Ames, IA.

Of all of the places to choose to blog about your wondering why Ames??? That's what I thought the first time I went there for work. I knew about Des Moines but I hadn't heard anything about Ames which is about 45 minutes north. With all of the tornado's slamming the Midwest and South recently it reminded me of the time I was in Ames when some pretty nasty looking storms were rolling through. The storms get so black and the wind just starts blowing in any direction. Crazy!

But back to the food. This little college town (home to the Iowa Stat Cyclones) has a lot to offer in national cuisine. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hickory Park:     http://www.hickoryparkames.com/

If you are ever within 100 miles of Ames you must stop here. Everyone who has ever been there knows about Hickory Park. It is a great BBQ restaurant with amazing prices. My menu item of choice is the Barbecue Dinner and Chicken. You get beef, pork, turkey and 1/4 chicken for about $10. You cannot beat that anywhere and all of the meat is great. Did I mention you get two sides and some hot rolls. Make sure you save a little room for a scoop or two of their ice cream. I love the Strawberry Shortcake. Simple but delicious. You will be able to build it how you like it so the skies the limit.

Dublin Bay Pub:     http://www.dublinbayames.com/

I must say that I do not seek out Irish or Scottish food when I'm on the road as I figure you would have to drink a lot of beer in order to eat the food. There just isn't anything exotic about the food. But hold the presses. I gave this place a try and enjoyed every minute of it. Go with the Guiness Beef Boxty. A potato pancake filled with peas, carrots, beef, onions and gorgonzola cheese sauce. NUMMY!

Maude's:     http://www.auntmaudesames.com/

When you want to step up and spend a little more money that is totally worth it this is your stop in Ames. The Chili Cured Filet is awesome. The meat is as soft as the garlic mashed potato's. For pasta go with the Tequila Chicken Fettuccine. The sauce makes this dish scream for delight in your mouth. Their French Onion Soup is some of the best I've had so make sure to get that as a starter.

A couple of honorable mentions are Olde Main Brewing Company, The Spice (Thai Cuisine) and Carolos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe.

I told you they had a lot of different international eats didn't I. So on your way back east if you on a major roady stop by this cool little town with a great college feel and check out my recommendations.

And if there are dark clouds are brewing hunker down and be careful!!!

Sacramento, CA.

I want to start off telling you how bummed I was to hear the news of The Govenator and Maria Shriver splitting after 25 years. That's a long time to figure out you don't want to be with someone. Can't Republicans and Democrats ever get along??? This event started me thinking about the great city of Sacramento. When I would visit there during his terms in office I always thought I would run into him while eating downtown across from the capital. Never happened but to meet the Terminator would've been awesome. Plus my last name did not end with Conner so I was safe!

I think Sac town is one of the greatest cities out there. There Old Town area is one of the funnest areas to wander around in. It has one of the coolest costume shops you will ever visit. As well as lots of food choices. So sit back and enjoy while I take you around the city for some good eats.

 Rio City Cafe:     http://www.riocitycafe.com/menus/index.html

Located in Old Sac this place will transport you back in time. It sits right on the Sacramento river and has killer views all around. I usually start with the Ahi Nachos if there are a few of you. These will be like no nachos you have had before. The chips are wontons and the soy lime dressing is awesome. My menu item of choice is the Pacific Pasta. It is a mix of all that is sea worthy and works well together. The chipotle cream sauce is what makes this dish standout.

Dragon Palace:     http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragon-palace-chinese-restaurant-sacramento

This is a nice little Chinese restaurant on the north side of downtown and has excellent dishes. I usually go with the Cashew Chicken as the cashews are big and tasty. The Mongolian Beef and Spicy Shrimp are excellent as well. The food is very fresh tasting with sauces that are very unique. Some Chinese restaurants I've eaten at seem like they have one sauce  they use on every dish. They just swap out the ingredients is all. You won't find any carbon copy sauces here.

Malabar American Cooking:         http://www.malabaramericancooking.com/

This trendy restaurant has all of the good dishes you crave. Start with the Fire Roasted Stuffed Portabella mushrooms. Tons of flavor to kick your taste buds into high gear. I'm not that much of a salad guy and I think I've mentioned that before but the Thai Beef salad is awesome. It truly eats like a meal with tender beef, noodles, mixed greens and a killer chili lime dressing. For a main course I recommend the Shrimp Diablo. Again I look at most shrimp dishes as appetizers but this dish eats more like a steak dinner. The shrimp are heavily marinated which makes them wonderful to eat on there own. Finish it off with the Malabar Sundae as anything with toffee on it is for me.

Riverside Clubhouse:      http://www.riversideclubhouse.com/

If I were to re-do my house this is where I would start with ideas. This place is Chic. The food is great too. Go right for the Lobster Ravioli with Seared Prawns. TRUST ME! It is a great dish. I've been there with a group of about 6 before and they all loved their dishes. When you can get 6 thumbs up you know you have hit a jack pot.

So head out to this fine city soon and let me know what you like there as well. As Arnold would say

"I'll be back!"