A burger topped with Merkt's cheddar cheese and sliced onions from Weiner and Still Champion in Chicago. [Photograph: Robyn Lee]

Bacon, Bacon, and More Bacon: Nick Solares ate his way through FoodParc's decidedly bacon-filled offerings in Manhattan, ranging from a Benton's bacon egg roll to a bacon pastrami sandwich.

Budget Ramen-ya: Hide-chan Ramen's basic tonkotsu ramen has a great porky broth, but the "flavorful tender Berkshire pork neck" from the Pork Toro appetizer was the clear winner of the evening at this New York restaurant.

Weiner and Still Champion: The incredibly juicy burgers at this Chicago favorite are delicious, but the deep fried sides on the regular menu, ranging from bacon to gyro, are even better.

All Aboard the Pizza Train: Conveniently housed in an Amtrak station in Michigan, Silver Beach Pizza serves up a great Midwestern-style pie with "a rich, airy, crisp golden crust that featured some nice crunchy bites around the outer edges."

"Towering" Burgers: The ginormous 1/2 pound Meyer Ranch Angus Beef burgers at Blueprint Cafe in San Diego are a several-napkin affair, made all the better with the addition of asiago-blend mac & cheese.