[G.R.I.T.S.]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

So we now have a Portillo's to satisfy the Chicagoland folks, and an Abbot's 100-year old custard is coming to Middleton for the New York folks, and the Kilwin's Ice Cream and Chocolate for the Michigan crowds.

Where's the California offering for the many from there moving here? Tommy's chili burgers? The Hat pastrami sandwiches? In-N-Out will be here eventually but not anytime soon. How about Vince's Spaghetti? Or Del Taco? El Pollo Loco?

Just be thrilled you're here!!! In the meantime, find some nearby local yokell place like Florida Cracker Kitchen, Eaton's/Ski Beach, Columbia Restaurant, Harry's, and any Cuban restaurant you run across, plus the soon to be here Twistee Treat.

[Southpoint]

Vince’s Spaghetti on Holt . Loved that place. Very unique flavor. The Hat on Benson in Upland. The best. Chili cheese fries were awesome

[TeresaE]

Sounds like you have a business idea. Maybe you could start a franchise.

[bopat]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

So we now have a Portillo's to satisfy the Chicagoland folks, and an Abbot's 100-year old custard is coming to Middleton for the New York folks, and the Kilwin's Ice Cream and Chocolate for the Michigan crowds.

Where's the California offering for the many from there moving here? Tommy's chili burgers? The Hat pastrami sandwiches? In-N-Out will be here eventually but not anytime soon. How about Vince's Spaghetti? Or Del Taco? El Pollo Loco?

Haha, Del Taco!


Seriously, how about Ghirardelli or Hash House A GoGo? Those are already in Orlando, would be nice to have up here too.

[ChefoftheFuture]

Sounds delicious 😋

[jerryss]

I vote for Habit hamburgers and Trader Joe’s

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by jerryss

I vote for Habit hamburgers and Trader Joe’s

Hands down, The Habit has the best French fries I've ever had. Golden brown and crispy on the outside, and hot white flakey potato on the inside.

There are actually nearly a dozen Habit locations in Florida, including Del Ray Beach and Clearwater.

[derkster]

I was so disappointed in Portillo's. Nothing special there. Burgers and hotdogs. Really.

[Luisa]

Came to Florida to get away from California, but I love In and Out Burger. My only frustration is that they won’t build second one in my home town, because it is always packed.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Hands down the best burger is The Habit, and as far as fries goes, their fried green beans are the best ever. The only one we know is down in Tampa, if anyone knows of a closer location please let me know.

The best Mexican places are Cafe Rio and Sharkey’s for different reasons, but both are known for their fresh ingredients.

[Mdoe5402]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

So we now have a Portillo's to satisfy the Chicagoland folks, and an Abbot's 100-year old custard is coming to Middleton for the New York folks, and the Kilwin's Ice Cream and Chocolate for the Michigan crowds.

Where's the California offering for the many from there moving here? Tommy's chili burgers? The Hat pastrami sandwiches? In-N-Out will be here eventually but not anytime soon. How about Vince's Spaghetti? Or Del Taco? El Pollo Loco?

Former Californian here - grew up in Torrance. Yes, great idea! Pollo Loco, Habit (burgers), Sizzler, Round Table Pizza, or how about Philippe’s for some great French dips?

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Mdoe5402

Former Californian here - grew up in Torrance. Yes, great idea! Pollo Loco, Habit (burgers), Sizzler, Round Table Pizza, or how about Philippe’s for some great French dips?

Is THAT right? What part? I did elementary and middle in the South High area, then later moved into a house behind North High. Went to South for a year for a morning class while in middle school, and went to Bishop for a few months before moving to Maryland for high school. Moved back to Torrance a few years later.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Luisa

Came to Florida to get away from California, but I love In and Out Burger. My only frustration is that they won’t build second one in my home town, because it is always packed.

There are several youtube videos from former In and Out employees. They show how easy the burgers are to prepare at home. I make them occasionally. The taste is identical.

1. Slice one onion thinly. Add a small amount of oil to a frying pan. Add onions and carmelize to golden brown.

2. In and Out uses standard 80/20 ground chuck. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into tennis size balls. Place meat balls on a hot grill and smash thinly with a spatula. When bottom side has browned, swirl yellow mustard in concentric circles on top of uncooked portion of burger. Flip immediately. Top with American cheese and allow to melt. Voila! You have completed your burger.

3. Toast your buns. Build burger as follows :special sauce, 4 slices of pickles, slice of tomato, lettuce, burger, onions. Easy peasy.

Note: I create my own sauce. I am not a fan of In and Outs Special sauce. But, my daughter easily found the special sauce recipe on-line. She and her husband swear it tastes identical. ketchup, mayo, relish, and a few seasonings. One could easily use bottled thousand island dressing in a pinch. Simply mix in seasonings from recipe online. I believe the seasonings are garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by derkster

I was so disappointed in Portillo's. Nothing special there. Burgers and hotdogs. Really.

Agree!

[villagernewbie]

Would love to see an In-N-Out nearby!