A Sea Of Red

OK, so I like to take pictures of my favorite food. Yes, I realize it is odd but I prefer to consider it a beneficial quirk. This way I get to relive the moments. With that in mind, I thought I'd start a thread where we share our favorite lunch choices. You don't have to use pictures but it'd be cool if you did.



Monster Burrito at Freebirds in Texas
Best burritos in the world and they primarily found in Texas (although the chain started in Southern California). I highly recommend the cayenne tortillas.



Stuffed pizza at Giordanos in Chicago
Just about any Chicago-style pizza is off the charts. But my first preference is for Giordanos with Gino's East a close second. Yes, I like pineapple on my pie. Get over it, qkslvrboy.



Softshell Crab Po-Boy at Mother's in New Orleans
Best ... sandwich ... ever. And the Cajun Crawtators only enhance the true Big Easy experience.



Cheesesteak at White House Subs in Atlantic City
Yeah, I know it is not in Philly. But this is the real deal on the best sandwich bread in America. Save room for the Tastykakes.



#1 Combo at In-N-Out Burger in Calfornia
We have discussed this place many times in other threads. But these guys know burgers & fries. In fact, I am salivating on my keyboard just looking at that tray.



3-Way with Cheese Coney on Side at Gold Star in Cincinnati
You can argue Skyline or Empress and I wouldn't put up a fight. But spaghetti covered in Cincy chili and finely shredded cheese with a hot dog on the side covered in the same cinnamon-spiced chili and cheese is incomparable. Just ask anyone you've ever met from Cincinnati about their favorite chili parlor and be prepared for some storytelling.


I have a slew more to post once I can locate the pics on my hard drive. But I'll leave you with one more globally that was so outstanding I have to include it here despite the picture not giving it the credit it deserves ...


Fresh Fish at the Abu Dhabi Fish Market in the United Arab Emirates
While working in the Emirates about a year ago, a colleague and I had a free day before our late night flight back Stateside. Being right on the Persian Gulf, everyone there bragged about their fish. So we asked where the freshest fish was in Abu and we were directed to the fish market. Dhows literally pulled up to the dock on the back of the market and unloaded their catch into the market where over a hundred merchants were selling every type of fish imaginable. We selected a nice assortment of fish and prawns and then headed to a hallway where a slew of guys had stalls where they prepared fish in their own unique way. So we created our own sampler and had a feast that rated off the charts. There wasn't another Westerner anywhere in sight and the locals got a kick out of serving a couple of Americans the way they like it best. We had had grilled, pan fried and deep fried selections and each tasted better than the rest. Suffice it to say dinner wasn't necessary that evening.

So share your personal favorites.

You're a food freak. You MUST read Danny Meyer's book, Setting the Table (paperback $15). Ya'll came from the same gene pool.

Thanks for the recommendation. And while I am guilty as charged, I doubt I am the only person on this board who appreciates a quality lunch. I am looking to hear your favorites as well.

I prefer to come back to work and not have to terrorize the office with the gastrointestinal disturbances that food will be causing.

Those pics look amazing, Sly. I'm definitely hungry now.

Is Giordano's good enough to have one shipped to you? The price isn't too bad if it's really that good.

http://giordanos.com/shop/home.php

EDIT: Nevermind, I thought the price included shipping. The only option they offer is UPS Next Day Air Saver and it's an extra $44.82!!!

In-N-Out Burger is my favorite. Doesn't get any better than that. Goat soup and hot homemade tortillas comes in a close second.


A couple of side notes:

The guy that owns them is a good Christian, there is a Bible verse on the bottom of every cup.

They do not serve frozen burgers. In fact there is a better than even chance that the burger you are eating today was walking around the pasture yesterday.

Sly Fox wrote:

Stuffed pizza at Giordanos in Chicago
Just about any Chicago-style pizza is off the charts. But my first preference is for Giordanos with Gino's East a close second. Yes, I like pineapple on my pie. Get over it, qkslvrboy.



Softshell Crab Po-Boy at Mother's in New Orleans
Best ... sandwich ... ever. And the Cajun Crawtators only enhance the true Big Easy experience.


#1 Combo at In-N-Out Burger in Calfornia
We have discussed this place many times in other threads. But these guys know burgers & fries. In fact, I am salivating on my keyboard just looking at that tray.



3-Way with Cheese Coney on Side at Gold Star in Cincinnati
You can argue Skyline or Empress and I wouldn't put up a fight. But spaghetti covered in Cincy chili and finely shredded cheese with a hot dog on the side covered in the same cinnamon-spiced chili and cheese is incomparable. Just ask anyone you've ever met from Cincinnati about their favorite chili parlor and be prepared for some storytelling.

agree with you on all of this....will post my own here later..

Sly, I can't believe that Doc's Diner (or another eatery in the 'burg) didn't make your list.

The problem was on my only visit I could've ordered at lunch and then still been waiting at dinner. I'll give them another try on our next visit to see if the new management has improved the service.

flameshaw wrote:The guy that owns them is a good Christian, there is a Bible verse on the bottom of every cup.

They do not serve frozen burgers. In fact there is a better than even chance that the burger you are eating today was walking around the pasture yesterday.

I can almost hear the moo as it enters my mouth.

The family has had some squabbles in recent years as some of the grandchildren want to start franchising nationwide to maximize the earnings. Frankly they just need to expand into Texas and I'd be good.

We have two in Tucson. The last couple of times the hamburgers were killed with salt. Not sure what's up with that, but I love me some In-n-Out.

(daughter wanted me to add a smiley face.)

Sly Fox wrote:

The problem was on my only visit I could've ordered at lunch and then still been waiting at dinner. I'll give them another try on our next visit to see if the new management has improved the service.

the wife and I went there today for lunch today...of course there were no students, but the service was good and fast and the food was hot when we got it...no complaints...had the chocolate cake...very good

now don't get me wrong, it wasn't like amazing food...but about what you would expect..I was satisfied...

Sly Fox wrote:

flameshaw wrote:The guy that owns them is a good Christian, there is a Bible verse on the bottom of every cup.

They do not serve frozen burgers. In fact there is a better than even chance that the burger you are eating today was walking around the pasture yesterday.

I can almost hear the moo as it enters my mouth.

The family has had some squabbles in recent years as some of the grandchildren want to start franchising nationwide to maximize the earnings. Frankly they just need to expand into Texas and I'd be good.

looks tasty yet grotesque at the same time do it looking like pure heart attack.

Cheesesteak at White House Subs in Atlantic City
Yeah, I know it is not in Philly. But this is the real deal on the best sandwich bread in America. Save room for the Tastykakes.

AC is considered Philly 'burbs and WH Subs are "Philly grade" cheesesteaks and share equal cred with Nick's, Peppermill, etc.

A buddy of mine went to In-N-Out Burger a couple months ago, and said it really didn't stand up to all the hype. He said that Five Guys is just as good. Is this true?

A huge calzone in Florence, Italy. Still think I like ones at Lil' Cucci's in Forest a bit better

ALUmnus wrote:A buddy of mine went to In-N-Out Burger a couple months ago, and said it really didn't stand up to all the hype. He said that Five Guys is just as good. Is this true?

Isnt In-N-Out a fast food joint? I wouldnt consider FG's a fast food place so it wouldnt surprise me if its a accurate assessment

five guys is awesome. i consider it fast food considering the few times ive been there have been i have received my food faster than most fast food joints.

Five Guys is usually slower than molasses when I go. Great burgers and fries, and worth the wait, but there's a wait nonetheless. I was surprised to see their Manhattan location when I was in NYC back in October.

I'm hoping to make it to Chick-fil-a today.

I'm not a huge fan of Five Guys. I don't think they're all that great.

I go all the time and I'm not sure there has ever been a time 5 guys took less then 5 minutes...to me that's not fast food...The T room is more of a fast food place the 5 guys is...it's a diner type place, faster then a sit down restaurant but slower then your chickfila's etc

In 'N Out is a true fast food place that actually looks a lot like McDonalds. Their prices are also comparable which is a bout half what you'll drop at Five Guys. I compare Five Guys more to Red Robin or Fuddruckers. For the record, I am now a big fan of Five Guys.

BTW I saw on Facebook where the basketball team ate at the location just off the Strip in Vegas while at their tourney before Christmas.

Great looking calzone in Fiorenze. I am jealous for both the food and the locale.

I just had a bacon double cheeseburger at Whataburger in South Texas en route to the Valley today. Some people compare Whataburger to In 'N Out as a great regional burger chain. I am not among those folks. But I hope to have a quality lunch tomorrow in a Mexican border town where we love to visit.

Sly Fox wrote:I just had a bacon double cheeseburger at Whataburger in South Texas en route to the Valley today.

Whataburger will always be near and dear to my heart for a couple of reasons--I got a to go order from there in El Paso the morning after my honeymoon night; I also ate there with my dad during the 50th anniversary of his Air Force reunion in Shreveport.

Anyone with Texan ties will have a Whataburger story or three to tell. Don't get me wrong, the burger was solid. But I spent six years in the hometown of Whataburger (shout out to Tally) where they are nearly the only option and I burned out on the place.