Tap Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Do you have a favorite restaurant meal that you Know you will love every time you eat it? I have been in the mood to eat someone else's cooking but most of the restaurants we go to have just average food. I would really love to find a favorite meal at a restaurant so that when I want to feel babied a bit, I can go indulge. What are some of your favorites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenrae Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Kung-Po Chicken at PF Chang's.....yummmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SemiSweet Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I don't generally eat at many chains, but I have go-tos for types of food. Bibimbap for Korean Chickrn pad Thai for Thai Butter chicken or chicken tikka masala for Indian Lemongrass chicken noodles or pho for Vietnamese Orange chicken or chow mien for Chinese Hm, I can't think of any non Asian go-tos... We like Asian food a lot, we really don't eat at many restaurants that aren't Asian food. :) Maybe Mexican ~ enchiladas or tamales (though there isn't any good Mexian here). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Chili's used to have this appetizer that was boneless chicken "wings" cooked in an Asian sauce and served with wasabi sauce. They took it off the menu many years ago, but I want it. I always want it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Spiedino De Mare at Carrabba's with a side of fettucini alfredo. I'm sure it's a million calories but oh so good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Do two local restaurants equal a chain? I love these two restaurants because they have very good fresh quality food. They also have a very good gluten free menu that I now use. Their food tends to be a fusion of flavors and ingredients. I really like things like kalbi ribs, salmon and salads with apples, walnuts and goat cheese. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 My dh's favorite meal is Long Horn Steak House's prime rib w/ sweet potatoes. I like the mushroom chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Korean bulgogi and bibimbap from standalone Korean family owned restaurants. Sashimi and fried ice-cream from standalone Japanese family owned restaurant. Peking duck or suckling pig from Chinese restaurants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 We have lots of favored meals at restaurants, but they're all local (not chains). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 My favorite depends upon the restaurant. If we're headed out to a nice place for our Anniversary, then what I prefer is either a good prime rib or New Zealand rack of lamb. There's a local diner that does prime rib well too - and not as huge of a price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I almost always order pasta, because I love pasta. I also love seafood, but I don't live in the best place for that. Now, beef, otoh. . . DH is happy to get good steak around here, but I only occasionally order steak, and I don't like other meats that all much. But I can always appreciate a delicious pasta dish, or the portabella burger that one place around here has. If we go to the Indian restaurant, I very often choose palaak paneer, and it never disappoints. I could eat that every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I almost always order pasta, because I love pasta. I also love seafood, but I don't live in the best place for that. Now, beef, otoh. . . DH is happy to get good steak around here, but I only occasionally order steak, and I don't like other meats that all much. But I can always appreciate a delicious pasta dish, or the portabella burger that one place around here has. If we go to the Indian restaurant, I very often choose palaak paneer, and it never disappoints. I could eat that every day. What Indian restaurant? I didn't know we had one around here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Prime rib medium rare with a salad, baked potato, and rolls. Sweet tea or red wine to drink. Also, The Melting Pot. That's my absolute favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamanthaCarter Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 That lamb with apricot sauce at our local Indian restaurant with a side of naan. The walnut chicken at Szechwan with some tempura green beans. Happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 If you've been going to chain restaurants, you might want to branch out a bit to an independent local place. Check Yelp and other sites for reviews. All of the best restaurants I've ever experienced have been independent, non-chains. Some were upscale, but most have been no more fancy or expensive than your average chain, and some have been cheap little strip mall joints. Look for somewhere where they cook from scratch using quality ingredients, rather than relying on salt, sugar, and fat to create the flavor. For a memorable meal, the food doesn't have to be fancy or complicated, just high-quality and thoughtfully prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnE-girl Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 I like to order foods I don't make at home. I love the farmers market eggs Benedict at our local breakfast place. A good medium-rare prime rib is an occasional indulgence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Red curry with chicken and broccoli at our local Thai place. With spring rolls. Mmmmmm... If we're closer to DC, then the above, but with mung bean pudding for dessert, at our favorite Thai place, ever. Ok, there are more, but now I'm stuck on Thai food... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Italian: Spaghetti Carbonara. Steak House: Prime Rib Sushi: Volcano Rolls Seafood: Clam Chowder and Shrimp Scampi. But I may have ruined clam chowder at restaurants because now I like mine the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 We have a local Tandoor Indian buffet that never disappoints. I love the blue-cheese crusted sirloin from Longhorn Steakhouse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 What Indian restaurant? I didn't know we had one around here! We have two! They're both in Harrisburg. There's Aangan, but we've only been there once, although we liked it. Our favorite is Passage to India; we've been there a bunch of times. They do a good lunch buffet, but we have been there for dinner more than a couple of times too, and it's always delicious (and, it's fancy enough for a nice dinner, but they've also always been friendly toward the kids). http://www.passagetoindiaharrisburgpa.com/menu.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 When we eat out, if there is Chicken Piccata on the menu I will get it! (Cheesecake Factory's was so delicious when I ate there several years ago. LOL) There is a chicken dish at a local Italian restaurant that I *love*. Pan-seared with lemon butter sauce, garnished with artichoke hearts and arugula with capers. (Sounds similar to piccata, doesn't it? LOL) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 There's an Italian restaurant in our town that has a dish called "Steak Gorgonzola" on their menu. It's described thus: Marinated beef tenderloin topped with balsamic glaze atop penne pasta. Tossed with gorgonzola cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini. I order it every single time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elisabet1 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 There is just so much. I like Pad Thai and almond chicken. And a variety of chicken Italian dishes, like Chicken Marsala And cheese enchiladas or even chimichanga at the Mexican places I don't like pizza or burgers, so that does not happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doodlebug Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 It depends on what the budget allows, of course... But once a month, I love Greek/Lebanese. The garlic, the salad choices, the flavor... Mmmmm. And not too bad $$$. About once a year, I also must have Hooters chicken wings. (Hangs head). I can't help it. It's an itch that must be scratched. A date, but on a budget... I get the house white with escargot and a loaf of bread for soaking up the buttery garlic bits. Anniversary? A filet with bernaise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 There's an Italian restaurant in our town that has a dish called "Steak Gorgonzola" on their menu. It's described thus: Marinated beef tenderloin topped with balsamic glaze atop penne pasta. Tossed with gorgonzola cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini. I order it every single time. Olive Garden has a steak Gorgonzola Alfredo that's my favorite thing to order when we eat there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nukeswife Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 It's going to seem so basic that some will say, you can totally make that at home. Here we very few restaurants, with only one that's really a local place, most others are fast food and if not that you get Chili's, Applebee's, or IHOP. I love the one local restaurant we have. It's a burger and wing joint, kind of diner like, but they make the absolute best marinated grilled chicken I've ever eaten in my life. You can get it as a sandwich, on a salad, or as a dinner with a baked potato. I love it all ways. The salad one is my favorite though. I'm sure it's all in the marinade, I'll have to keep pushing to find out what that is. I seriously could eat at this place every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evergreen State Sue Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Do two local restaurants equal a chain? I love these two restaurants because they have very good fresh quality food. They also have a very good gluten free menu that I now use. Their food tends to be a fusion of flavors and ingredients. I really like things like kalbi ribs, salmon and salads with apples, walnuts and goat cheese. What local restaurants are you referring to, Jean? We live in the Seattle area and have recently gone gluten free. I'd love to try out some place new for our next special occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 My favorite things are Thai Basil, Tikka masala, Tom yum soup, fried green tomatoes, tamales, lamb korma, and Carne asada, other things I like are hunk-o-meat, sushi, or other random Asian or Mexican food. I can't have dairy and so Italian is not all that interesting anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monstermama Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Chicken and dumplings at Cracker Barrel! But, there's none where I live now, so I'd have to say... lamb shawarma from my favorite falafel place. It comes with this awesome pickled salad, too, yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 What local restaurants are you referring to, Jean? We live in the Seattle area and have recently gone gluten free. I'd love to try out some place new for our next special occasion. Coho Cafe - there is one in Issaquah and one in Redmond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 P.F. Changs chicken lettuce wraps gluten free....love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Crispy Orange Duck at a local Thai place, plus their lime coconut soup (can't remember the name) and all their desserts. :) It is pricey, so we only go every few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWillSoar Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Another of my favorites, from a local restaurant here (but you can get it at other restaurants), is Singapore Mei Fun (spicy curry noodles) and summer rolls (eggs rolls in a rice paper wrapper, not fried and served with peanut dipping sauce). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5of5 Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 I don't have a fixed favorite -- as a PP said, I tend to order things I don't fix myself -- so it depends on the place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeghansMom Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Chipotle's -barbacoa, brown rice, black beans, peppers and onions, hot sauce and mild, sour cream, cheese and lettuce. Babaziki's-Mediterranean salad which consists of Bed of spinach and romaine lettuce,chicken, grilled vegetables, cucumber tomato & feta salad, kalamata olives, feta cheese and lemon cilantro vinaigrette. Warm pita on the side. Burger places-bacon cheddar burger with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard and hot salty fries Salsaritas-their tomarito burrito, steak, peppers and onions, brown rice, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, cilantro, jalapenos and lots of tomarito sauce! Chicken places- a roasted breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, cole slaw and roll. Oriental Inn...egg drop soup, beef and broccoli, chicken sesame, spicy shrimp, fried rice, eggrolls, crab ragoon. steak place- steak with blue cheese or blackened, loaded potato, nice salad, yeast rolls with honey butter. Red Lobster-crab alfredo, salad and cheddar biscuits Olive Garden- cheese stuffed shells in a marinara sauce or their smoked mozzarella chicken, their salad and their bread sticks with Alfredo sauce. Pizza places...a veggie pizza including jalepenoes or a bacon mushroom pizza, buffalo wings, cheesy bread, Now I want to go out, haha. I will enjoy my porkchops! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 We don't eat out a lot, but there is a restaurant up the street that is maybe one step up from a diner. They have this chicken dish I really like. It's pretty simple, but really yummy. We have a good Chinese buffet nearby too. That's usually where we go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 Peking Duck at local Chinese place. I will never bother learning to make it. Never. Chipotle: Bowl with brown rice, black beans, fajita veg, steak, mild tomato salsa, sour cream, cheese, guacamole THIS is my new go-to comfort meal when I'm starving. If eaten at the right time this meal lasts me all day. I also like to order eggs Benedict with lox. I just haven't mastered egg poaching yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 Chicken Brian at Carraba's. Haven't had it in years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candicane Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 French Dip with Au jus at Black Angus. No place serves it up as great as they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted December 25, 2014 Share Posted December 25, 2014 PF Chang's Kung Pao Chx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 I've never had a bad experience at a French restaurant. They tend to be on the pricey side, but it shows in the quality of the ingredients. One of my favorite meals around here would be pate and a glass of red wine, with the house salad. There's always lovely bread on the side. It's enough to fill me up, and just divine! Splurging we could get entrees too, or instead of the pate. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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