Dish by Dish: Hermann's Nachos Supreme

truly understands the rules of great bar food. Sloppy, perhaps, but a science nonetheless, the Nachos Supreme at Hermann's stand up against anybody's objectification of what makes delicious bar food.  

The portion is huge layers of fried corn tortilla chips layered on a skillet with toppings usually falling off during its trek from the kitchen to the table. Abundance is really what this celebrated appetizer is all about. Not only is the sheer quantity enough for a table of four, but the chips are overloaded with each individual topping.

Good bar food is almost always greasy while exceptional bar food never overdoes the grease factor. The nachos at Hermann's are undoubtedly indulgent, but a lot of the moistness comes from the black beans, balancing the grease from the cheese. The combination feels just as guilty to eat but doesn't leave you feeling heavy later in the night or the next morning.

While some great bar food can get away with just being greasy and sharable, Hermann's Nachos are also delicious! The chips are coated with heaps of black beans and your choice of beef or chicken. Pay the extra dollar and get the chicken. The chicken is juicy and flavorful. It's shredded like you'd expect from an authentic Mexican restaurant. They then melt a thick layer of cheddar jack cheese over the top. After the nachos are baked the cooks top the appetizer with all of the raw ingredients: chopped red onion, black olives, and shredded lettuce.

It's not until you're eating them that a couple of the lesser known rules of bar food come into play. Anywhere else, the mess these nachos create might be off-putting, but in the casual setting of Hermann's Old Towne Grille there's nothing to be embarrassed about as the cheese and lettuce drips off of your chin. The appetizer tastes so good that you're left with no choice other than to celebrate the mess! Also, don't be surprised if you start to crave a beer mid-chow. The dish pairs great with any of the many local Michigan beers Hermann's features on tap.

Sharable? Check. Greasy? Check. Delicious? Check. Messy? Check. Great with a beer? Check. When looking for great bar food in Plymouth, Hermann's Nachos Supreme makes the grade.