For our family it was Ponderosa Steak House. As a young kid that seemed like such a fancy place to go out to eat. We rarely went out to eat in a restaurant. I recall going to McDonald’s one time. We would occasionally get an ice cream or a sundae or something at Dairy Queen if my grandmother treated us. And grandma would give my dad money to go get a bucket of chicken from KFC every so often. The only exception for eating out was you could pick a place to eat for your 12th birthday.
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When my wife and I were first married, I got paid once a month. So once a month we would go to Ponderosa. That was the extent of our dining out.
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A bucket of chicken from KFC was a huge treat for us when I was growing up. Nowadays if I even look at one I gain 2 pounds that I have to work off the next day.
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It’s not worth it anymore. They are not Even trying.
Much of this comes from the lack of quality service in this part of NC. But the only times we go out is because I don’t want to cook. Around here I can think of a small handful of individuals who can cook better than me, and no restaurant as a whole.
When we travel, usually for officiating now, we like to try the mom and pop places where ever we are. Although a Waffle House breakfast is always enjoyable, food’s not great but I like the experience at WH.
Triangle is a bit out of our way for just dinner. Yes, it has good food. We’ve been a few places in the Triangle, but there’s always been a reason to be there besides food. We’re east of I-95, between Rocky Mount and Wilson. Even Greenville isn’t worth a drive unless there’s a reason to be there.
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Most of my visits to Waffle House have been on Ute Bowl Game trips with my father. We ate there on 2 different trips to bowls in Tucson. (Once against Drew Bledsoe and Wazzou, another time against Wisconsin). Then on a more successful trip when we traveled to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl against Southern Miss.
Good hash browns
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I enjoy sitting at the counter so I can watch. Don’t ask, I just enjoy watching the process.
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that is most of the fun of WH. That and trying to figure out what to put on your hashbrowns
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@UteBrave Thanks for the recommendation for Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder and El Diablo (actually just reopened this summer as Hunt & Gather with a new Chef)!
At Hell’s Backbone, had the biscuits, deviled eggs, and meatloaf and the wife got the braised beef. It was delish. Very fresh and a great setting.
At Hunt & Gather, we got the Cheese & Chacuterie board, duck, and Utah Schnitzel (actually a huge Utah shaped hunk of pork - very tasty). I think this was their last weekend for the season.
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My wife and I went back there last weekend. We ate there two nights in a row. It was as excellent as it was a few months ago, the first time we went there. They said all the fruits and veggies they served came from their farm in Boulder.
That’s good news about Hunt & Gather. I’ll try that next time I head down there.
Edit: I purchased both of the cookbooks published by Hell’s Backbone Grill so I hope to work thru them this winter.
Mostly Tongans
Cowboy Grub
I don’t think anyone has mentioned Osteria Amore, near the U. of U.:
The food, atmosphere and service are excellent. The portions are reasonably-sized, too, so you don’t walk out feeling stuffed (unless you want to). If you’re independent-minded or simply adventurous, you can purchase food from their Pantry and finish preparing and cooking it at home. They’ll deliver it, or you can pick it up, even on your way out after a meal.
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Wow! That sounds great.
Thanks for posting
Is that where Aristo was?
I think so.
I worked for a decade for a company headquartered in Miami before I retired, and spent a lot of time there. As I was on the road, and sometimes working with clients, I ate in a lot of restaurants.
Lately, I’ve been missing some of the wonderful South and Central American options I discovered there and have not had since. Specifically, Nicaraguan, Guatemalan, Brazilian, Argentine, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Cuban. These places were all owned by first generation immigrants from these countries, were very authentic, generally reasonably priced, and ALL exceptional.
I’ve done a few google searches and there seem to be more of these options available on the Wasatch Front lately, which I’m going to start checking out.
Any recommendations?
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This Venezuelan place was on DD&D. I haven’t been there yet but it looks really good.
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El Viroleño is an authentic (but not fancy) Salvadoran restaurant. (Viroleño refers to any native of Zacatecoluca, a town in El Salvador. I’ve been there. It’s stiflingly hot.) 471 W 800 S, SLC. If you go there try the pupusas. They’re super-filling. Have a couple for lunch and you won’t have room for any more food again until the next day.
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