It seems that KFC is finally trying to jump on the health bandwagon and is so confident on their new grill approach that today they are giving away one piece of chicken to everyone that walks through the restaurant.
I actually went ahead and tried the unfried side of KFC last week and I must admit the colonel still has a lot to go if they want to win the war.
There is however one loyal soldier in the colonels army that will fight to the end...
Open since 1962, People's Bar-B-Que is a Miami institution located in the Overtown area of Miami right off I-95. The friendly staff serves great Southern food and BBQ, in large portions at low prices (mention their website and you receive a 5% discount). It is very difficult to find good Southern food in Miami which is probably the reason this place has been around for so long. The BBQ chicken and ribs are excellent! 
You can dine in or order takeout. Most patrons are from the local neighborhood or people working in Downtown. Most others have never even heard of the place but now the people have spoken!
My first Mardi Gras was not only filled with beads, beers and ... it was also an incredible food experience. One of the most memorable eateries had to be Johnny's Po-Boy. As the oldest family owned po-boys sandwich shop in New Orleans, this place is a must for any serious eater.
The po-boy originated in New Orleans in 1929 as a result of a Streetcar Union strike. Apparently the strike went on for several months and the workers that were striking had very little money to survive. Two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, former streetcar operators before opening their "Martin's Bros. Restaurant", decided to help their friends on the picket line. The brother fed the hungry strikers sandwiches made of one pound loaves of French Bread cut into three and filled with ham, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and mayo. These sandwiches were fed to the men free of charge. As the men came into the brothers restaurant, they would say "Here comes another 'poor boy' man". Hence the name po-boy which has become a part of New Orleans cuisine.
I had the softshell crab po-boy (pix below) and absolutely recommend this as Johnny's fries up two whole crabs for your eating pleasure. Plus, don't forget to add the sweet potato fries to your order!
When Hernán Cortés and his conquistadors arrived in the New World on April 22, 1519 they discovered that the inhabitants (Aztecs Mexicas) made flat corn breads. The native Nahuatl name for these was tlaxcalli. The Spanish gave them the name of tortilla to the round innovative product from the Indians. In Cortés' 1920 second letter to King Charles V of Spain, he describes the public markets and the selling of maize or Indian corn in a market as big as the ones present at the time in Venice or Madrid.
At another historical moment of mankind, two cultures intertwine creating a new dish that will be the foundation of Mexico's contribution to the fast food industry for ever: The pork taco. It was then when Cortes organized this memorable banquet in Coyoacan for his captains, with pigs brought all the way from Cuba, this turned to be the first “taco bash” in the history of New Spain, which was fully documented by Bernal Diaz del Castillo in his chronicles.
The taco is the Mexican fast food landmark, which is the reason why we are showcasing this sample of the Mesoamerican cuisine in our site. Well, following the tradition nowadays Los Tres Cochinitos located Next to the famous "Azul" soccer stadium stands up to the tradition. Here you will be able to find rib and pork beef by the pound. Fresh tortilla, avocados, salsa roja and verde are the traditional complements that let you build (and taste) your own sample of Mexico's most famous fast food dish.
For sure you may know many taco places, but this one is a special representation from the Taco mother land.
Brand New points out the new Wonder bread logo revamp created by Willoughby Design, who has been the Wonder agency since the late 90's. I believe the overall consensus is...what's the difference? Other than the yellow arc and the fact the balloons are a bit tighter on the new logo, the revamp really isn't much. Will this new logo be the answer to Wonder bread's financial concerns...I'm going to guess not.
It's a bit sad that America's first sliced bread company and the inspiration for the infamous phrase "best thing since sliced bread," has fallen behind on market share.
Perhaps Wonder bread shouldn't focus so much on logo redesign, but rather continue its traditional strategy on big names associations such as Star Wars, Bo Jackson and obviously Ricky Bobby...
For one, I have absolutely no problem eating at these alternative meal providers. The food gods know I've had some of the best Colombian hot dogs and other snacks from 4-wheel establishments.
Actually, KCRW (LA radio station) just launch a an online series called Good Food where host Evan Kleiman ventures into LA searching for top food destinations. In the first episode, Evan tackles LA taco truck scene and eventually ends up at Korean-Mexican fusion Kogi-Truck....the kogi taco looks amazing!
here are some other mobile eateries you should check out:
Wafels & Dinges
Food Shark
Skillet
Those were the words that Paris Hilton said the day after being released for her D.U.I. arrest while on her way to the Hollywood location. If you have ever eaten at In-N-Out, you know exactly the craving Paris had that night.
This West Coast chain triumphs over all others and is one of a handful of fast food chains we will eat at.
The Miami Heard points us to a lovely story where two Cuban-American partners chase a dream to open up a shop where they can serve "cafesito" and my favorite Cuban pastries "pastelitos."
Yiya's Bakery has now become a reality for Delsa Bernardo and Abbie Cuellar, however like most dreams this one needed a little help from a sandman. As in any restaurant venture, Delsa and Abbie soon came to realize the demanding permit and city requirements in order to open up shop. With a little luck, Delsa ran into Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, and once he tried the unbelievable pan con lechon the rest they say is history...
Pan Con Lechon is a traditional Cuban sandwich that is pressed much like a panini and made from simple Cuban bread, roasted pork, onions and the all purpose mojito sauce.
Support the dream and treat yourself to perhaps the most classic Cuban sandwich...enjoy!
The much-loved 5 Guys is finally hitting South Beach and burger aficionados couldn't be more happy. Taking over the old Dogma location (dogma will be missed on the beach but still open on 7030 Biscayne Blvd.), this new 5 Guys will be located at 1500 Washington Avenue.
No news on opening date, but you'll hear it first hear on b4b. Even Ronald is excited...
So in these tough times one might think that a minor league baseball team charging $20 for a hamburger is totally ludicrous, but then again you haven't seen this burger.
The West Michigan Whitecaps have revamped their ballpark concession items for 2009 and believe it or not the $20 burger is the menu highlight. Apparently, the burger is actually a good value weighing in at 5/3rds of a pound and can feed a small army.
The "Fifth Third Burger" (so-called because the Whitecaps play in Fifth Third Ballpark) is 5/3 pounds of grilled hamburger topped with lettuce, tomato, nacho cheese, chili, salsa and crunched tortilla chips. For those carb-conscious out there, all those fillings are sandwiched between an eight-inch sesame seed bun.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The picture
The word BBQ comes from the Spaniard word "Barbacoa". The technique used by the Spanish colonist that settled in the Carolina's in the late 16th century brought this curious way of preparing food to the new found land. It was a tradition in "New Spain" to dig a whole in the ground (covered with leaves) in order to cook in entire goat. It's meat was then slow cooked (as well producing a succulent broth). This technique was then evolved into the modern BBQ.
We are waiting for this year's stop and will continue to share with you all the details about the different BBQ Ribsfests. We'll be visiting some of the country's famous stops and will be reporting live.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is one of the great spots to eat Mexican in Miami! Lime has been one of my favorite spots in Miami for years. Everything is good here. The Baja fish tacos are the best in South Beach! The quesadillas and burritos are amazing!
Working in Miami Beach has its obvious perks such as; gorgeous models, great places for drinks, amazing weather and a little sandwich spot known as La Sandwicherie. Located down a side street next to T-Mex taco shop, this no table yet packed hot spot, is filled with locales eager to
munch on possibly the best sandwich on South Beach. This joint is known for its ultra fresh ingredients, homemade vinaigrette (which they bottle and sell) and at times its monster size sandwiches. My favorite without a doubt is the ham, turkey and salami on a croissant. If you add mozzarella, which I usually do, you might find yourself having trouble "approaching" this awesome meal.
Established in 1988, this contemporary South Beach icon has not only withstood the test of time, but seems to be a spot that's here to stay. Don't be thrown off by the French inspired name. This place creates an incredible sandwich fit the street foodie.
If you're up for a drink after your meal be sure to check out rough and tough Club Deuce across the street...you might run into Don Johnson and buddies.
My first experience at the iconic Chicago hot dog spot is one that I will never forget for several reasons including:
The b4b crew ventured into the Miami night anticipating a much discussed and long sought after burger. Arnolds Royal Castle not only provided us a unique burger experience with their iconic sliders, but also sent the crew down a historical burger lesson in the process.
According to this Miami Herald article, Royal Castle was once a Miami-based restaurant chain that peaked at 185 locations mostly in Miami-Dade County, with a few in Georgia and Louisiana. The founder, William Singer, who was from Ohio was apparently inspired by low-cost penny burgers from White Castle and their success during the great depression. During the segregation years, Singer adhered to a strict policy that included: No more than 10 stools at the counter. No women behind the counter. No blacks sitting in front of it. Obviously the Castle evolved with the times and burger lovers from all walks of life were able to enjoy this Miami original.
Unfortunately for Royal Castle, in the mid-1960's they faced dramatic financial hurdles that led to a kingdom that was quickly losing its Castles. On Aug. 29, 1976, the company left the name and eight stores to the last person on the payroll, then the assistant manager of operations - James Brimberry. Over time, Brimberry sold the remaining stores and eventually the current owner Wayne Arnold took over and has been king of the Castle since 1982. In 2005, Royal Castle burned down due to a storage room fire and reopened its doors in January 2009 at its only surviving location on Northwest 125th Street and Seventh Avenue.
History that only a royal family can envy, Royal Castle offers a 24-hour burger spot where $5 bucks will get you a castle burger combo, including three burgers, fries and a large soda and a friendly face.
Taquerias and LA go together like Villechaize and Montalban. So while in LA I was in search of local taco shop that could satisfy that much needed crave for crunchiness and spiced ground beef. At first , Tito's Tacos looks much like your average everyday Taqueria with a few benches outside and an impressive line of eager tacos eaters. Naturally I had to order three of their signature "Tito's Taco with Cheese" in order to properly asses the quality of this delightful taco. A combination of shredded beef, grated cheddar cheese and sliced iceberg lettuce within a freshly cooked corn taco shell with a moderate price of $2.15 is a deal you can't beat.
Tito's has been cooking up fresh Mexican food and serving the LA community with top-secret recipes since 1959. Melissa Wilson, along with her family, now run the taco stand started by her grandfather some 50 years ago in Culver City, Calif. This year marks Tito's 50th anniversary.
Outside Mexico and San Francisco of course, LA offers one the the largest selections of taquerias. In order to filter through the clutter, check out Bandini and his extensive blog - The Great Taco Hunt.
No LA fast food tour would be complete without a stop at the infamous Roscoe's House of Chicken'n Waffles. It was past midnight when we arrived to Roscoe's and the place was full of people indulging in that awesome and unique combination of fried chicken'n waffles. Known as a late night LA crowd favorite, the fried chicken along with fluffy waffles drenched in the sweet syrup leaves you craving more.
Roscoe's is a Hollywood, California based soul food restaurant chain founded by Herb Hudson, a Harlem native. Herb and his friend Roscoe moved to Southern California from New York to open their restaurant in the mid-1970's. Currently there are 5 Roscoe's establishments including: one in Pasadena another in Long Beach, two in Los Angeles and one in Hollywood.
At first the marriage between the chicken and waffles might seem unusually, but somehow Roscoe's accomplishes a match made in heaven. So much so that the top dog and the king can't get enough.
Smoking Gun with a little help from sometimedee, highlight how people beyond Shepard Fairey are creatively maximizing the Obama image to convey a meaningful message....or possibly just looking to increase sales. Previously known as Royal Fried Chicken, this Brooklyn based eatery has repositioned themselves as Obama Fried Chicken or otherwise know as OFC.
Located at Rockaway Parkway and Rutland Road in Brownsville, OFC showcased its new name last Thursday afternoon when the new sign went up.
Apparently, OFC is not the only restaurant venture president Obama is embarking on. Grub Street points us towards two other Obama inspired food spots here and here.
Perhaps president Obama can borrow a point or two from Harland
