Eat These Foods

We go out to eat quite a bit. Probably more than my wallet and health would like. As long as my weight doesn't balloon and I can keep the lights on, I won't be cutting back. Some people spend their money on clothes. Others buy the latest ipods and cellphones. I buy Italian beefs and burritos. We've had memorable meals at many restaurants, but here are the top spots and the food to get when you're there. They are listed below in no particular order as they are all equally stupendous. If you come visit and we go out to eat, expect it to be at one of these places.

Dinkytowner
When to go: Breakfast
What to order: The Cajun
Surprisingly located in Dinkytown, this dive bar located under Blarney's is the destination of choice for breakfast. Great biscuits and gravy, the latter being pretty thick and full of sausage. The Tex-Mex, a tortilla filled with breakfast goodness, is humongous even for the largest of men. Both are excellent choices, but the crown jewel is The Cajun. A pile of hash browns with cooked onions and green peppers. Cheese is melted on top before two eggs are placed on the pile. It's finished off with lots of hollandaise sauce and cajun seasoning to give it a little spice. If you want some sausage thrown in there, they'll do that for you. I say no to the sausage so it's a vegetarian meal. Makes it seem a little healthier after eating all the hollandaise. It's a cheesy, gooey, yolky mess that comes together to make the best breakfast in Minneapolis.

Chris and Rob's Chicago Taste Authority
When to go: Lunch
What to order: Italian Beef w/hot peppers
I've never had the pleasure of eating an Italian Beef in Chicago. I was a picky eater as a kid and refused to eat many things that I'm sure tasted wonderful. To look back and think of all the great foods I passed over as a child make my eyes well up. I was already a fatty in middle school from eating hot dogs and mac & cheese all the time that it might have been for the better that I didn't enjoy many meats. Things have changed drastically. If asked what my favorite food is, my answer is meat on bread. The Italian Beef falls into this group as its a ton of roast beef, dripping with its own juices, on a sliced loaf of Italian bread. Throw a couple of hot peppers on there and the sandwich is finished. No need for any sauce or extra toppings. The roast beef drippings soak into the bread, permeating every bite with the delicious au jus. Chris and Rob's has by far the best Italian beef I've ever tasted. The restaurant is adorned with Chicago paraphernalia including a picture of Coach Ditka. The owners look like Superfans. I think we can trust the authenticity of the restaurant.

Stay tuned for more restaurants you need to eat at when you are in the Twin Cities. Be ready for the recurring theme of "meat on bread". It will show up at least three more times. At least.