Sonic!

As I mentioned before, I'm a guy from New York. In New York (at least on Long Island), we don't have Sonics. However, we see commercials for Sonic all the time since we get commercials for the tri-state area (that's New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York), and there's some Sonics in NJ. Needless to say, most people I know have had their mouths water and their curiosity peaked more than a few times due to this drive-in fast-food joint. So, even though it's just a fast-food chain, Katie and I are gonna review Sonic for all of you deprived New Yorkers out there!

Let me just say that when we got to Sonic, neither of us had ANY IDEA how to order. There's no drive-ins like that on Long Island. So, first we parked by the parking slots with the menus by them. Then, we thought maybe we had to order first around the corner. So, we drove around and placed an order at a normal drive-thru styled intercom. Then, instead of a window where you pick up your food, you're supposed to round the corner again and wait by a curb with a sign in front of it that says something to the effect of "take-out curb." Well, I drove past this and went into the spots with the menu on them again. After a while, we realized I was wrong again, and I reversed and went back to the "take-out curb." An employee walked out our food, and after some confusion over the amount it cost (she kept thinking she said $10 less than it actually was), I was asked if I wanted the loose-change that I would normally get back without deciding at any other fast-food place. I was confused and wondered if this meant I was supposed to tip her for bringing out her food. I decided to just say "no thanks!" and part with the loose change, then just drive away to avoid the awkward situation.

In a nearby parking lot, Katie and I opened our bag and took out our order: 2 x-tra long coney chili-cheese dogs, a side of fries, a side of onion rings, 2 orders of jalapeno poppers (4 poppers each), and 2 Sonic Blasts (one Reeses and one Oreo).

Ok, so let me just start by saying that if I could get Jalapeno Poppers from a fast-food place where I lived, I'd be about 400 pounds. Jalapeno Poppers are among my favorite food items ever! And yeah, yeah, I'm gonna sound lame if I say that a fast-food joint can make good poppers because "oh, only the finest of fine eateries can get this right!" Buuuuuut...the poppers were great!

And the x-tra long coney chili-cheese dogs?

Well, they were definitely "x-tra long"! And, I enjoyed it all. Yep, ate the whole thing, plus 5 poppers (Katie gifted me one of hers. The best gift a lady can give a gent, in my book).

The onion rings were good. They had an odd carnival flavor to them. It was a bit sweet, and the batter was reminiscent of funnel cake in some strange way. To me, fries are fries, so there's not much to say about that.

The Sonic Blasts were good! We ate them back at the hotel. I got pulled over by Tennessee Police on the way back for not moving one lane over when an emergency vehicle was in the shoulder of a highway. I was informed this is the case in most states. Much like the ordering process of a Sonic, this is something my New York background had never taught me. The officer was very nice, and told me that if there's flashing sirens in a shoulder, leave the lane nearest them open by moving to the middle.

So, no ticket for me; but you, dear reader, get a review of Sonic, AND a safe driving tip if you're ever anywhere else in the US aside from New York: the state where we don't care if we come dangerously close to people changing their tires on the shoulder of a highway.

With loving tastebuds,

- Mike

Dor-Stop Restaurant

Pittsburgh, PA: home of Heinz Field, Fort Pitt, and Dor-Stop Restaurant. Now, the first two I only know about because I went on Wikipedia and looked up famous places in Pittsburgh; but, the last one on the list I learned to love first-hand because it was the first stop on Day 2 of Katie’s and my road trip!

Dor-Stop is known for its breakfast. Katie and I got ourselves to this fine eatery at around 11:40, which was fine since Dor-Stop serves breakfast all day (well, until they close at 3). A sweet parking spot right out front really helped since it's been raining every day so far on our trip. It appears that roadside parking is all there is to offer in this part of town, so you may have to walk if it's a busy day.

We got a seat right away, and Katie ordered a cup of coffee and I got me some orange juice. The juice was par, but Katie's coffee was about a birdie, so I decided I'd order a cup too. Then we were onward to make a breakfast decision. Katie got French Toast. I went for a South of the Border Omelette: sausage, onions, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and topped with salsa. Mine came with a choice of homefries or grits. I went with grits just to switch things up.

It didn't take very long for our food to come out. Katie's French Toast was served as 3 pieces of bread, cut diagonally, and rested atop one another like this: <|<|<|<|<|<|

Hooray for ASCII art!

Her French Toast was fluffy and delicious! A lot of times people (such as myself) are skeptical of ordering such a basic pleasure at a restaurant. I know I tend to go for more extravagant items. But you know what? The basics are just that for a reason: they're the fundamentals! French Toast is delicious all by itself. And while it's also delicious stuffed and covered in random fruits and jams and other cool edibles, let's not forget that it's great "naked" too. Dor-Stop reminded us of this with its wonderful toast triangles.

My South of the Border Omelette was incredible! The sausage had a great bit of spice to it, which complimented the peppers nicely (I believe there were some chile peppers in there instead of just the basic bell). It was coated in a great deal of salsa, which was promised by the menu and delivered by the chef. My grits were tasty. I'm a guy from New York, so forgive me if I say that I like homefries more than grits. Maybe as Katie and I venture more south on our road-trip this'll change?

So, two cups of coffee, a large orange juice, a huge omelette with grits, and french toast...all for around 20 bucks? Wow! Two thumbs up for this place. We walked out satisfied, and took a little part of Dor-Stop back home...

via the two t-shirts we bought!

Good times, everyone. Definitely check it out if you're in Pittsburgh. And, definitely keep checking back for more updates on Katie's and my adventure about the US in search of deliciousness!

With loving tastebuds,

- Mike

White Manna Hamburgers!

"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." If the mini-slider-size hamburgers Wimpy was always eating in the Popeye cartoons were from White Manna, I understand his desire for this barter!

Day one of our trip has proven successful and definitely did not disappoint! I know, you're all happy for us.The appearance of White Manna Hamburgers in Hackensack, New Jersey is definitely deceiving. The small white and red White Castle-type shack on the side of the road is loaded with some BIG flavor. Please, do not take me saying "White Castle-type shack" as an indication to the burgers you will experience at this place.

The restaurant(probably measuring about the size of your living room) was loaded with people. Mike and I happened to get there just before a lunch rush, thankfully. You walk in towards the counter, which isn't more than a foot from the front door, and just wait for your turn to tell the cook your order. He takes a few at a time and just puts the burgers on the griddle lined up in order. There is only one guy cooking the burgers and it's done right in front of you. There are 2 other employees there, a guy that bags up the orders and works the register and a guy taking fry and drink orders. It's amazing what the three of them can bang out!

Let's get to the menu, shall we? Of course, Mike and I ordered some burgers and cheeseburgers. As I mentioned before, they are White Castle style, so they are pretty small. You're gonna need to order 2-3 at the least to fill you. But trust me, once you've tasted them, that won't be a problem. You can also order doubles, if that is your preference, which are just slightly bigger versions. The burgers are put on the griddle for a few seconds before the cook asks you if you want onions on it(even if you don't like onions, I'd recommend saying yes) then both sides of the bun are placed on top of the burger in order to kind of steam them! Genius! Then the cheese is placed on and once they're removed you can ask for the works(ketchup, pickles and mustard), or you can just get them as is.

Don't fret folks! The menu doesn't stop at burgers. They also offer omelettes, plain eggs, egg sandwiches, a variety of flavored milk shakes, hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Surprisingly big for such a small place, wouldn't ya say? In any case, I'd still say to get their burgers; boy oh boy were they good!

For me, one of the best parts of going to White Manna is learning how close in proximity it is to where I live. How convenient! Hey, if this got your mouth watering, invite me with when you decide to check it out!

This is Katie saying continue to keep it tastey and go eat some meat! Over and out!