Denver, CO - The Hi-Dive
We left Lincoln, Nebraska, late at night and still excited from our Power Pad workout. The ride was snow-filled and very cold. Our next stop was Denver, Colorado. We arrived early to the Hi-Dive and were pleasantly surprised when they told us we had dinner vouchers for Sputnik, a restaurant next door. The menu was filled with unique dishes, each sounding delicious. The Bennie Mac sandwich stood out for having fried chicken, barbecue sauce, macaroni and cheese, bacon and Swiss cheese. It was the first time any of us had seen macaroni and cheese as a topping on a sandwich. Jimmy, the lone wolf, was the only Subject willing to take it on. Around the table, the meals were complimented by sweet potato fries and dipping sauces tailored for each dish.
Denver, CO - Swift’s Breakfast House
Breakfast in the morning was a surprise hit. We saw an unassuming shop advertising steak and eggs across from where we had parked. Under normal circumstances, steak and eggs sound like a late-night mistake. But, being in ranch country, the idea paralleled eating a Nathan’s hot dog at Coney Island. The steak was thick and juicy. The eggs were off the charts. The green chili was batting a thousand. The modestly-priced meal was delicious on all accounts.
Salt Lake City, UT - Gilgal Gardens
We didn’t eat any memorable food in Salt Lake, just did a lot of thrift shopping and touristy-stuff. For example, we found this statue of Mormon Founder Joseph Smith as a sphinx. We had to join our resident sphinx, also named Joseph Smith, for a picture.
Portland, OR - Riyadh’s
Armed with a list of recommendations from a friend, we arrived in Portland with many options for eating. We dined at Riyadh’s. None of us could name a specifically Lebanese dish before we got there, but guessed it would fall under the Mediterranean umbrella. The lentil soup had a great combination of spice and flavor, and wasn’t heavy enough to get in the way of the main dish. The table was filled with falafel and shawarma, which were understated and quietly elegant.
Portland, OR - Fat Albert’s
Before shuffling off to Eugene, Oregon, we stopped at Fat Albert’s for breakfast. When prompted for a recommendation, our waitress said the bacon was good. Not a dish, but it did serve as a starting point. The coffee was exceptional and we found out that it was roasted around the block from the restaurant. Biscuits and homemade jam are singled out as specialties, and both were delicious.
Eugene, OR - Pizza Research Institute
Besides being one of the coolest towns we have ever seen, Eugene had some of the best pizza we have ever eaten. It was the peak of mushroom season, so we ordered the “Humongous Fungus:” a pizza topped with seven different kinds of locally picked mushrooms. We complemented it with an IPA from the brewery at the end of the block. We did not want to leave Eugene.
San Francisco, CA - In-N-Out Burger
No trip to California is complete without In-N-Out Burger. Every time go to one of these there is a line and all the tables are full. Why? Consult the slide show!
