Favorite Road Food

This posting will be dedicated to one of my favorite past times. The joy of eating great food. I will do my best to account some of my favorite dinning and eating experiences. During all the time I hit the road, and ventured out into this great big world that we live in.

I will start with my trip to Florida in 1984. I flew into Orlando International airport. By the time I got out of the airport, picked up my rented car. I was famished! Honestly I felt that I had not eaten in a week. The first place that came my way was a McDonald's Restaurant. Like most kids, I was a big, Big Mac fan growing up. I use to enjoy eating the McDonald's classic double hamburger. Topped with cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles and special mayo sauce. All on a sesame seed bun. On this given day. When I pulled into this McDonald's location in Orlando. I would emjoy my most memorable junk food meal. I ordered; One Big Mac, with large fries, and an Arctic Orange milk shake. Arctic Orange is a very obscure flavor for milkshakes. This McDonald's meal was superb. I went on way very satisfied, and ready for my Florida adventure.

Here is the recipe for making an Arctic Orange Milkshake;
Ingredients
1 cup vanilla ice cream, slightly thawed
1/3 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
2 tablespoons orange flavor sweetened Kool-Aid drink mix (dry mix)
Directions
1 Measure the ice cream into blender and allow to thaw about 6-8 minutes.
2 Add the other ingredients
3 Mix on high speed until smooth.
4 Pour into a 12 ounce cup.
5 ENJOY!

In 1985 I did an amazing driving tour of the Southwest U.S. This trip started in Phoenix and ended 2 weeks later in San Diego. I will mention three memorable meals from this trip. The first took place in the Arizona mountain city of Flagstaff. When I arrived in Flagstaff for the first time. I had achieved a major appetite. On my arrival I found a Sizzler restaurant. I was familiar with these restaurants, because there was a Sizzler location in Buffalo. For anybody who has never eaten at Sizzler. There are like a better quality Ponderosa restaurant. That we Ontarian were very familiar with. However all of these restaurants are now closed. My meal at Sizzler was fantastic! I enjoyed a nice steak with barbecued shrimp. Included in the meal was a beautiful baked potato, and all you could eat salad bar. What a meal. Also I believe the price for this meal was only $7.95. On my return to Flagstaff this past February. I returned to Sizzler. However time hasn't been kind to this eatery. The prices have gone up, and the quality has gone down. Also the salad bar is not included with the meals anymore.

Next two great meals took place in Las Vegas Nevada. At that time Vegas had a reputation for cheap all you could eat buffet meals. I was looking forward to enjoying that. I had no luck gambling in Las Vegas. However I enjoyed some major great eats! The Stardust hotel and casino offered an all you could eat breakfast buffet that was to die for. Anything you could ever imagine enjoying to eat for breakfast was on this buffet. The cost only $1.99. That's right, you didn't read wrong, $1.99. The other fantastic meal was enjoyed at the Dunes Hotel and Casino. That does not exist anymore. The Dunes featured an all you could eat Prime Roast Beef Buffet for only $7.99! This buffet was a lasting great memory. The Roast Beef could be cut with a fork, and the salad bar was superb. I have not been back to Las Vegas. However if you do go. Make sure and enjoy the excellent and cheap food there. In case you loose you money. At least you won't come home hungry.

During my trip to Switzerland in 1986 I tried one of the national dishes. Of course it includes high quality Swiss Cheese. The dish is called "Raclette". Here is the explanation what Raclette is; Raclette is also a dish indigenous to parts of Switzerland, Wallonia and France. The Raclette cheese round is heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; the term raclette derives from the French racler, meaning "to scrape". Traditionally, it is accompanied by small firm potatoes (Bintje, Charlotte or Raclette varieties), gherkins, pickled onions, dried meat, such as prosciutto and viande des Grisons, sliced peppers, tomato, onion, mushrooms, pears, and dusted with paprika and fresh-ground black pepper. This dish is normally eaten in the fall or winter months. I tried it, and being a cheese lover. Loved it! To this day I love eating melted cheese, and enjoy a nice Swiss Fondue.

Here is another excellent meal that was enjoyed in Switzerland. It was the day that I met my great friend Peter V/D W. It was in St. Moritz. The date was August 8, 1986. Peter and I dined that night at the Hotel Sonne, located in St. Moritz. It was my first taste of European style pizza. I enjoyed it very much. The crust was thin and tasty. Also the toppings were fresh, and plentiful. In the middle of the pizza. The chef deposited one raw egg. Then this work of art was deposited in the middle of a wood burning fireplace for about 20 minutes. Europeans always eat there pizza with a knife and fork. They don't consume there pizza like a starving Neanderthal Man. Like we do, here in North America. The Hotel is still in business serving the same excellent pizza that I enjoyed back in 1986. It is located at Via Sela 11 St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Next great meal was during my visit to Bermuda in 1987. I was dinning with my brother John. He was with me, for one week during this great two week trip. We found a great Italian place. That served excellent Pizza. It was my second great taste of having Pizza away from home. There were two things that made this pizza a stand out in my opinion. The first was the texture and taste of the wholewheat crust. The other was the zucchini that was chosen to top this great tasting pizza. To this day I still love to add zucchini to the top of a pizza. If you can find a restaurant, that has it. Give it a try. You won't be sorry if you do.

In 1991 I had the rare experience of visiting "Iceland". The land of "Fire and Ice". It was an special experience in my life that I will never forget. The only down side of Iceland is the cost. Being a Scandinavian country, and also being an island. Translates into very high prices for almost everything. You have to be either very wealthy. Or a very experienced and creative budget traveler to visit there. I was wise and purchased the "Lonely Planet" guide book for visiting Iceland, before my trip. I always recommend these guide books to travelers that are visiting a country or place for the first time. These books save you money, and also help you to ensure that you have an excellent time on your trip. My Lonely Planet guide contributed to my favorite meal during my Iceland visit. It was at the "One Woman Vegetarian Restaurant" It was touted as the cheapest and best meal to be found in Reykjavik. I tried it and enjoyed my meal to the hilt! It started with a rich and very pleasing vegetable soup. Then you got to attack the hot buffet, one time only. I filled my plate with an assortment of noodle and rice vegetarian casseroles. This great meal set me back 20 dollars U.S. I can only guess what this meal would cost at today's prices. That thought scares me. I just checked on the web. Great news travelers! This restaurant still exists. It is still located at the corner of Laugavegur and Klappartstigur.

The next great meal that I enjoyed on the road. Was during my journey through England, in 1998. This meal took place at the "Mason Arms" pub, located in the city of York. I have to say right off the top. That I love the city of York. York is truly one of the classy historic cities that exists in our world. This great place should not be missed on trip to England. While in York I stayed at the Copper's Lodge, bed and breakfast. I hiked all the way down "Fishergate St.", from the York train station to arrive at Copper's Lodge. After I arrived and checked in. I was starving. I asked the friendly proprietor, where I could find a great meal. Without any hesitation. He said "walk back down Fishergate, 2 blocks. You will find the "Mason Arms Pub". Order the steak pie with chips. "Not the steak and kidney pie". I listened to him, to the letter. The bottom line is. When you get good advise, always follow it. The meal was one of my all time favorite road meals. The portion, presentation, atmosphere, and service were all fantastic! The steak fries were enormous, and delicious, and the meal was serviced with fresh veggies, that were steamed. I washed this memorable meal down with a pint of "John Smith" ale. That is brewed right in York, Cheers!

Next on my list of great road food. Takes us to the "Windy City" Chicago. It was during my pilgrimage to see the Chicago Cubs play at historic Wrigley Field, in 2001. Chi-Town is known for it's great food. I was not disappointed. I will start with the food I enjoyed inside "The Friendly Confines". They make homemade deep dish Sausage Pizza, right inside Wrigley Field. It was delicious! Also I thoroughly enjoyed the Italian Beef Scalia sandwiches. The tender thinly sliced roast beef is slowly simmered in a slightly spicy beef marinade. The beef is served on a sesame seed roll. I recommend you try one. When your cheering the Cubs on to there first World Championship since 1908. I do enjoy to dream, don't I?

There are also some excellent restaurants to try. That are located very close to the intersection of Addison and Clark. There is a Bar Louie located at 3545 N. Clark St. I enjoyed there best selling specialty sandwich, called the "Steak Luigi" It is grilled steak on a tasty roll, with lots of lettuce, onion, and melted cheese. Topped off with a little olive oil. The other restaurant you should defiantly try on your Chicago experience is "The Pasta Bowl". It is located at 2434 North Clark St. I ate there twice. I also enjoyed the same dish twice. It was the B.V. Pollo. This amazing dish is; Bow tie pasta, with grilled green and red peppers, yellow squash and green zucchini, served in a slightly spicy marina sauce. I enjoyed this meal so much. I do attempt now and then to duplicate this excellent meal at home. To bring back to life, the great memories of being in Chicago and Wrigley Field.

In 2002 it was off to Saint Somewhere. Yes Jimmy Buffett. I spent two glorious weeks exploring and enjoying the best of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On the island of Mayreau I spent two fantastic days at Dennis' Hideaway. Dennis is the owner of this unique, and comfortable place to stay in the Caribbean. Dennis is a very interesting success story. He was born on Mayreau and as a young age he left the island. To try earn his fortune. By a very young age he became an accomplished sailor, and was soon employed as the captain of sailing yachts. Eventually he return to his native island with enough money saved. To built and start his own business. So Dennis' Hideaway was born. It is an excellent place to stay if you ever make it to this part of the Caribbean. You will feel like Robinson Crusoe, when you are there. Also you will be able to enjoy some great food on Mayreau. Because Dennis is also a talented chief. I felt like I was in heaven on Mayreau, and so did my stomach! Thanks Dennis for a great time!

In 2004 I was off to to visit the "Crescent City" New Orleans. Being a big Buffett fan was my inspiration for holidaying in this city and the Gulf coast. You shouldn't miss out on visiting this great American classic city. I was lucky to visit New Orleans before the horror of "Hurricane Katrina" ripped the Crescent City, right down to it's foundation. Jimmy Buffett use to hang out in New Orleans, and it is the place where the "Man From Magritaville" received his musical influence, and learned the necessary skills to become the talented performer, that he has become. Also Jimmy developed his palate for great food there! The "Camilla Grill" is the best classic dinner I have had the pleasure to eat at. Jimmy started going there and enjoying the great food that the Camilla Grill offers, as a young man. Jimmy claims that this classic eatery solidified his love for the classic American Cheeseburger. When you are in New Orleans go and eat there, and you will find out why! The Camilla Grill can be found at 626 S Carrollton Ave.

The other great restaurant that I will recommend as a defiant try. During your New Orleans experience is called "Port of Call". It has been serving fantastic burgers and steaks in the Crescent City since 1963. So this restaurant is not suitable for vegetarians. Carnivores only please. I enjoyed the ultimate taste and quality for a barbecued burger. It was served with a month watering Idaho baked potato. This New Orleans eatery is awesome! The Port of Call can be found at 838 Esplanade Ave.

In 2004 I went to visit the city of Philadelphia and great friend Charlie Maier. Sadly Charlie passed away in 2007. I lost a great friend, and the world lost the best jukebox repair person in the world. I had a great time on this trip, thanks to Charlie. The best meal during this trip was an original Philly Steak Sandwich, at the place where in all began. Pat's King of Steaks is located in the Italian area of Philadelphia. Here is the history of this restaurant.
Pat's King of Steaks® was founded by Pat Olivieri in 1930. Pat had a modest hot-dog stand at the base of the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia. One day he decided to have something quite different for lunch, so he sent for some chopped meat from the butcher shop. He cooked the meat on his hot dog grill, placed the meat onto an Italian roll, and dressed it with some onions. Just as he went to take a bite, a cab driver who ate a hot dog everyday asked what he had there. Pat said that it was his lunch. The cabbie insisted that Pat make him one. The cabbie took one bite and said to Pat, "Hey.....forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these." The steak sandwich was born. As the years passed, both employees and customers alike demanded change..cheese was added.



What a hit!
The meal I enjoyed at Pat's will always be an everlasting great memory of my holiday in Philadelphia, and Charlie Maier. If you are visiting Philadelphia. Don't leave town without a visit to Pat's King of Steaks. It can be found where 9th Street crosses, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues in south Philadelphia.

Now we have made it to 2006 and my tour of the coast of California. You cannot visit California without sampling the best in fast food burgers. After all California is the place where in all began. I will feature the two excellent burgers places I enjoyed during my California experience

The first is "In and Out" Burgers. Founded in Southern California in 1948 by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther. These restaurants are a must try for any hamburger lover. The menu is simple and the quality and taste are superb. When I walked into my first "In and Out" location in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco I watched with amazement As the employees were hard at work. Cutting french fries out of fresh potatoes. You won't ever see that scene ever, at any of the big burger chain franchises. The prices are also very reasonable for the quality you receive.

The other great burger place featured on my blog is "Hodad's". It can be found at 5010 Newport Ave. Ocean Beach, San Diego. Since 1969 this establishment has been thrilling hunger surfers and anybody that has the craving for eating a fantastic hamburger with fries. The picture that I have posted for "Hodad's" is worth more then 1000 words, enjoy!