Among the many options at Thanksgiving dinner growing up were the sweet potatoes, or the orange mushy stuff, as I liked to call it. I remember my mother’s reiteration that I should I least try them because they were healthy. Didn’t she realize that she was talking to the girl who usually just took a few bites of turkey and then tried to beat her pie-eating record from last year? The sweet potatoes remained untouched as I would leave the dining room looking for the whipped cream in the fridge.

That was before I knew that the orange mushy stuff could be fried and seasoned into my latest obsession — sweet potato fries. Finding a restaurant in Wichita that serves them is a rare treat, and they are a wonderful substitute to the same ol’ potato fries.

1) Dolci and Joes gave me my first taste of the sweet potato fries that the ICT has to offer. I had heard through the grapevine that these fries were all the rage at his place, but I did not expect the options. Did I want the fries sweetened or salted? After deliberating whether or not my taste buds would prefer a little brown sugar or a sweet and salty mix, I opted for the salty fries. The best of both worlds, right? When my order arrived, the fries lacked that orange color that I expected, and were a bit more mushy than crispy, but they definitely had flavor. Plus, they give you a large serving for a relatively low price. Next time, I look forward to trying the sweetened ones.

2) The Anchor had some fries that were especially satisfying. They provided the sweet, orange-colored crispiness that I expected. The half basket is the perfect amount to share between two people. Two or more people may want to share the full basket to avoid fighting over that last fry. I also recommend the honey mustard to use as dipping sauce, as I think it enhances the flavor (as my dad always says, ketchup just makes the flavor disappear).

3) Mike’s Wine Dive seems to have it all—an extensive wine list, a College Hill location and the coveted treasure of the sweet potato fry. Their thin and crispy exterior accompanied by big chunks of salt kept my mouth wanting more and limited the conversation with my company. I ate them slowly so as to enjoy them for as long as possible. I didn’t even bother with dipping sauce; the flavor was that good.

4) Timberline, although not an ICT original, should not be ignored when you get that sweet potato craving. Hot and ready within two minutes, they went home with me. They tasted as if they were homemade, even after they had spilled all over the passenger seat of my car. They were doused in outstanding seasoning and had a little more of a kick than the other fries I had tried. A good mix of salt and pepper made these fries different from the others; the pepper set them apart. I’ll be honest and tell you I was scraping the bottom of the container with my finger just to make sure I didn’t waste any of that fantastic flavor.

You may have been an anti-sweet potato kid like me, but take a chance and try the fry.

(Image Credit)

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4. [eat] Dolci & Joe’s
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