Quick Truth

I love food. I hate to admit that, but I really do. So here we go.

The Border Grill’s Whitefish Burrito. This could’ve been Number 1, but isn’t ordered by me as much. Look at that burrito! Don’t you want to reach through the screen and grab it? You know you do!

1. Just Right Chicken Border Burrito from Border Grill (Marquette, Michigan). I remember when this restaurant opened. Unfortunately, it opened in a small building that was right across from my apartment. The horror! Yeah, that was really sad. Anyway. I can not explain this burrito in a way where words will do it justice. Tasty green peppers, onions, Mexican rice, sour cream, chicken and I always drizzle some of the Border Grill’s awesome Border Salsa on top. Now I’m hungry. So good!

2. Steak fajitas from Red Mesa Grill (Traverse City, Michigan). Tender steak, crisp green peppers and onions, awesome marinade for everything, served flaming at your table with all of the “usual” fajita fixings. I hadn’t eaten at this restaurant in five years and recently went there again. Yep, it was as awesome as I remembered.

3.  I’m not sure what this is called, but it’s a recipe from my mother. The ingredients are: Cubed steak (or venison, as the situation allows), sausage, potatoes, green peppers, onions, and kidney beans. It’s all stirred together in a large bowl, and oven-baked. I’ve been known to eat two plates of this (when I’m on “vacation” I try not to obsess about my weight). It’s delicious. I think it’s called Hunter’s Stew because when my dad goes out to hunting camp, she’ll usually send him with at least one meal’s worth of this lovely dish.

4.  Chicken gyro with waffle fries from Vango’s (Marquette, Michigan). Vango’s and I go way back. It was “the” college hang-out when I was in college and is still a pretty popular place today. I love the spicy chicken gyro meat (I won’t eat lamb), the warm and soft pita, the yummy honey-mustard sauce…and crisp waffle fries. Also an old favorite is their Nacho Supreme. A half-order feeds two people easily. It’s a pile of tummy happiness.

5. My mother’s (and now, my) Famous Taco Salad. I won’t give away my secrets here. The standard ingredients are lettuce, ground turkey with taco seasoning and Taco flavored Doritos. The rest is not up for discussion. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years, but it’s still mostly like my mother used to make it. No one who’s ever tried it has not liked it. Another two-plate meal for me. It’s that good.

6. Grilled Chicken Buffalitos from Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s the BWW sauce, I realize. I usually order one buffalito (think chicken taco) with Thai Curry sauce and the other with Spicy Garlic sauce. Pleasure for the palate. Also, for those curious, yes, I have tried the BWW Blazin’ sauce. It was an experience, something I “had” to do. Once.

7.  Big Shrimp Platter from Joe’s Crab Shack. Fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, and Parmesan panko shrimp. Do I really need to say anything more?!

8. My mother’s (and now, my) Tuna Noodle Salad. Tiny shell noodles, tuna, baby peas, onions, mayo. It’s a favorite in the summertime because it’s quick and easy to make. I love it. Another two-plater.

9. Shrimp Korma from Sindhu’s Indian Restaurant (East Lansing, Michigan). I haven’t been here in well over a year. Everyone who used to eat there moved away! No, I’m not bitter about that, why do you ask? Anyway. Shrimp in a lovely yogurt/cumin sauce with sticky steamed rice. Awesome with garlic naan.

10. 6 oz. Black Gold Steak, medium-rare, from Bonanza Steakhouse. I can’t explain it, you just have to try it. The steak almost melts in your mouth. There are awesome steak places here in Lansing, but nothing like Bonanza.

Now I’m hungry.