Chipotle

I first discovered the magic that is Chipotle in Ohio several years back. It had been a long time before I could experience it again. They had made their move into the New York area, but only settling in the city. I never had any reason to venture into the city and seek out one of these behemoth burritos, so a few years passed without my lips tasting such succulent filled tortilla. Now I know this post doesn't truly pertain to travel but I feel it is necessary to share with the world my endearment for such an amazing epicurean experience as the Chipotle burrito.
As in a previous post, this story begins in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. I was visiting my friend and he suggested we try this new burrito place, Chipotle. I, always up for a Mexican food experience kindly obliged. As I adjusted to their subway like ordering style, my mouth began to water at the anticipation of flavor and deliciousness. The first bite remains ingrained in my memory for all of eternity and it created an addiction that still survives to this day. Let it be known that Chipotle was visited four more times that week and on each subsequent visit to Cincinnati. However, it was many years from my last visit to encountering Chipotle again. It finally returned to my life last summer in New York City and now that it has made its foray into the Long Island fast food market, it has visited me much more frequently as of late. A mere short distance from Tanger in Deer Park or the Walt Whitman Mall, Chipotle has become a necessary sidekick to shopping excursions. I cannot suggest you a specific type of burrito, but I can tell you that you wont be disappointed no matter what you order.

You can visit them on the web at www.chipotle.com to see their menu and locations. Here is a picture of their massive contraptions as well.

Philadelphia

Well when one thinks Philadelphia in the gastronomical world, there is only one food that comes to mind and that is the Cheesesteak. There are two competing franchises in the battle of this legendary food, Pat's and Geno's.




These two landmarks of Philadelphia dominate the Cheesesteak scene. A third, Tony Luke's has tried to enter this battle with recent appearances on various Food Network shows and having a location at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Ballpark. However, these two places are the Cheesesteak. Is one better than the other? I don't know. Ill tell you this, my experience with Pat's was pure bliss.
A few years back I was visiting my friend at UPenn. This led to a drunken night of fun and well pizza just was not going to cut it that night. We needed more, we needed the Cheesesteak baby. So we hopped in a cab, went to Pat's, practiced our jargon and ordered. I chose the classic Wiz Wit. That is cheese whiz with onions. The best combo in mind. The wit' is a local philly phrase meaning WITH. They think they are tough or something to pronounce it that way. Either way the steak is best with onions so go with the wit. But I digress. Back to the experience at Pat's. We had arrived in a cab and were faced with the dilemma of whether to eat there and wait for another cab or risk our food getting cold and taking the cab back. But then...our cabbie from heaven told us we could eat in the car. He must have wanted to the business since we were on the opposite end of town, but I think it was just an act of God. This was the best drunk food I have ever eaten in America....and second best of all time...maybe a special abroad post on this another time.

Since that magical night I have had other Cheesesteaks in Philly at various locations, but none compare to that night. I have flirted with the other cheeses; provolone and American, but they don't compare to the Whiz. So when in Philly, I suggest to fight the initial recoil and go for the Whiz Wit'.

Cincinnati

Skyline Chili. Let me repeat that name again. Skyline Chili. This is the best place in the state of Ohio hands down. Now I know its a chain and its fast food in a way, but fucking A, this is good shit. Skyline Chili is Cincinnati's pride and joy. It is the place to get the famous Cincinnati Chili. Now I know what you are thinking, I have had chili before, what makes this so special. Well first off, look at it. Its on top of frickin spaghetti for starters. And it does not stop there my friends. It is completely different from your typical southwestern varieties. It's recipe is secret, but I can tell you this, it has chocolate and cinnamon in it. Look at the menu for a sample of their offerings and then do yourself a favor if you are ever in Cincinnati. Go for the 5 way!!

Introduction

I love food. I love to travel. Blogs are an "it" item in America. I live in America. Food and Travel in America. That is what this blog will be called. I have seen a good portion of the American landscape from coast to coast, north to south. Many places I am yet to go, but I assure you, I might get there. I tend to eat food when I travel. Normally this occurs. Perhaps even the famous local fare, though as you will see in some upcoming posts that remind you this is in fact America, local fare consists of TGI Fridays and Applebees. Other places do have splendid regional food and it will be my job to unearth it for your reading pleasure. Most of the first several posts will be recollections of past trips, with the exception of Orlando which I took a couple weeks ago. I might even throw in some special abroad additions. All I can guarantee you is that I will write about food, include pictures, and perhaps make you want to eat something probably unhealthy for you. Lets hope you enjoy.

Bon Apetit and Bon Voyage!