Biscuit Memories
I recently returned from a wonderful trip to North Carolina, the state of my alma mater, first owned home and many dear friends. I was quickly reminded, upon stepping foot onto my old stomping grounds, of one particular food item which is emblematic of the region. Yes, many of you might think I’d mention grits, fried okra, iced tea or all wonderful desserts, each of which I could write about. But the one which stands foremost in my memory from this trip – BISCUITS.
Usually comprised of lard, shortening or lots of butter, they are not exactly the healthiest item on a menu, and even less so if they have a greasy, fried piece of chicken in between, but every now and then, you have to let loose and have one. But back to my trip….
I stepped off the plane in Charlotte and headed to the baggage claim. There, along the winding conveyor system, were photos of giant biscuits, decorating the carrousel as bags passed by. “Yes,” I thought to myself, “I am back in the South!”
Fast forward to Chapel Hill, my next stop on the whirlwind six-day trip. I got to experience another glorious day at Kenan Stadium (we’ll just ignore the dreadful performance by the Heels against the Hoos). As part of the halftime entertainment, a sophomore student got to attempt a 25 yard field goal. A rare feat by an amateur, he kicked it between the uprights! Rather than a lucrative cash prize which individuals tend to win at NFL games, this lucky student got a year supply of breakfast biscuits at Hardees. Hum…I don’t know about you, but I think he got gypped (then my mom reminded me that students are poor and hungry, so maybe I am wrong).
My final memory is that of the Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen. I remember this little shack of a restaurant having the best cinnamon rolls on the face of the earth. But admittedly, my tastes have changed since college (and so has my body weight, thanks to no longer eating delicious treats like these). I thought the chances of this little establishment still being solvent were small, given it has been (hum..hum…) 23 years since I was soaking in the sites and sounds of UNC.
Not only was the Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen still in business – it was thriving. I could barely fit my car into the drive-through when I stopped by at 8 a.m. on Sunday. When I drove back by SBK later that morning, there was line of 10 cars backed into the street waiting to place their orders. And I must say, one bite of that luscious cinnamon roll and I was re-living my glory days. All for the cost of a whopping $1.19.
I highly recommend planned indulgence. (I happened to plan mine after a long jog as well).
And if you are ever in Chapel Hill, you MUST try one of these for yourself. After all, behind every reputable cinnamon roll is a high quality biscuit.
Melinda Hinson Neely runs a business, runs a household and still manages to run marathons. She has consulted with many clients in the health and wellness industry, and more importantly, has stayed healthy and happy while juggling meetings, relocations, business trips, marriage and children. 
The chicken biscuits from Bojangles were on my mind too as I read this. Congrats on the book Melinda! 
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I would eat chicken biscuits everyday if I lived in Carolina. I want about six of those heavenly inventions.
I heard from another one of my Southern friends that the chicken biscuits at Bojangles are pretty darn good, too.
The chicken biscuits from Bojangles were on my mind too as I read this. Congrats on the book Melinda!