A specific type of slinger, The Wilbur is Goody Goody Diner's signature dish.

California Tacos has that true San Diego surf bum, street taco stand feel and flavor... in Tampa, Florida. From the white board menu, to the surfboards on the wall, to the made-as-you-order burritos and tacos, this place will take you back to those ravenous afternoons after a long day on the beach or those post-Tijuana late-night burrito binges. The owner is a San Diego transplant to Florida, and he brought his award-winning fish tacos with him (according to the newspaper articles posted on the ordering window).

The loaded fish tacos go for $7.99, and are truly weighed down with huge hunks of fresh battered fish, cabbage, sour cream, guacamole, mild, medium, or hot sauce, pico de gallo, and a cream sauce made with mayo, yogurt, oregano, and chiles. They also feature other SoCal taco stand staples like carne asada burritos and a great chili relleno. Be prepared to wait in line, eat outside, and enjoy the fresh taste of southern California.

At the left, an onion fried burger sizzles on the grill. On the right is the result: a hamburger fused with caramelized onions.

An hors d'oeuvre found almost nowhere else, but so loved by the Ocean State that it appears on menus from Watch Hill to Little Compton: snail salad.

The Bishop's Fish Pudding: one of the great upper Midwest meals, named after the chef's grandfather, a man of the cloth.

Friske always offers an assortment of apples for eating or cooking.

A rebuild is taking place in the Corktown area of Detroit where Slows has grown to the point of bursting. Long lineups are a common sight in the evening and on weekends. Arriving after 1pm on a Monday saw the place very crowded but with no line. The smallish dining room has a nice warehouse feel with exposed brick and beams, perfectly complementing the late Victorian Era exterior.

Opening the front door I was, sadly, not met with the smell of smoke hanging in the air. There was, however, the unmistakable smell of pig fat that I was more than eager to drink in. While not really a fan of the "nouveau" Q that has become ubiquitous in the northern US and Canada, if you make good food, it will overcome the pretense.

The Big D is a half-pound of juicy beef in a bun. This one is a Spartan version, garnished only with onions.

I set up rides to eat for my motorcycle dealership, and we recently rode out to Rudy's to try the pizza. It was about 60 miles from the shop, and the ride through the Virginia countryside was more than worth it (the ride was also beautiful!). Our group was greeted as friends, though none of us had been there before. The menu options were explained, we were advised to grab a picnic table out back (they have very limited seating indoors), and in due time our pies were brought out.

I got a personal sausage and onion pie (personal pies are now $7), and others in my group ordered a variety of different types. All were very satisfied with the fare. My own pizza was very good, with obviously fresh ingredients on a satisfying base. While I may have had better pizza before, it's been a long time since I've tasted anything this good. I will definitely be back!