Bills Hamburgers Review, Van Nuys, CA

The kind of place legends are born, Bill & Hiroko’s little food stand has been serving up breakfasts and tasty burgers in the San Fernando for years. Bill was around today, but Hiroko was “manning the grill”, and when I asked about a burger, she suggested breakfast might be more appropriate, but I forged ahead,… Continue reading Bills Hamburgers Review, Van Nuys, CA

Steak N Shake Shooters Review

Started in Normal, IL, in 1934 by  ex marine Gus Belt, Steak N Shake is so named for its focus on ‘steakburgers’ and milk shakes. The marketing slogan “in sight it must be right” referred to the fact that originally, the beef was ground in plain sight of the customers, and originally was a grind… Continue reading Steak N Shake Shooters Review

Gilberts Froman Frank Review

Based in northeastern Wisconsin, Gilbert’s Craft Sausages are touting their all natural, uncured line of franks and sausages. I picked up a package of their “Froman” franks, which I assume is a riff on the character of Abe Froman, the “Sausage King of Chicago” in the Ferris Bueller movie.  Gilbert’s grew out of a passion… Continue reading Gilberts Froman Frank Review

Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger Review

The venerable Grandma’s Saloon and Grill in Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota adds special items to the menu from time to time.  They have a “feature” menu, a “farm to table” menu, and seasonal favorites. “Hot” on the feature menu at present is the Ghost Pepper Cheese Burger.  For those of you unfamiliar with the… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Grandma’s Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger Review

Tigard, OR – Burger King Big King Review

I keep expanding my trials for “new” fast food, either out of curiosity or due to having free coupons.  Today I tackled Burger King’s “Big King,(tm)” their answer to McDonald’s Big Mac. Burger King started in 1953 as “Insta-Burger King” in Jacksonville, FL, a small chain of franchised operations. Running into financial trouble within a… Continue reading Tigard, OR – Burger King Big King Review

Contract Writer for Food and Travel Available

Contract Writer for Food and Travel Opening a new or refreshed hotel or resort?  Creating new tour opportunities?  Launching a new food product, giving tours of factories or restaurant openings?  “Celebrity judge” for a food-related or other competition?  Contract writer available! About Me I am a well-traveled (see map below) independent traveler with a strong… Continue reading Contract Writer for Food and Travel Available

Timballo Recipe

Timpano (Timballo) Recipe In one of the best “foodie” movies ever made, The Big Night, Stanley Tucci and Tony Shaloub (“Monk”) try to save their failing restaurant by putting on the feast of all feasts to impress Louis Prima, who they have heard is coming to visit. One good word from him, they figure, and… Continue reading Timballo Recipe

Huntley, IL – Luigis Pizza Review

(August 2015 Update:  Luigi’s is now a branch of Sal’s Pizza, in Algonquin. See Sal’s reviews). Spoiler alert: Luigi’s pizza is spectacular. If you’d prefer to stop reading now and head directly to the restaurant, that’s ok with me. Actually located closer to Rockford, IL than Chicago, the village of Huntley, once a bucolic rural… Continue reading Huntley, IL – Luigis Pizza Review