Jonge-what’s?

 A Long Beach favorite for decades!

If you feel a little bored on the drive between Pasadena and Anaheim, I would suggest taking a detour through Long Beach. Sure, go ahead and do some sightseeing in the downtown/Seal Beach area because it’s nice, but head north towards the 405 and the airport when you get hungry.

I think this quote from LA Times food writer Russ Parsons sums up the place nicely:

“Its food will never be mistaken for cuisine — nothing is reimagined and garnishes are usually limited to a single sprig of parsley — but over the last 15 years, I would guess that my family has averaged at least two meals a week there, and if I was being completely honest, probably more. If you’re lucky, you have a place like it near you.” [ link ]

Pronounced something like “young ward’s,” I was introduced to Jongewaard’s by a presenter who grew up in the Long Beach area and has been a frequenter of the restaurant for the last 50+ years (she always gets the burger special with a slice of lemon cream pie). If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.

Whatever appeals to you on the menu (to-die-for chicken pot pie), please make sure to get some of their baked goods for desert. Cake, pie, cookies, cinnamon buns, and on and on and on!

A Gobblerito?

That’s right, folks: a Gobblerito!

( Fire not included )

Inside the Days Inn hotel in State College, PA there lives a Mexican/American fusion restaurant called Mad Mex. They serve burritos the size of your head. Yes, the SIZE OF YOUR FREAKIN’ HEAD!

( As unappealing as this may look, it was a fantastic burrito the size of my melon )

I opted for the seasonal specialty burrito, which was basically a Thanksgiving feast wrapped in a tortilla. Absolutely delicious, especially in mid-November! Decent prices, good food, and apparently an enjoyable selection of beer all make Mad Mex worthy of your time. Also, Amber has been to the one in Columbus a bunch and has equally good things to say.

[ website ]

Sacramen-thai

Okay, corny title, I know. Simply put, Bangkok @ 12 in Sacramento, CA is an awesome Thai food restuarant just two blocks away from The Sterling Hotel.

Avocado curry, Bangkok @ 12

I tried the Avocado Curry with chicken and was pleasantly surprised. Many of the reviewers on Yelp! [ Yelp! page ] agreed that their curry is great and I'd have to join their ranks. As you can see from the picture, their portion sizes are more suited for 2-3 people, but priced for one. The hotel has a fridge and microwave guests can use, so get the leftovers to-go. $6.95 lunch specials and $2 beers/wine for Happy Hour make this a great option for you or your participants during lunch.