In my travels, limited as they are, I have found menu items that should be on everyone’s  culinary wishlist. The following are what I believe to be the best bites around. So if you travel to any of these not-so-exotic places spice up your stay with a treat for the tastebuds.

SOUTHEAST:

• Alabama

Duck Empanads from Zea Grille in Mobile Alabama

Shrimpfest in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Captain Crunch Milkshake at Flip Burger in Birmingham Alabama

• Florida

Tom Kha Soup at Thai Hut II in Navarre Beach, Florida

Cajun Boiled Shrimp from Joe Patti’s Seafood Market in Pensacola Beach, Florida

SOUTHWEST

• Louisiana

Eggs Benedict at Stanley’s in New Orlean, Louisiana

Roast Beef PoBoy at Parkway Tavern in New Orleans, Louisiana

Blackened Crawfish Begneits at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, Loisiana

• Oklahoma

Chicken Lettuce Wraps at Cheesecake Factory in Tulsa, Oklahoma

• Texas

Reuben Sandwich at Cindi’s Deli in Dallas, Texas

Asian Crunch Salad at Panera Bread

Bacon Blue Cheese Burger at Snuffers in Dallas, Texas

Ahi Tuna Tower at Bluefish in Dallas, Texas

Flour tortilla at Gonzalez in Dallas, Texas. The best thing I’ve ever eaten…EVER!

Christmas Breakfat Casserole at the Home of Cindy and Steve Lindley in Dallas, Texas

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

• Oregon

Thai Chicken Wings at The Pok Pok in Portland, Oregon

Happy Eating!!!!!