Words & Pictures by Tommy Murphy
Arguably the best part of any road trip is food! I could probably go on forever about the places I’ve eaten during my American Road Trip.
I’m no novice eater, so I research places to eat because I have the (sometimes unrealistic) expectation that every meal will be unique and delicious. I’ll highlight some of my favorite, most memorable meals on this epic road trip.
So, chew on the list (pardon my terrible pun), and perhaps you’ll enjoy these places on your American road trip!
Cameo Cafe East – Portland, Oregon
This is one of the weirdest places I’ve ever eaten.
It’s a diner with outlandish décor (just ply “I Spy” when you’re in there because you can’t possibly take everything in!).
The food is a fusion of typical diner and Korean food. I had Sue Gee’s Pindaettok (a Korean word that means pancake, according to their menu). It was a pancake with veggies, ground rice, and amazing Korean spices.
It’s a savory, hearty breakfast.
They also serve their homemade “strong bread” toast. It’s dense bread with a variety of grains, slathered with butter, and served with a house-made Marionberry jam – it’s super Oregon, and super delicious!
The Pink Door – Seattle, Washington
About 10 years ago, my friend Rob and I stumbled on this restaurant, and since then, Rob (who lives in Washington) goes every year for his birthday.
With incredible views of the Puget Sound and an eclectic décor, the Pink Door is classy, but still inviting. Rob, my partner Jimbo, and I went and had a spectacular meal.
We started with mussels in a rich, decadent broth, but the best part is Lasagna Pink Door (our main course). Unlike any lasagna dish I’ve ever had, it has a creamy béchamel with pesto and spinach pasta…it is scrumptious. Eat there!
Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House Restaurant – Long Beach, California
This fusion restaurant inventively combines Korean and Mexican cuisines.
The nachos with bulgogi and jalapeno was one of the most flavorful dishes I’ve ever eaten! For my main meal, the bibimbap with spicy pork was full of flavor and had those delicious bits of rice that stick to the bottom of the bowl where they get chewy and crispy at the same time.
Overall, a phenomenal experience.
Naked City Pizza Shop – Las Vegas, Nevada
I found this place because Food Network’s Diners Drive-ins and Dives was filmed here….
It did not disappoint!
Located in a dark dive bar, there was just a window with one guy working on the pizza. I had a slice of pepperoni pizza, a slice of chicken, bacon, ranch pizza, and some garlic cheese knots.
I think I ate pounds (yes, pounds) of cheese, and it was heavenly! Each garlic knot was stuffed with so much mozzarella.
In fact, it was so much food, we couldn’t finish it!
I can’t recommend it enough – my mouth is watering at the thought of eating there again!
Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician Hotel – Scottsdale, Arizona
My partner is from Australia, and his family frequently gifts one another afternoon teas in various cities around the world.
Since I’m American, I wasn’t quite familiar with afternoon tea, but I’ve fallen in love with it!
When we were in the Phoenix area, we decided to treat ourselves to afternoon tea at the Phoenician, one of the area’s most luxurious hotels. Reservations are required, and the ambience is incredible: elegant décor and a panoramic desert view.
For only $30 per person, we had three beautiful courses and our choice of tea.
The first round consisted of finger sandwiches – the English cucumber and lemon & thyme chicken salad were fabulous.
The second course of scones, however, was by far the best course! The cream was thick and rich, and the lemon curd was tart, yet sweet.
Closing out with a huge sampler of beautiful pastries really closed out the meal beautifully.
Unlike many teas, we left very full and satisfied, as the wait staff offered additional sandwiches, scones, and pastries if wanted.
It was a truly special experience.
Khyber Pass – San Diego, California
I was super tired one night, and I decided to use Grubhub to order delivery to my hotel.
Khyber Pass is an Afghan restaurant located in Hillcrest, and it was likely the best delivery meal I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot of delivery).
I had bolani (a pastry turnover with potatoes, leeks, green onion), mantu (pasta shells stuffed with ground beef and lentils, and drizzled with garlic-mint yogurt – YUM!), and aush, by far the best item – a noodle soup with ground beef in a chicken broth.
I felt like a glutton, a very happy glutton!
The Pacific NW (from Portland to Seattle and everything in between)
Shari’s is a chain of diner-like restaurants in the Pacific Northwest. While it looks like an old-school chain restaurant, they are known for their delicious pies. At only about $4 a slice, you can stop in for a slice of pie.
My personal favorite is the Oregon Marionberry – tart, yet sweet with a luscious buttery crust. It’s the perfect, inexpensive way to find a tasty treat when you’re on the road!
So, these are some of my favorite places that I’ve stopped on this epic road trip.
In the final blog of this American Roadtrip Trilogy, I’ll talk about what I’ve learned and give you the last few tips on why you should consider a similar road trip!
Read Tommy’s first chapter of the American Road Trip Trilogy here, and read more from Tommy at his website, The Wayfaring Stranger!