I like a ton of things, all so good I feel compelled to list them all. Some of you might think these to be exotic, but they really aren't...not to me. My mouth is drooling just thinking about my list.
This list is in no particular order.
1.
Ikura.
It's sushi, and yes it's just like the jar of fireballs you go fishing with. Salmon Roe caviar, it's more precious to me than gold. If stranded on a desert island, I'd pick this beyond anything.
2.
Pho.
Vietnamese Beef Noodle soup. This is just about the most filling wonderful meal on the planet. Rice noodles, veges, and beef. What's better? It's even better on cold winter days, and best served with rare beef on the side, which cooks when you steep it in the broth, just heavenly. If you can even finish a bowl at the place I go to here in Denver, you're a man's man. These bowls appeal to the most gluttenous of Americans. This is definetly the most addictive of all meals on my list, and many of my self-proclamed "Meat and Potatoes" friends have since added this dish to their favorites list.
3.
New Mexican Green Chile Stew.
From New Mexico, Green Chile (Especially Hatch Green Chile) is best served in a stew form. New Mexicans go thru withdrawls when we can't get our GC, and as I type this I'm twitching and thinking I need to get back home. Quick note, Chile is a pepper of some kind, and not a bowl of stew and/or beans. Only the heathens in Texas refer to Chile as such. If you ask for a bowl of chile in ABQ, you'll probably get a bowl of chopped green chiles.
4.
Hot Dog w/Redhot onions and a Papaya Smoothie from Gray's Papaya.
I don't know what it is about the hot onions on the hotdog and washed down with a papaya smoothie that makes it work, but it does. Some how the smoothie cleanses the palate each time you take a bite of the dog, giving you that "First bite" experience each time. Likewise, the dog seems to compliment the smoothie. I eat a minimum of 4 dogs in a setting, and crave for it nightly. (sabrett style dogs with a skin that snaps)
5.
Chicken Masala.
This wonderful concoction is perhaps the best smelling on my list, with an aroma that is spicy, hardy and intoxicating. Chicken marinated in spices and drowned in a curry that isn't like the curry most westerners are used to (and object to) There's no distracting coconut or any crap like that. THis is Indian Curry, spicy and a man's meal. You won't be disapointed that you're getting something foo foo...this most assuredly is not.
6.
Prime Rib (Rare).
If your steak isn't rare you're a wuss. Meat is meant to be eaten with some life still left in it. Over cooking it kills the flavor of a steak. If it doesn't twitch and moo as I stab it with my fork, get me another piece of meat.
7.
Dungeness Crab from Fisherman's Wharf
Mmmm...may not be the biggest crab, but the best tasting. Alaskan and snow don't have enough flavor for me, but dungeness has just enough tartness, flavor, and while small, the meat comes out in large clumps than most crab. You pick your crab, they boil it, and crack it up for you serving it in peices on a cardboard plate, with a side of (MMMmmMm) fresh, warm sourdough bread. (Drink it down with a dry chardonnay.) Couple that with the great sites, sounds, veiws, and entertainment of the Fisherman's Wharf, and you have perfection!
Is it apparent that I really like my food?