Homegrown

What could be more delicious than an all local, all organic, all sustainable YUMMY sandwiches? A really cool organic t-shirt to go with it. We stopped by this Seattle lunchery to nosh on some tasty sammies. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture because we wolfed them down, but check out the website: eathomegrown.com. Such a highlight, despite the rain. We enjoyed our treats in Mt Rainier national park, where it was too wet to get out of the car so we had an excuse not to hike.

Top Pot Doughnuts

A picture is worth 1,000 words, or in this case, 1,000 calories. These two pictures explain it all, but let's just said we reached nirvana today at Seattle's Top Pot Doughnuts. Chocolate raspberry and old fashioned glazed doughnuts are the best way to start a morning ever. Period. End of story.

Scotcheroos

We have a new favorite treat, courtesy of Faith Simonieg. Everyone, get your baking trays ready...
on your mark, get set, GO!

Faith's Scotcheroos

1 c brown sugar
1 c light karo (corn) syrup (yes, I know, HFCS. But it's an indulgence)
1 c peanut butter
6 c Rice Krispies

1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. butterscotch chips
-->Faith says to use a little less

Combine sugar and syrup in saucepan. Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently until mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and mix well. Add Rice Krispies. Press mixture into buttered 9x13 pan.

Melt chips together in microwave. Stir until blended and spread over bars.
Enjoy!

The Ju(i)cy Lucy

We decided to resolve an old Minneapolis issue. The city is famous for its Ju(i)cy Lucys (spelled jucy lucy at Matt's), kind of like the Philly Cheesesteak of Minneapolis. This Twin City specialty is a hamburger with onions and cheese on the inside, so it sneaks up on you when you bite into it. There are two places most famous for them and who are credited for inventing this delicious meaty delicacy: The 5-8 Club and Matt's. We took it upon ourselves to decide which Lucy we love.

We started at The 5-8 Club with a juicy lucy and a basket of fries, which we shared. They use American cheese and sauteed onions which are delicious, and the burger is very meaty and tender. The fries were excellent.

But Matt's won hands down: although the patty was slightly drier, they use cheddar and the burger oozed to the last bite. Overall it tasted better and was even cheaper: $5.15 vs $5.50. We sat in a booth next to a table with two very drunk 'nam vets and the whole

experience was awesome.

In our experience at these two dive-y restaurants, we picked up a few tricks of the trade.

1) Do not expect good service but the Jucy Lucy is well worth the wait

2) The Lucy's are VERY hot when they first arrive. Clut them in half and let them cool before you chow down

3) When given the option of onions, be sure to pick "fried" onions

Congratulations Matt's!

Chino Latino

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- We ate the most delicious meal in "uptown" Minneapolis: Chino Latino, Asian/Latin fusion, was such a chic place after two days of corn fields. The silver mirrors lining the outside of the restaurant were an instant draw, and once we saw the menu we were in love. Kind of reminded us of Spice Market. Sriracha-coated chicken wings, spicy edamame, sushi, bbq noodles and kobe beef, topped off with a tres leches brownie was pure heaven. The fortune cookies were a real treat as well. No word on the organics, but we are incredibly satisfied. Loved eating with Bennett, thanks for the suggestion and we were so happy to see you!

Hamburg Inn

IOWA CITY, IA- The Hamburg Inn is the oldest family owned and run restaurant in Iowa City, specializing in hamburgers and quintessential American food! This late night eatery is a staple around town, situated right on the University of Iowa campus, and thank goodness for the time difference or we wouldn't have made it for the 11PM close.

The hamburger was delicious, as was the combo grilled cheese with cheddar and monterey jack. Seems as though the special is the mac and cheese with chili, since they were all out by 10:00. All in all, a delicious meal to bookend a day of good meals.

(thanks Dakota!)

Michigan

STURGIS, MI- So excited to cross the Ohio/Indiana border, we got state-crazy and took a small detour to Michigan; just barely dipping our toes into the state. But little did we know that a few hours later, we would eat lunch at the most delicious restaurant in Sturgis, MI.

After straddling the Indiana/Michigan border for some time, we got off the highway in search of food. The Indiana highway led us to an exist in Michigan and onto a smaller road with several strip malls. After browsing the selections, we pulled over to consult a map and found ourselves in front of a nutrition store. As we asked for lunch suggestions (no fast food, please), they asked what we were looking for and we said a sandwich shop would do just fine. They suggested Subway, so we headed onto main street for "greener" pastures, where we found a hidden gem: Boundary Water Cafe, an all organic, all local joint in the decrepit town of Sturgis proved to fulfill every one of our food fantasies.

We had a California wrap (avocado, spinach, tomato, cuke) and a Napa Valley Sandwich (turkey, cheese, roasted peppers, onions and herb mayo on foccacia) and strawberry lemonade. Absolutely loved! Michigan gets a thumbs up.

Start Date

Bloomsburg, PA-- enjoyed delicious sandwiches at Steph's sandwich shop, and of course some choco covered pretzels. Surprisingly cute town, with bagels and all... Even an organic sandwichery, which was closed. Fail

New food of the day: Chocolate covered potato chips. YAY! What a brilliant idea.