited outside for our table. As luck would have it, I met the owner of the award-winning Orange Table, Craig Pierson, and proceeded to explain my hash obsession. He grinned and told me I had found the right place – six delicious hashes from which to choose – things were looking up!

Another confession – my eyes were a little wonky still and the sun was burning my retinas, so I had my nephew’s son hold up the menu against the wall at about 5 paces. Nope. Couldn’t read it. “Come closer,” I whined. Nothing. “Closer, please,” I begged. He stood there. “Okay, make your Grand Uncle move…such a hassle!” At about 1 pace and with much squinting, I found the Rosetta Stone that would unlock the secrets of Orange Table and cure my, um, condition!

Whoa –  Green Flannel Hash? Seriously – who can resist roasted green chilis and jalapeño? Not I as I quickly ordered the hash and an Americano. My sister ordered the Red Flannel Hash and her hubby, ever astute, followed my example. The boys ordered massive chocolate chip pancakes and my nephew picked the Prosciutto Melt.

Final confession – as I took my first bite of hash, I was floored by the sensory overload: salty, chunky corned beef, piquant chili & jalapeño, earthy roasted potatoes with the skins still on – perfection! The rest of my hashcapade posse agreed their selections were equally hashtastic, er, fantastic if you’re talking about the boys’ pancakes. Success!

And, as if by magic, Kings of Leon’s Arizona started playing over the speakers with its intoxicating and slow start: “Now taste, all I ever needed, all I ever wanted, so hold on to surrender.” Well, surrender I did – to Orange Table and its victory over me!

Happy Hashcapades,

Clark