blue artichoke

GC and I have been tearing up the skies and racking up frequent flyer miles. We've made two trips to Nashville in the last 6 days, first to say goodbye to his grandfather and then to attend his grandfather's funeral. This week has made it such a nuisance to live almost 2 hours from a major airport, but we rewarded ourselves for making the drive to and from the Kansas City airport by stopping for dinner at Gates BBQ, a famous Kansas City barbecue restaurant. I like their burnt ends. GC likes to split the sampler platter for two, which includes ribs, turkey, brisket and french fries. Almost as much as we like the food, we like the curt friendliness of the employees. As soon as you walk in the door, at least one person yells "Welcome to Gates! May I take your order?" (or 20% off your bill, or something like that). It's a bit overwhelming. The first time, I was so startled that glanced at the overhead menu, saw Burnt End on Bun, and ordered it. A good choice. The second time, I was ready with my order when they shouted at my entrance, but we were late and they were out of Burnt End on Bun. I stepped back to study the menu. Meanwhile, the cashier told GC about the special sampler platter. He thought it sounded good. I was at a loss reading the menu, so I was grateful to have the decision made for me. My favorite on the sampler platter was the ribs, followed by the turkey, then the brisket. I'd order the ribs if ever I were so unfortunate as to be there again during a shortage of Burnt End on Bun.

After two trips to Gates, GC and I decided that perhaps we ought to try something lighter or faster, so we went to Waffle House (faster, but not lighter) where we both ordered steak and eggs. I can't recommend the steak at WaHo, but I'm rather enthusiastic about the hash browns, scattered, smothered and covered. We also stopped at McDonald's, which is quite a treat for me. It used to be my favorite restaurant ever (a fact which will forever prevent me from becoming a true foodie), and is a rare treat in these get-in-shape-girl days. I had my old favorite, a double cheeseburger meal, which was as good as I remembered.

GC's preferred road food is Subway. I'm not a huge fan and have been able to shoot it down successfully on our past few road voyages. After a few too many sandwiches with items not ordered in them (like, say, cartilage), I instituted a Subway ban for many years. At the mercy of other drivers, though, I've had to eat there on occasion, thankfully with no mishaps. I'm still suspicious, though.

I'm not sure what my favorite road food is. Black Cake and I once drove from Missouri to Washington, D.C. stopping only at Bob Evan's restaurants...

Getting to Know All About You: What's your favorite road trip restaurant?