Stoke the fire, the McRib is back!

I've been repeatedly been asked whats up with the blog, why am I not busy typing away about this food or that place. Well, I'm food lazy, no not eating, just blogging.

But on the way home today I spotted what can undoubtably be one of the worlds greatest motivators for foodies to jump for joy.

Need I say more.......the McRib is back!

Taco Wagon #3, Tacos el Quihubole, Ontario, Oregon

Well thankfully, there are no shortage of taco wagons in Ontario, Oregon. Whoot-whoot!

This version sits across the street from The Outdoorsman on NE 2nd Street.
As with all the wagons in Ontario, the owner is friendly, outgoing and doesn't speak a whole lot of English.

While waiting for the food to cook, this owner offered me a cup of his special winter drink, Champurrado, which was wonderfully tasty, but as he tried to describe its contents, I started to get a funny feeling, that I was the victim of gringo-spingo, and for a short while it had me worried.  After a few sips and some honest encouraging smiles, I managed to finish off the kinda thick chocolaty concoction, and lived to go home and look it up. Actually, after the fact it seemed quite good.

 

 

Now the tacos had arrived, some chicken, some asada, all good. Lets rack up another taco wagon visit by saying 2-thumbs up!

 

 

Taco Wagon #2, Tacos La Pasadilta, Ontario, Oregon

There is no shortage of Mexican food in Ontario, Oregon. That's good.

This taco wagon is on the far west side of town, on SW 4th, the main drag. It showed up a few months ago and looks pretty well established now.

After my recent experience at another wagon, whose food was ok, (i think), but the flies were unbelievable, I threw caution to the wind and stopped here: Tacos La Pasadita

While sitting on the curb, waiting for my taco asada order,  (they didn't have any grilled chicken pollo tacos), the kind proprietor generously handed me a chicken leg right off the bbq grille. In broken gringo English he said that tomorrow that a chicken, guacamole, rice & beans would be the dinner special.  This was good but super hot (temp) and burned a few taste buds off my tongue.

Well, the short wait was worth it and I admit, you cant always judge a taco wagon by its cover.
Nice touches with the sliced radish, 1/2 grilled onion and guacamole.  Dinner for 2, Rated B+

Taco Wagon #1, Tacos Dos Hermanios, Ontario, Oregon

Not for the weak of stomach is the street corner taco wagon. Welcome to SW 4th Ave & SW 3rd St in Ontario, Oregon. I have seen this taco wagon for several years. TACOS DOS HERMANOS. At times it even appears busy with customers.

I honestly have never worked up the courage to eat there. Ever. Until yesterday. Late lunch time about 2:30 I surveyed the site, no one else there. I parked and tiptoed up, a friendly gal greeted me with a stare and suddenly I wish I knew how to speak spanish for all the sun faded signs all told me I should have paid more attention in High School spanish class. I didn't.

The menu seemed to emphasize tacos and some variations of tacos, and hey the bus signs says TACOS DOS HERMANOS so, I get it, I order tacos.  Some beef and some chicken. A man working inside the wagon is constantly banging on the grill inside with his metal flippers. He is chopping up the meat as it cooks on the griddle. Constantly chopping. The flies are everywhere, inside and out. A mecca of flies surrounding this wagon. Why is there that chopping sound?  Could the guy inside be chopping up any fly that lands on the cooking meat to incorporate the secret flavor? Oh my, maybe I should have walked away before I was actually served. Those flies, lots and lots of flies. That chopping, lots and lots of chopping.

My food finally comes out, uh, will I have the nerve to eat it? Did they serve me chopped fly tacos........oh the pressure. 

There is a happy ending to this story. I never saw any flies in my tacos, at least while my eyes were closed.

I am also happy to report no midnight barfing or any intestinal issues. I guess they were good.

I'll stick with Number 1 China Buffet next time.

Sorry Brewsky's Ontario, OR.

Alot of hype surrounds a sports bar type place in Ontario, called Brewsky's Boiler.



I was invited to check it out by a semi-local who said this is a great place and frankly most of the reviews I have read back that up. But I guess in Ontario, the critics are weak.

My dinner, which I will admit right up front was FREE, (dinner picked up by a buddy), still was marginally suckey. Chicken ranchero, with a baked potato, and texas style toast. Chicken was cooked to a dry death, potato was cold and I returned my plate to the kitchen for a re-do.

My friends 12 oz steak of some sort, was well received by him, but he'll eat anything.

My verdict, go sit in the bar and drink. The food will taste better.

Old fashion b-fast. Ontario, OR.

I've decided the food at the Holiday Inn Express in Ontario, Oregon is cutting the mustard anymore. (read, it sucks). But the friendly front desk guy answered my question where would you go for a good homecooked meal with; try the Plaza Inn. I did. He was right. Homemade breads, old fashion waitresses and a generally geriatric crowd. Food & service was very good.

I had a Spanish omlette.

Homemade Cinnamon Apple toast

Thai Cuisine - Boise Idaho

We were on our way to my favorite Thai joint, Chiang Mai House when we happened upon this establishment.  Happy we did!

Thank God the sign said Genuine Thai food, imitation Thai is such a drag.

Dinner started with Fresh Rolls of course.



Red Curry with chicken

Seafood Curry

The food was good, oddly they dont offer pork for a meat choice in the curries. The Fresh Rolls very nice.

Four Stars!

Dinner at the Meat Hook Steak House

The menu has been adjusted athe the Meat hook.
Lots of additgional choices, spread throughout the price range. Thats something that needed to happen for some time.
Tonights flare:
Standard Basic 1/2 lb burger for me and side salad for me.

Steak sandwich for her, asked for medium rare, ended up with no pink, pretty well done. Also this sandwich has way too much bread. Home made, but way too much.
Potato wedges or chips. Next time chips, wedges not memorable.

My burger: perfect, juicy, flavorful and filling. Check out the remains on my hand.

I hold fast on my Best burger in town, but the steak sandwich needs work.

My mustache smells smokey

Meat on the smoker today.  Move over vegans......
Secret weapon: Slow & Low.
Hickory chips and the secret rub.

Sagebrush Saloon & BBQ, Vale, Oregon

Arguably the best burger in Vale,  Oregon.  The folks working here are a kick. Nicely done Sagebrush Saloon.  Here is my green chili, peperjack burger and toss in some unrequested bacon, just cause. On the recommended list. A+