Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Broadway Diner

22 S. 4th St., Columbia, MO

The Diner is one of those places that makes the Mizzou experience. Pretty genius set up really. It's open in the morning and late at night, for your post-drinking dining experience.

The diner is famous for The Stretch. Just go and order it. Don't wimp out, get it like it comes. The Half-stretch is more than enough food though and not wimpy.

Pancakes: great. Omelets: great (lots of meat and cheese). Oatmeal: great, and you get the toppings you want to put in it. Cheese Fries: great. Cheeseburger: great. Beverages: great (no booze, and you can't bring any in). French toast: GREAT.

Just go. You won't regret it. It's also wallet-friendly.

Spanky's


Lubbock, TX

Okay, you caught me. The reason I wanted to go to this restaurant when I went to visit a friend at Tech was the name.

Little did I know how in love I would be with their food. I love fried stuff. It just tastes better. The fried cheese really is famous... and with good reason. It's hand battered and just good. They've really raised the bar for fried cheese products in my book. I cannot say enough good things about them (and now I really want some). They come with Ranch and Marinara for dippin'.

I also had the All-Techsan burger. FREAKIN' HUGE. But oh so tasty. Guacamole on a burger really does make it fabulously delicious. But, no I couldn't finish it AND my cheese sticks.

Dan's Beef Jerky

Weatherford, TX

You might not know this if you're just meeting me, but I like beef. A lot. So what could be better for me than beef to go?

I've tried the beef jerky they have everywhere, you know, the mass produced kind. It'll do in a pinch. But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to Dan's.

The original is just classic. It's done right... and by that I mean it still tastes like beef. For the teriyaki flavor lovers out there, it's good, too. I used to like the peppered variety best of all UNTIL...

I tried the X-treme hot. It has crushed red peppercorns on it. It's just delightful. So delightful that I might let you try a bite, but don't you dare ask me for another piece.

While perusing Dan's website, I discovered they make beef sticks too. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to marry into this family of meat lovers...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Gas Station Delights: Breakfast Pizza

I found this one at the Break Time on Deer Park, just south of Columbia, MO.

DUUUUUUUUUUUDE.

If you don't think the food cooked at your gas station of choice is "clean" enough to eat, you are missing out on one of life's greatest joys. How can you go on a road trip with out sampling local cuisine on the same stop as your potty break? So go get another gigantic soda and pony up to the gas station grill...

Okay, picture this: you're spying the goods in the case. And then, you spot it... a pizza crust. White gravy, instead of pizza sauce. Mozzarella. Scrambled eggs. Sausage. Bacon. A little American cheese scattered throughout. You ask for one. The attendant pulls a slice out of the case and puts it in a to-go container. The smell wafts your direction. Your mouth instantly waters. You are hungry, even though you've been eating chips and powdered sugar donuts all day. But you know you've made the right decision. You pay, but the transaction seems to take longer than usual. Your breath quickens and your heart races. You hastily take the container and dash to the car. As you sit down, you take a look at the prize, but remember to not look like the Beast gobbling at his porridge.

You make it home and it is still hot. You slowly move it to your mouth and take a bite. And it is so worth the wait. The gravy moves through your mouth and the flavors of all the ingredients rush your senses. What a feelin'. Such a guilty pleasure. Such perfection.

Taco Casa

The best taco chain. Bar none.

They have the best hot sauce. I don't know what's in it, but oh man, it's goooooood. I always get extra packets, just in case. It also makes tacos from anywhere else taste that much better.

The menu. I've tried pretty much everything. It's all great. I ALWAYS get two tacos (hardshell, but the soft ones are delicious as well) and frijoles. The frijoles have the signature hot sauce and lots of cheese.

I recently decided to try the nachos. I love nachos. I had had the regular nachos before and they were good. But the Super Nachos??? I have no idea how I do not weight 400 pounds. Meat, cheese, jalapenos, beans, sour cream, tomatoes. Life is good.

I also highly recommend the tostadas and the burritos. The iced tea in both varieties: also baller.

Les Bourgeois

Rocheport, MO

Commonly referred to as "The Winery," Les Bourgeois has been the site of many a miserable drunken downfall. And yes, I mean fall.

The food there is great. The bistro has a great menu, but if you're looking more to picnic than to wine and dine, then I'd suggest the A-frame. Every sandwich is great and they also have a picnic for two: bread, cheese, and meat. They have other stuff, too. Like beer.

But let's be honest, it's about the wine. It's good. The more you drink the better it gets! Now please keep in mind that I'm no connoisseur, but I can taste stuff and then tell you if I like it. I prefer white wines. Check PLUS. Pink Fox is also a favorite.

Remember, the winery is only open seasonally and when the weather is better than 50 degrees (it may be 60, so call before you head out there; if you click on the post title, it takes you to its website). Also, make sure someone can drive you back.

Dunkaroos

How Dunkaroos appeared, invaded young lunchboxes in grade school, then rapidly disappeared is beyond what my mind can wrap itself around.

What's not to like? Miniature cookies in a variety of flavors and an accompanying side of frosting to dip them in.

I'm sure this was one of those products that parents blamed for making their kids fat instead of, oh I dunno, the fact that their kids played video games instead of playing "Base Forever". If you don't know what base forever is... well, I just feel bad for you. That game was awesome.

The cookies came in chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate chips. They tasted a lot like Teddy Grahams if you ask me. The frosting was just that: frosting. Sometimes, if your parents really loved you, they'd buy you the kind with sprinkles.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Pickleman's

Columbia, MO

Sandwich. Mighty fine choice. And you'll get a good one at Pickleman's.

They also have great pizzas and salads. But I wanna talk about sammiches.

So basically, I sought out Pickleman's as refuge from Jimmy John's my freshman year of college. I was tired of Jimmy John's and they were likely tired of me and my Vito.

Everything there is good, and for all you single ladies, the delivery guys are usually good lookin'. I have gotten probably everything on the menu at one point of another, but I always lean towards the Italian of the Turkey Bacon Club. On the Turkey Bacon, go for the asiago caesar dressing instead of mayo... it adds a nice punch. And on the Italian, add banana peppers.

The Baja Chicken soup and the broccoli cheddar are both great, especially when you're feeling under the weather. The location on Broadway seems to have a better drink selection, but I haven't been to the one on Old 63 in a while because it's farther to drive and therefore they also do not deliver to my house.

For those of you who are not in Columbia, MO (CoMO, as we lovingly refer to this town), Potbelly is a nice substitute. In either case, watch out for the giardinara peppers... they're HOT. And I'm from Texas.

Oatmeal Creme Pies

Takes me back to Kindergarten. Or yesterday.

Little Debbie (such a genius) gave a gift to the world with the Oatmeal Creme Pie. It is the perfect snack in the middle of the afternoon, or the perfect dessert in your Minnie Mouse lunchbox (with matching Thermos, of course).

I'll admit, sometimes I get a box that tastes a little 'off' but it won't stop me from quality checking every last one, then going to buy another. Sometimes the store just has a box or two that isn't the freshest.

But seriously, what could be better than two soft oatmeal cookies with frosting (creme, if you will) in the middle? Pretty much nothing, that's what.

If you've never had one, do yourself a favor and eat one. I'm sure at least one person you know will share one if they have a spare (but don't get greedy; I'd be persnickety if someone asked me for another). If you need a chocolate fix, a Fudge Round is a good choice. Same texture, just all chocolate. But try the Oatmeal Creme Pie first, then try and tell me with a straight face you don't want to marry Little Debbie.

Angelo's

White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TX

Ah, how I miss the F-Dubs. Angelo's barbecue has been around for 50 years, making it one of Fort Worth's most recognizable restaurant landmarks. I've never eaten anything there that wasn't entirely delicious, though I do have a few favorites.

The sauce. It's just straight up good. It's hot when you get it and it's not sugary and thick. It's unlike anything you can buy at the store. It's also great for dipping some regular lays potato chips in.

Then there is the variety of peppers you can ask for (they used to be on the bar until they added the Coke fountain in 2008). They'll give you more than enough for whatever you've decided to enjoy and they just seem to taste better than anywhere else.

The beer. There may be nothing in this world more refreshing on a Saturday afternoon than a schooner of beer at Angelo's. The mugs are frosty like no one else's, to the point your ice cold beer makes its own ice on top of itself. They have margaritas now, too, but I never can convince myself to try one rather than have a beer (if you have and they are good, please let me know).

And lastly, what everyone really wants to read about... the barbecue. I almost always get the turkey sandwich with extra sauce on the side. I get it how it comes: mustard, onions, pickles and sauce. I've also had the salami sandwich, and while I was eating it once, I honestly thought one of my relatives might have to excuse herself. If you've never seen it, it's a big chunk of salami I'd say half and inch thick at least, with mustard, onions, pickles and sauce. It is so good though!

The ribs. I generally am not big on ribs, so when I tell you Angelo's ribs are fantastic, you better believe me!

The chili. Sometimes it actually gets cold in Cowtown and you need something to offset the ice cold delight that is your large schooner of beer. I don't know what they put in the chili, but if you enjoy MEAT, give it a whirl. In the same fashion as Andy Capp Hot Fries, the chili gets spicier the more you eat. The plastic spoon they gave me started out white and adjusted to right (brown, like the chili itself) as I ate. It also comes out temperature hot, so let it cool no matter how excited you are to dive right in. Drink your beer. When you're done, order another and start at your bowl of chili.

Don't get too excited now (because I know you're booking a flight to get down there or already in your car) but they also decorate for Christmas. Yes, it's true. The wall mounts get to dress up for this special time of year, as do the ceiling fans, whether it be with a string of Bud Light beer can lights or a festive, sparkly garland.

If you go with someone from Fort Worth, listen to their suggestions when ordering. They likely know you better than I do and can help you narrow down the looks-short-at-first-glance-because-you-didn't-realize-how-good-everything-would-smell-once-you-got-in-line menu with precision. But trust me, I cannot possibly explain to you how much I love this place.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Osaka Sushi and Hibachi

Columbia, MO

Sake, Sake, Sake... BOMB!

Tonight was my first experience with the illustrious sake bomb. Let me tell you, it was better than any other "bomb" drink I've had, excluding of course, the applesauce bomb. Easiest to chug, certainly.

But I didn't go to the restaurant for the sake; I went there for the sushi. I ordered the California Roll as I always do at sushi places, not for fear of trying something new, but because I like crab and avocado. The sushi was, no surprise here, quite good. My roommate and I also split an eel roll, also delightful. In addition she got teriyaki chicken and I got a side of fried rice with chicken. She said hers was great, just chicken with some teriyaki sauce. And mine, well it reminded me of the way my mom makes it, and let's face it, she's a darn good cook.

We went around 8:15 and it was quiet, but there were still people there. We felt awkward doing our sake bombs as she claims they are to be done, so we did them quietly in our booth. It wasn't until we ran out of beer that I realized there is a reason most people I know don't drink sake straight.

Lambert's

2731 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, TX

This restaurant is just so Fort Worth. The steaks are great, as was everything everyone got the night we went. The prices are not at all out of line considering the quality and quantity of food. On Friday and Saturday nights, live jazz accompanies your meal and cocktail.

The Charcutrie Platter is absolutely delicious, including the foie gras. I honestly did not expect foie gras to be sweet and tasty, but definitely try it at Lambert's if you have any reservations. The salads are great, too. The people at the table next to ours ordered the Green Chile Queso and it looked delicious.

The Ricotta Creamed Spinach was the cheesiest and richest creamed spinach I have ever had. Certainly a delight for the senses, but also very filling. I had the snapper when I was there to try something new and it was well worth it. I am the "yes, I'll take the filet mignon, medium rare, extra bacon" kinda gal but I enjoyed the red snapper as much as anything else I have ever eaten.

Everything was cooked perfectly. The cocktails were fantastic (Lambert's is also known for it's whiskey selection). The dessert was so fantastic I wish I had eaten it first (bread pudding).

Lambert's is a great place for a quiet celebration or anniversary or that important date. We went at dinner and it was nice to see that a place still exists where people dress up to go there.

Booche's

110 South Ninth St., Columbia, MO

Booche's is home to the best cheeseburger I have ever eaten. Not that I don't like Kincaid's in Ft. Worth or Woody's in Mineral Wells, TX as much as the next native Texan, but these cheeseburgers are just phenomenal.

You can get them with whatever you want on them: mustard, onions pickles, ketchup, chili, you name it. For $3 you just can't MAKE a better burger.

No fries, only chips, but the selection there is good, too. I have branched out from the cheeseburgers a time or two, after eating a cheeseburger first. I have never eaten anything there that wasn't completely delicious and perhaps too satisfying. I highly recommend ordering a brat sandwich with fried egg and mustard.

Only two beers on tap, Boulevard Wheat and Michelob Light. Other beer available as well of you're not a fan of either of those.

Sadly, like Chick-fil-a, Booche's is not open on Sunday. But that only makes me want is even more.

Oh, and head's up: Booche's is cash-only and you will definitely want at least two.

Chicken in a Biskit

Yes, it's a self-titled debut post.

As a snack cracker, Chicken in a Biskit is an all-too-often overlooked creation. Unlike Chick-O-Sticks (I'm not a fan of misnomers), they actually DO resemble the flavor of chicken. The chicken flavor is none too overwhelming for even the most delicate of palettes. Like Cheez-Its, I could probably finish off a box in one sitting. Chicken in a Biskits pair nicely with the Exotic Fruits Arbor Mist.

This blog isn't just about snack foods. It's about all foods, from everywhere. Restaurants, taco carts, you name it. I am not a gourmet expert, unless you consider someone who only works out so they can eat more an expert.

And remember, Chick-O-Sticks don't EVEN taste like chicken.