So, Darren Marlar mentioned on 101QFL this morning that today is "Greasy Spoon Day," and invited listeners to call in with their favorite local greasy spoon restaurants.
We were flooded with callers letting us know about these often little-publicized, often out-of-the-way, sometimes hole-in-the-wall, usually Mom-and-Pop operations that serve incredibly delicious food.
Which is what we meant by "greasy spoon." But apparently the common definition is not nearly so flattering.
Like this one from hyperdictionary.com:
"a small restaurant specializing in short-order fried foods."
Or this one: "The American Heritage dictionary defines a Greasy Spoon as 'a small, inexpensive, often unsanitary restaurant.' The term 'greasy spoon' speaks to careless dishwashing practices, hence grease on the cutlery."
Well, our aim is to give a prize to Rock River Valley's Best Greasy Spoon, but with those definitions, it's doubtful any eating establish would be proud to hang up a plaque with that designation.
So, what do we call it? Obviously not "Greasy Spoon." The places we unearthed in our search are definitely clean and definitely don't cook everything in gallons of lard.
"Out of the way hole in the wall under-publicized eatery with incredibly delicious food"? That's a bit of a mouthful...pun not intended. :)
Any suggestions would be welcome.
By the way, my favorite out-of-the-way-hole-in-the-wall-under-publicized eatery with incredibly delicious food is Giuseppi's, tucked behind the Walgreen's at North Main. The thick-crust pizza is out of this world, and my husband swears by the Chicken Parmagiana.
We have been eating at, or ordering delivery from, Giuseppi's for over 25 years. We ate there the day before I gave birth to Jonathan, who is going on 25 now.
The lady who answers the phone for delivery orders recognizes my voice. The delivery guy compliments me when I get a new hairdo or have lost a few pounds. The waitresses ask about the kids when Doug and I go alone. The owners still have Italian accents.
The dining room is too small and crowded, and the decor mainly consists of pictures of the Roman forum and placemats featuring maps of Italy.
The food is insanely good, and I'll take it over the big pseudo-Italian chain restaurants any day.
Wow...it's almost lunchtime and I've done gone and made myself hungry.
How about you? Do you have a favorite not-so-greasy spoon? Tell me about it. :)
2 comments:
Let's see.. there's a little Mexican place on 35th St., just past Halsted, right next to the alley, in Chicago.. it is soooooooooo good. What I miss most about Chicago is the food.
Yep Aaron, the Potato Shack was one that was nominated in our little poll. I've driven by that place countless times and never eaten there. Maybe someday. :)
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