Best ______(food) in your hometown

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by dukemama

Is Bruster's based in Pittsburgh? We have one outlet in our area (greater Philly) that I know of, but I've never been there. Passed by it just yesterday, in fact.

There are a bunch in North Carolina, too. I've tried a few times, but it really didn't do that much for me. (Sorry, honeychile.)

ETA: As I think about it, I think there could be a shadow floating through a thread like this: How much are our opinions on what is the "best" whatever in our hometowns based on an objective assessment, and how much is based on subjective associations? I know I've told people that such-and-such is the best whatever around, only to have them try and say "eh, it's okay, but this other (inferior one) is better." What's the difference (aside from everyone having different tastes)? They don't have the memories associated with it that I do, or the same associations, including growing up with the idea that "everyone around here agrees" that this whatever-it-is is the best whatever-it-is.

Good memories make almost anything taste better.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

We all have a topic that makes us unnecessarily intense and longwinded.

Oh, get over yourself. That's hardly "intense," and I can be a lot more long winded than that, thank you very much.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

LOL.

Oh hush and go cook me some cheese grits and catfish.

I loathe catfish. But my cheese grits would make up for the lack of catfish.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I will take whiting instead of catfish. Thanks!!!!!!

Sorry, but unless you want shellfish you're out of luck. I don't do fish.

My cheese grits are better than your cheese grits.

Prove it. Bring me some. Otherwise I refuse to believe it.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I love shellfish but do not want shellfish and grits.

No shrimp?

Back on topic: Best shrimp and grits -- Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by dukemama

Is Bruster's based in Pittsburgh? We have one outlet in our area (greater Philly) that I know of, but I've never been there. Passed by it just yesterday, in fact.

Originally Posted by MysticCat

There are a bunch in North Carolina, too. I've tried a few times, but it really didn't do that much for me. (Sorry, honeychile.)

ETA: As I think about it, I think there could be a shadow floating through a thread like this: How much are our opinions on what is the "best" whatever in our hometowns based on an objective assessment, and how much is based on subjective associations? I know I've told people that such-and-such is the best whatever around, only to have them try and say "eh, it's okay, but this other (inferior one) is better." What's the difference (aside from everyone having different tastes)? They don't have the memories associated with it that I do, or the same associations, including growing up with the idea that "everyone around here agrees" that this whatever-it-is is the best whatever-it-is.

Good memories make almost anything taste better.

Sure, there's subjective opinions. But when you have a chain, the quality of the food depends on those who are making it. I think the Bruster's near my old home is the second one, and it's darn good! Not quite as good as PSU's Creamery ice cream (which will forever remain the standard for good ice cream, but much better flavors.

BTW, please note that I didn't mention the over-vaunted Primanti Brothers. Yes, it's a tradition, and if you can at least try one, fine. But it's far from my favorite.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by honeychile

But when you have a chain, the quality of the food depends on those who are making it. I think the Bruster's near my old home is the second one, and it's darn good!

Very true about chains, and about the stores that predate the chain-ness.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Nooooooooooooo. I typically avoid shrimp and grits. It is not nasty. I consider it a waste of shrimp and grits.

Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree on that.

And you can give me your shrimp and grits.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

That gets us back to your post about the subjectivity of it all.

The "intense" and "long winded" post?

Got to get this thread back on track somehow.