Jim’s Original in Chicago: Polish Sausage and Pork Chop

Burgers, pork chops, sausages, and mountains of onions on the grill

If you are looking for the best Polish sausage in Chicago, you come to Jim’s Original. This institution has served the Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich since 1941. When something has been around for that long, you know it has to be good. Everyone recommended that I try Jim’s Original at least once on …

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Maro's Shrimp House in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Steak and seafood

Lobster, steak, and shrimp

Everyone told me, if you come to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, you have to go to Maro’s Shrimp House for the lobster, steak, and famous Bulldog drink. At first glance, the restaurant seemed like an overpriced tourist trap. But with great reviews on both TripAdvisor and Yelp, I decided to ignore my preconceptions and see …

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Tori no Ichi Festival at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Each November, the Tori no Ichi Festival takes place at Hanazono Shrine, a Shinto shrine located not far from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. At Tori no Ichi festivals, held all over Japan, lucky charms or rakes known as Kumade are available for sale. The festival held at Hanazono Shrine is one the most important …

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Basic Bar & Pizza in San Diego, CA: Brick Oven Pizza

The Mashed Pizza with white sauce, mashed potatoes, and bacon, Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar, San Diego, California

Basic Bar & Pizza, located in the East Village of downtown San Diego, is a restaurant known for its thin-crust brick oven pizzas. It is also popular with locals and visitors because of its one-page drink menu and happy hour specials. I first heard about Basic Bar & Pizza through a friend, who found out …

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Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo: Jalapeño Burger and Fries

Halopeño Burger, named after the General Manager of Firestone Grill, San Luis Obispo, California

Stopping by Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo for a meal has become a tradition whenever I drive along Highway 101. This past week was no different. After a long day driving down the beautiful California coast through Big Sur from San Francisco to Los Angeles, I had one thing in mind: stopping at Firestone …

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