Oasis

When last night’s raging party got the best of you, and you literally can’t remember any it you might have drinkers remorse. But you wake up, and your pounding headache is enough proof of a rough night. On top of feeling like death, you are starving. To cure the pure head-pounding, stomach-churning, I’d rather be hit in the head with an axe hangover, a Gatorade and a greasy burger will help relieve the miserable symptoms. Drinking all week just prevented daily hangovers and rolled all into one big one.  When I re-entered the real world I was woken up with a massive headache, nausea, and fast heartbeats. A hangover like this would typically prevent me from getting out of my bed or being productive. I was irritable, having hot flashes, and body aches. I would have rather been hit over the head with a sledgehammer than get out of my bed.  But I did not feel as bad when I woke up with a text from my friend that said, “ I broke up with my girlfriend, punched my best friend, and peed the bed…and I don’t know which one to take care of first.” Sometimes spring break gets the best of you.

            The Monday after spring break I was extremely exhausted from spring break and my hangover was catching up to me. For class we ate at one of Tuscaloosa’s best-kept secrets, Oasis. As I entered the restaurant I felt like I was being transported back ten years. The wood paneling and jukebox dated the little dive bar, but if I have learned anything this semester it is that hole in the wall restaurants usually produce some of the best food. I loved seeing the locals drinking a beer at the bar at 2pm. Since they are known for their burgers and onion rings, I had to indulge myself. I had already gained all of my weight back anyways. I hesitantly ordered my hamburger with everything on it.

After much anticipation my burger arrived. I was disappointed that it didn’t come with fries or any sides. When my burger was placed in front of me it looked perfect. Until this moment I have not been able to eat a full sober meal. I am used to all of the condiments dominating the burger but I was extremely happy that my burger’s toppings came in proportions that matched the burger patty’s size. I hate when condiments are dominate the taste of the actual burger. The bun was soft, but not soggy, and the perfect ratio to bun. This was hitting the hangover spot.  The first bite just exploded with flavor. It was crunchy when I bit into it and the warm salty juices flowed over my tongue. The bun was warm, buttery, and crispy on the inside. After I finished my burger I turned to my friend and asked him if I could have some of his, or at least his bacon. I could not put it down and I was so hungry that I was not embarrassed at how fast I was eating. The onion rings were possibly the best I have ever had. The onions slices were massive and the fried part clings to the onion. I hate when I eat an onion ring and you eat the onion in the first bite, leaving you with just the fried ring. The combination of hamburger and onion rings hit the spot. The memory of the tender hamburger patty still remains in my mind. hile the hamburger didn’t necessarily cure my hangover, it did help me feel better. I felt like it was soaking up all of the excess alcohol and toxins, I had consumed in the previous week. I found Oasis to be my oasis. There was nothing better than a perfect burger to make me feel better.