Best ______(food) in your hometown

[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.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

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

I will attest to that! The Dominos near my alma mater was one of the first stores and their pizza was SO much better than the one that's near me now.

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by AGDee

If in Lexington, you must get a Hot Brown. I got it at Ramsey's but I understand that's not the original, but it was great!

The original is from Louisville - The Brown Hotel.
In my opinion, the best Hot Browns are from Claudia Sanders' Dinner House - in Shelbyville.

Originally Posted by TonyB06

Best Ice Cream: Graeter's Ice Cream. (when I go home with my daughters, we literally cannot leave town until we get Graeter's.)

I hear ya on the Graeter's Ice Cream.
IMO, you can't talk about good Cincy food without mentioning the Montgomery Inn. Best BBQ in that part of the country. (Doesn't compare to Carolina BBQ, though.)

Originally Posted by IndianaSigKap

Pizza X breadsticks...those are the best. The Little 5 special..$5 for a large drink, 8 breadsticks and two sauces (nacho cheese and pizza are the best).

In Lexington, KY, the best breadsticks are from Joe Bologna's.

[TonyB06]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

IMO, you can't talk about good Cincy food without mentioning the Montgomery Inn. Best BBQ in that part of the country. (Doesn't compare to Carolina BBQ, though.)

I've had friends and others beyond Cincinnati rave about it, but as a native, I've never had Montgomery Inn ribs. When I go home I often think/plan to stop in and try them but never get that far.

My family reunion is this weekend in Cincinnati, but I ain't even gon lie. With all the ribs and other food being cooked, I won't get anywhere where near Montgomery Inn ribs on this trip. Maybe later this summer, though. lol

[IUHoosiergirl88]

Originally Posted by IndianaSigKap

Pizza X breadsticks...those are the best. The Little 5 special..$5 for a large drink, 8 breadsticks and two sauces (nacho cheese and pizza are the best).

I used to LOVE the nacho cheese and then ran into a bit of a bout of food poisoning with it...now I stick to marinara or ranch!



I'm not sure how I could forget Scholars Inn for breakfast, their stuffed croissants are AMAZING. Also, Samira is the only Afghani restaurant I've ever tried, and I fell in love. Meat on a sword = to die for

[honeychile]

Still preparing my house for sale (so depressing because it has such a large lot, it may be sold as a tear down), and was in the 'burgh this past weekend. Dh had to console me at one point, and was smart enough to bring me some Sarris Candy. Most of y'all have never heard of it, as it's only recently been available via mail. It is SO GOOD, it makes Godiva's taste cheap!

[IndianaSigKap]

Originally Posted by IUHoosiergirl88

I used to LOVE the nacho cheese and then ran into a bit of a bout of food poisoning with it...now I stick to marinara or ranch!

Wow, I didn't think anyone could get food poisoning from canned nacho cheese sauce. It has so many (yummy) preservatives in it. Pizza X is the thing I want first when I hit campus.

[IUHoosiergirl88]

I didn't really think you could either...I personally demand Mother Bears immediately. Or Kilroys breadsticks with an accompanying pitcher Long Island

[DreamfulSpirit]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

I recommend More cupcakes and Garrett's popcorn.

Oh yeah, I'm definitely doing Garrett's. Both DH and I have people at our jobs wanting us to bring back popcorn for them!