Plotting Points on the Map
Yes, it’s true. I’m moving back to Providence at the end of March. Instead of buying a one-way plane ticket back, I’m taking the scenic route east. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone. It could be anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on factors such as weather and how much cash is left in the wallet.
The above map is only an approximation of the route I plan to drive. If you have any tips on must-see sights, restaurants or diners let me know. Drop me a line if it looks like I’m driving through your town and perhaps we can set up a blogger gathering. Besides just eating out, It would be great to meet-up with folks and cook the specialties of your locale. I’d love to cook with a southern grandma and learn to make a proper biscuit, or perhaps you live around New Orleans and want to share your method for gumbo–in return I’d be happy to share my grandma’s method for red sauce and meatballs.
Hey, Providence is a yummy city.
I like your itinerary. Random places I can think of that you might like include that are more-or-less on your route include
1. Red Iguana in SLC.
2. Angelo’s BBQ in Ft Worth
3. Willie Mae’s Scotch House in New Orleans (plus any of a gazillion other good NO joints).
4. Interstate BBQ in Memphis
5. Schwabl’s in Buffalo
(And I apologize for having a nearly identical blog name to yours…
)
Hey, as far as blog names–great [hungry] minds think alike! Several folks have mentioned Willie Mae’s in NO, so I will stop there. Funny, I grew up in Rochester, NY, but never really spent much time in Buffalo. I will stop there to eat on this trip.
Red Rock Brewing Company in Salt Lake City is worth a stop. The restaurant is literally right next door to the brewery. Aside from good beer, they also have excellent food.
Excellent–thanks for the tip, Mark!
Do not leave New Orleans without dining at Cochon at least once:
http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/html/menu.html
Ask to sit at bar that runs along the front of the kitchen, and you’ll have a front row seat 3 feet from the open kitchen.
If you have the time, hit Acme Oyster House for incredibly fresh oysters at the raw bar and/or the hands-down best oyster poboy in town. Or, better yet, a half-and-half with oysters and shrimp (and Tabasco mayo). Perfect hangover cure, too!
If you can only pick 1 place, make it Cochon. If you can only pick 2, make it Willie Mae’s and Cochon. Or, as I did last time I was in town, Cochon and Cochon
Enjoy your trip.
I keep telling Lenny when we move back to Boston, I want to do a road trip like this. Your itinerary looks & sounds fantastic! If you decide to go down towards Austin, I can give you some places to go to. Or Jackson Hole, WY.
ooops, I put my wrong website name .. gave the non food one!
Thanks for the tips, Denise. I’ve been to Austin many times and LOVE the food. This trip I’m trying to hits the places I’ve never been. And, well, as far as New Orleans, felt it was time to return and eat.
Well if you decide to take a more southern route and avoid late snow, stop at Cafe Pasqual’s in Santa Fe for breakfast. My friend Emily says it’s her favorite breakfast place on Earth:
http://www.pasquals.com/breakfast.html
The east coast will be glad to have you back! If you’re swinging through the Hudson Valley, let me know. Couple good places to eat in Rhinebeck!
For something regional in the Cincinnati (actually Northern Kentucky) area stop in at Dixie Chili. No trip back home for me is ever complete without a stop there for a 3-way. That would be spaghetti with Cincy style chili and neon yellow cheddar cheese (you can add onions or beans if you must). http://www.dixiechili.com