Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Mr. B's BBQ shrimp!!! Not what you are expecting, but absolutely the best dish I ate in New Orleans and I ate at Commander's Palace! I can still remember the garlicky, buttery sauce that you just want to sop up with bread. Also, fantastic coffee and pecan pie at Mr. B's.

Applewood smoked bacon.

With crusty, slightly warmed bread and some peppery extra virgin olive oil.

I loved these as a child and still can't resist grabbing one at the bodega every once in a while. I also agree that the clear liquid is the best. My dad and I once made these when I was younger and I was fascinated by the fact that the fondant would turn into liquid as we waited patiently (kind of) for it to set.

Definitely with melon.

I get something that features bacon each year for my brother. It started many years ago with a bacon air freshener and has progressed through the years. He looks forward to it every year.

There is a chapter dedicated to this in Anthony Bourdain's "Medium Raw". I definitely suggest you read it before making any major decisions. Good luck with whatever you decide, but seriously consider the idea of at least working in the industry first. It is not at all as glamorous as it appears. Bourdain makes a pretty strong argument against culinary schools too and I'm inclined to agree. You have to make a whole lot more than the average salary to pay off the school loans.

This debate of discerning palates reminds me of "The Timbermill" episode of Fraiser. It's when Niles and Fraiser take their father to his choice of restaurant - a steak place and they spend the whole time laughing at the different "low-brow" aspects of the place. In the end, the father gives a speech about how their mother liked hoity-toity places, but could also enjoy a good hot dog now and again. I guess this is a quality that I think all foodies should possess - a universal appreciation for food on ALL levels.

That being said, I have enjoyed meals at the following: Cheesecake Factory, Chipotle, Five Guys, Panera, and McDonalds (mostly for sentimental reasons).

Quiznos has "Bullets" and "Torpedoes" now - on a ficille-type bread. They have much better bread-to-fillings ratios than the traditional items.

So funny . . . Cream of Rice. The makers of Cream of Rice and Cream of Wheat are really missing out on their target advertising audience! It is the perfect food when you are sick.

I like wonton soup too. Although the last time I went to pick some up, the owner (a friend) suggested rice congee instead. It reminded me of Cream of Rice, so I think I am on to something there!!!

Sunkist Fruit Gems and/or candy fruit slices (the kind with the white "rind" and sugar all over them). I think it's a textural thing, but I can not stop until I know there are none left.

"Oh just one more" . . . "just another green one" . . . "well, there are practically none left, so . . ."

:)

=^..^=Some day I plan on having two cats named Wusthof and Henkel. =^..^=

This is the only thing that I ever order at Blue Ribbon!!! Thanks for the recipe!