The Best Of … 2011

It is the end of the year. That means best of lists from everyone. I was reading an article today at lunch that someone put together about the best things they have eaten in 2011. I thought this was going to be a great piece as it alluded to it being about “regular” restaurants. When I say “regular”, I mean the kind of place where a family can eat for under $2000. Where they are only mildly upset that your toddler threw some food on the floor. Where they come up to you and say “oh that is the best baby laugh we have had in a long time!” instead of “Sir, please stop laughing so loud.”

I was wrong. It was a bunch of food editors who talked about the best hot dog they had in France and food that they ate in a number of places I couldn’t even pronounce in NY mostly. I find that is an overarching problem with most reviews of anything, they are not for the common person. I guess movie reviews are for everyone sometimes, but only when they don’t talk about the camera direction and how well the director used the 6 in. Fresnel with barn doors to the best of it’s ability during the death scene.

Back to the food. As I said, I was disappointed that it wasn’t more “everyman.” So, my best of list at the end of the year, is going to include best of votes from all of you, my readers. I am going to need nominees and then we will vote. Here are the following categories that I would like to rate. Hopefully I will get enough nominations and then votes to make this fun.
Best of Categories for nomination:

Best Hot Dog

Best greasy ass burger

Best breakfast place

Best family restaurant

Best Pizza

Now, I realize that everyone doesn’t live in my area (NW Chicago Suburbs), but that doesn’t matter. Nominate whomever you want. It will give me places to visit I I ever get to travel. I would love if the nominations are for non-chains but if you are in love with a chain, then by all means nominate! Leave your nominations in the comments and I will compile sometime at the end of the week and start the voting.

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Seven Eleven

I am going to infuriate some, amuse others, and there will also be those who will read this and not really have any thoughts what so ever due to recreational chemical use. Yes, I am going to talk about Seven Eleven.

7-11? Why am I talking about 7-11 when I should be thinking about 9/11? Because, and here comes the infuriating to some part, I am sick and tired of the politicizing, intolerance, and general stupidity of the few jack asses out there that can’t leave well enough alone and just remember. That is all I am going to say. If you want to discuss this topic further, email me. (Sorry, I had to get that off my chest after all the BS lately)

On to 7-11. It is not a date. I really am talking about the convenience store. This could be the first in my gas station gourmet series of reviews. In fact … let’s do that.

Image by Bludgeoner86 via Flickr

I usually stop at one of two 7-11s on my way home from work every day. I am a fan of an ice cold beverage for the drive home and of course on Tuesday and Friday I pick up my Mega Millions lottery picks. (I won $7 last week!) Anyhoo, I have only gotten food once from a 7-11. Granted, I have purchased the occasional donut or snack cake, but the full on “roller grill” experience has not happened for me. Here is why, the 7-11s I have been to, are not self serve. Some of you may think this is a good thing. Not really. I like to be able to look at the roller grill and grab the specific Tornados that I want to eat. Granted, the thought of dozens of people going past the roller grill with no separation IS a little disturbing at times, but the hot rollers kill all the germs…right? I also have never seen a 7-11 employee wash his hands before serving up food off the roller grill. At least I know where my hands have been and I don’t know what else has touched the food. If I don’t know it can’t hurt me right?

I also find that, at least the ones that I go to, don’t have as good of a selection as some other “real” gas stations I have been to. Couple that with the lower turnover that seems to be on these at a 7-11. I have seen some of the Tornados that look like they have been sitting there since 8 am. Eww. Now remember, I am only talking about the ones I have experienced. You may have a much better 7-11 near you.

I shouldn’t just talk about the Tornados. The hot dogs recently have been on the sad side as well. They seem to have been trying to push the spiced sausages or some other nonsense and leaving the venerable roller wiener behind. Don’t even get me started on the crappy buns and lack of condiments.

I guess as far as 7-11 goes in the way of that kind of food, I will not be thanking heaven. I will say that their sandwiches are good for a “convenience store/gas station” and of course how can you go wrong with a Slurpee. Especially when you can get a WWE Undertaker collectors cup. That is pretty much about it I guess. I do not recommend the grill food at 7-11. Next time I am going to review the new Thornton’s that opened up last year. Very impressive. More to come soon on that.

20 DAYS PEOPLE!!!! Can you believe it? I am going to be a daddy! As I have said before, Tori is due Oct. 1^st. And yes, I will be writing about her and posting pics and all that. I better get my site upgraded before then…tons to do! Anyway, if anyone wants to take a guess on the date, weight, size, time etc, we have a pool set up on the web with one of those sites. CLICK HERE TO GUESS! No prizes are offered but … if someone guesses EXACTLY … I might just give them a prize because I will be impressed.

That’s all for today campers. Until next time, remember … “I want a world where Frank junior and all the Frank juniors can sit under a shady tree, breathe the air, swim in the ocean, and go into a 7-11 without an interpreter.”