a girl's gotta eat

I was watching The Biggest Loser tonight and naturally my thoughts turned to food.  Watching people exercise makes me hungry! The contestants were talking about the fattening foods they used to eat and how they had given up those foods for good. 

I couldn't help but think of the foods I miss.  Not because of dieting of course.  Ha!  Don't be ridiculous.  I'm talking about the oh-so-good but oh-so-bad treats of homelands past and destinations afar.  But for the many miles between me and these fine eateries, I'd be a frequent diner at each.  And likely 10 pounds heavier. 

In -n-Out

Top three things I miss about California?  My family, San Francisco sourdough bread and In-n-Out.  If you've had the life altering experience that is In-n-Out, well then you know what I'm talking about.  For those of you who haven't, you're missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures.  Seriously.

Oh, what I wouldn't do for a Double Double.

                                    

If you've been to In-n-Out you've probably about their not-so-secret Secret Menu.  I've yet to try the Animal Style Fries but they sure sound good.  Fries, cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce? Yes please!  Who's tried these?

Because I'm in Florida and In-n-Out has no apparent plans to expand east of the Rockies, the length between my In-n-Out fixes are now sadly measured in years rather than days.  I was so excited at my last visit in July of 2008 that I photographed it.  I'm surprised I was able to put my burger down long enough to snap the picture.  And also that I somehow managed to exercise some restraint and ordered a single rather than a double double.  Clearly that was a regrettable mistake.  {And no, I'm not a giant fatty - just a regular one. I did not get two orders of fries. The other was my mom's.}

Hot Dog on a Stick

This is mall food court food at its very finest.  Hand dipped corn dogs, fresh, made on the premises lemonade and my personal favorite - cheese on a stick. 

Don't knock it till you try it.  There's very few things in life better than fried cheese.  And most of them are illegal. 

1 Fresh Stir Fry

I maintain that this is the only good thing to ever come out of Tallahassee. 

While I was in law school, my husband {then boyfriend} was working in the Governor's office in Tallahassee, Florida and attending graduate school at Florida State University.  I was a couple hours away in Gainesville but often made the trip to Tallahassee for weekend visits.  Other than seeing The Mister, the thing I most looked forward to about those visits were our regular trips to 1 Fresh Stir Fry. 

1 Fresh is basically a create your own stir fry fast food joint.  Except it's way better than your typical fast food joint.  You can choose your carb - noodles, white rice, brown rice, quinoa, your protein - chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc., and you have a choice of  veggies and sauce.  It's all made fresh - there are no freezers on the premises.  And every meal comes with a chocolate malt ball.  I have no idea why and I find malt balls disgusting, but its what they do so I'm telling you about it. 

                                          

(This was the only picture I could find.  I think it looks pretty gross.  Trust me, it's not.)

Unfortunately, 1 Fresh is a small company and currently only has locations in Tallahassee. And since The Mister left Tallahassee, I have yet to find a reason to make the four hour trip back there. Which means it's been over 3 years since I've had my beloved stir fry. Insert sad face here.

The Mister was in Tallahassee with friends for a FSU game last football season and I begged him to bring me home some 1 Fresh Stir Fry. Since he's used to my crazy requests, he agreed to pick some up and drive it the four hours home to me. But on the day after the game my husband's crazy friends decided to leave town at 8am - before 1 Fresh opened. I considered divorce when he showed up empty handed.

Crumbs Cupcakes

I've raved about Crumbs before.  Hands down, the best cupcakes I've had.  Gigantic. Moist. Sweet but not too sweet.  Just the right amount of frosting.  And so many flavors. 

Thank goodness there's a plane ride between me and these cupcakes!  My will power is just not strong enough.

What are the foods you miss?