how do I love murry’s? let me count the ways.

1. Brock’s Green Pepper Rings: Does a more delicious and nonsensical appetizer made for nonstop munching exist on this earth? At first glance, powdered sugar atop fried green peppers might sound odd. I assure you, it’s the perfect combination.

2. Blue Chips Cheese Bread: Provolone? Good. Blue cheese? Good. And with shrimp placed ever so gingerly on top? Wonderful.

3. French Fries: Mais non, monsieur, these are ordinary french fries. Hand-cut, fresh, salted to perfection and perfectly delicious.

I paid my fifth visit to Murry’s in Columbia recently with a few co-workers while we were on lunch break from Dreamweaver training. Once again, I was not disappointed. I ordered the special, which that day was Tiger Chicken (rename it Jayhawk Chicken and it might taste even better), a beautifully grilled and well-seasoned chicken breast with sautéed banana peppers, red peppers, and onions, topped with melted pepper-jack cheese and served on top of a bun. This thing packed some heat. Murry’s is, for the most part à la carte, so I also ordered a side of fries. For an appetizer, we split the green pepper rings, and in about five minutes flat, we polished off the bowl.

My co-workers both ordered the chicken salad sandwich, and if my memory serves me, it was like a little fluffy cloud of chicken and mayonnaise and other delectable things resting on a croissant bed. One of my dining companions declared: “This chicken salad sandwich kicks the ass of all other chicken salad sandwiches.” Enough said.

Murry’s has nearly everything I look for in a restaurant: consistently great food, prompt and friendly service and reasonable prices. If this place can serve the caliber of food that it does at its exceptional prices in a pleasant atmosphere, then in what world should an Applebee’s or T.G.I.Fridays exist?