Two weeks ago I decided to do something alone that was going to fill my cup. “Fill my cup” is a phrase I’ve seen online recently, well-timed with the wave of independence in my mid-20s. In an effort to stay active in going out this winter, I am shedding my preconceived notions anyone is actually paying that much attention to me when I go out alone. I called ahead to a BYOB restaurant a few towns over. I’ve been eyeing the ever-changing menu at Hearthside for months now, and I was determined to try it out. The only hesitation I had was I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. Usually when faced with this dilemma, I let go of my plans and pivot to a night in. Instead, I got on the phone with the restaurant to see if they allowed for walk-ins. The host on the other end of the line told me outside is reserved for walk-ins and that was going to be my only option. Still determined to make it out of the house after 6 p.m. on a Friday night, I slipped leggings on under my jeans and wrapped myself in my long winter coat over my sweater and topped my layers off with a scarf. Armed with my most recent read, The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter, I made the drive over to Hearthside.

When I arrived, I checked in at the host stand and made my way to the restroom before heading to my table. The interior is warm and inviting with the contrast of exposed brick mixed with warm-toned wood and low lighting. Something I mention every time someone asks about my experience is the staff makes a point to move out of the way of guests, and you’re rarely walking beside someone who works there. After my quick trip to the bathroom, I was escorted outside. While I was seated (I got my choice of table, being the only one out there), I was given some time to look over the menu while propane heaters were lit around me.

As someone who considers herself a casual foodie, there was something deliciously exciting about dining alone. I opted for the fixed-price menu, and my choices were as follows: first, ricotta; second, fusilli (waiter-recommended); third, fried chicken; and finally for dessert: the apple tart (also recommended). I mean every word I type that this was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Course one was ricotta with lemon & poppyseed, pistachio, pickled plums (the best part), and sumac pesto. I’ve never tried sumac before, and the pesto was salty and perfectly balanced the whole dish. Paired with some pita-like flatbread, it was the perfect vehicle for the salty-vinegar taste perfectly cut with black peppercorn. Moving on to the second course, my waiter, Augustus, recommended the fusilli pasta with broccoli, bacon broth, roasted garlic and Calabrian chili. The pictures I have definitely do not do this dish any justice. The bowl came out steaming hot, and I had to stop myself from diving in for fear of burning my mouth. The chili came out immediately, and I found the hot and spicy pasta a nice contrast to the weather outside. My third course of fried chicken was definitely the star of the show. A generous half-chicken portion was placed in front of me sitting on buttermilk ranch with house-made hot sauce and pickles on top.

I have never had fried chicken this crispy in my life. Barely making a dent in my portion, I had to ask for the rest of the chicken to be boxed up. Wrapping up my meal, I finished with the apple tart, which included a brown butter sable, almond cream and maple sumac glaze. I also added on a double shot of espresso which came with the cutest warm walnut brownie.

I could gush about this place forever, and I cannot wait to go back and experience a new menu. If I am able to plan ahead, I noticed a long table off to the side in the dining room that seems perfect for an intimate celebration. One thing I have to note is I ended up taking off my coat and scarf while I was dining outside; those heaters are powerful. And next time I have to participate in the BYOB!

— Fiona Stewart, account executive