My first experience at the iconic Chicago hot dog spot is one that I will never forget for several reasons including:

• First trip to Chicago was in January...god it was cold (remember Miami is home)
• Chicago was amazing
  
• Incredible eats, Chi-town definitely lives up to the reputation
  
• Chocolate shake at Wiener's Circle
  
• Being called an asshole at Wiener's Circle
• Chocolate shake at Wiener's Circle
• Calling the people behind the counter at Wiener's Circle Mutha'uckas
  
• Chocolate shake at Wiener's Circle
• Great hot dog at Wiener's Circle

Wiener's Circle is known for its late-night scandals, unique customer service and traditional Chicago style dogs. Don't be surprised (should you visit late-night) that while you're waiting in line to place your order the women behind the counter yells directly at you "what the fuck do you want asshole?" At this moment you can either choose to proceed calmly with your hot dog order, tell her "shut the fuck up and give me a hot dog" or if you're feeling a bit more adventurous ask for the underground and off the menu chocolate shake and get an unforgettable experience.

Open for more than 25 years, Wiener's Circle is a must for any hot dog fan out there. So much so Details magazine named it best late-night eats in America. Looks like Bobby Flay is a fan...wonder if he's gotten a choco shake?

btw - thanks to the Showtime TV show "This American Life" for the great Wiener Circle content

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