tiggerprr’s scratching post

1. Bob Chinn’s Crabhouse in Wheeling, IL. You may be thinking, “But tiggerprr, you hate seafood!” I do, I do! But this place has WAY yummy steaks! And apparently the seafood is great too as it is flown in fresh daily and they display the bills of lading (shipping receipts) prominently for their guests to see. Their shoyu sprouts are to die for and the bread with garlic olive oil dipping sauce, OMG. Yum-o!
2. Giardano’s Pizza in Chicago, IL. Oh. My. Heck. I am not a big fan of thick pizza, but good God this pizza is…divine.
3. PF Chang’s China Bistro - Anywhere you can find one, it’s a chain. I was sad to move away from the St. Louis area so soon after they built one next to the Galleria Mall (that incidentally housed MY Godiva store - their sales plummeted when I left, I just know it.). Their food is delish, the atmosphere is romantic and their prices reasonable for the ambiance that you’re getting.
4. Round Table Pizza - again a chain, anywhere, usually in the Southwest and Cali. My favorite pizza, ever.
5. Town House Pizza and Lounge in Sioux City, IA. This is hubby’s favorite pizza ever and I have to admit, it’s yummy as heck! I am sensing a pizza trend. Ever since we left Iowa, we’ve been on the hunt for pizza that will even come close to Town House and we’ve not found it. We’ve eaten a lot of pizzas along the way.
6. Whataburger - Oh how I miss you, Whataburger with cheese and fries. And the Justaburger with Cheese and Fries when I just needed a little something. And the breakfast burritos. YUM!
7. Souplantation - Lest you think that all I eat are steaks, pizza and burgers. Here’s a yummy soup and salad bar place. But OMG, it’s freaking huge and fresh, and their baked goods. Wow!
8. Claim Jumper - It’s just obscene the amount of food they give you. Their Chicken Fried Steak (which I love!) is as big as your head. You can seriously get at least 2-3 meals out of one dish.
9. Five Guys - Holy Cow! These burgers are literally finger licking good. And a “regular” order of fries is enough to feed our family of three little piggies. These top In-N-Out Burgers for me, which are also good but won’t get a line item of their own now.
10. Wong’s Chinese Restaurant on Westheimer in Houston, Texas. Peter Wong manages (or did 13 years ago) this family owned chinese restaurant. I moved away once for an entire year, and he not only remembered me, but remembered my “usual”. I like to think it was because it represents their great service, moreso than the fact that I ate there at least once a week when I lived in Houston. Their food is the best chinese food I have EVER had.
11. TGIFridays - Four words. Sizzling Chicken and Cheese.
12. Redamak’s in New Buffalo, MI. These burgers are wonderful and they have a squillion appetizers. Instead of sliced cheese, they use Velveeta. Do you really need any other reason to go?
13. Mi Tierra Restaurant and Bakery found at El Mercado in San Antonio, TX. This is my favorite Mexican restaurant on Planet Earth. Their Carne Guisada, is like heaven in a tortilla. I am certain that the other food is great, but I couldn’t testify since I have never strayed from my favorite. My first husband and my in-laws used to take weekend trips to San Antonio from Houston SOLELY for the purpose of eating at this restaurant. There’s also cool shopping to do in El Mercado (Market Square) to walk off the food coma that you’re sure to start feeling. I saw Ryan Seacrest interviewing Eva Longoria on TV and she took him to eat at this restaurant. I got misty almost and actually called my ex to tell him to watch it. It’s THAT good, folks. LOL

Have I made you hungry? I sure have made me hungry!