Tuesday at the Table

Regional foods really interest me. Like when we were in Philadelphia a few years ago, we had to hunt down the {supposedly} best cheesesteak sandwich. In New Orleans, of course we tried jambalaya, a po boy, and  beignets. In Hawaii, we tasted ahi poke; in Maine, a lobster roll; in Minnesota, the walleye. And sometimes, things really aren't so historically regional, but super popular just the same. Like in Seattle, you really need to try a Dick's burger. It won't be the best burger you ever ate, but you'll have tasted a bit of our local flavor legacy. And honestly, though I know Cafe Rio is a chain and not just in Salt Lake City, I had heard SO much about it from SLC residents and visitors, that when we saw one at the airport on our way out of town last weekend, we were compelled to stop in.

So just let me tell you, I have eaten all sorts of taco salads, and even have my own local favorite, but my goodness, the Pork Barbacoa Salad was every bit as delicious as I had heard. As in seriously good layers of flavor.

The beverages at Cafe Rio were a pleasant surprise. Not often in the Pacific Northwest do we find Horchata (daughter dear said it was the best she'd had since drinking it in Mexico), let alone Mint Limeade {freshly squeezed!}. Tasty.

 

A super awesome 'extra' for you and me both is that in the "Successful Blogging" class I took with Tauni Everett at Sewing Summit, she happened to mention the copy cat recipe on her website! So you'll find recipes for both Cafe Rio-style shredded pork and creamy cilantro dressing here. Lucky us.

What's a regional specialty or favorite where you live? Link up here!