Nashville
Tennessee, USA
I've missed out... again. I was super busy and no where near downtown Nashville when I visited. Actually I was out in Opryland and not one person that I spoke to was kind enough to enlighten me to the local concept of Hot Chicken. People kept mentioning the Patterson House for the late hang out, which is cool, and I was also told about The Broadway Brewhouse for a drink called the Bushwhacker (which tastes like a drunk frosty).
This however didn't satify me and I felt as though I missed out on a unique late night food opportunity, which saddens my soul. Weeks later (when I had some time) I decided to hit the net and hunt down Nashville's unique food called Hot Chicken and the place to get it. Hot Chicken is marinated in Buttermilk, breaded, and sauced in a heavy cheyenne pepper paste and is the locale fare in Nashville. Similar to Bobo's Chicken in OKC, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack is located apparently in a rougher area of Nashville just north of the city at 123 Ewing Dr, Nashville 37207.
As saddened as I am that I missed out on Prince's Hot Chicken Shack that doesn't mean you have to. Next time I go back I will be sure to go and to bring home the bacon, errr chicken.
Don't be chicken at the two.
New haven
Connecticut, USA
Save Louis' Lunch! A number of years ago there was a petition to save Louis' Lunch against a skyscraper being built in that spot. It would have been a complete tragedy if this had happened because we would then have lost the restaurant that gave us the hamburger.
One afternoon some guy came into this place and asked for a hot sandwich so Louis put some hot ground beef in between two pieces of toast accompanied by some fresh onions and a sliced tomato. Today you can get that very same thing with onion, tomato or both if you’re feeling adventurous.
Louie’s lunch is fantastic and a real piece of Americana (yeah I said it). The burger is unusual because of the toast and the basic additions. It’s almost weird because its not all in your face and exciting. Oh but it is amazing in it’s simplicity and taste. Taste the Original: Go to the Louis' Lunch in New Haven and Travel back in time… sort of.
Back from back in time at the Two.
New Orleans
Louisana, USA (Nawlins)
Finally I ran into an easy one after these rough hide and go seeks. After destroying Bourbon street or having it destroy you (some people just can't handle the hurricanes) you pop on down to Cafe Du Monde for some light fair.
By light fair, I refer to the amazing Beignets of course. These incredible pastry donut types with the powdered sugar on top will melt in your mouth and warm your heart and belly. If you're going to be extra fancy you can sober up with a nice Cafe au lait. I am by no means a coffee drinker so I have not sampled the french blends but from the faces near by they seemed to be more than satisfactory.
The original Cafe Du Monde opened up in 1862, however there are now 8 of them. The one you really want to go to is in the french market, which is the original. It's very easy to find, all you have to do is follow the swarm of people headed in that general direction. Open 24 hours, merci.
Vous remerciant a deux
New York City
New York, USA (NYC Hell's Kitchen)
In a place where you can find anything, I can prove it. Free hot dogs? Seven Dollars pitchers? I bring you a dive unlike any other, Rudy's. At the corner of 9th ave. and 44th st.
Yes, there is a gigantic Pig outside the restaurant. Yes, most of the seats appear to be made out of duct tape. Yes, some of the bar stools are busted. It's a real dive. I re-iterate again though, FREE hotdogs. Pitchers start at 7 bucks! You can get better quality beer if you're a beer snob for around 10 bucks a Pitcher. It's a Pitcher, not A drink, in NYC!?! It even has a back patio. I know right, incredible. Swing by Rudy's for a one of a kind time in the city that never sleeps.
We'll see you again at the Duece
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma, USA (OKC)
OKC is hot. It was 106 degrees the entire week I was there. I had to also wait all week to find and go to the late night spot that I found. Before doing that though, if you have some time during the day, I highly recommend checking out the American Banjo Museum, it's something special (and I don't even like the banjo).
Bobo's Chicken! I had a frustrating experience with them because ultimately I didn't get to go, they closed just before I got there. However from what I have read, their fried chicken is second to no-one. Bobo's Chicken is a food truck that sits outside of town at 23rd and Hood. It is not the safest of areas so you probably shouldn't walk there. The other problem is that as you can see from my situation, sometimes they close early and they are only open on friday's and saturday's.
The chicken is smoked, fried and covered in honey. Fact. So if you have a the chance to sink your teeth into this juicy bite, just say Yes.
Thowin down Facts at the Two.
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania, USA (Philly)
So where do you go in Philly at the end of your night? I have to pick Tony Luke's. Located near 2nd and Oregon a little outside the city, TL's represents a everything Philly stands for, a little outside and a bit of an underdog. The bread is freshly made everyday and the meat is not chopped. Honestly it's the bread. I love a little mayo and onions on mine. A stellar way to finish off the evening.
I would like to add that if your night ends before midnight and you are coherent and alert I would highly recommend The Franklin Fountain in between front and second on Market street. A real ice cream treat just the way you would have had it 50 years ago. A lot of people go for the waffle right off the iron with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and a bunch of other greatness on top. I love the tar bean tea ice cream. You just can't get it anywhere else. They also do classic shakes.
Both Tony Luke's and The Franklin Fountain are unique to Philly. If you want to treat yourself, you can't go wrong with these two.
Till next 2, Dogi out.
Phoenix
Arizona, USA
I had been in Phoenix for two weeks with nothing to go on.
Thoroughly disappointed, I was spending my last meal at True Food Kitchen (which is amazing) when one of the waitresses there finally enlightened me to a place where I could go to get some late night food.
Apparently, the word on the street is, on the corner of Indian School rd and 20th around 6:30pm a food truck rolls up and they sell Sonoran-style hot dogs. I believe the truck itself is called Nogales Hot Dogs. The Hot dog is wrapped in smoked bacon, packed with avocado, beans, bacon and loads of other stuff on a nice Mexican bun from what I hear.
Being the last day I was devastated that I would not be able to try this out while I was in town. I would have to come back some time and give it a go because from what I heard about it and the pictures I’ve seen it looks amazing. I am now heading back to Houston to see if I can finally fix my plight there.
Plight no more at the two
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania, USA
Like Philly, Pittsburgh is kind of a no brainer. Primanti Bros. "Almost Famous" sandwich. Created for truckers back in the day so they could drive with one hand and eat with the other. You will most likely need two hands for these monsters today though. Sourdough bread encases the following: meat, vinegar based coleslaw, tomato, and french fries. It sounds like a lot because it is a lot. The only thing to not go into your sandwich is the pickle you get on the side.
The Sourdough bread squashes down like you would expect but it still tastes fantastic. I love a food that when placed down after a massive bite, you can still see your hand print in the bread. Unlike the Cheese Steak though it's not nearly as greasy so you can say to yourself that it's healthier but the fries in the sandwich will bring you back down to earth.
You have to experience the original spot if you are staying true to the sandwich which is located in the Strip district at 46 18th street in downtown Pittsburgh. You'll meet all types of people down there later at night too so you won't be alone. Just remember; fries innie not a fries outie.
See you later outside the rust belt at the two.
Portland
Maine, USA
Portland, Maine, is a lovely big town. it encapsulates the feel of colonial New England without sacrificing expansion and new technology. I thought going up to Portland that the food would have to be something lobster oriented. There may be some lobster roll hiding out there that I couldn't uncover, however what I found was Maine is in love with Whoopie Pies!
Similar to its southern cousin, the Moon Pie or BFO (big fat oreo), the whoopie pie is Maines official dessert. The Whoopie Pie is said to come from the Pennsylvania Dutch. A cake like black blob with a bunch of whip cream and then another black blob of cake creates the Whoopie pie. Now the best whoopie pie in town comes from Two Fat Cats Bakery.
The pic is of the Lemony one, the regular one is Black and white
Unfortunately they close at 6pm, but I wanted to include this on the blog because I didn't want you to miss out on these amazing treats. I even tried the lemony cucumber one and I don't even like cake. These thing blew my socks off though with the creaminess and softness of the pie just fills your mouth up. Be careful though, these things are filled with filling and are filling!
Filling it up at the Two