Freebirds World Burrito - It's a Monster

I first ate at Freebirds World Burrito about 15 years ago. Over the years the picture of this magnificent beast of a burrito has grown, like a legend, in my mind. The only thing is that this time my mind was not playing tricks on me.

The burritos come in 4 sizes: Hybird, Freebird, Monster, and Super Monster. There are 3 proteins to choose from: Slow Roasted Carnitas, Fire Grilled Steak, Fire Grilled Chicken (your choice of white or dark meat).....or you can have a fresh veggie filling.

When I am faced with a decision about which size to get, and two of the names have Monster in them, I feel obligated, on a purely masculine level, to get at least the smaller of the two monsters. I went with the Monster simply because I might not have been strong enough to even hold up the Super Monster. To be healthy (ha!) I went with the spinach tortilla and chicken (dark meat please).

The flavor of the fire grilled chicken really stands out amongst the traditional rice, cheeses, sour cream, etc. In many chain burrito stores (Qdoba, Chipotle to name a couple) you get decent flavors from fresh fixings, but there is something about the grill on the Freebirds burrito that is special. It is like that lady in the red dress, when the rest are wearing black.

In an earlier post I mentioned that I have a real weakness for good food that is served in a warm tortilla. Freebirds is the best I have had. If you have the opportunity, don't pass it up. I would eat at one every day if there were one in Anchorage, although I would have to go with a smaller option I don't want to lose my figure :)

Freebirds World Burrito:

Address -

43 locations in Texas

1 in Oklahoma

2 in California

Website - www.freebirds.com (you can order online)

Reservations - none needed

Overall Recommendation: bring your appetite and thirst for well seasoned fixings!

Joe's Crab Schack - A Good Case of Crabs

My advice? Definitely wear the bib!

Joe's Crab Schack is chain restaurant that got it's start in Houston, Texas in 1981. Lucky for me that is where I got my first taste of this seafood extravaganza. The restaurant features friendly servers who tie your bib on for you and sing birthday songs for guests celebrating. It is entertaining watching them all dance to "Cotton Eyed Joe", although I am sure they are less than thrilled with the routine by the end of the night.

Joe's features, what I would call, gulf style seafood. The featured meals are crab, shrimp, crawfish, clams, etc. are place in a steampot and steam cooked. There are several different seasonings that are used in multiple preparations and choices. Each one sounds equally delicious and I was pleased with my meal.

My friend and I started with pound of crawfish and the classic sampler. The crawfish were delicious and spicy. I admit to being very bad at getting the meat of the crawfish out to eat it, but what I could get out...dynamite! The classic sampler did not disappoint either. Calamari, crab dip, and most of all "Great Balls of Fire". All were good, but the great balls of fire really stood out. Fried balls of jalepeno, shrimp, and crab, all blended with cheese. It is the perfect combination of flavors taking your taste buds on a roller coaster ride of deliciousness. DO IT!

Whenever I am eating at a place for the first time, I always try the house special. In Joe's case, it is Joe's Classic Steampot. Dungeness crab, Snow crab, boiled shrimp, smoked sausage, corn and potatoes all brought to the table in a steampot and smelling scrumptious. The crab meat was delicious, but like most crab meals, it is a lot of work for that great flavor. The sausage, corn and potatoes definitely help fill your belly in this festive meal. My friend had the Samuel Adams Steampot and was very satisfied as well.

If you are watching your sodium cholesterol intake, beware! Otherwise, enjoy!

Joe's Crab Shack:

Address - check website for a location near you

Website - www.joescrabshack.com

Phone - 877 599-9330

Reservations - no reservations needed

Overall Recommendation: gulf style seafood in a fun atmosphere, everyone should go once for the experience.

Irving Street Kitchen - Porland - A fusion of Soul into every meal

I find myself in Portland, OR looking for a unique dining experience. Hello Irving Street Kitchen. You fit the bill perfectly!

I walked in with no reservation and was seated at the bar. It was brunch time and the place was moderately busy. I always enjoy going into a restaurant for the first time. Irving Street Kitchen has the perfect balance of a rustic and trendy.

I was doing a lot of walking today, so I decided to skip the appetizers and go straight to the Brunch menu. I love brunch food, and I love Eggs Benedict. The Salmon Gravlax Benedict jumped of the page. A buttermilk biscuit with spinach, lox, and poached eggs all covered in a dill hollandaise. The combination of salmon lox and poached egg is a very nice balance. The dill of the hollandaise took a little getting used to. I think I was ready for that traditional, rich, flavor. The dill hollandaise was lighter on the palette and very tasty.

I also ordered a side of mac'n cheese....very nice. Baked with a light panco/bread sprinkle over the top. Comfort food done right!

I ordered a house tea that kept the palette fresh for the meal. Try the #8 and let me know what you think.

Irving Street Kitchen:

Address -

791 NW 13th Avenue

Portland, OR 97209

Website - www.irvingstreetkitchen.com

Phone - 503 343-9440

Reservations - can be made at OpenTable.com, I did not need them for Sunday brunch, but I would advise it for a group.

Overall Recommendation: delightful! Soul food with a light touch.