In-N-Out | West Coast

Growing up in California meant being privy to the secret menu of one of the best burger franchises around. Period. I’ve heard friends from the south try to convince me Whataburger is comparable, and even friends in New York (of which I currently reside) tell me that Shake Shake is better! I have tried all three and I am here to tell you that In-N-Out is truly “what a hamburger is all about”.

Upon ordering in or driving through you noticed a very basic menu. I am talking three burger options, fries, perhaps five drink choices, and three shake flavors…and that is it. Or so one thinks! For those familiar, you are privy to the knowledge that there is a secret menu and pride yourself on showing this off to first-timers. But let’s be real…while their basic burger is consistent and delicious all the better options lie behind the visual menu. Common favorites are of course ordering your burger or fries “animal style” (topped with melted cheese, spread, and grilled onions), ordering a “neapolitan shake” (all three flavors mixed together), adding pickles to your burger (not part of their general toppings), ordering your burger “protein style” (for those who want to opt the bun out for a lettuce wrap), and even a “grilled cheese” for the vegetarian and kid friendly option. And beyond this there are still a handful more ways in which to order your drinks, fries, and stack your burger. This is all easy to learn and well, not so secret. But delicious…absolutely!

However, here is the thing that after probably about 20 years of knowledge I just learned existed for the first time today. MONKEY STYLE friends, yes…monkey style. This is no joke…it is possibly my dream come true (I just wasn’t aware of it). It is having your burger topped with not just animal style, but animal style fries! WHAT?! I need to get my butt back to California ASAP to try this.

Check out the Huffington Post article that just alerted me to such gloriousness. And where might you find this deliciousness in a bun? California of course, but also Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Utah.

Somebody please try this and let me know how it is!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite

P.S. I am also listing this under EXPLORE, because I have often thought designing a road trip solely based on hitting various In-N-Out locations along the west coast would be a brilliant idea.

The Meatball Shop | NYC & Brooklyn

There is possibly only one time when saying your food “tastes like balls” is a good thing. Head over to The Meatball Shop, home to some of the best tasting balls around. (Insert inappropriate thoughts here)! Your experience begins, when upon siting down you are supplied with a dry erase marker, allowing you to customize the menu and craft the perfect dish just for you. Try one of their daily specials, get your meatballs (of varying varieties) on a bed of vegetables, opt for their sliders, sample a side of their risotto, it’s up to you! My personal favorite is getting the “naked balls” (I know…I know), putting it on top of a bowl of broccoli, and adding the parmigiana cream sauce.

For drinks I personally love their house sangria and for a non-alcoholic option they also have a great iced sweet tea! Just a note…it is beer and wine only. Then don’t even get me started on desserts. Homemade ice-cream sandwiched (if you so choose) in between some pretty delectable, and often changing, freshly made cookie options. It doesn’t get much better than that friends.

Conveniently located in the Lower East Side, West Village, Chelsea, and Williamsburg…enjoy the deliciousness and simplicity of a menu created entirely off…well…balls!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite

Lala’s | Denver

A great Denver eatery that my girlfriend’s took me to is called Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria. Nestled in the Capital Hill area of Denver and across from Governor’s Park, this cute spot is great for a number of reasons. Try their delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, grab a glass of one of their many high-end wines (plenty of reasonably priced options too), and enjoy the great and lively bar. I loved the Il David pizza, and as the menu says…of course it’s “naked”! The Chicken Cacciatore, however, is a great pizza substitute. Voted Best Wine Bar in Denver plenty of times and if nothing else go for the ambiance. There is a constant buzz and great energy in this place that you won’t want to miss regardless if you are a local or just visiting.

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

Hula Grill | Maui & Oahu

I have had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii many times over the years and have tried outstanding food from local preparations found on the side of the street to hotel beachfront venues. With that being said, one of my all time favorite spots is on the boardwalk of Lahina at Whalers Village. Hula Grill and its even more awesome sidekick, the Barefoot Bar & Grill, is a meal you won’t want to miss. This is a great place for families and couples alike from the gorgeous sunsets you will experience right from your table to the authentic live music often playing. Depending on your mood, enjoy the open air dinning room or take off your flip flops, put your feet in the sand, and enjoy the Barefoot Bar! You make the decision on what sounds like the better option, but you won’t be disappointed either way. And for all you Hawaiian novices out there, “pupu” is an appetizer, and they have the best kind! Lastly, if you happen to be over in Oahu, visit their other location at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel.

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

Tortaria | NYC

This born and raised Southern Californian has had trouble finding delicious and fresh Mexican food in NYC and found that I am not alone! Well look no further because Tortaria is the place you need to be. This Mexican-style sandwich shop and tequila bar is modeled after a roadside bodega in Mexico City and can be found steps away from Union Square. It is very reasonably priced and the perfect place to head with colleagues and friends for after work drinks and food, but also a great place to pick up and go too. Here is what you need to know about this place:

1. The margaritas are excellent and STRONG. A pitcher is an excellent way to go for groups and serves about six glasses. Pour and repeat order for the maximum effect!
2. The Taquitos platter is the perfect meal for two to share (three if you aren’t that hungry) and you will be totally satisfied. Plus you’ll get to try a little bit of everything that way. Also, as a side note,  so that you aren’t confused the first time like I was, their taquitos are actually what we would call tacos.

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite

Mustards Grill | Napa

Sorry, but everything is delicious here. It is a simple fact and definitely doesn’t require any recommendations (you will be fine on your own, I promise)! If you didn’t already have an excuse to visit Napa Valley than Mustards Grill would be one of the reasons to do so.  This dining experience is both casual and classy at the same time, welcoming in the winemakers themselves and tourists from near and far. Also, check out their gardens before or after your meal which provides 20% of the restaurant’s produce year-round. According to their website, “another aspect of the gardens that make a visit to Mustards unique is the joy it brings to diners, fusing the nexus of food, wine and natural beauty that exists in the Napa Valley, and culminating in a complete feast of the senses.” Happy dinning!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

Blind Dog | Park City

I discovered this great Park City gem while at the Sundance Festival a few years back. If you are familiar with the Festival then you know sitting down and eating is a luxury in which most people opt out of, however this family owned establishment provided the perfect place for a breather. But no matter what the reason for visiting, the Blind Dog is great for all occasions. Plus it boasts to have one of the largest wine, beer and spirits lists in the state (and I believe it)! While it can seem disconcerting to some, the odd assortment of elements that makes up this restaurant – the dog art combined with the sushi bar, the lumberyard Utah location combined with their East Coast influences, and the premium steaks combined with their famous mac and cheese – is definitely part of its charm! And while everything is delicious, for all you spicy lovers out there, the Firecracker roll is to die for good.

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

Rendezvous | Memphis

When hogs fly! ‘Cause they do here! Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous is famous for shipping their world famous ribs around the country! Even though you can get the great taste on your doorstep, there is nothing better than eating ribs in the heart of Memphis. While everyone loves to be on Beale Street, don’t trust your instincts and head to this weird dark alley and down the stairwell for a real barbecue treat. The unique flavor of the dry ribs here just can’t be beat (and don’t let the styrofoam plate they serve them on fool you)! If you don’t know where to begin then I recommend you start with an appetizer platter and a few pitchers…that’ll do the trick! If you are not sure how hungry you are then the pork shoulder sandwich is another great and delicious option. And for all you vegetarians out there, you should at least go for the atmosphere, plus there are a few items in their “other good things” to fill you up. This place is simply old school and a must visit. Don’t be alarmed by my photo…they may not be attractive and incredibly messy BUT I promise they are amazing!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite

P.S. If you aren’t headed to Memphis anytime soon, then consider planning a BBQ themed night and have them shipped directly to you! 

House of Big Fish And Ice Cold Beer | Laguna Beach

Simply put, best name ever! But besides the fact that the House of Big Fish And Ice Cold Beer is actually this restaurant’s name…the food is delicious and the atmosphere is bustling at all hours of the day – it is the perfect spot for lunch, happy hour, or dinner in any season. However, I am partial to the sunsets from their balcony during summer! The menu ranges from great seafood freshly caught to rice/quinoa bowls and delicious tacos, but better yet the prices are affordable for everyone’s budget. This is not a place to just walk into though…I strongly recommend reservations for dinner if you don’t want to wait an hour. But while you wait…enjoy a bucket of beers or pitcher with a group of friends or ladies try their excellent skinny margarita…not only healthier but so refreshing (boys we won’t judge you if you want one too)! Great for a large group, families, a spot to watch “that” sports game, a place to end up after a day at the beach, and so many more reasons to find yourself stopping in. Truly the perfect place for everyone. See for yourself!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

Hot Chocolate | Chicago

Who doesn’t love hot chocolate? But with seven different kinds of hot chocolate to choose from and an optional add on scoop of coffee ice cream…now that is irresistible! Head to Mindy’s Hot Chocolate in the adorable Wicker Park area of Chicago for all occasions – just for dessert (and hot chocolate of course), brunch is fantastic, but lunch and dinner are also a great time to get your fix! And did I mention the hot chocolate all comes with house made marshmallows on top? I am a sucker for anything Chai, so that hot chocolate is my favorite, but I have sampled most others and all are equally divine. On their brunch menu, my top recommendations are the Veggie Scramble, the Waldorf Chicken Salad, or the Mac & Cheese. Happy sipping!

Enjoy!

The Insatiable Culturalite 

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P.S. They are closed Mondays!