Best meal ever

[HarrisburgDave]

The Diner thread has gotten me on a food kick.

I was up until 1:30 texting with my daughter about our favorite foods. She will be visiting us for a few days beginning tomorrow and we are already planning the meals we will be having-

Chicken Pot Pie with cabbage slaw

BBQ chicken on the grill with baked potatoes and grilled romaine salad

Pho at our favorite Vietnamese place

Ethiopian at a place down in Lancaster

Chuck roast and vegetables in a mushroom/onion soup broth baked in an oven bag.

Then our conversation turned to favorite meals ever. Mine has and always will be the one I had on August 9, 1974. Nixon resigned that day. That evening my aunt and uncle took me and and my widowed mother out for dinner. My Moms sister and my cousin joined us.

We went to the now long gone Lombardo’s Restaurant a few blocks from the Capitol. I had Veal Scallopini, baked stuffed potato and a marvelous green salad with blue cheese dressing. The flavors were amazing. The peppers, tomato, thin delicate veal and wine sauce were divine.

The adults each had two or three manhattans (it was another time) and I got to eat the soaked cherries. My love of that magic elixir of Canadian whiskey, sweet vermouth and cocktail bitters was ignited that evening.

Life, lived well, is good.

P.S. On a serious note, my wife and I were near forty when we started having kids. Thank God we did. I come close to crying each time I see my lovely 23 year old daughter. She is a blessing. My son? He is the best person I know. How is it possible to love someone so much?

 

[SW-Lion]

One that stands out recently is my wife and I made a beef Wellington for Christmas dinner during Covid. It was difficult with ingredients and puff pastry, but holy smokes that was delicious!

 

[ODShowtime]

I doubt I'll ever eat a truly great crab cake ever again.

 

[TiogaLion]

I'm not sure I could you up with my best meal ever without considering the company I had while eating that meal. Every meal I've thought of always comes back to whom I with during said meal. I've never had a truly great meal while eating alone or with people that I really wasn't close with, such as on business trips while eating in Michelin Stared restaurants.

Having said this, I'd have to go with our Easter meal which is usually Prime Rib, Ham, and Crab Cakes with many sides so that everyone in attendance is happy.

 

[HarrisburgDave]

I'm not sure I could you up with my best meal ever without considering the company I had while eating that meal. Every meal I've thought of always comes back to whom I with during said meal. I've never had a truly great meal while eating alone or with people that I really wasn't close with, such as on business trips while eating in Michelin Stared restaurants.

Having said this, I'd have to go with our Easter meal which is usually Prime Rib, Ham, and Crab Cakes with many sides so that everyone in attendance is happy.

1. You know how to live.
2. What’s your address?

 

[Hugh Laurie]

In recent memory and in no particular order my top 3:


G&M - Linthicum MD (crab cakes)

Sonny Bryans Smokehouse - Dallas TX (Texas BBQ)

Amangiri - Canyon Point Utah (breakfast, lunch, and dinner - more ambience related)

 

[CF Lion]

First date dinner with my (now) fiance. We shared some small plates and a great bottle of wine. Everything was perfect. She and I have had some wonderful meals together, including many that she prepared, but for several reasons that first one will he hard to beat.

 

[Bison13]

In recent memory and in no particular order my top 3:


G&M - Linthicum MD (crab cakes)

Sonny Bryans Smokehouse - Dallas TX (Texas BBQ)

Amangiri - Canyon Point Utah (breakfast, lunch, and dinner - more ambience related)

Linthicum is down the road a few miles from me, agree, good stuff…

mine is roast beef, mashed potatoes with mom’s homemade gravy and green beans. All of these were from the farm/garden. Our beef and vegetables always beat restaurants

 

[s1uggo72]

mine was in the backyard with about 20 friends, one of whom brought back 30 Maine lobsters just off the boat, we steamed and feasted on, the other brought tomato pie (the Maryland type, not the Philly thing like pizza) fresh corn on the cob. Oh my

 

[HarrisburgDave]

mine was in the backyard with about 20 friends, one of whom brought back 30 Maine lobsters just off the boat, we steamed and feasted on, the other brought tomato pie (the Maryland type, not the Philly thing like pizza) fresh corn on the cob. Oh my

Ok, monster choice, just incredible.

 

[OhioLion]

Roast put in the oven before leaving for Church Sunday morning. Redskin potatoes from grandpa's garden, celery, carrots, onions and tomatoes mom had canned the previous fall all added in with the meat.
Get home from Church, and the minute we walked in the house, the aroma was fantastic. Mom would make a tomato-based gravy and usually corn or green beans - again, both from the previous fall's harvest. When I would come home on weekends when living in west side of Cleveland, my mom would have that on Sunday for dinner.
Cannot beat that. Makes me smile.

Side note. As a kid we always had a vegetable with our meals. And, the vegetables were from our 1 acre garden. If there were still veggies in the serving bowl, they would be added to the freezer container. By the time the following fall came around, mom would have several of these freezer containers full of all different kinds of vegetables. This was the start of the first large kettle of beef vegetable soup of the fall.

OL

 

[[email protected]]

Chicken Michelle. 128 s atherton st 1978

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Ramen Noodles and a couple cold PBR’s!

 

[pamdlion]

I doubt I'll ever eat a truly great crab cake ever again.

Here are a few. They ship.

Jimmys Famous Seafood

The TAILGOAT | Live Bar | Athelete Signings | Brunches | Trivia View Schedule | Reserve…

jimmysfamousseafood.com

Pappas Seafood - Shop Online for Maryland's Best CrabCakes

Award Winning Crab Cakes using the Finest Colossal Maryland Crab Meat Available. Shop Pappas Seafood Online, Order Catering, or Visit our Restaurants.

pappascrabcakes.com

 

[JakkL]

One that stands out recently is my wife and I made a beef Wellington for Christmas dinner during Covid. It was difficult with ingredients and puff pastry, but holy smokes that was delicious!

I love beef wellington. My favorite is Mon Ami Gabi at Paris in Las Vegas. You have to call and order it in advance. Get outdoor seating reservation at dusk and you will be treated to Bellagio fountain shows while you dine. The patio outside is on the strip, but raised 4 or 5 feet above the sidewalk.

 

[Piketownman]

Marinated elk tenderloins grilled over a fire at family reunion. Cousins husband was head chef at some ritzy restaurant. Wouldn’t say what the marinade was. Best meal ever and have been trying to draw a pa elk tag ever since

 

[Nitwit]

The best restaurant meal was at RESTAURANT PATRICK GUILBAUD in Dublin, Ireland. Dinner was a gift from my company for my 20th anniversary and I remember the tab with wine and tip was about $800 (about 15 years ago). Too many courses to repeat everything here. There were three desert courses, one with real gold leaf on the corners of the chocolate tart. I had a filet of red deer as my entre. My wife had the Wicklow lamb. Champagne with canapés were served seated in the foyer as I studied the menu and ordered before being lead to the dining room. It was an incredible event. I know I ordered a fois gras appetizer but all these complimentary mini amuse bouche courses kept appearing in addition to our selections. I believe they have one or two Michelin stars.

My runner up was a wedding reception (my niece-PSU alum) meal I attended in the mountains just outside of Cannes on the French Riviera which went on for hours. The French know food. I know we had the best filet mignon in bernaise sauce I’ve ever eaten and the reception started around 5pm outdoors in the garden with waiters serving cocktails and champagne with lamb, shrimp, etc., appetizers with live jazz music, and lasted until about 2 am moving throughout different levels of the estate for various parts of the meal, deserts, and post meal live singers and dancing. Different wines were served with each course. I’m figuring the bride’s family dropped at least $250,000 on the evening. I know they had 4,000 pink roses flown in from Africa to decorate the church. At least they’re still married! The classic French wedding cake is a profiterole tower, made of cream puffs. Theirs was carried out with sparklers going off. The whole event was off the charts.

Croquembouche​

And the Master of the ceremonies at the reception:

We knew we weren’t in Kansas (or State College) anymore. Dude looks like a lady….they released a flock of white doves when the bride and groom arrived at the venue.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

I doubt I'll ever eat a truly great crab cake ever again.

Normally, my crab cakes are very good. However, one time I ordered too many crabs and couldn't eat them all. I took a couple dozen home that night and spent a couple of hours picking the meat off of the crabs. The next day I made the best crab cakes that my wife and I have ever eaten.

 

[LionsAndBears]

2 years ago my wife and I went to a local Italian Restaurant in Sinking Spring called Salute for our anniversary. It was there that I had the best meal of my life. I had the Chianti Pork Ribeye and I didn't know pork could taste that good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Chianti Pork Ribeye​

29
Two 8oz Boneless Pork Ribeye Chops, topped with Chianti infused sautéed onions & Gorgonzola, roasted Italian potatoes, and one fresh side

 

[1995PSUGrad]

About 20 years ago, I was on a small sailboat sailing from Tortola to North Carolina. I was sick as hell. We had been sailing a week or so and then stopped for a couple of nights in Provo. We docked at a small marina that had a bar/restaurant. That first night I ate a cheeseburger that to this day I swear was the best burger I ever ate. In reality it probably wasn't that good, but after two weeks of eating nothing but pudding and Gatorade (and not keeping much of that down) the burger tasted amazing.

 

[Midnighter]

I have a collection of favorite dishes but like most hard to separate the nostalgia/emotions from an individual dining experience. To that end, before children the wife and I traveled a good bit and had a lovely dinner at the New York Bar at the top of the Park Hyatt Tokyo - best steak I’ve ever had. Cocktails, an amazing jazz singer (randomly sang our wedding song), amazing views of the city. Perfect evening.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Texas de Brazil (all you can eat every time):

• Filet wrapped in bacon
• flank steak
• Chicken wrapped in bacon
• brazilian sausage
• mushrooms in wine sauce
• rice and beans
• potatoes au gratin

 

[ODShowtime]

Texas de Brazil (all you can eat every time):

• Filet wrapped in bacon
• flank steak
• Chicken wrapped in bacon
• brazilian sausage
• mushrooms in wine sauce
• rice and beans
• potatoes au gratin

They ruined that one when they put it on Door Dash.

 

[WSTLion87]

My 13th birthday... Steamed clams in melted lemon butter as appetizers, tossed salad and twice baked potato with one pound lobster tail also in melted lemon butter and chocolate peanut butter birthday cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert at Raub's Restaurant in Plymouth PA on the evening of November 28. 1981

48-14 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mstan85]

Vitella al a Guiseppe in Columbia, PA... Veal stuffed with prosciutto and cheese with a brandy cream sauce. Probably in the early 90's. Date night with my wife, and my parents watching our two young kids. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was in the building that is now Hurricane Pizza.

 

[PSU87]

About 20 years ago, I was on a small sailboat sailing from Tortola to North Carolina. I was sick as hell. We had been sailing a week or so and then stopped for a couple of nights in Provo. We docked at a small marina that had a bar/restaurant. That first night I ate a cheeseburger that to this day I swear was the best burger I ever ate. In reality it probably wasn't that good, but after two weeks of eating nothing but pudding and Gatorade (and not keeping much of that down) the burger tasted amazing.

Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer? Good God almighty which way do I steer?

 

[BostonNit]

Lobster Stuffed New York Strip at the Red Parrot in Newport RI. Brushed with garlic butter and topped with roasted tomatoes.

Off the freaking charts.

 

[PSU1969A]

Boy this is a tough one to say the least. Over the years, I have had many sumptuous meals. In no particular order.

Veal Francese at Matucci's in Mount Carmel, PA
Veal Porto Fagioli at Matucci's

Multiple dinners at Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and lunches at now closed St. Andrews Restaurant and the Apple Pie Bakery -- Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

Veal Francese or Veal Piccata at Gabriella's in Lower Paxton Twp. (Harrisburg)

Multiple dinners at the Circular Dining Room -- Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA

Many dinners at Alfred's Victorian in Middletown, PA

Many dinners at the now closed Georgetown Inn on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, PA

Many others but time & memory are sketchy.

 

[m48tank]

Boy this is a tough one to say the least. Over the years, I have had many sumptuous meals. In no particular order.

Veal Francese at Matucci's in Mount Carmel, PA
Veal Porto Fagioli at Matucci's

Multiple dinners at Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and lunches at now closed St. Andrews Restaurant and the Apple Pie Bakery -- Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

Veal Francese or Veal Piccata at Gabriella's in Lower Paxton Twp. (Harrisburg)

Multiple dinners at the Circular Dining Room -- Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA

Many dinners at Alfred's Victorian in Middletown, PA

Many dinners at the now closed Georgetown Inn on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, PA

Many others but time & memory are sketchy.

I loved the food and the view at the Georgetown Inn.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer? Good God almighty which way do I steer?

It had to be where he got the inspiration for that song!

 

[marshall23]

Boy this is a tough one to say the least. Over the years, I have had many sumptuous meals. In no particular order.

Veal Francese at Matucci's in Mount Carmel, PA
Veal Porto Fagioli at Matucci's

Multiple dinners at Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici and lunches at now closed St. Andrews Restaurant and the Apple Pie Bakery -- Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

Veal Francese or Veal Piccata at Gabriella's in Lower Paxton Twp. (Harrisburg)

Multiple dinners at the Circular Dining Room -- Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA

Many dinners at Alfred's Victorian in Middletown, PA

Many dinners at the now closed Georgetown Inn on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, PA

Many others but time & memory are sketchy.

Nick Matucci was my teammate at Southern Columbia '67. Glad to hear he's still winning.

 

[Nitt1300]

fresh caught Maine trout, coated in cornmeal and fried in bacon grease on an iron pan on a campfire next to the pond where we caught them

 

[ManxomeLion]

The Diner thread has gotten me on a food kick.

I was up until 1:30 texting with my daughter about our favorite foods. She will be visiting us for a few days beginning tomorrow and we are already planning the meals we will be having-

Chicken Pot Pie with cabbage slaw

BBQ chicken on the grill with baked potatoes and grilled romaine salad

Pho at our favorite Vietnamese place

Ethiopian at a place down in Lancaster

Chuck roast and vegetables in a mushroom/onion soup broth baked in an oven bag.

Then our conversation turned to favorite meals ever. Mine has and always will be the one I had on August 9, 1974. Nixon resigned that day. That evening my aunt and uncle took me and and my widowed mother out for dinner. My Moms sister and my cousin joined us.

We went to the now long gone Lombardo’s Restaurant a few blocks from the Capitol. I had Veal Scallopini, baked stuffed potato and a marvelous green salad with blue cheese dressing. The flavors were amazing. The peppers, tomato, thin delicate veal and wine sauce were divine.

The adults each had two or three manhattans (it was another time) and I got to eat the soaked cherries. My love of that magic elixir of Canadian whiskey, sweet vermouth and cocktail bitters was ignited that evening.

Life, lived well, is good.

P.S. On a serious note, my wife and I were near forty when we started having kids. Thank God we did. I come close to crying each time I see my lovely 23 year old daughter. She is a blessing. My son? He is the best person I know. How is it possible to love someone so much?

FWIW my favorite Vietnamese (including pho) is down in Lancaster. Rice & Noodles (and the sister restaurant Sprout). Don't be fooled by the westernized names, they're run by 3rd generation restaurateurs and the matriarch of the family runs the go-to pho shop in New Orleans (frequented not just by the Vietnamese community but Emeril Lagasse and Anthony Bourdain.)

 

[CVLion]

I thought it was well established that the answer is White Castle, after an epic journey and struggle getting there, encountering Neil Patrick Harris along the way

 

[MaconNitt]

I thought it was well established that the answer is White Castle, after an epic journey and struggle getting there, encountering Neil Patrick Harris along the way

 

[PSU1969A]

Nick Matucci was my teammate at Southern Columbia '67. Glad to hear he's still winning.

Don't get there as often, but when in Schuylkill County a trip to Matucci's is a priority. There pizza is also something to write home about; they put the pie in pizza pie.

 

[marshall23]

Don't get there as often, but when in Schuylkill County a trip to Matucci's is a priority. There pizza is also something to write home about; they put the pie in pizza pie.

Nick has missed our football reunions because he can't miss work. God Bless him....I'm 73 on Saturday and he is at least that. I moved away from the area (Shamokin) 50 plus years ago, but for a few years.....while visiting parents and in-laws Matucci's was still a destination. I should make a trip back soon. I know we're planning to get together at a Southern game 10/27, but Nick won't make the trip.

 

[MrTailgate]

I doubt I'll ever eat a truly great crab cake ever again.

The comment below on picking your own crab meat from live crabs is on the money. Besides the freshness, the brine from the water is key. Throw on top of that the lack of pasteurization or worse and the flavor you get will shine. Anything you get in a restaurant can’t compete. When I do them up, I always plate saying your crab cake was kicking yesterday.

You can’t really screw them up. Less binding will let the crab shine and mixing them and forming them and letting them then sit overnight holds them together better. Be dainty flipping them if you pan sauté them. Use clarified butter in the pan as well.

It’s some work, but the outcome is legendary. I would venture a guess that only Whitey Schmidt (google him) has had more cakes then me. Follow this and your guests will all say your crab cakes are the best ever.

 

[ODShowtime]

The comment below on picking your own crab meat from live crabs is on the money. Besides the freshness, the brine from the water is key. Throw on top of that the lack of pasteurization or worse and the flavor you get will shine. Anything you get in a restaurant can’t compete. When I do them up, I always plate saying your crab cake was kicking yesterday.

You can’t really screw them up. Less binding will let the crab shine and mixing them and forming them and letting them then sit overnight holds them together better. Be dainty flipping them if you pan sauté them. Use clarified butter in the pan as well.

It’s some work, but the outcome is legendary. I would venture a guess that only Whitey Schmidt (google him) has had more cakes then me. Follow this and your guests will all say your crab cakes are the best ever.

I just wish I didn't know. Like I don't know what meth is like and I want to keep it that way. I was afraid of trying Ben and Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream because I knew I'd be hooked and I was. I do very much know what a top crab cake tastes like due my aunt in OC MD.

Thank you for sharing your expert advice, I will heed it when I can.

In other thread news, I did the bad thing and ordered Texas De Brazil over Door Dash again last night. Petit Filet, Lamb Sirloin, Potatoes Au Gratin and some of those cheese biscuits. It's crazy how not totally expensive that meal is.

 

[PSU87]

Texas de Brazil (all you can eat every time):

• Filet wrapped in bacon
• flank steak
• Chicken wrapped in bacon
• brazilian sausage
• mushrooms in wine sauce
• rice and beans
• potatoes au gratin

Please tell me you're not wasting valuable time and stomach space on rice and potatoes with all that meat available.
Mushrooms....I'll allow it.