We asked our staff, “What restaurant would you make a special trip for and what do you have to eat while you’re there?” Find out which suppers and sweets we’re dreaming about in this month’s Staff Sound-Off.
Chin Chin on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles is my all-time favorite spot! I love the vibe, location and Chinese Chicken Salad.
— Telisa Rech, Advertising Sales Manager
The best food experiences are often located in a place you would never find on your own unless you already know about it. So, when in Vietnam, my mission was to find the best bowl of pho in Hanoi, and Pho Hang Trong did not disappoint. In an alleyway, you’ll find a single unassuming sign telling you to go up the flight of stairs. The stairs lead you up to what looks like someone’s home, where you will find plastic tables and stools set up in a small room. You have to remove your shoes before entering the room. Character, charm, and a secret family recipe passed down from generation to generation- this place has it all right and is as authentic as it gets. It’s an experience one won’t forget and will definitely make you want to travel back for more!
— Ashley DeLucia, Advertising Sales Manager
Lou Malnati’s — Cheese Deep Dish Pizza. I would do just about anything for a slice from Lou’s!
— Brady Wine, Sales Coordinator
Starnes Barbecue in Paducah, Kentucky. My mom is from Paducah, and I grew up eating at Starnes every time we were in town to visit family. Their pulled pork sandwiches are amazing — simple and full of smoky flavor, the way barbecue should be.
— Brian Jewell, CEO & Executive Editor
Plant in Asheville is something I’d love to try, and I think their ravioli would be my top choice.
— Rachel Crick, Associate Editor & Project Manager
I would have loved to take my Brother-in-Law to Momofuku Ko in New York City before it closed.
— Sarah Sechrist, Controller
It used to be Eduardo’s Taco Stand on Ocracoke Island, but he closed the doors last year to retire to Mexico. If he were still open, I’d have the shrimp mango taco right now. It was the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. Since that is no longer an option, I’d head on over to The Bluebird Café in Stanford, Kentucky, for the best biscuits and sausage gravy I’ve ever had at a restaurant. My brother’s gravy is better, but they are a close second.
— Donia Simmons, Creative Director
It’s got to be Creekside Pantry, a Mennonite deli and market in London, Kentucky. I drive the hour south sometimes just to get one of their peanut butter milkshakes! They freshly grind their own peanut butter straight into vanilla a cup of ice cream for each shake, then blend it up.
