It is a common complaint among Huntsville diners: Where are the good, local restaurants?
For those of us who have grown weary of the big chains' "same old, same old," there is a new concept in the south side of town. Anaheim Chili, located on Cecil Ashburn in Jones Valley, offers exciting, flavorful fare. Chili, spicy and mild, are the main attractions, but there are plenty of opening acts and sideliners available for all tastes.
"I've been working on the concept for many years," said owner Scott Harriman, who opened the restaurant November 23, 2011. "It started as an idea when I lived in Washington D.C. I thought it would be great to have a lunch counter that served one dish meals like Spaghetti, Beef Stew, Chili, Stroganoff, good (healthier) alternatives to fast food. I narrowed it down to what I really like, chili."
So far the idea seems to be catching on with area diners. It certainly was a hit with my family. We visited Anaheim Chili on a Saturday afternoon, sliding comfortably into a back table (benches on one side, chairs on the other). The atmosphere is casual, so my husband, David, and I weren't afraid of taking our two rambunctious girls, Serina, 6, and Sophia, 4.
The menu is innovative, just like the restaurant, and reasonable. The first page is full of detailed chili choices, 10 in all, available from a $3.00, 6 oz. cup to a $8.00, 20 oz. bowl. The menu's second page opens up to a world of burgers and sandwiches.
David and I started with the Texas spring rolls. Deep fried, not the healthiest item on the menu, but I am a big believer in the "moderation" philosophy. They were crisp on the outside, and inside: Amazing flavorful bites of Texas chili.
For my main dish, I ordered a bowl of white chicken chili – one of my favorite's, if it is done right. Wow! It was full of tender chicken and northern beans with a hint of garlic and cumin.
David ordered the Cuban stew and enjoyed the generous chunks of pork, black beans, lime and garlic.
For some reason, we also decided we needed to share a burger. Not that we didn't already have plenty of food. But if we were going to give a quality review, we justified, we needed to sample as many items as we could! The green chili burger was a hit with my husband, who ate it all. Not as big of a meat-eater, I devoured the onion rings we chose as our side.
As far as the kids, chances are they could have found a chili on the menu that they would have enjoyed. But for Serina and Sophia, it was a burger and fries day. Generous portions for them, as for us.
The highlight for me, however, was the habanero cheese cornbread. This is so popular, Anaheim Chili no longer offers the plain variety. The cornbread, 75 cents per slice, was mild, moist and delicious.
Huntsville residents may be familiar with the Harriman name. He was with the Washington Square Group downtown, mostly as director of operations, for five years. Harriman was also part of the original crew that first opened the restaurants.
When the Washington Square Group had a change of ownership a while back, Harriman decided to act on a dream. It continues to unfold and evolve.
"The most popular items are starting to change as people begin to branch out and try new things," said Harriman. "The green chili burger is a best seller. The black bean chili and the homestyle chili are popular. More and more people are coming in for the Cincinnati chili."
If you are a vegetarians, you can find your tummy's happy place here, too. Specifically with the 3-bean chili, vegetarian chili and the black bean burger. Most of the sides are vegetarian too.
Harriman and his wife, Shelly, a teacher at Randolph, have two daughters, 10 and 13.
"They like the restaurant and they're looking forward to being able to work here," said Harriman. "Their friends really like the food, so that's a big deal for them."
Fortunately, Anaheim Chili's repeat business has been strong, a key to any business's long-term success. And after one visit, I can understand why. I am already planning my next Anaheim Chilli order: Black bean chili and a slice of the habanero cheese cornbread. Hmm..... Make that two slices.
Anaheim Chili, located at 2030 Cecil Ashburn Drive, is open Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information, call 256-489-5531 or check out the restaurant's Facebook page.
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