Burger Aptos Review, Aptos, CA

A mere 8.5 miles SE of the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot, there’s a joint that’s serving up a fully-disclosed menu which provides for no mystery at all, ‘cepting how food can be so damned delicious! Bay Area burger reporter GL and her burger posse stopped in at Burger to sample the wares on a recent… Continue reading Burger Aptos Review, Aptos, CA

Otto and Anitas Bavarian Review, Portland, OR

I’ve lived a lot of places in my life, but nowhere til now where you could imbibe in multiple versions of a schnitzelwich! And despite my world travels, I don’t think I ever recall seeing “dill pickle soup” anywhere – where has this been all my life?!?!? Otto and Anita’s, a smallish place (but the… Continue reading Otto and Anitas Bavarian Review, Portland, OR

Basils Pizza Review, an Homage to Joe Szabo (Northfield, MN)

40 years ago, it was called “Bill’s,” and it was in the same location.  Hasn’t changed much, same counter, same booths, now fairly worn, the faux leather brittle with age.  The home-spun murals of scenes of Italy on the walls are fading. But would the pizza hold up?   Did we love it because it was… Continue reading Basils Pizza Review, an Homage to Joe Szabo (Northfield, MN)

Mandia Ciboitaliano Frozen Pizza Review

I’ve wondered aloud many times why US frozen pizza manufacturers can’t make a really great pie. I’ve had a few really good ones from smaller Chicago manufacturers, such as Vito & Nicks II, and Home Run Inn, but the big guys? Totinos? Red Baron? Tombstone? Yechh.  Fortunately, several years ago, I “discovered” the frozen pizzas… Continue reading Mandia Ciboitaliano Frozen Pizza Review

Gas Station Sandwich Primer

I’ve written a lot about ‘gas station sandwiches,” a term I use to describe the cello wrapped sandwiches, fresh or heat and eat, one finds at c-stores, gas stations, and in vending machines. The earliest ones I remember were from a Virginia company called “Stewart Sandwiches” who sold mostly to bars, concession stands, and schools… Continue reading Gas Station Sandwich Primer

Fresh Thyme Market Review – Grocery Chain

“Fresh Thyme Farmers Market” is a relatively new chain of grocery stores in the Upper Midwest.  I’ve heard it described as “Trader Joe’s meets Whole Foods.”  I guess that means the focus is on “natural” and “organic” mixed with some interesting items (imports) like Trader Joe’s stocks. The chain is the brainstorm of the former CEO… Continue reading Fresh Thyme Market Review – Grocery Chain

The Spot Review, Marengo, IL

I like stumbling across (still) prosperous small towns. 30 miles east of Rockford, IL, and 40 miles west of Chicago’s O’Hare airport, you’ll find the burg of Marengo, established in the mid 1800s as a regional commerce center for the surrounding farmers. Original industries included a flour mill, carriage factory, and a quarry. A lot… Continue reading The Spot Review, Marengo, IL