I love Cache Valley!
There is something about downtown Logan and Utah State University campus that has that old west charm. The people are very friendly and because it is a college town you get a great diversity of people which makes for some good eats. You are only 45 minutest from Bear Lake and about 45 from Ogden so there is a lot to do when you visit. My wife and I used to visit annually for the USU Glen Miller night that consisted of a Broadway style show, dinner and swing dancing. But my most recent trip was a golf trip to play it's two beautiful courses. Luckily my buddy I went up with graduated from USU so he had some killer recommendations on where to eat.
Here are a few my favorites:
Juniper Take Out & Restaurant http://www.junipertakeout.com/
My buddy was raving about their ham and potatoes for one of our lunch stops but that is something I really don't crave unless its Easter. There menu had a lot of excellent choices so I was leaning towards something else but he assured me I would not be disappointed so I went with the Roast Pit Ham. I'm glad I did. The ham was thick and juicy with a nice smokey flavor and the pineapple glaze they give you gave it a really sweet kick. The augratin potatoes were some of the best I've ever had an they put funeral potatoes to shame. It came with a veggie and a nice thick fresh roll with honey butter. This place will definitely be on my Cache Valley rotation.
Fredrico's http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-19938483R-fredricos_pizza-i
Located on the east side of campus on your way up Logan canyon this pizza joint is excellent. Make sure you get the spicy Italian sausage on your pizza as it adds just enough spice. They have great garlic bread and salad so you can't go wrong with anything you get there.
Bluebird Restaurant http://national.citysearch.com/profile/10403804/logan_ut/bluebird_restaurant.html
This place has great ice cream and food. I've eaten here every time I've visited Logan and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I usually go with the roast beef which is very tender and I love dipping the fresh rolls in the tasty gravy. Make sure to get a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
Aggie Creamery http://www.usu.edu/traditions/icecream/index.cfm
You just have to have ice cream when you visit Cache Valley. Because of all of the cattle farms the cream they use to make their ice cream is gathered only blocks away from the creameries which makes the ice cream taste so fresh. The Aggie Creamery has 26 different flavors of ice cream so you will not be disappointed. You have to try the Aggie Blue Mint however as it has a lot of great stuff in it and it's blue....which is cool!
So take a trip up through the canyons this fall to Logan and enjoy one of these stops. All of you Aggie lovers out there let me know what you like as well.
Go Aggies!!!!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Oh Canada & Calgary!
Hello eh! I hope your summer has been full of fun and lots of good food eh!
My folks went up north to Alberta a few months ago and it got me thinking about the yummy food I enjoyed while serving an LDS mission there for 2 years back in the early 90's. Let me tell you that Canada is just as much the melting pot for worldly cuisine as America is. I spent over a year in Calgary. The North West section has a high Asian population while the North East section has a high Middle Eastern population. Throw in the Cree Indian nation, Russian Orthodox etc. you began to get my drift that there are some good eats in this part of the world.
I have a few people I work with who hail from Canada and I have them bring me back Cadbury Mr. Big and Crispy Crunch candy bars all of the time. If you can ever get your hands on a Mr. Big I guarantee it will be the best candy bar you will ever have. I have contacted Cadbury, who is now owned by Kraft, to see why they won't sell it here in America and they give some lame excuse about contracts, licencing...blah...blah! The Crispy Crunch is their version of the Butterfinger but better. Also try their Smarties (M&M's) but with Cadbury chocolate which is better. Do you see "better" as a theme here. Viva La Cadbury!!!!
If you have never been to this part of the world you really need to head on up and hit Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper on the BC, Alberta border. It is a trip you will never forget. I still need to get back east to Montreal and Toronto someday as it's the closet thing to Europe without jumping the Atlantic I hear.
Here are my picks I recommend to anyone heading north of the border.
Sky360 Restaurant http://www.sky360.ca/
First off the view of downtown Calgary at this place is worth the higher cost of the food by itself. Like many other towers around the world it slowly rotates so you get a view of the awesome city from every angle so I suggest eating before dark so you can take it all in. My menu item of choice is the 6oz AAA Beef Tenderloin. This cut of meat melts in your mouth. The Albertans love their beef and almost think of themselves as more Texan than their Province brethren. Make sure you start off with some Fried Calamari as it's some of the best I've had. This is rather pricey as you can see by the menu but eat light that day so you can blow your daily allowance here for an early dinner.
Joey's Fish & Chips http://joeys.ca/index.html
This place is all over Canada but we ate at the one in downtown Calgary all of the time. I know that your thinking fish & chips! Whoop-a-de-doo! but trust me you will love them here. The fish is battered light and fried to perfection and the fries and golden and crisp. Sprinkle on some malt vinegar, lemon and then dip away in their excellent tarter sauce. Trust me you will never have fish & chips like this but of course there are other menu items if you must branch out on your own. Don't be afraid of sea food in Alberta as the BC coast is only a few hours by flight away and most of the restaurants fly in fish daily.
Earls Kitchen http://www.earls.ca/
This restaurant is also all over Canada and in Denver??? go figure. They have a cool parrot motif at the one in downtown Calgary and an even cooler menu. Lots of unique takes on the standard sports bar food items but what kept me going back time after time was the Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Quesadilla. After 20 years and it's still on their menu so you know it has stood the test of time and taste. Their burgers are gut bombs and delicious if your in the mood for some sight seeing fuel.
These are the places that stand out to me but other things you have to try while your in Canada are Perogies. They are a Polish dumpling that is stuffed with sauerkraut, mashed potato's, bacon, onions, fruit etc. My favorites are the mashed potato, cheese & bacon and then deep fried. French Fries with gravy and of course the candy bars mentioned above. Let me know what you have enjoyed on your trip as well as I will be taking my family up there soon.
So take off you hoser and head to Canada sometime eh! I miss Bob & Doug McKenzie!
My folks went up north to Alberta a few months ago and it got me thinking about the yummy food I enjoyed while serving an LDS mission there for 2 years back in the early 90's. Let me tell you that Canada is just as much the melting pot for worldly cuisine as America is. I spent over a year in Calgary. The North West section has a high Asian population while the North East section has a high Middle Eastern population. Throw in the Cree Indian nation, Russian Orthodox etc. you began to get my drift that there are some good eats in this part of the world.
I have a few people I work with who hail from Canada and I have them bring me back Cadbury Mr. Big and Crispy Crunch candy bars all of the time. If you can ever get your hands on a Mr. Big I guarantee it will be the best candy bar you will ever have. I have contacted Cadbury, who is now owned by Kraft, to see why they won't sell it here in America and they give some lame excuse about contracts, licencing...blah...blah! The Crispy Crunch is their version of the Butterfinger but better. Also try their Smarties (M&M's) but with Cadbury chocolate which is better. Do you see "better" as a theme here. Viva La Cadbury!!!!
If you have never been to this part of the world you really need to head on up and hit Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper on the BC, Alberta border. It is a trip you will never forget. I still need to get back east to Montreal and Toronto someday as it's the closet thing to Europe without jumping the Atlantic I hear.
Here are my picks I recommend to anyone heading north of the border.
Sky360 Restaurant http://www.sky360.ca/
First off the view of downtown Calgary at this place is worth the higher cost of the food by itself. Like many other towers around the world it slowly rotates so you get a view of the awesome city from every angle so I suggest eating before dark so you can take it all in. My menu item of choice is the 6oz AAA Beef Tenderloin. This cut of meat melts in your mouth. The Albertans love their beef and almost think of themselves as more Texan than their Province brethren. Make sure you start off with some Fried Calamari as it's some of the best I've had. This is rather pricey as you can see by the menu but eat light that day so you can blow your daily allowance here for an early dinner.
Joey's Fish & Chips http://joeys.ca/index.html
This place is all over Canada but we ate at the one in downtown Calgary all of the time. I know that your thinking fish & chips! Whoop-a-de-doo! but trust me you will love them here. The fish is battered light and fried to perfection and the fries and golden and crisp. Sprinkle on some malt vinegar, lemon and then dip away in their excellent tarter sauce. Trust me you will never have fish & chips like this but of course there are other menu items if you must branch out on your own. Don't be afraid of sea food in Alberta as the BC coast is only a few hours by flight away and most of the restaurants fly in fish daily.
Earls Kitchen http://www.earls.ca/
This restaurant is also all over Canada and in Denver??? go figure. They have a cool parrot motif at the one in downtown Calgary and an even cooler menu. Lots of unique takes on the standard sports bar food items but what kept me going back time after time was the Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Quesadilla. After 20 years and it's still on their menu so you know it has stood the test of time and taste. Their burgers are gut bombs and delicious if your in the mood for some sight seeing fuel.
These are the places that stand out to me but other things you have to try while your in Canada are Perogies. They are a Polish dumpling that is stuffed with sauerkraut, mashed potato's, bacon, onions, fruit etc. My favorites are the mashed potato, cheese & bacon and then deep fried. French Fries with gravy and of course the candy bars mentioned above. Let me know what you have enjoyed on your trip as well as I will be taking my family up there soon.
So take off you hoser and head to Canada sometime eh! I miss Bob & Doug McKenzie!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sushi
The first time I ever had sushi was at the Shogun restaurant in Salt Lake back in the early 90's. I was in this play and the director took all of us out and said we would love it. I kept waiting and waiting to love it but it never happened. Now that I've been in the business world the last 15 years sushi has moved from a novelty act to a full scale circus. Sushi places are popping up quicker than Walgreen's. Try as I might I can't help but think of sushi as an appetizer. I don't mind a few pieces but to eat a whole roll is a real stretch for me. But I need to make mention of a few places locally and nationally that I have really enjoyed the sushi. Here they are:
Ginza http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/54/590851/restaurant/Downtown/Ginza-Salt-Lake-City
For the longest time I had driven by this restaurant thinking it was a hair salon studio as their is a large marquee of a woman with a fashionable bob cut on the front of the building. I finally figured out it was a Japanese restaurant when some co-workers dragged me along. They were raving about a spicy roll called the Mars Twist. Needless to say I couldn't give into their hyperbole from past experiences. What a surprise it was for me that I enjoyed eating the whole roll by myself with a side of Edamame. I highly recommend this place if you count yourself a sushi connoisseur.
Ahh Sushi http://utah.citysearch.com/review/35671840
It's funny that the first comment on the citysearch site mentions the Funky Vegas roll as it is probably the 2nd best roll I've eaten. This is a cool little spot right down by the new City Center that will be completed shortly in Salt Lake.
Teriyaki Grill http://t-grill.com/menu-page/
First off I must say I always get the combo (steak and chicken) rice (if I'm really hungry) or noodle (if I'm almost really hungry) bowl. But I always get a roll to share with whoever I'm with. Why not have the best of both worlds with Japanese fusion establishments (fusion as far as sushi and rice bowls are concerned). You will love this place that is starting to franchise through Utah and just opened one up the road in Clinton.
Kona Grill http://www.konagrill.com/
For a national spot I will go with Kona Grill in Denver but I imagine their other locations are the same. I mentioned the pot stickers in my Denver post a while back but wanted to make sure I mention I have also enjoyed their sushi rolls as well. They have a sushi menu second to none and will have just about every type of sushi you can imagine on there.
So there you have it. From someone who is a timid sushi eater I stand by these selections if you want to impress your savvy sushi eating friends. Unless they are from mainland Japan you will be able to impress them. If you have some excellent choices I would love to hear about them and keep broadening my horizons.
Before I go I really have to say I need to try the Shogun again as it was a long time ago and people downtown really seem to like it so here is their link:
http://www.shogunslc.com/Shogun/Welcome.html
Sayonara for now!
Ginza http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/54/590851/restaurant/Downtown/Ginza-Salt-Lake-City
For the longest time I had driven by this restaurant thinking it was a hair salon studio as their is a large marquee of a woman with a fashionable bob cut on the front of the building. I finally figured out it was a Japanese restaurant when some co-workers dragged me along. They were raving about a spicy roll called the Mars Twist. Needless to say I couldn't give into their hyperbole from past experiences. What a surprise it was for me that I enjoyed eating the whole roll by myself with a side of Edamame. I highly recommend this place if you count yourself a sushi connoisseur.
Ahh Sushi http://utah.citysearch.com/review/35671840
It's funny that the first comment on the citysearch site mentions the Funky Vegas roll as it is probably the 2nd best roll I've eaten. This is a cool little spot right down by the new City Center that will be completed shortly in Salt Lake.
Teriyaki Grill http://t-grill.com/menu-page/
First off I must say I always get the combo (steak and chicken) rice (if I'm really hungry) or noodle (if I'm almost really hungry) bowl. But I always get a roll to share with whoever I'm with. Why not have the best of both worlds with Japanese fusion establishments (fusion as far as sushi and rice bowls are concerned). You will love this place that is starting to franchise through Utah and just opened one up the road in Clinton.
Kona Grill http://www.konagrill.com/
For a national spot I will go with Kona Grill in Denver but I imagine their other locations are the same. I mentioned the pot stickers in my Denver post a while back but wanted to make sure I mention I have also enjoyed their sushi rolls as well. They have a sushi menu second to none and will have just about every type of sushi you can imagine on there.
So there you have it. From someone who is a timid sushi eater I stand by these selections if you want to impress your savvy sushi eating friends. Unless they are from mainland Japan you will be able to impress them. If you have some excellent choices I would love to hear about them and keep broadening my horizons.
Before I go I really have to say I need to try the Shogun again as it was a long time ago and people downtown really seem to like it so here is their link:
http://www.shogunslc.com/Shogun/Welcome.html
Sayonara for now!
Friday, July 29, 2011
New York, NY.
"Start spreading the news....I'm leaving today"....you know the rest!
I love NY!
Not because I'm a huge Yankee's fan, history fan, food fan.....OK, it is all because of those things. The few days the misses and I spent there a few years back were unforgettable. The weather was a little rainy when we were there but it didn't bother us at all as it kept it cool and the crowds away. After walking Utah blocks in SLC all of my life which are about a quarter mile square the little blocks in Manhattan were no problem to navigate on foot. We didn't even try the subway as we didn't want to miss any of the sites or smells. Again it was cool so the smells were not that bad.
A couple of my neighbors are heading to the the Big Apple this weekend for business & pleasure so I thought I would jump in with a couple of local joints. The main focus for me was NY style pizza. My director at work is from NY and is always raving about the pizza and no matter where we get "NY style pizza" west of the Mississippi he always comments how it's not the same. So I was eager to try it. I also remembered the scene in Iron Man where Jeff Bridges brings a NY pizza with him and Robert Downey Jr. is so happy with him. So without further adue:
Roxy's Deli: http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/roxy-delicatessen/
Everyone makes it to Times Square and this place was recommended by everyone I knew that had been there. We really tried to make it there for lunch or dinner but by the time we made it there it was about 9 so we just had a slice of cheesecake. All 4 of us all got a different kind and they all melted in your mouth but can I just put a shout out for the Heath cheesecake. First off I love toffee but to make it work so well in a cheesecake and make it so smooth and flavorable was beyond me. I can't wait to try one of their huge sandwiches on my next visit as the insane amounts of meat made my muscles spasm just thinking about it.
Carmine's Italian: http://www.carminesnyc.com/
First off there are a lot of choices near Times Square for great dinning. After spending the day making our way from lower Manhattan to Times Square and asking people along the way what was good eats this was the first place that reached 3 recommendations which I felt fell in line with my rules of the road mentioned in my first blog. Can I just say it must be the sauce that makes people remember it. When you have a sauce you can dip anything in and just blows you away with it's flavor you know you have a keeper. I think I used my sock to sop up the rest of the sauce...A little descriptive I know! I went with the Rigatoni w/sausage and broccoli but make sure you go with the marinara sauce as opposed to the cream sauce as my sister-in-law made the mistake and wished she hadn't. The Calamari as an appetizer was fantastic dipped in the marinara. The Chocolate Cannoli is a great way to finish but I'm glad we all shared it as we knew we were heading to Roxy's later that night. They have a few locations so I imagine they are all great!
Lazzara's Pizza Cafe: http://lazzaraspizza.com/html/home.php
This jewel located right next to Rockefeller plaza was excellent. The pizza was so foldable and flavorable which is always what you want in a NY pizza. My director was right, you cannot duplicate it out west here and again it's due to the dryness of the air. The dough back east is so moist and bakes perfectly in a thin pizza crust. The other place we ate at near the financial district was just as good but I cannot remember the name. Bottom line is get a recommendation from whatever section of Manhattan you are in and go as you will not be disappointed. Just remember to order quick during the lunch hour as like the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld they get perturbed if you lallygag.
You also need to have a hot dog from a street vendor when your out and about as they are just as good as the Chicago dogs. After visiting NY I began to appreciate the difference in food between them and Chicago. Thank goodness for originality in this great country of ours as most metro cities have their own unique touches on the standard eats.
Viva la New York!
I love NY!
Not because I'm a huge Yankee's fan, history fan, food fan.....OK, it is all because of those things. The few days the misses and I spent there a few years back were unforgettable. The weather was a little rainy when we were there but it didn't bother us at all as it kept it cool and the crowds away. After walking Utah blocks in SLC all of my life which are about a quarter mile square the little blocks in Manhattan were no problem to navigate on foot. We didn't even try the subway as we didn't want to miss any of the sites or smells. Again it was cool so the smells were not that bad.
A couple of my neighbors are heading to the the Big Apple this weekend for business & pleasure so I thought I would jump in with a couple of local joints. The main focus for me was NY style pizza. My director at work is from NY and is always raving about the pizza and no matter where we get "NY style pizza" west of the Mississippi he always comments how it's not the same. So I was eager to try it. I also remembered the scene in Iron Man where Jeff Bridges brings a NY pizza with him and Robert Downey Jr. is so happy with him. So without further adue:
Roxy's Deli: http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/roxy-delicatessen/
Everyone makes it to Times Square and this place was recommended by everyone I knew that had been there. We really tried to make it there for lunch or dinner but by the time we made it there it was about 9 so we just had a slice of cheesecake. All 4 of us all got a different kind and they all melted in your mouth but can I just put a shout out for the Heath cheesecake. First off I love toffee but to make it work so well in a cheesecake and make it so smooth and flavorable was beyond me. I can't wait to try one of their huge sandwiches on my next visit as the insane amounts of meat made my muscles spasm just thinking about it.
Carmine's Italian: http://www.carminesnyc.com/
First off there are a lot of choices near Times Square for great dinning. After spending the day making our way from lower Manhattan to Times Square and asking people along the way what was good eats this was the first place that reached 3 recommendations which I felt fell in line with my rules of the road mentioned in my first blog. Can I just say it must be the sauce that makes people remember it. When you have a sauce you can dip anything in and just blows you away with it's flavor you know you have a keeper. I think I used my sock to sop up the rest of the sauce...A little descriptive I know! I went with the Rigatoni w/sausage and broccoli but make sure you go with the marinara sauce as opposed to the cream sauce as my sister-in-law made the mistake and wished she hadn't. The Calamari as an appetizer was fantastic dipped in the marinara. The Chocolate Cannoli is a great way to finish but I'm glad we all shared it as we knew we were heading to Roxy's later that night. They have a few locations so I imagine they are all great!
Lazzara's Pizza Cafe: http://lazzaraspizza.com/html/home.php
This jewel located right next to Rockefeller plaza was excellent. The pizza was so foldable and flavorable which is always what you want in a NY pizza. My director was right, you cannot duplicate it out west here and again it's due to the dryness of the air. The dough back east is so moist and bakes perfectly in a thin pizza crust. The other place we ate at near the financial district was just as good but I cannot remember the name. Bottom line is get a recommendation from whatever section of Manhattan you are in and go as you will not be disappointed. Just remember to order quick during the lunch hour as like the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld they get perturbed if you lallygag.
You also need to have a hot dog from a street vendor when your out and about as they are just as good as the Chicago dogs. After visiting NY I began to appreciate the difference in food between them and Chicago. Thank goodness for originality in this great country of ours as most metro cities have their own unique touches on the standard eats.
Viva la New York!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Philadelphia, PA.
I love summer!
Even though it can get hot and steamy there is nothing like eating out doors. The smell of BBQ's sizzling all around the neighborhood is intoxicating. Meat on a grill just tastes better no matter what type it is. With the summer comes vacations. My wife's brother just came out from Philly with the family for a few weeks stay here in Utah and it got me reminiscing about the trip the wife and I took to visit him back east a few years ago.
The first thing you have to do when planning a trip that would include New York, Philly, Wilmington, Baltimore and DC is to plan where you are going to eat. There are certain types of food in every city that must be eaten.
Our first few days out there were spent in Philly near Independence Square and that vicinity so of course the first thing I had to eat when I was there was a philly cheesesteak sandwich. I have watched the Food Network enough to know about Pat and Gino's and the debate of Provolone versus Cheese Wiz. I however didn't hit either location on that trip as I didn't want to take time to hit the touristy locations. I wanted to see where the locals eat and head there. Now I had eaten a lot of cheesesteaks from around the country but never in Philly so I really wanted to see if there was a difference. I'm glad to report there was. After asking a few locals where to get a good cheesesteak we received some great recommendations and one place won out more than the others.
Sonny's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonnys-famous-steaks-philadelphia
The difference between cheesesteaks in Philly and other lo-cals is the bread. The bread has to be moist, soft and chewy so the sandwich works together. Bread out west is too dry. In the south the high humidity can make the bread too soft or stale quickly. Being an original cheesesteak virgin I told the guy behind the counter to make mine the way he likes his. This has it's risks but I do it a lot when I'm eating something or somewhere for the first time. It consisted of sauteed onions and mushroom with the cheese wiz. I must say I was hoping he would say the Provolone as I had never had the cheese wiz variety. They had both options there but I was really surprised how well the cheese wiz worked on it. I really needed this big sandwich as we walked a lot that day and it made for a killer lunch.
Reading Terminal Market: http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
I really wanted to eat at a couple of other places but we ended up eating here for lunch and dinner. This is the coolest place. It's like have 10 farmers markets all rolled into one. The food choices were from all over the map and authentic as the people that were working at the different eating establishments were from those countries....as far as I could tell. For lunch we hit the Amish area where I got to have a huge pickle in a barrel and a killer fresh chicken sandwich for lunch. The cheese on the sandwich was goat cheese and a little strong but worked well. For dinner we hit the Greek stand called Olympic Gyro and my Gyro was built for an Olympian. Warning: it is sensory overload and you will sample a lot of desserts, cheeses, meats as everyone is willing to offer you a taste of their specialties. Once again I'm glad we walked a lot all over Philly those two days.
I was really impressed with the city and it's layout. Everything was easy to navigate and the people we encountered were really friendly and helpful. We had a chance to do a ghost walking tour the evening we were there and do not miss that opportunity.
I will give you some recommendations in the other cities we visited and please let me know what you like.
CHEEEEESESTEAKS RULE!
Even though it can get hot and steamy there is nothing like eating out doors. The smell of BBQ's sizzling all around the neighborhood is intoxicating. Meat on a grill just tastes better no matter what type it is. With the summer comes vacations. My wife's brother just came out from Philly with the family for a few weeks stay here in Utah and it got me reminiscing about the trip the wife and I took to visit him back east a few years ago.
The first thing you have to do when planning a trip that would include New York, Philly, Wilmington, Baltimore and DC is to plan where you are going to eat. There are certain types of food in every city that must be eaten.
Our first few days out there were spent in Philly near Independence Square and that vicinity so of course the first thing I had to eat when I was there was a philly cheesesteak sandwich. I have watched the Food Network enough to know about Pat and Gino's and the debate of Provolone versus Cheese Wiz. I however didn't hit either location on that trip as I didn't want to take time to hit the touristy locations. I wanted to see where the locals eat and head there. Now I had eaten a lot of cheesesteaks from around the country but never in Philly so I really wanted to see if there was a difference. I'm glad to report there was. After asking a few locals where to get a good cheesesteak we received some great recommendations and one place won out more than the others.
Sonny's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/sonnys-famous-steaks-philadelphia
The difference between cheesesteaks in Philly and other lo-cals is the bread. The bread has to be moist, soft and chewy so the sandwich works together. Bread out west is too dry. In the south the high humidity can make the bread too soft or stale quickly. Being an original cheesesteak virgin I told the guy behind the counter to make mine the way he likes his. This has it's risks but I do it a lot when I'm eating something or somewhere for the first time. It consisted of sauteed onions and mushroom with the cheese wiz. I must say I was hoping he would say the Provolone as I had never had the cheese wiz variety. They had both options there but I was really surprised how well the cheese wiz worked on it. I really needed this big sandwich as we walked a lot that day and it made for a killer lunch.
Reading Terminal Market: http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
I really wanted to eat at a couple of other places but we ended up eating here for lunch and dinner. This is the coolest place. It's like have 10 farmers markets all rolled into one. The food choices were from all over the map and authentic as the people that were working at the different eating establishments were from those countries....as far as I could tell. For lunch we hit the Amish area where I got to have a huge pickle in a barrel and a killer fresh chicken sandwich for lunch. The cheese on the sandwich was goat cheese and a little strong but worked well. For dinner we hit the Greek stand called Olympic Gyro and my Gyro was built for an Olympian. Warning: it is sensory overload and you will sample a lot of desserts, cheeses, meats as everyone is willing to offer you a taste of their specialties. Once again I'm glad we walked a lot all over Philly those two days.
I was really impressed with the city and it's layout. Everything was easy to navigate and the people we encountered were really friendly and helpful. We had a chance to do a ghost walking tour the evening we were there and do not miss that opportunity.
I will give you some recommendations in the other cities we visited and please let me know what you like.
CHEEEEESESTEAKS RULE!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
San Francisco, CA.
About 12 years ago the wife and I and a few business associates made a pilgrimage up to Banff, Alberta, Canada for a little trip. Upon arriving at the Banff Springs Hotel (The coolest Hotel in the world) the courtesy worker who was helping us with our luggage asked what room we were staying in, we told him one of the corner wings on one of the floors and he responded with "That's the one Michelle Pfeiffer always stays in". Needless to say I was ecstatic. I laid there all night in bed saying to my wife "I'm sleeping in the bed Michelle Pfeiffer slept in....I'm sleeping in the bed Michelle Pfeiffer slept in" to which I finally got a shot in the ribs! HA!
What does that story have to do with San Francisco?
Fast forward to 2008 and a co-worker and I are in San Fran and someone at the office told us about this restaurant called The Boulevard that wasn't too far from our hotel down by the pier so we hoofed it down there and as we're walking along and locate the place who do I happen to see eating dinner and facing out towards the bay???? Michelle Pfeiffer. I asked Mark (my co-worker) "is that who I think it is" and he pretended to look at another building without looking to obvious and confirmed my thought as well. We both pretended to look at the adjacent building for a few minutes, which was obvious. I must say she is very stunning even while eating.
So without further adue I give you my top picks in the city by the bay:
The Boulevard Restaurant: http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/
The first night we tried this place we didn't really know the dress code so wear business casual or you will feel out of place. The place gets packed so get a reservation as well. We didn't know this but the workers at the front desk made us an inpromtu table by the bar which was very kind of them. I went with the Grilled Local King Salmon. Talk about a fresh fish. It was so light and flavorful and the squash and mushrooms were a great addition to the flavor of the dish. Of course make sure you do not tank up on the sourdough bread. The bread in San Fran rivals bread from anywhere. I went with the Wood Fired Pork Prime Rib Chop a few nights later and it was a great contrast to the Salmon. I can't wait to go back!!! and see Michelle Pfeiffer! HA!
The Fly Trap Restaurant: http://zareflytrap.com/
Don't let the name of the place gross you out. I didn't and I'm grateful. This place has major charm and a very cozy feel to it. The little tables and arrangement made me feel like I was back east in a little pub. Get the Pistachio Meatballs as a starter. I could've made a meal out of those they were that good. I went out of my comfort zone of beef or fish and went with the lamb. They have two lamb dishes however and I can't remember which one I had but it was not gamy to say the least and very tender. I know my co-worker enjoyed his Beef Short Ribs so I'm going for those when I go back. Didn't see Michelle Pfeiffer here! Sorry!
Kuleto's Authentic San Fran Italian: http://www.kuletos.com/
Italian is one of those food nationalities that really is hard to screw up. Every non chain place I've eaten at has had very unique ways of preparing their pasta's that get handed down from one generation to the next. Where I think they differ is in the sauces. There are so many different ways to prepare a sauce but use the right spices and whammo, you've got a master piece. The sauce used on their Linguine dish is TO DIE FOR. No lie. It was so good. The clams were very tender and everything worked here. I'm sure Michelle Pfeiffer has eaten here???
So there you have my taste of San Fran and my affection for Michelle Pfeiffer. I'm sure I will get another shot in the ribs after my wife reads this but it's worth it! Maybe. Of course you can't go wrong eating at any of the establishments at Fisherman's Warf or Pier 39. Just make sure to get your share of seafood and bread as you can walk off the carbs by skipping the trolley ride back to your hotel and walk!
Enjoy!
What does that story have to do with San Francisco?
Fast forward to 2008 and a co-worker and I are in San Fran and someone at the office told us about this restaurant called The Boulevard that wasn't too far from our hotel down by the pier so we hoofed it down there and as we're walking along and locate the place who do I happen to see eating dinner and facing out towards the bay???? Michelle Pfeiffer. I asked Mark (my co-worker) "is that who I think it is" and he pretended to look at another building without looking to obvious and confirmed my thought as well. We both pretended to look at the adjacent building for a few minutes, which was obvious. I must say she is very stunning even while eating.
So without further adue I give you my top picks in the city by the bay:
The Boulevard Restaurant: http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com/
The first night we tried this place we didn't really know the dress code so wear business casual or you will feel out of place. The place gets packed so get a reservation as well. We didn't know this but the workers at the front desk made us an inpromtu table by the bar which was very kind of them. I went with the Grilled Local King Salmon. Talk about a fresh fish. It was so light and flavorful and the squash and mushrooms were a great addition to the flavor of the dish. Of course make sure you do not tank up on the sourdough bread. The bread in San Fran rivals bread from anywhere. I went with the Wood Fired Pork Prime Rib Chop a few nights later and it was a great contrast to the Salmon. I can't wait to go back!!! and see Michelle Pfeiffer! HA!
The Fly Trap Restaurant: http://zareflytrap.com/
Don't let the name of the place gross you out. I didn't and I'm grateful. This place has major charm and a very cozy feel to it. The little tables and arrangement made me feel like I was back east in a little pub. Get the Pistachio Meatballs as a starter. I could've made a meal out of those they were that good. I went out of my comfort zone of beef or fish and went with the lamb. They have two lamb dishes however and I can't remember which one I had but it was not gamy to say the least and very tender. I know my co-worker enjoyed his Beef Short Ribs so I'm going for those when I go back. Didn't see Michelle Pfeiffer here! Sorry!
Kuleto's Authentic San Fran Italian: http://www.kuletos.com/
Italian is one of those food nationalities that really is hard to screw up. Every non chain place I've eaten at has had very unique ways of preparing their pasta's that get handed down from one generation to the next. Where I think they differ is in the sauces. There are so many different ways to prepare a sauce but use the right spices and whammo, you've got a master piece. The sauce used on their Linguine dish is TO DIE FOR. No lie. It was so good. The clams were very tender and everything worked here. I'm sure Michelle Pfeiffer has eaten here???
So there you have my taste of San Fran and my affection for Michelle Pfeiffer. I'm sure I will get another shot in the ribs after my wife reads this but it's worth it! Maybe. Of course you can't go wrong eating at any of the establishments at Fisherman's Warf or Pier 39. Just make sure to get your share of seafood and bread as you can walk off the carbs by skipping the trolley ride back to your hotel and walk!
Enjoy!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
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!!!
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!!!
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