Destination Number 7: Ann Arbor Michigan

Sadly our road trip is coming to its end. Our final stop before arriving back in Toronto is Ann Arbor Michigan, to stop for the night and for some burgers! The Drive from Memphis to Ann Arbor is fairly long but that's all part of a road trip. Directions for our twelve hour drive to Ann Arbor can be found here. Once in Ann Arbor we will need a place to stay, and yet again through expedia.ca I have managed to find a very cheap hotel which can be seen here.
Assuming that we leave Memphis early in the morning we will arrive in Ann Arbor in the evening, a perfect time for some burgers. After checking into the Victory Inn and Suites, Madison and myself will head off to Blimpy Burger.

Ann Arbor is a college town, and Blimpy Burger is a college food favourite. Nothing appeals more to college students than greasy, fast, inexpensive and tasty food. Blimpy's offers thin beef patties that can be piled as high as you wish. However there is one caveat, there is a very specific way of waiting in line, ordering and finishing your meal at Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger.
The Rules are as follows:
When you come in:
1) Every person must stand in line and order their own food.
2) Every person intending to "dine in" must have their OWN tray.  (Food is packed "to go" if you don't have a tray.)
3) Pay attention so we can ask questions about your order.... and please, NO CELL PHONES in line!


When it is your turn to order:1) First, the deep fryer order: french fries, fried veggies, etc.
2) Then, what size Blimpy: double, triple, quad, quint
3) Next, decide what kind of roll: plain, onion, kaiser, etc.
4) Any grilled items: onions, mushrooms, peppers, etc.
5) Just before the burger comes off the grill, you will be asked to pick what kind of cheese you prefer, if any.
6) After the burger comes off the grill, you will be asked what type of condiments you would like - please start with "wet" items like mayo, ketchup or mustard... and only say what you want and NOT what you don't want!


After you have finished and you are savouring the last bite of Blimpy goodness:1) Please bus your table and recycle beverage containers.
2) Start planning for your next trip to Blimpys!
(Rules were taken from Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger website)


Blimpy's is an Ann Arbor institution, opened in 1953, Blimpy's has served 5 generations of hungry Ann Arbor locals and students alike. Because of the way they assemble their burgers (and a little help from the math students at Michigan University) Blimpys offers 2,147,483,648 possible burger combinations.

Blimpys is serves burgers that are craved and loved by all who try them. Being able to enjoy a piece of Ann Arbor history and local food is something I greatly look forward to. The food, on top of being something that Im sure is great is also part of Ann Arbor student life. Being a student myself meeting and learning about other students is something of a treat. Two students, no matter where they go to school, can somehow connect over being in college.




Unfortunately after our night in Ann Arbor Madison and I will pack up the car one last time and head back to Toronto in the morning. Directions from our Hotel back to Toronto can be found here. Once a trip ends I personally find that there are two very opposing feelings that set in, almost immediately. the first being, happiness, you get to finally settle back down at home and get back into a routine. The second feeling that sets in is one of sadness, a sadness that your trip is over and also that you can no longer do and experience the things that you do while on vacation.
More to come later on the end of a vacation and the reflections of this trip.
see you soon
-Rebecca

New Orleans Part Two

Day two of New orleans begins with breakfast, at a rather unique restaurant called Louie and the Redhead Lady. Located at: 1851 Florida St. Mandeville, LA, there is a bit of a drive to this restaurant however, I feel pretty confident it is a place worth the drive. Directions from the hotel Here. Louie and the Redhead lady was a place that immediately excited me when I first saw it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Owned by a man named Louie Finnan and a woman named Ginger (who, as you guessed it, is a redhead) not only do they own and operate the restaurant they are also married; nothing warms the heart more than good food from a place owned by a husband and wife duo. To me a placed that is family run, creates a familiar and welcoming atmosphere which is always a treat when your traveling. Louie and the Redhead Lady serves traditional New Orleans eats. Louie, a culinary enthusiast, learned most of what he knows from his grandmother and mother (the original redheaded lady). They serve what appears to be thoughtfully made breakfast foods, that are riddled with New Orleans style. Such as the fried green tomatoes, topped with shrimp and a remoulade sauce; or the grits and grillades or even their oysters luzianne. Of course they also serve more traditional breakfast foods like eggs, omelets and pancakes each one is still prepared with a distinct flair. Menu items range from about 8 USD to around 17 USD, so day two in New Orleans will cost an estimated 25 Dollars excluding gas and hotel. 

Perhaps after getting back to the french quarter Madison and myself will walk around for a bit embrace the beautiful surroundings of old New Orleans. If we are lucky enough we might stumble upon a Jazz bar (the classic Music of New Orleans). Jazz is another thing that is close to my heart, as a young child my father a jazz enthusiast constantly played Wynton Marsalis, his Peanuts album in particular. Jazz is like food, were it comes from and who is making it changes the experience entirely. Both the food and the music reflect the rich history of New Orleans and the people who live there, and draw connections between people. Day Two: Good food and hopefully some good music. 


Day three: Day three includes two stops, the first Casamento's a New Orleans institution.  Directions are as follows: Directions to Casamento's. Opened in 1919, by Italian transplant Joe Casamento and serves fresh seafood in various forms. Acclaimed for their oyster loaf sandwich, fried soft shell crabs and even a few Italian staples like meatballs. New Orleans is located in prime seafood territory, surrounded by three fresh water lakes. Myself and Madison happen to be HUGE fans of seafood, as well as anything fried. So I can only assume that we will be doing a taste test of most things on this menu from the fresh oysters to the fried seafood sandwiches (or Loafs). What is different about Casamento's is that  while they do offer local seafood with a New Orleans panache they have Italian staples as well. Casamento's shows the diverse background of New Orleans. The Soups are about 5 USD, "Loafs"are about 7-12 USD and seafood platters are 6-15 USD. 

Our Next stop on day three in New Orleans is Creole Creamery. While I am not one that is particularly drawn to sweets, sometimes a nice cold bowl of ice cream on a hot day is well deserved.The Creole Creamery has two locations in New Orleans, one of which is within walking distance from our hotel, located at Jefferson and St. Charles. The Creole Creamery also offers some VERY unique flavors like Avocado and Cream, Balsamic and Strawberry and Gorgonzola  and Walnut. Apart from their unique flavors they also offer tradition ones. The Creole creamery has fountain treats and unique sundae creations. They have offer a monstrous sundae called the Tchoupitoulas, which is comprised of eight scoops of ice cream, eight topping, whipped cream and cherries. Not only will this enormous sundae instill fear in anyone who faces it, it will also set you back about 25 USD. Otherwise the Creole Creamery has reasonable pricing, at about 2 USD per scoop.
Estimated Total Cost for Day three: 45-50 USD per-person, excluding hotel and gas.


New Orleans offers food, drink and culture that is entirely unique. New Orleans has the kind of food invites you in, makes you feel welcome in a place you may have never been before and somehow also teaches you about your surroundings. You don't always need to experience a new place by going to museums or taking historical walking tours, sometimes the best way to get to know a new place is by eating their food and embracing the culture.
Next stop Memphis for some good BBQ.
See you soon
-Rebecca 

Destination Number 6: Memphis

After spending a Fourth night in New Orleans Madison and I will then venture off to Memphis, a city of BBQ!  Memphis is another 6 Hour drive from Louisiana, and a city were we will need to stay in yet another hotel. Again through the wonders of the internet and some help from expedia.ca I have managed to find a hotel for 68 USD per night. A link to the hotel can be seen here: Hotel. The directions from our New Orleans hotel to our Memphis Hotel can be seen here.






Memphis, is a city that offers BBQ at its finest. BBQ changes based on location, and Memphis prides its self on their BBQ. Memphis style BBQ is defined by highly spiced dry rubs, tangy vinegar based sauces and slow smoking. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives has found and visited many places in Memphis,most of which specialise in Barbecue. Memphis also does classic southern food. Much like the food we would have eaten in Georgia, southern comfort food draws its influences from American history. The difference in the food from Memphis and the food from Georgia is the ingredients available to them and the spices being used.
While I do believe that you should do as the locals do, and the locals love BBQ, Memphis also offers a distinct take on Soul Food. So our first stop in Memphis (I mean after we check in) will be Alcenias. Alcenias is named after Owner Betty-Joyce "B.J." Chester-Tamayo's mother. B.J. believed that our past hold great influence over our future, however we rarely take the initiative to preserve it. B.J. felt particularly strong about preserving the past through food and recipes. After sadly losing her son in a motorcycle accident B.J. decided to take her mother's recipes and open a restaurant. Alcenias offers a different menu depending on the day of the week, however there are some customer favorites. B.J. is most known for her Chow-Chow, a salted cabbage and tomato dish,  as well as her preserved peaches, lemon icebox pie and her fried chicken. My self and Madison have been on an almost perpetual hunt for the best fried chicken and I'm hopeful that Alcenias could be a good contender. The menu is fairly affordable, mains are around 9 USD and come with 3 sides and bread (usually in the form of biscuits).
Day one of Memphis, will cost an estimated 15 Dollars excluding the price of the hotel and gas.
If you care to see Alcenias featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives click Here.


After what I can only assume will be a great meal, Madison and I will make our way back toward the Hotel. Perhaps we will walk around for the afternoon; I for one believe that when you take the time to discover a place on your own terms you really lean about that place.

Day Two Of Memphis: Martins BBQ Joint, Martins specializes in whole hog cooking. Which means they smoke the whole pig at once and then break it down into cuts once it is cooked. Martin's is located just outside of Memphis in Nelsonville, so Madison and I will make a stop there on our way to our next destination. Directions are as follows: Route to Martins. Martins does all handmade foods, sauces and spice rubs. Martins also seeks to stay as local and sustainable as possible. On their menu you will find, platters (served with two sides), sandwiches, ribs and "Redneck taccos". They smoke pork, poultry and beef and serve them all in ways. Martins has a particular attitude about it, that is even apparent through their website. Martins takes their barbecue very seriously but not themselves.


I believe that when a city takes as much pride in a particular way of cooking, as Memphis does with barbecue, then it is a pivotal aspect of their culture. Getting to experience a city like Memphis through the palate of Memphis is an experience I for one am greatly looking forward to.
Sadly our next stop will be our last before going home, Detroit.
-See you soon
Rebecca

Destination Number Five: New Orleans

Our next destination is New Orleans, From Southern Soul BBQ, we have quite a drive before us. The chosen route is as follows: Route to New Orleans. After a nine hour drive, myself and Madison will need a place to stay. Unfortunately neither myself or Madison have family in New Orleans, therefore we will need to dole out some cash on a hotel. Through http://www.expedia.ca/ I have found a Hotel located in the french quarter of New Orleans. While I realize that this will cost a few more dollars, I figure it will be well worth it to stay in the heart of New Orleans. The Hotel I have found can be seen here: Chateau Burbon, costing an estimated 96 USD per night. Costing a total of 288 USD for three nights, which would then be divided by 2, parking is an amenity at the hotel.
New Orleans is a city fueled by culture, from the jazz music, Cajun cooking and the resilient people of New Orleans. Much of New Orleans was destroyed by hurricane Katrina in 2005, affecting many of the restaurants, bars and homes in New Orleans. Having said that, New Orleans is still a city filled with joie de vivre.
One of the defining characteristic of New Orleans is their food, offering low country favorites like: crawfish, oysters and po-boys. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives has covered many of New Orleans' finest food establishments which Madison and I have full intentions to visit.
New Orleans has many iconic foods, from notorious oysters beignets (deep fried sugar loaded dough) but perhaps the most iconic is the Po-Boy. The Po-Boy is derived from Louisiana's french past, combined with local flavors. The Po-Boy has three distinct characteristic, one it must be on a french baguette, the most desireable ones being made at  Leidenheimer Bakery; the second is that a Po-Boy must have pickles, and thirdly must have tomatoes. What ever else go inside a Po-Boy is up to the maker, however I am particularly drawn to an oyster Po-Boy. 

New Orleans has many great places to get a Po-Boy, some of the best can be found at Parasols; Parasols is infamous for their roast beef Po-Boy. Opened in 1952, by Louis Passauer, they are still keeping things traditional. Preparing their infamous roast beef the same way since 1952, despite the change in ownership. Along with the traditional menu of Po-Boys, the offer another local favorite Gumbo. Parasols also offers a wide range of cocktails, not unlike most other restaurants in New Orleans, so this might be the kind of place to cab to Directions here. Parasols keeps things the way they always have been, which speaks to the old-not to be confused with boring- style of New Orleans. Parasols offers a fairly affordable menu with the exception of the seafood, Sandwiches costing around 8 USD for a small and 11 USD for a large, while baskets and sides varry in price, nothing on the menu exceeds 17USD. So combined with cab fair both ways (to and from the hotel) food and drinks, and excluding the cost of the hotel, Day one in New Orleans cost around 45 USD per person (again pending alcohol consumption) 
If you want too see more check out this Video of Guy Fieri at Parasols.


Later: Days Two and Three of New Orleans 
See you Soon
-Rebecca 

Destination Number 4: Atlanta Georgia

Where we last left, Madison and Myself were just leaving Rhode Island en route to Georgia, Atlanta more specifically, and due to our detour north, we now face a rather grueling drive toward the American South.  The Route is as follows: Route to Atlanta From Providence. While this is a 18  hour drive it is only safe to assume that we will be taking a stop along the way, most likely at a roadside Motel. Due to the unpredictable nature of finding a location of a motel or how long we will be able to drive before exhaustion kicks in I cannot entirely estimate the cost or location of said Motel. However from previous experience on road trips I can only assume that it will cost around 45-60 Dollars for the night split between two people.

However, once we arrive in Atlanta we will be lucky enough to yet again snag a free stay. My Aunt lives in Atlanta GA, allowing for Madison and myself to save a few bucks. Georgia is a state with a rich background, like much of the American south Georgia was part of the slave trade, while this was not one of the shining moments of American history, it is something that has changed America and the south in particular greatly. The slave trade has created change in many areas of history, but one that is most prominent in regards to this road trip, is the way it changed food. From the time the slaves were first brought to America they changed food and the way people eat in the south. This style of cooking is called soul food; the kind of food that warms your heart and broadens your waist line. During our stay in Atlanta  I hope to indulge myself and eat some soul food! I am one that ordinarily, eats according to a specific diet, however, I am also one that figures, when in Rome...or Atlanta Georgia, eat as the locals eat!
So during our stay in Atlanta me and madison could do something typical, and visit the coca-cola museum (should that be your cup of tea link here:Coke Museum GA), and perhaps a few historical plantations. However, this road trip is about connecting to the locals through food! Eat as the locals eat as I said before.
So on our first stop for soul food satiation, The Silver Skillet, a restaurant recommended and visited on one of Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Road trip.  Since we will be staying at my Aunt's who lives in a suburb of Atlanta called Woodstock County a little driving must be done, but c'est la vie. Here is the intended route: Directions to Silver Skillet. The Silver Skillet specialises in American Soul Food breakfast, from red-eye gravy (a coffee based thin gravy) to flaky biscuits served with white sausage gravy. Of course the also serve lunch at the Silver Skillet, including fried chicken one of soul foods staples. The Silver Skillet to me speaks volumes about the influence that American History has on food, and I for one, welcome it! Silver Skillet is, much like many of the other institutions we have mentioned, is very inexpensive, larger breakfasts being about 10 USD and smaller ones only 4 USD. If you wish to see a clip of the Silver Skillet on Diners, Drive-ins and Drives click HERE.

After returning back to my Aunts house, were I'm sure Madison and myself will be served a home cooked meal, in true southern hospitality style, we will spend the night at my aunts before setting off to our second Atlanta restaurant location.
The next location Madison and I will set off to, is just south of Georgia. After saying goodbye to my family we will hit the road once again, and quite early might I add. This time staying in the same state, stopping for lunch before we move on to the next state. We will take the following route, click HERE.

Once in St. Simons Georgia, we will be stopping for another soul food classic: BBQ! The first of lots of barbecue to come.  Just like a fine wine, were the wine comes from changes its flavor and body, BBQ is highly differentiated among the southern states. Southern Soul Barbecue, offering slow smoked meats with rich sauces. Their menu items include pulled pork (in both platter and sandwich form), ribs and brisket and many more. Each meat is treated with utmost respect, carefully prepared and slowly cooked. They also offer a variety of sides including Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens and Corn Bread. Yet again we encounter a very inexpensive place, sides at about 1-4 USD, and mains being anywhere from 4 USD to around 12. If you also happen to be someone who is a BBQ lover but not a lover of the road trip, Southern Soul Barbecue actually ships their sauces and rubs, should you wish you venture out into the world of BBQ yourself.
Once We have stuffed ourselves full of smokey goodness, we will set off on the road again en route to a destination I am most excited about; New Orleans.
See you in Louisiana
-Rebecca

Destination Number 3: Rhode Island

From Boston, Me and Madison intend to travel to Rhode Island, aka the Mecca of seafood. Lucky for us this next commute is much shorter than our other two (thus far). From Boston to Providence Rhode Island is a short hour and nine minute drive, route is as follows: Directions from Boston to Providence

Once in Providence we will need a place to stay, and in true road trip fashion cheaper is always better! So through a little help from the internet, finding a cheap hotel is much easier than it used to be. Assuming we left Toronto on a Thursday, and stay three days in New York, we would arrive in Rhode Island (after our stop in Boston) on a Monday. I have managed to find a hotel room at the Ramada Seekonk/ Providence Area (Ramada Hotel Providence Area), for 75 USD a night plus 17 USD in tax. In turn, will cost an estimated 169.00 USD, for a two night stay.
Nothing creates a better environment for seafood than a state surrounded by water and the desire to serve the freshest available. Added to freshness and availability is the people of Rhode Island take their seafood seriously. When you are able to meet people who enjoy what they do, it enriches your experience.
The first of stops in Rhode Island is still within the city of Providence, The Liberty Elm Diner http://libertyelmdiner.com/. The Liberty Elm Diner is located near Rogers Williams Park, and listed on National Historic Register, mainly due to its age (opened in 1947). Being able to visit a place that is so typical of Rhode Island culture only speaks to how vital food is when traveling and experiening a new place. While they do not offer as many seafood selections as some of the other restaurants we intend on stopping into they do offer a few Rhode Island staples. One of such staples is the Johnny Cake, a corn based pancake not too unlike polenta, they also serve clam chowder a Rhode Island classic. The Liberty Elm Diner seems to be the kind of place were good food and good people create an exclusively Rhode Island Experience. While I have not yet had the privilege of tasting the food at Liberty Elm Diner, Guy Fieri painted a pretty precise picture of this restaurant. Feel free to check it out here: Liberty Elm Diner on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Liberty Elm Diner as provides a full menu for a very affordable price, main courses are around 8 dollars,while drinks and sides are about 2-3 dollars. Day One in Rhode Island thus far has Cost around, 60 USD per person (that is assuming we split the price of the Hotel, and again excluding the price of gas).
Another unique elements of the Liberty Elm Diner is that they focus on sustainable and local foods. The use of local foods speaks to the spirit of Rhode Island, why not take advantage of amazing local ingredients if they are available to you? Not only do they support local foods, they support local artist and musicians, which to me is yet another way to learn about a place where you visit. After a day of experiencing Rhode Island culture through local delicacies and live music me and Madison will return to our Hotel for the night, with great anticipation for the next day.

On day two in Rhode Island we intend to visit Evelyn's Drive-In Located in Triverton RI, meaning we will need to do some driving, but hey what's a road trip without a little extra driving? We will travel following this route: Route from Hotel to Evelyn's Drive-In. Evelyn's Drive in is Located right on Nantucket Pond, with a walk up ordering window. Evelyn's is also only opened during the summer months, making it an even more special experience. Evelyn's was opened in 1969 by a woman (oddly enough) named Evelyn, until about 20 years ago when a couple, named Jane and Domenic Bitto bought the place. When Jane and Domenic purchased the Drive-in they changed nothing about it, still serving fresh made and well prepared seafood. Evelyn's most well known for their fried clams, crab cakes, Rhode Island style clam chowder and their lobster chowmein. Lobster chowmein you say?! Yes! It is true, this lobster chowmein is a defining dish among Evelyn's. It was on the menu before Jane and Domenic bought the Drive-in, and so its stays. Evelyn's welcomes boaters and drivers alike, they serve their food on an outdoor patio, so this might be the kind of place to cab to and then sit back enjoy a few choice cocktails and spend a day outside by the water. Nothing is more appealing to me than enjoying some fried seafood, good drinks and great local company. Again this is a very affordable place, with mains costing around 8-10 dollars per item, alcoholic beverages costing around the same.
After retuning to the hotel for the night after a day of eating and perhaps some drinking (safely of course) Madison and myself will spend our last night in Rhode Island. Total estimated cost of Rhode Island is an estimated 200 UDS per person.
What makes Rhode Island so unique is that they are near the water, which in turn makes it a place were we can enjoy some fresh seafood as well as the water. While we don't intend on seeing Rhode Island through the typical tourist point of view, I hold a firm belief that you can still maintain and create a unique tourist experience that still allows you to embrace a new place.


Next Stop: Georgia
See you Soon
-Rebecca

Destination Number Two: Boston

Last year, while taking a study breaking during my finals, I stumbled upon an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives that featured a specifically interesting Italian eatery in East Boston. Rino's Place: http://www.rinosplace.com. When Guy Fieri walked into this small Italian restaurant I was not expecting to be blown away, but blown away I was. 

Rino's Place is an old school Italian style restaurant specialising in big portions and well made, freshly prepared dishes. 

Allow me back track a moment, were I last left, Madison and I, were/going to be someday, leaving New York City after a brief stay. Boston, Specifically east Boston will be the nest step on our road trip; while I do realize that we intend to travel south down the east coast, sometime you need to backtrack to move forward. So here we are in boston, the intended route, again found through Google Maps is as follows: http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&gs_nf=1&cp=3&gs_id=3&xhr=t&q=google&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1277&bih=474&ix=ieb&ion=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Ps5gT4WvDofLhAfHx-nVBw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CBYQ_AUoAg. A short 4 hour Drive when compared to our initial 8.5 hour drive into the United States Via Toronto. While Boston has many facets of culinary experiences to offer, it is Rino's place in particular that myself and Madison are interested in trying.  

The one dish that caught my eye almost immediately were the gargantuan lobster ravioli. Each one artfully hand made by Owner and Chef Anthony DiCenso, an Italian immigrant to Boston. 

While ordinarily taking a detour such as this would be time consuming and expensive while planning a road trip, however this place seems worth the trip. Sometimes when travelling you are allowed the privilege of choosing the route you travel, and that is one of the beauties of being on a road trip; you can change your destination at any point in time. Rino's seems to be one those places worth the detour. Hopefully this will be a detour that leaves us full, both with food and experience. With both food and travel, connections can be made with others based on very simple things, a shared interest and an open mind. 
Rino's Place is shockingly affordable, especially when one considers the size and craftsmanship of these dishes. With Appetisers costing around 8 dollars and Entrees around 18. Boston will Cost and estimated 35-40$, along with the price of gas, which again cannot be estimated due to changing gas prices. 

Rino's Place was one of my favourite featured restaurants on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Feel free to check out this clip on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az2qmVglV8s

Next Stop Road Island: for mounds of seafood! 

That's all For Now 

See you again soon

-Rebecca