<strong>By Pamela Brownstein</strong>

Fat Patties excels at elevating basic food to the next level with an emphasis on quality ingredients, handmade dishes and a touch of whimsy that makes dining here always an excellent experience.

The Lunch Bunch started with three amazing appetizers. The Pork Stuffed Jalapenos made with half a roasted jalapeno pepper filled with pulled pork and topped with smoked Gouda sauce were scrumptious; the Bacon and Cheddar Tater Tots served

[caption id="attachment_12437" align="alignright" width="205"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bacon-and-cheese-tater-tots.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12437" alt="Bacon and cheese tater tots" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bacon-and-cheese-tater-tots-300x199.jpg" width="205" height="135" /></a> Bacon and cheese tater tots[/caption]

with a side of chipotle mayo and an amazing apple salad were awesome; and we had to get our favorite, the flash fried Deviled Shrimp with chili lime pepper jelly and served with cool ranch dipping sauce.

Choosing an entrée can present a challenge: Do you go with one of their elaborate house burgers or do you build your own? Should you try a brat or a different patty such as turkey or black bean? Elizabeth ordered the Verde with guacamole, jalapeno and goat cheese but this time on a turkey burger, which she declared delicious. Buck tried something new for him with the Over Easy on a half

[caption id="attachment_12439" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Frenchie1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12439" alt="The Frenchie" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Frenchie1-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> The Frenchie[/caption]

bacon patty. This big burger is piled high with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, carmelized onions and a fried egg. I had to stick with my go-to favorite because I had been craving it: The Frenchie. With a generous slab of Brie, carmelized onions, rosemary mustard and apple slaw on a half-bacon, half beef burger, it is impossible to pass up.

Our Lunch Bunch guests were overwhelmingly pleased with their choices. Mrs. Harding enjoyed her Baby Blue on a half bacon burger with blue cheese, carmelized onions and garlic mayo. Mr. Harding felt adventurous and tried the special burger called “That Must Be Bacon Jam Because Bacon Jelly Don’t Shake Like That.” This beef burger was topped with a combination of peanut butter, jalapenos, mayo, bacon jam and apples, and was definitely one-of-a-kind. All the burgers were served with a side of Fat Patties’ tasty hand cut rosemary and sea salt fries.

For dessert, we had to sample some of the more than 15 flavors of homemade ice cream. With unique choices such as Fruit Loops, Bailey’s Caramel or Honey Peanut Butter, it was hard to decide but we tried two new flavors: Mango Strawberry Cheesecake — with yummy chunks of cheesecake crust — and Chocolate Covered

[caption id="attachment_12438" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Milkshake-Burnt-marshmellow.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-12438" alt="Burnt marshmellow milkshake" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Milkshake-Burnt-marshmellow-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Burnt marshmellow milkshake[/caption]

Banana Split made with bananas, cherries, and pieces of dark chocolate. Both were recent creations by head chef Pedro, who said he loves inventing new ice cream flavors and burger ideas, and the atmosphere at Fat Patties fosters his culinary creativity. We also ordered a milkshake made with Burnt Marshmellow ice cream, which Elizabeth especially liked because it tasted like it just came off the campfire.

A good restaurant wouldn’t be complete without a great bar that features a super selection of craft beers, many from breweries in Charleston and Atlanta. So while Fat Patties is certainly a family friendly joint, it is also a place where adults can gather and enjoy beverages that they might not be able to find elsewhere.

Fat Patties is located at 831 Parris Island Gateway, a half mile from Parris Island, and is open daily at 11 a.m. Call 843-379-1500 or visit www.fat-patties.com or find them on Facebook where you can get daily updates on specials and events such as happy hour or trivia night.