This weekend, I delved into new territory as an onion ring reviewer: dinner and a show. Following a stellar performance of Fiddler on the Roof at my alma mater, South Christian High School, I proceeded to dinner at Peppino's, at their Kentwood location. To my delight, they offered some (probably non-kosher) onion rings! Would the post-musical high alter my taste buds, and cause me to be more accepting of imperfections? This change could prove to be dramatic. Before launching into my review, my thanks to Doug Wiersma, Lisa Wiersma, Micah Wiersma, and Cati Schmitz for accompanying me on my quest (and, in some cases, paying for it.)
The rings are plated somewhat haphazardly, crammed on the same tray as my sandwich. As would be expected from a sports bar, they're over paper and in a basket. The presentation itself was fine.
Appearance as generally consistent with a pub style onion ring, though the breading was probably smoother than average, for the most part. Some of the rings were breaded inconsistently, with exposes onion leaking through the cracks, or with some overcooked, darker brown, gnarly bits sticking to the side.
Taste - 2.5/5
On first bite, I wasn't too impressed. On the plus side, the rings weren't excessively greasy. The breading was at least moderately seasoned and flavorful. However, the onion flavor was just not there. I could hardly taste it at all. In general, the flavor of these rings struggled to rise above mediocrity.
There was, however, one shining light. The accompanying ranch dipping sauce was, without a doubt, the best ranch I have ever had. Words are unable to describe it properly. It was rich and tangy, and it oozed flavor and zest. It managed to squeeze a little bit more flavor into the otherwise fairly bland onion rings, but often, the onion rings just served as a vehicle for the ranch itself.
Texture - 2/5
The onion interior of these rings, in addition to lacking flavor, had an unsatisfying texture to it as well. Though not so mushy as to disintegrate into vaguely onion flavored paste, it lacked a firmness to give the ring itself structure. This probably contributed to the high instance of onion slippage, leaving a husk of breading where there was once a delightful onion ring.
As for the breading, it too lacked a satisfying crunch. It was soft, and probably also contributed to the slippage problem that plagued these rings.
Value - 3.5/5
Though the onion rings lacked a cohesive onion flavor, and the soft texture left something to be desired, they were a high value. For a mere $1.99 (offered as a side to sandwiches and burgers,) I got a filling side portion.
Total: 11.5/20
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