Nationwide Ballpark Trip

OK, thought I would get a head start here. The trip does not begin until 8/27, so it's still over four months away, but I would like to get as much feed back as possible. I already got my "paperless" tickets to Chicago which is where I'll start my trip, and I'll be taking this route with the following overnight stops. Almost 100% of this trip will be interstate driving due to time restraints. Chicago-Omaha-Cheyenne-Salt Lake City-Reno-San Francisco-Portland-Seattle-Bozeman-Denver-Kansas City-Owensboro KY- Chicago.

I have quite a bit of my trip pre planned as far as where I'll stop to eat, however I am always looking for suggestions strictly on great regional food, so in other words, I'm not looking for a great burger in Portland, or good Chinese in Denver.

Specifically, I would love to know where I can get the best Hot Dog in Chicago, The Best Steak in Omaha ( I am planning on Johnny's but if there is another must try place, then I'm open to suggestions) and the best Chinese and Cioppino in San Francisco.

Thanks again in advance!

Oh, for those who were wondering, I will be stopping at the following Ballparks.
1. Wrigley Field- Chicago
2. Rosenblatt Stadium- Omaha
3. Covey Field- Salt Lake City
4. Pac Bell Park- San Francisco
5. PGE Park- Portland
6. Safeco Field- Seattle
7. Coors Field- Denver

They are only a Class A club, but while in Chicago, the Kane County Cougars play at Elfstrom Stadium about 40 miles west of Chicago in Genenva, Il. A great family park with great food, my favorite is the grilled pork chop.

http://www.kccougars.com/

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

OK, thought I would get a head start here. The trip does not begin until 8/27, so it's still over four months away, but I would like to get as much feed back as possible. I already got my "paperless" tickets to Chicago which is where I'll start my trip, and I'll be taking this route with the following overnight stops. Almost 100% of this trip will be interstate driving due to time restraints. Chicago-Omaha-Cheyenne-Salt Lake City-Reno-San Francisco-Portland-Seattle-Bozeman-Denver-Kansas City-Owensboro KY- Chicago.

Wow, sounds like a fun trip... maybe I can convince you to write up a travel/food journal for an upcoming issue of The Hungover Gourmet!

I WANNA GO WITH YOU! I WANNA GO WITH YOU!

(stamping foot and pouting)

I am absolutely shocked at the lack of responses on this thread!

Still looking for

1. The best Chicago Hot Dog

2. The best Steak in Omaha

3. The best Chinese and Cioppino in San Fancisco...

4. Any other suggestions or recommendations along the way...

Thanks!

What do you mean by Chinese? There are literally 1000's of places in the Bay Area. I prefer to walk up and down Clement St. in the Avenues, as that is one of the main shopping areas for
lots of far eastern people who live in SF proper. At least give a clue as to what style you prefer. You're intent on seeing the Giants and not the A's? Are you a fan of one league more than the other? Do you eventually want to get to all major league stadiums? What's your count so far? Here's a link to the recently released top 100 for 2004 for the bay area. There's a companion "cheap eats"list once you get into sfgate. And hey WJ, give us a call, (we're in the phone book) when you pass through the rogue valley and I'll take you out to lunch. I-5 is right down the road.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/04/CM100REST_INDEX.txt


I've put in a call to my father-in-law in Omaha for his opinion on
the best current steak house. I've eaten at Johnny's a lot, but people say it's gone downhill recently.
Bill

quote:

Originally posted by bill voss

What do you mean by Chinese? There are literally 1000's of places in the Bay Area. I prefer to walk up and down Clement St. in the Avenues, as that is one of the main shopping areas for
lots of far eastern people who live in SF proper. At least give a clue as to what style you prefer. You're intent on seeing the Giants and not the A's? Are you a fan of one league more than the other? Do you eventually want to get to all major league stadiums? What's your count so far? Here's a link to the recently released top 100 for 2004 for the bay area. There's a companion "cheap eats"list once you get into sfgate. And hey WJ, give us a call, (we're in the phone book) when you pass through the rogue valley and I'll take you out to lunch. I-5 is right down the road.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/04/CM100REST_INDEX.txt


I've put in a call to my father-in-law in Omaha for his opinion on
the best current steak house. I've eaten at Johnny's a lot, but people say it's gone downhill recently.
Bill

Hey Bill,

Thanks for responding. As far as Chinese, I'm looking for something preferably in the Chinatown area. I'm into spicy, so Szuechwan is a favorite. Unfortunately the A's won't be in town, I would love to see both teams. My goal is to hit all the major league parks by the end of next season so I will be back to the Bay Area next year too, as well as LA, San Diego, etc. I believe my ballpark count so far is 15, however that includes the Kingdome and Veterans Stadium.

Oh and thanks for the invite, I just might consider it!

Well, my point is sort of that the best food WON'T be in Chinatown. It's a tourist trap. Most people of whatever ethnicity
have their own area where they shop and work. Oakland's chinatown is much more "real", for example. It's still used by the peoples that created it. If my calulations are correct, you'll be ready for a break mid afternoon on your drive from SF to Portland. I've done this drive a whole bunch. you're welcome anytime. The rest of you too.
Bill

Try Gene & Jude's just west of the Chicago city limits for a great Vienna hot dog & fries. If time permits, go to the Loop and eat at the Berghoff. Giordano's is the best Chicago-style pizza.

In S.F., I like Mel's Diner downtown for breakfast (try the turkey hash). If you're a history buff, ride the restored vintage streetcars from Cincinnati, Kansas City, Boston and other cities. They're painted in their original colors.

Sounds like a great trip!

WJ We'll meet you in Owensboro if possible. An evening...or even a lunch at the Moonlite is not to be passed by. Keep us alert to your schedule.
AL

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen


WJ We'll meet you in Owensboro if possible. An evening...or even a lunch at the Moonlite is not to be passed by. Keep us alert to your schedule.
AL

Al,

That's a very strong possibility. I should be arriving in Owensboro on 9/11 a Saturday. I will be stopping in St Louis that afternoon for an early lunch of Toasted Ravioli so I'm thinking I should be in Owensboro by late Afternoon. The Moonlite was EXACTLY what I had in mind. We can discuss this further at the Crabcake feast in 9 days!.

WJ It's 2.5 to 3 hours from the St Louis Arch to the Moonlite. Freeway driving all the way. The evening menu goes into effect at 3pm, and you'll be in the same time zone (we won't) so calculating the drive is a piece of cake.
The time zone changes (Eastern to Central/Eastern Standard) a few miles from here. For those who never think of the hour difference it is amazing how that can effect the timing of a trip to the store or a good BBQ joint. That is complicated a bit more when 90% of Indiana doesn't go to Daylite time, but our county (near Louisville) DOES !!

WJ -- Let me just say that I am quite jealous of your baseball trip. My work does not allow me the time to drive so many miles for my vacation, but I have many ballparks on my agenda (some scheduled already) for my spring/summer travels. We have a few overlaps -- Wrigley (two weeks from tomorrow), Rosenblatt (College World Series) and SBC Park (formerly PacBell) in late July. I also have (major league)trips to Busch (last year -- gotta make it!), Shea, Yankee Stadium, Network Associates (we planned our trip to SF/OAK when both would be in town within a couple of days of one another); and minor league stops at Sec Taylor Stadium (Des Moines, IA -- even if Rod Beck won't be living in his trailer behind centerfield), Billy Hebert Field (Stockton, CA), Muicipal Stadium in San Jose, CA, and P&C Stadium (Syracuse SkyChiefs). I also have enough $$ in bump vouchers from my last flights that I plan on hitting a few more missing from my list (Denver? Pittsburgh? SoCal?). People wonder how I don't have a girlfriend? But, I am getting closer to all 30 ML parks now (almost easier to count the ones I don't have)...and it makes planning my trips a little tougher.

To bring this around to the topic of food.....

We did CWS in Omaha last year and loved it so much, we're heading back. I odn't know how good Johnny's could have been "in the past", but it was pretty darned good last year, and we plan on making a return trip this June. We also found an excellent Italian place (I know that doesn't meet your criteria, but I was surprised just how good it was....being from Long Island and all!) within relative walking distance to Rosenblatt.

I don't know if it is the absolute best, but a trip to Chicago should have to include a trip to "Superdawg" (which I am sure has been referenced on this sight a hundred times). I also plan on hitting the Billy Goat Tavern for a cheeburger-cheeburger, "pepsi, no coke", and "chips, no fries".

I will gladly update you upon my return for eats in SF area. We will be staying in Berkeley for four days, and plan on exploring the area thoroughly.

Enjoy your trip,
Steve

WJ, while at SBC (still Pac Bell to San Franciscans)Park, don't miss the Garlic Fries, and Orlando Cepeda's cha-cha bowl. It's a bowl of fluffy rice with jerk chicken and vegetables topped with a mango salsa.
Finding the best chinese food in town is a tough call. Different places have different strengths and weaknesses. If you're in the mood for seafood Chinese style, try Yuet Lee on the corner of Broadway and Stockton. Ugly neon green paint outside, but the seafood is extremely fresh. I'd definitely recommend the salt and pepper fried squid and the clams with black bean sauce w/ sliced jalapenos.
As for cioppino, there are a lot of great places in North Beach, with good to very good cioppino. Two places I'd recommend for a taste of San Francisco if you are on a limited schedule would be Swan Oyster Depot on Polk near California for the Crab Louis, and the Hayes Street Grill stand behind Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market for the Salmon BLT.

WJ, here are the two places in KC that I most recommend:

1) Strouds (preferably the original location, at 85th and Troost). Have the deep-fried pork chops with mashed potatoes and pork chop gravy. It's death on a platter.

2) LC's Barbecue at 5800 Blue Parkway (five minutes south and west of Kaufman Stadium). An old-fashioned KC barbecue hellhole--geeze, I love 'em. Order the large brisket sandwich. If you'd prefer a hellhole with a bit more history, go to Arthur Bryant's at 18th & Brooklyn. But I think that LC's is better these days.

Stevekoe, I too am from Long Island so Italian is definetly out, STEAK is the only thing that will be on my mind in Omaha. There are at least 5 different hot dog places in Chicago that have been reviewed, it's a tough call to know which one is the best. I'm sure they're all good.

Hungry Dawg, the Garlic Fries are definetely on my list, the cha-cha bowl...well...I'm sure it's good, but I don't know how "local" it really is. I had Swan Oyster Depot on my list for Crab Louis.

I was wondering if anyone knew how good the Tadich Grill is for Cioppinno.

Bill B. I've been to Strouds twice before. I'll only have time for one meal this time. I've been to Arthur Bryants before too. LC's sounds good, I believe "The Mayor" mentioned this too on a different thread, I was wondering if their ribs are good, because I think by the time I get to Kansas I'll be "all brisketed out" since I'll be stopping in Cheyenne Wyoming for brisket twice on the heading west and returning east trip. Does anyone know if Sneads in Kansas City has good ribs? If so which are better..LC or Sneads?

So many questions and so little time!

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

I am absolutely shocked at the lack of responses on this thread!

Well, you are not coming to Milwaukee, so you are dead to me now. ;)

Seriously I helped pay for the stadium (Miller Park) so I'm inviting all of you to come see it.

Demon Dogs in Chicago.

WJ.. For good chinese in SF.. try Hunan's Home.. great great food

OK Here it is the BEST hot dog in Chicago begins and ends with the Cubby Bear right across from Wrigley. Great all beef dogs, mustard, grilled onions all ona poppy seed bun. Add an Old Style and the ambiance of Wrigley and It can't be beat.

WJ, my favorite Chicago dog by far was at Weiner's Circle in Lincoln Park. They charbroil those Vienna Beef weiners to perfection.

As for cioppino, while maybe not the "best", I always loved the one served at Scoma's, a little place on one of the piers west of the main Fisherman's Wharf area. Used to eat there a lot, and I've taken a number of people there, with no complaints.

Just looked up their website, and it appears the prices have increased somewhat since the last time I went.
http://www.scomas.com/home.htm

Sounds like a fantastic trip.

I would have to have some of LC's ribs on butcher paper right beside some from Arthur Bryants to make a real judgement. I've had both, and both have been great each time I eat'em. I think my preference would be based on "A Bird in the Hand, in stead of One way 'cross town"!!

Now that sounds like my kind of holiday, Mr. Mayor. A KC barbecue taste-fest. Start at Bryant's, move on to LC's, then maybe proceed to Oklahoma Joe's or Snead's or take-your-pick. Begin at about 10 a.m. and finish when the last rib joint closes its doors.

Thanks, keep the ideas coming. However I still have over 4 1/2 months before this trip begins.

To continue my spontaneity I am driving up to Rochester NY this weekend to catch the Red Wings. I'm leaving at 6 AM sharp tommorow morning. I've seen the Red Wings before about 4 years ago, but I was tempted by all this talk about food to return to Nick Tahou's for a garbage plate. It's supposed to be a beatiful day up in the "Rahtch" (pronounced in the eastern Great Lakes accent) tommorow, high in the mid 40's. I'll be spending some time with family in Albany on Easter Sunday before heading back to Lil' Rhody Sunday evening.

Seeya back here on Monday!

quote:

Originally posted by bill voss

What do you mean by Chinese? There are literally 1000's of places in the Bay Area. I prefer to walk up and down Clement St. in the Avenues, as that is one of the main shopping areas for
lots of far eastern people who live in SF proper. At least give a clue as to what style you prefer. You're intent on seeing the Giants and not the A's? Are you a fan of one league more than the other? Do you eventually want to get to all major league stadiums? What's your count so far? Here's a link to the recently released top 100 for 2004 for the bay area. There's a companion "cheap eats"list once you get into sfgate. And hey WJ, give us a call, (we're in the phone book) when you pass through the rogue valley and I'll take you out to lunch. I-5 is right down the road.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/04/04/CM100REST_INDEX.txt


I've put in a call to my father-in-law in Omaha for his opinion on
the best current steak house. I've eaten at Johnny's a lot, but people say it's gone downhill recently.
Bill

Thanks for the link. I'm leaving in the morning for SF and I'll try some the places on Clement. I was already going to the Richmond area because of the large number of Irish pubs in the area, Plough and the Stars, Irish 32, Pat O'Shea and others so this gives me a second reason to head there.

I went to the new Rochester park <insert some corporate name here> last year, and I loved it. They have a horse in the outer concourse made of old baseball gloves. Perfect for the cheesy photo op. Thought the ballpark food was rather ordinary -- and Gennee Light is *NOT* a beer option!

However, if you can tie in a garbage plate, or even a stop at Dinosaur BBQ. I am doing a swing through western NY later this month, with stops in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. I think I can only make the one balgame in Syracuse, but I plan to hit a few places to eat! :)

Enjoy,
Steve

Just a "note-of-gloat" here to say that one week from today I'll be high atop Fenway Park's Green Monster sitting in some of Major League Baseball's most desired new seats, eating some Fenway Franks and watching the Boston Red Sox crush the dreaded New York Yankees.



I can barely wait!

Re Chicago: I believe that Demon Dogs is being forced to move, which will damage the ambiance tremendously (it's hard to replace "L" tracks overhead, you know). You might call first. SuperDawg would be my choice, mostly to get a photo and your fries in a box. The others are good also.

IMHO, the Billy Goat has become a caricature of itself, and doesn't deserve the business.

For something different, try the Berghoff downtown for German the old-fashioned way (You vill like it!), or one of Nancy's stuffed pizzas.

Make sure you have one for Harry while you're at the park.

Have a great time,

Labart

Omaha has several good mexican restraunts in an area close to I80. Just get of on the 13th street exit, (The first exit comming into Nebraska) make a left, go to L steet and make a right, and take L street to 24th and make a left. The best thing I've had there was the gorditas. This is also close to Rosenblatt Stadium, (which is on 13th street next to I80.

quote:

Originally posted by syrup

Omaha has several good mexican restraunts in an area close to I80. Just get of on the 13th street exit, (The first exit comming into Nebraska) make a left, go to L steet and make a right, and take L street to 24th and make a left. The best thing I've had there was the gorditas. This is also close to Rosenblatt Stadium, (which is on 13th street next to I80.

Sorry Syrup...I won't be eating Mexican in Omaha. I'm looking strictly for local regional cuisine which in Omaha means a good Steak. But thanks for your input anyway Now, on other hand, if anyone knows of a good local Mexican dive in Denver....

WJ- Not only the steak in Omaha...but the Czech's are there too. The Bohemian Cafe can do most any Czech stuff pretty good!

I-95, I'd go with ya, but I don't care much for Hockey.