GrubGrade

Ok, an honest call to all you GrubGrade readers out there. August might be the official “National Sandwich Month,” but I want to know what’s the best sandwich you ever had. Yea, as in like EVER. Why do I ask?  Because I think I just finished eating the best sandwich I ever had. Have a gander:

I give you the Sugar Spiced Pork Baguette from Elements Restaurant in Logan, Utah. After raving about their woodfired pizzas, I just knew I had to get back to this contemporary American eatery ASAP. I did, and this time made it around for lunch, where their exotic and innovative selection of sandwiches made picking just one almost an impossible task. I ended up splurging on the $8.00 sandwich above, which featured generous portions of perfectly brined and roasted pork loin, crispy tobacco onions, and a savory-sweet combo of barbecue sauce matched with a whole grain ‘creole’ mustard. All jammed inside a crispy french baguette. If this wasn’t perfection between two slices of bread, I don’t know what would be!

So I’m asking you GrubGrade readers…What is the best sandwich you’ve ever had? It can be as simple as your first Burger King Whopper, or something as complex and sophisticated as an Italian panini. I’m not here to judge, I’m just hungry!

Ok, I’ll admit it; I’ve never been a big diner guy. Just haven’t.  That is until a few years ago, when I began watching “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” on the Food Network. Ever since then I’ve had an inkling to get into real deal ‘local’ type diners and sample all the homemade, artery-clogging goodness which we inevitably associate with these American icons.

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to visit just such a place. With my mother in town on a visit, I took her out to a local institution out here in Logan, Utah – Angie’s Diner.

Angies’ slogan is “Where the Locals Eat,” and from a quick perusal around the restaurant it was apparent that this mantra rings true. (more…)

When it comes to pizza, Logan, Utah might as well be the infamous Star Wars planet of Hoth. Not only does the college town rival the fictitious sci-fi orb in terms of climate, but Logan has placed itself so far away from the Pizza nexus of this country that Utah State University students are inclined to actually view the atrocious five dollar “Hot and Ready” pizzas at the local Little Caesar’s as an accurate representation of the Italian classic.

Hyperbole? Maybe, but you get the point.

Fortunately, Logan does have its share of saving graces when it comes to fine dining.  Elements Restaurant is not only my favorite local institution, but it’s an oasis of contemporary American cuisine and fine dining set in an otherwise fast-food and fast casual culinary climate (not that there’s anything wrong with those kinds of locations, but c’mon, a foodie needs some variety, right?). Providing a “refined and sophisticated” approach to a bevy of American classics, chef Dustin McKay has done a terrific job in shaping Elements into Cache Valley’s most affordable and one of its most enticing-foodie friendly destinations.

One can order all kinds of dishes at Elements, which boasts a menu featuring items ranging from a Sweet Cola Glazed Meatloaf to an amazing and hearty Chicken Bolognese pasta. Their list of appetizers and desserts is extensive and no-less impressive, but when I head to Elements I almost always order a personal Wood-fired Pizza. (more…)

Earlier this week I did a little bio on myself.  It was a way for my readers to get to know me a little better after having this blog up and running for 11 months.  I forgot to mention that my mom is Colombian.  We had a little family time today with lunch at a place called Colombian Breeze in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  A tiny hole in the wall that serves up authentic specialties from the northwest South American country.  I won’t go too deep into the details as this post is just an excuse to post pictures of food other than pizza, hot dogs, burgers and fries.

I started off with some empanadas with aji.  There are many different styles of empanada.  This Colombian empanada was fried and stuffed with a mixture of ground beef and potato. Aji is a sauce made of cilantro, green onions, red or black pepper, vinegar, salt, and lemon juice.

My main course was Chuleta de Pollo con arroz y platano.  Looks a little plain, but that was the kind of mood I was in.  Basically a flattened, breaded and fried chicken breast served with rice and fried plantains.  Forgive me for not knowing exactly what is on everyone’s plates.  Just know that chorizo is usually involved.

Check them out:

Colombian Breeze

48 Main St.

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

240-350-4217

In my vast travels through my hometown state of Maryland, nothing catches my eye more than these three words in succession, “Brick Oven Pizza”.  Driving up Rt. 108 on a lazy Saturday afternoon, Julliano’s Brick Oven Pizza was all I needed to see to make a stop at this oasis of a strip mall.  There is really nothing to find around this part of Rt.108 except for some farm land, some golf courses and a scattering of houses.  You won’t encounter much in this quiet, drive-through town, and the nearby cities of Gaithersburg and Olney can be looked at as bustling metropolises next to Laytonsville.  OK, enough with the geography-speak and back to the pizza place.  In all honesty, I’ve had my eye on this place for months before I got the nerve to actually stop.  My grub-radar locked down on it from the first moment I drove passed.  Like I said before, the words “Brick Oven Pizza”, made it so.  On this day, I made the stop and I’m happy I did.

Now before we get the pizza snobs look down on me for my excitement, just know that we’re talking Laytonsville, Maryland not New York City.  Julliano’s is as non-descript as they come. (more…)

I had heard some good things about Urban Burger Co. and figured I should trek to Rockville, Maryland for a taste.  I felt a need to get away from the Five Guys joints and glut of fast food chains for a little change of pace.  With a quick look at their menu online, I was sold.  My biggest concern turned out to be what to order.  Everything on the menu looked great but I had to limit myself to a few choices.  Urban Burger Co. is a fast-casual place as it offers no table service, but a higher quality grub than what you’d find at a fast food place.  Bringing along a friend to split food with is usually a nice way to sample a little more than you could handle alone.

The menu at Urban Burger Company includes everything from chicken wings and ribs to big salads and fried Twinkies.  With “burger” in the name of the place, it was only appropriate to sample one of the Black Angus Burger selections.  You start off with a 6oz burger patty cooked to order, the way you like it…(medium-well for me)… the price starts off at $5.49 and you have a free fixin’s bar with the standard lettuce/tomato/onion/ketchup, etc.  For 50 cents each you can add premium toppings such as 8 types of cheese, chili, bacon, avocado and more.  For just $1.00 more you can turn your plain jane $5.49 burger into a “Styled” creation. I was close to ordering my burger Blazin’ Saddle Style (spicy two-alarm chili, cheddar-jack cheese and green onion) but since I’m such a fan of BBQ sauce, I instead went for Urban BBQ Style.  Good choice going with the Urban BBQ as it was delicious.  They topped my 6oz Black Angus burger with Smokey BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese and thick slab bacon.  The burger comes on a warm brioche bun which is a nice quality touch. To go along with the thick bacon, the BBQ sauce could be described as thick as well.  Generously coating my burger and mixing in with the melt of the cheddar cheese.  Very good burger that made me look forward to trying again, perhaps with a new “Style” to mix things up.

Urban BBQ Style Angus Burger - $6.49

If you’re not in the mood for beef, why not try the chicken.  Also purchased was a Chicken Breast sandwich ($5.49) done in the “Savannah” Style ($1.00 extra).  Savannah Style seems like a good choice for a chicken sandwich.  Savannah Style tops your sandwich with a Honey-Mustard BBQ sauce, provolone cheese and thick slab bacon. With the Roy Rogers Gold Rush Chicken Sandwich being epic in my eyes, I thought that going Savannah would give me something comparable.  Loved the provolone and thick cut of bacon, but wasn’t really a fan of the Honey-Mustard BBQ sauce.  Maybe BBQ sauce alone or Honey Mustard alone would’ve worked here, but the combo concoction just wasn’t my thing.  The chicken is the main player here and it was a quality piece and marinated with 12 herbs and spices.  The brioche bun once again makes an appearance and no complaints there.  Overall, it was an OK choice but looking at the menu, now I’m thinking I should’ve gone with the style of So-Cal, USA (Honey lime sauce, sliced avocado, melted provolone).

Savannah Style Chicken Sandwich - $6.49

Unfortunately, no sides come free with your sandwich order but at least there are tasty options.  Most sides are $2.49 (Fries, Battered Onion Rings, Mo’s Mac & Cheese, BBQ-Ranch Beans, Chopped Slaw).  A few others are $3.49 (Loaded Baked Potato, Collard Greens, Mini Garden Salad).  People who know me best won’t be surprised to know know that I chose the Battered Onion Rings and Mo’s Mac & Cheese.  The Battered Onion Rings were a healthy size and as fresh as they come.  Described as “Thick, sweet onions, fried crisp, served with horseradish remoulade”.  I’d probably pass on these rings in the future because I wasn’t really keen on the seasoning used on them.  A smokey, salty mix that unfortunately took away from the natural goodness of my favorite onion rings.  The order of Mo’s Mac & Cheese was a strong choice and I won’t hesitate to order again.  A 3-cheese blend and baked just right.  One of my favorite side dishes and I’m glad UBC did it right.  Maybe a bigger size would’ve made my smile a bit wider.

Battered Onion Rings and Mo's Mac & Cheese - $2.49 each

As you might have guessed, I walked away from Urban Burger Company with the need to loosen my belt.  Ready to pass out into a food coma until I wake up later and regret not going for one of their four desserts.  Zack’s Chocolate Pecan Pie and Jessica’s Fried Twinkie Sundae are available for $4.49 each.  Bonnie’s Root Beer Float for $3.00 and Sam’s Blueberry-Peach Cobbler for $4.79. There’s always next time and I’m looking forward to leaving some room for that Chocolate Pecan Pie. Go out and support the non-chains people!  I know that comes off strange coming from a blog that primarily deals with the mass chains but you are likely to find a gem if you are willing to not hit the drive-thru.  Urban Burger Co. in Rockville, MD comes recommended.

• Recommendations: Style-up your burger and try Mo’s Mac & Cheese.  Leave room for dessert and tell me how it was.
• Food: 7.75/10
• Menu Variety: 9.00/10
• Atmosphere: Fast Casual
• Price: $$-Moderate=$7.01-$14
• GrubGrade: 8.00/10 (Very Good)

Check them out:

UrbanBurgerCo.com

5566 Norbeck Rd.
Rockville, MD 20853

301-460-0050

Last week we hit the road in Cheyenne, Wyoming to check out the state’s annual Frontier Days celebration. After a brief (but busy) stay in Cheyenne, I packed up my bags and headed south towards Colorado’s beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. Having already toured Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Waterton (CA) National Parks at one point or another during my life, I have to admit that I didn’t think I’d be blown away by the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. As usual though, nature, in all her wonders, pleasantly surprised me.

As much as I’d love to bore you with some transcendental sonnet on the ability of the Park’s natural beauty to uplift my traveling soul or some such, this is a food blog and I did do some eating once in Estes Park, a quaint yet touristy town adjacent to the National Park. (more…)

Going in with the goal of improving upon an already successful food business, the idea behind Firehouse Subs was born on a scribbled napkin in a competitors parking lot.  The submarine sandwich shop was a popular concept that was growing but as everyone knows, competition can bring the best out of an already successful idea.  Brothers, Robin and Chris Sorensen founded Firehouse Subs with the passion to provide customers with something a bit better than what they are probably used to. The entrepreneurial spirit of the place has got to be respected when you figure they are going up against Subway and Quiznos.  This place will make it’s mark, trust me.  Slowly but surely, the expansion might show up in your neighborhood so keep a look out for it.

When you walk in you are greeted by a friendly staff yelping, “Welcome to Firehouse Subs”.  It is the basic set up of an old time sub shop with the exception that the theme is that of a firehouse. (more…)

My love affair with Deli food is beyond comprehension. As I’ve mentioned before, I was raised in an Italian-Catholic household in Suburbia, USA, with absolutely no culinary connection to the old school, kosher-style Jewish deli that is so often depicted in popular culture. Once more, it’s not like I’ve had one of these gastronomic “awakening” moments that everyone seems to have (or at least claimed to have had) in college, as my taste for the All-American meal has pretty much remained, well, the same. Still, I’ve somehow developed a fascination for the old school deli classics despite never having had much experience with them, a strange but true fact which I can only attribute to way too many hours in front of the Travel Channel.

I blame this dude...

(more…)

This is not your ordinary Popeye’s. Located in heart of Dresden, Ohio, this little restaurant was originally opened in 1963 by Dave Longaberger, the founder of the Longaberger Basket Company.  It was originally named the Midway Dairy Bar.  People kept calling it by Dave’s nickname, Popeye’s, so the name became Popeye’s Dairy Bar.  In 1981, the restaurant was sold so that Dave could finance his basket company.   It re-opened in May of 1990 in its current location as Popeye’s Soda Shop.

As you walk through the door, you are transformed back to the 1950’s. The restaurant is set up as an old time soda shop with bright colors.  Teal, pink and white cover the chairs and some of the other decor along with black and white checkers.   Some of the displays include old 45’s, classic pictures and a large gumball machine.   The layout is very spacious with tables in the middle and booths surrounding the outside perimeter.   The back of the restaurant has a small bar with bar stools where you can drool over their delicious desserts which are made fresh and changed up each day.

Popeye’s Soda Shop Menu consists of your normal soda shop fare.  Baskets of fries, sweet potato fries and their signature onion rings made with their homemade batter are available.  You’ll also find soups, salads, sides, cold sandwiches, burgers and chicken sandwiches and desserts.  Some notable items you’ll come across:

• The “Popeye’s Orginial” (Thinly sliced ham stacked on a Kaiser roll. Served with a cup of homemade bean soup and cornbread with red pepper relish on the side.  Price: $8.00)
• “Wimpy Burger” (Two juicy hamburger patties smothered with our own special sauce and melted American cheese.  Served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion.  Served on a Kaiser roll.  Price: $7.25).

Everything on the menu is under $10.00. They normally serve their coleslaw with your meal, but they were out the day we visited, so they substituted a side salad or applesauce.   The orders at our table were a side salad, Popeye’s Hamburger, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the Grilled Chicken Salad.

Side Salad

Hamburger and Fries

• Popeye’s Hamburger: A 6 oz. hot and juicy beef patty right off the grill topped with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.  Served on a Kaiser roll.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Fries

• Popeye’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich: A juicy grilled chicken breast topped with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.  Served on a multi-grain bun.

Grilled Chicken Salad

• Popeye’s Grilled Chicken Salad: A bed of salad greens, topped with slices of grilled chicken, parmesan cheese and croutons.  Served with crackers and your choice of dressing.

Popeye’s has a famous sundae called the “One-Bite Sundae”. The One-Bite Sundae is described as “A Miniature sundae topped with chocolate, whipped cream and sprinkles.”   You may think that this isn’t very big for a sundae, but the trick is that it comes with a mini spoon.  Taking the mini bites helps make it feel as though you are eating a regular sized sundae.   See the picture below, the sundae compared to a glass of tea.  This is a great sundae for those wanting to indulge yet are still watching their weight.  The One-Bite Sundae will only set you back $0.50.

Although times have changed, the great food and fun atmosphere that Dave created 40 years ago continues.  If you are ever in the Dresden area, stop by to experience this wonderful flashback to the 50’s.  Popeye’s Soda Shop is worth the stop.

• Recommendations: The Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, Any Burger, Grilled Chicken Salad, The One Bite Sundae
• Food: 7.25/10
• Menu Variety:  8.00 /10
• Atmosphere:  Casual/Family
• Price: $$ Moderate $7.01-$14.00
• GrubGrade: 7.50/10 (Good)