Fooooood

After spending five months back in the States, James and I are on our way back to Asia! We drove the length of the country twice this spring while visiting friends and family. During our travels we got to try some tasty new (to us) restaurants that will be making our mouths water for a long time to come. (We're heading back a few pounds heavier, and I'm not talking about our luggage.) We feel compelled to share our top three most delicious stops:

Third Runner Up: DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR in Wilmington, North Carolina

Though we had lots of amazing seafood while home (I just can't get enough of it), Dock Street was all-around delish and affordable. Their oysters were so good we ordered a second round! The steamed "Sesame Ginger Calamari" was wonderfully perfect too--a real refreshing take on a normally fried appetizer.

Second Runner Up: SMITTY'S MARKET in Lockhart, Texas

James and I had never put much stock in all the talk about barbecue in Texas, but this hole-in-the-wall made believers of us. This is a no-fuss place. Incredibly flavorful pork is taken directly from the smoker, chopped next to a soot-covered register, and is handed to you wrapped in brown butcher paper. No plates, forks, or knives, but you might get a plastic spoon for your sides of beans and slaw if you ask nicely. Our package full of brisket, ribs, and sausage was the most delicious BBQ we've ever tasted.

First Pick: SNAKE BITE in Idaho Falls, Idaho

The atmosphere at this small, unassuming steakhouse was more along the lines of an independent cafe and coffee house. Nevertheless, the food was shockingly delicious. In fact, James loved his meal so much that the "Blue Snake River" burger has now replaced his long-standing favorite from The Duke's in Chiang Mai, Thailand as the best burger in the world.

We recommend everything on the menu, but especially the "Blue Snake River" and "Grand Teton" burgers.

We're now looking forward to a couple bowls of noodles and some hot pot, but we can't say we haven't enjoyed America's foodie culture while being home! Yum.