It is a well known fact that bikers love to eat. "Eat to ride, and ride to eat!" It gives us another reason to get on our bikes and go somewhere, as if we really need any reason at all. And looking at pictures from trips we have taken, we noticed that food didn't dominate the pictures, but there was enough that someone commented it was like you were on a food run. Well, now that the secret is out, let me admit-we will and do detour when the right food is available. And have been known to drive hundreds of miles to get it. So for the sake of argument, and as a gift to those who ride and abide by the above credo, here are some places that at any given time, I would detour 100-200 miles to eat there. When you realize 200 miles is more than most people's weekend ride, it makes these places pretty special. You may have your own, feel free to let me know all about them, but these are mine, the short list-a very short list!
Breakfast is usually eaten after riding 100 miles, which makes it late in the morning. F. McClintocks is the exception. We eat before we leave Arroyo Grande. Their Linguica-a Portaguese sausage is exceptional, large portions, real potatoes, and you never leave less than full. Black Bear Restaurants, in Northern California, are a close second. We have actually eaten breakfast late in the day when we find one. Only 200 miles, I'd drive 350 to eat at F. Mc's, and have.
When travelling, we don't stick to a schedule for meals, we tend to go hours before we pig out. So no standard lunch, especially after a huge breakfast. But for a sandwich, it has to be Primanti Bros.-make sure it is the original location in the alley by the strip district in Pittsburgh. Hand cut Italian bread, steak-there #2 best seller, a handful of hand cut fries, and a handful of Italian slaw-all between the bread. And by a handful, I mean it is built by hands-they grab a handful-and even the bread comes in an uncut loaf, so sometimes one slice is thicker than the other. Never the same twice-these sandwiches are exceptional-and the only reason I would brave Pittsburgh's constantly under construction downtown. Now, how far is Pittsburgh?
To have a real sub sandwich you must go to New York or New Jersey. Sorry, in Pennsylvania they are hoagies, and just aren't the same. And in Westfield, NJ, it is Hershey's Delicatessen. Been eating there since high school when Duke's changed hands. Sliced meats, not precut loafs. Real cheese, and real bread-white, no trendy wheat bread here. All the condiments, and you end up with a sandwich that you can barely get your mouth around. Order a whole-12", in case you want to munch later, and get it to go-tastes better after the oil and vinegar have penetrated! Lifelong favorites, #2,#6, #20. You go and figure them out!
For custard there can only be one place-Ted Drewes, on old Route 66 in St. Louis. Since 1928, serving this constantly made fresh serve ice cream-think of ice cream on steroids, this stuff is so rich. My favorite-their Concretes. My last one was the apple pie, where they took a piece of pie, then filled the cup with custard, on the blender for three seconds, and then handed to you upside down-so thick it won't run out. Every bite-apple pie and heavy on the ala mode.
A short list indeed, as I didn't include, pizza, BBQ, Chinese, hot dogs,or hamburgers. But the above all have a common theme-crowds. People flock there for the food-to be fed. And they aren't disappointed. The book of Mark reminds us that when Jesus travelled, a crowd gathered. Many times when He was going to eat, He was surrounded by thousands, and ended up feeding them. Food from the Word-spiritual, but also fish, bread, and crackers. He knew the human need too. Large portions, fresh, and always leftovers, no one left unfulfilled. Which is why I love church pot lucks. Each lady brings her favorite, there is always way too much to eat, and really pastor, I fell asleep from too much food, you're not boring! And the fellowship, we get to visit and know each other more, and share about our Lord.
Does your church pot luck it? Maybe they should, great way to meet others. And be blessed. Contact your pastor today, never did meet one who didn't love to eat, and grow as a body. Of believers. And you can even invite friends!
Let me know when your next one is-I would like to be there. In between Pittsburgh and St. Louis or whenever. And no matter, Jesus is always there! Now, explain this custard thing to me-again!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot
