Culinary Adventures: Favorite Eats Part 2

Childhood Memories

Ah, the sweet childhood memories of eating new foods and favorite foods with my family. My dad loved to take me and my brother to little hole-in-the-wall joints. Several of these are listed below in my favorites. There was one place in Three Rivers, Texas, that I remember going to with my dad on the days he let me go to work with him. The only thing I remember about this place is that there was a juke box playing music, and I got to order Big Red to drink. If you aren't familiar with Big Red, it's a red-colored soda pop, which I'm pretty sure was just red sugar water, but it was a treat! These eating adventures with my dad led me to be passionate about the food I eat; and has resulted in many foodie quests of my own.

Faves from Places I've Lived + One Bonus

Let me preface this list by saying some of these restaurants I haven't eaten at since I was a child, but the fact that they are still around after 25 to 30 years since I've been there tells me they've still got it. {Arranged by state}:

Texas

• Sevi's Burritos {Wichita Falls. The BEST and LARGEST tortilla you will ever eat. Definitely get a burrito if you go. My fave: potato, egg and cheese and a dash of the mild, homemade hot sauce. This one is from our college days. I know this one's still good; I ate here for my birthday in October. Note: You get a free burrito on your birthday. Did not know this in college!}
• Chili Dog {San Marcos. The last time I ate here was in college when DH & I were traveling through, but it's a favorite childhood memory. My dad's friend opened this place over 25 years ago. My brother and I used to get to help fill the soft drink orders and we loved it. The chili dogs are amazing, but I always loved the Frito pies. The fajitas with fresh pico de gallo are outstanding, too. This place is {or was} literally a small trailer converted into a kitchen. The secret to the chili dogs is the chili!}
• City Market {Luling. This place has been open forever as far as I can tell. My dad used to take us to City Market for sausage. I have never been a big fan of sausage, but I always ate this sausage. It's set up like a butcher shop. So, don't expect much in the way so service or even plates. They serve up your meat order on butcher paper, your sides in Styrofoam cups and throw in few slices of the essential to any BBQ meal in TX white bread. This place is an institution.}
• Grin's Restaurant {San Marcos. Grin's is the site of many family and friend gatherings. It was a perennial favorite for our family. They're known for their large, juicy, tasty burgers, but the nachos have my heart.}

I could go on for hours about places in Texas where I spent the first 22 years of my life, but I'm moving on now:

Oklahoma

You would not expect to find the best Mexican restaurants in the U.S. in Oklahoma, but it's true. Look no further, these two restaurants are hands down the best Mexican I have EVER eaten; and trust me, I've eaten a lot of Mexican food. As soon as you are seated, you will be served warm, freshly made corn ships, salsa, queso and flour tortillas. Don't go starving; you'll more than likely have to wait for a seat.

• Chelino's Mexican Restaurant {OKC Bricktown location. The atmosphere is party-like and full of Mexican art, music and décor. Chelino's is also located on the canal area of bricktown in Oklahoma City, which adds to the festive mood, but I started eating there long before there was a river running past the back side.}
• Ted's Cafe Escondido {OKC. This restaurant is smaller and the wait was legendary. I think it's been re-done since we lived there, and is probably larger, but in any case, the food is worth the wait!}

Iowa

• Miles Inn {Sioux City. In Iowa, we discovered something called a tavern. It's similar to a sloppy joe, but so much better. We tasted many, and then we found Miles Inn. Miles Inn is really a bar; and not even a very nice bar, but a dark, old, smoky bar full of dart boards, small tables and bar stools, but doesn't matter. You won't even notice where you are if you have a beer {with green olives; it's a local thing & essential}, a tavern with cheese and pickles {or 2} and a bag of Old Dutch Dill Pickle Chips in front of you and are seated at a small, wobbly, Formica table with 4 or 5 of your buddies. One word of caution: don't use the bathroom there. It was a warning passed on to me by a friend, and one I adhered to all the times I went there.}
• Pierce Street Coffee Works {Sioux City. The sign may say coffee works, but go for the food; the bread selection is wonderful, the interesting sandwich combinations and endless options for building your own make this a standout in my mind when it comes to sandwiches. Yet, I also love their Rosemary Pasta Salad. Then again, their blue cheese salad was always a delight too. And the cakes.... oh, their luscious fabulous, homemade cake selection is to die for. We eat here every time we return to visit friends.}

And lastly, the Bonus Favorite Pick......

• Il Gattopardo {NYC. It was the first meal that mom & I ate when visiting the Big Apple this summer. We would have never known about it, but our Concierge at the Hilton New York set us up. Every bite was delectable. The service impeccable. The ambience a combination of Italy and Manhattan. It remained our favorite even after eating a number of fantastic meals in New York. Just don't ask for the dessert to go.}

The Scoop

There's nothing more disappointing to me than to have eaten a mediocre meal when I know I could've eaten a really great meal. What's your favorite restaurant? Please leave a comment with your own favorite dining spot, no matter where you live or where the restaurant is located. Over and out...

Anna

 You might also like:

Gastronomical Adventures: Favorite Eats Part 1

The Top 13 Things I Learned in NY While Attending the BlogHer Conference

Comments

[Tracy @ Sugar Loco]

I too love food-especially dessert! Where to begin...my fave is Heartland in St.Paul, although I haven't been there since they moved locations. I also love Pepitos, a family owned Mexican place in Mpls, and Fat Lorenzos (South Minneapolis)-incredible pizza!

[Jane @ The Borrowed Abode]

Well, these posts are making me hungry, and I just ate dinner! Everything sounds so tasty.

[Heidi]

Wait a minute...nothing from Minnesota? Why did you leave it off the list?
I second Pierce Street...I miss it so much and dream of the carmelized walnuts and their delicious sandwiches. Yum!

[Heidi]

Oops...didn't see earlier post. I get your blog a day late over here in CO, sorry. I'll go back and read Part 1.

[Anna]

Tracy

Thanks for reading! Also good choices! We aren't far from Fat Lorenzo's and it's a family fave! Yum!

Anna

[Anna]

Heidi, I knew you would agree with me about Pierce St! Oh, sweet memories!!!

Anna

[Anna]

oh, yeah! It's tasty - or was! Much of this list is based on my memories and not recent dining experiences!
Thanks for reading, Jane!

Anna