AND A SIDE OF BARBAQUE SAUCE…

Last month Jill and I traveled to Scottsdale, AZ for a reining competition. During the time we were in Arizona we went to dinner at the upscale Chart House with my cousin Mark and his wife Trish. Mark and Trish are transplants from the east coast and they have lived in Arizona for ----years. Even though we are in Arizona all the time, this is the first time in many years that we have seen Mark and Trish, and we were looking forward to rehashing old times. After many laughs and lively conversation it was time to order, when the waiter reached Trish, she ordered the usual steak with a side of barbeque sauce. The waiter gave her the deer in the headlight look and was lost for words. After a few awkward moments of the two looking at each other, the waiter politely stated “we don’t carry barbeque sauce” Trish being the southern bell that she is, softly batted her eyes and said that was all right she would go ahead and order the steak without the barbeque sauce.

Now normally this would not inspire an article, but when your wife has traveled all over the country competing, you quickly learn that food is not only very important but it is eaten many different ways.

Here are some of our findings;

California – In California you have to order ranch dressing with your French fries. As a matter of fact all things in California taste better if it is dipped in ranch dressing.

Arizona – Mexican food, they can eat it morning, noon and night. If you invite an Arizonian out to dinner and ask where would you like to go? 9 out of 10 times they reply…how about Mexican? 

Oklahoma – (sorry Trish) Much like California, Oklahoma has its own ‘dipping rules,’ EVERTHING tastes better with barbeque sauce. 

Texas – Of course Steak, Steak and more Steak but they are also the only place we have been where the drive thru’s are big enough for a dually.

Ohio – Ahhh Ohio, here you have THREE local favorites! DUNKIN DONUTS, GRATERS ICE CREAM and THE WAFFLE HOUSE. They are very serious about their eats and will debate the quality and flavor of Dunkin Donuts Coffee. I have experienced first hand driving past many a starbucks to get to a Dunkin Donuts. I will admit that Graters Ice Cream is the best Ice cream I have ever tasted and even if there are other Waffle houses across the country, Ohio waffles taste best.

Oregon – Not really a food oddity but this was the only place we have been where half way through a 10 day show they take a day off to treat the competitors to a boat ride and a picnic.

Utah – You can have a coke or pepsi for breakfast but don’t ask for coffee. Last year we were at a show in South Jordon and during the morning hours they were offering a home cooked breakfast. It was great! Eggs, hash browns, homemade biscuits, pancakes, etc. but when Jill went to ask for coffee I thought the man behind the counter was going to cut her head off. He replied NO we don’t have coffee but you can have a coke of pepsi.

Minnesota – AGAIN WITH THE DIPPIN RULES…everything is better with ketchup or raspberry jam.

South Carolina – Grits and Sweet Tea! If you go to a Denny’s and order breakfast, you have your choice; grits or hash browns. I love grits but Jill just wrinkles up her nose. If you go south and order sweet tea be ready because it is SWEET. I believe it is Ice Tea with a pond of sugar in each cup.