I like to eat. One glance will confirm that. But I have specific tastes, and will eat just about anything if it tastes good. So I like the idea of man sized portions. On platters. Food that fills the platter. I actually get embarrassed for these so-called gourmet restaurants that serve you a bite sized morsel, with some stringy veggies, some dressing sprinkled around it, and a flower. And over charge you like they are doing you a favor. How unmanly? What kind of real man would actually sit down and eat a half a sissy meal like this? One time-we all make mistakes, aren't you glad God forgives? I've had appetizers that were more filling-and then the main event. Portions count-as in big. Food should taste like food. Lumps OK in mashies. Butter on those green beans. Extra gravy on the side. Sizzle that steak. Enough to get filled, so much that you skip desert. Ride a few miles, then hit the Coldstones. So here are a few places where portions count, the food is good, service good, and the meal is an event.
For breakfast you can't beat the Original Pantry. Downtown LA on 9th and Figueroa, free parking for motorcycles. Sounds good already. My standard there is bacon-6 crispy, thick pieces, eggs, and buckwheat pancakes. With potatoes. Which takes three plates to serve you. BIG pancakes, three 11" manhole covers, not those sissy sized ones at IHOP, and real potatoes from the grill, there again not the frozen ones like chains serve. All in an atmosphere where when you can sit at the counter, maybe next to a bum, a lawyer, or a businessman-who are all harder to tell apart these days. CASH only, but they do have an ATM. And you may have to stand in line, and they are open 24 hours-they have never closed since 1924, the legend is there are no keys to the door. Breakfast all the time! Bring your appetite, you are gonna love those buckwheats!
For a good sandwich you must leave California. And go back east. The left coasters just don't get it-you must put stuff between the bread. Lots of it. And for me, it is Primonti Bros. in Pittsburgh. Now a chain, for the real experience you must go downtown to the original in the Strip District. Following the directions on their web page, they actually take you down an alley-follow them if you want to park. In an old neighborhood, where at first you wonder how safe you are, going inside all is forgiven. And although the list of sandwiches is long, I favor the cheese steak, there all-time #2 best seller-no indication of what #1 is. And they are all served the same. Thick cut, hand sliced Italian bread. Then the meat. Then a handful of hand cut French fries, then finally a handful of Italian slaw-the kind with vinegar instead of mayo. Cut in half, open wide and let the games begin. After Primonti Bros., anything is just a meal. Here it is an event! No sissy designer food here. Just mention them to anyone in the Pittsburg area, and they'll agree. Hint-for your own safety do not mention the Chargers. There are the Steelers, and the rest are others. Just like any other sandwich you will ever have.
For dinner, let's go to El Cholo. Since 1923 serving the best Mexican food in So Cal. New Mexican food is its own category. Great service, large portions, and a festive atmosphere, you will wonder how do they get all that flavor from the food? Fajitas as they should be, although lately I have been gorging on the chicken chimichangas. If you think Alberto's is Mexican food, stay away. Mexican Alpo. You won't get it. This is the way the old Mamacitas cooked it, and still do. Only an hour to Irvine from home, we also eat at the one in Pasadena. And recently found the one on Figueroa just down the street from the Pantry. Great way to get in a ride and a good meal, along with friends. WARNING-do not attempt to eat at both on the same day. Death from food overload could occur. Besides it may take all day to recover from breakfast. Spread out the joy of eating over a few trips. Almost makes the traffic bearable. Lane splitting advised.
Seems we have come a long way from manna. Food that God provided every morning-except Saturdays, so they could observe the Sabbath, and it was fresh and tasted sweet. But the Israelites got tired of it, and soon desired to go back into captivity in Egypt, where at least the food was good. And ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years-while God still fed them and listened to their complaining. He then reminded them that man does live by bread alone, but truly lives by obeying the words from God-true manna. A truth that still exists today. So why don't you trust God? As a people we are well fed, for a reminder read above. God has given in abundance, and even sent His son, Jesus to die for our sins. So why don't you trust God? Where do I start?
Ever notice how the food tastes better after asking God's blessing? Good place to start. And soon you find other reasons to thank Him for-because you are looking for reasons to. So don't grumble like the Israelites did-captivity is not where it is at. Choose God. Let Him lead. Let Him forgive. And get out and tell others. While at lunch, or between bites of buckwheats. Sit at the counter and visit, not preach. Spread the gospel through good food, and learn also why Jesus liked to fellowship with others-both believers and non, while eating. So pass the salt with a smile, pass the syrup to the man next to you, offer to move down a seat so both guys can sit together at the counter, and start a conversation by being nice. Good food has a habit of making good friends. Be nice, kindness the Bible calls it, the fruit of the spirit. Now that's being a witness!
And leave a big tip. Be known for your graciousness. Jesus is. Sharing Jesus never tasted so good. And feel safe in knowing that man doesn't live by bread alone-it needs something between the pieces to make it a sandwich. Grace-it adds flavor to any meal-and to every life.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com