Why Is It Certain Foods Taste Better in Specific Locales?
Ham sandwiches, for example, why do they always taste better in a church basement? Or hot dogs, why do they always taste better at the ballpark or the Shrine Circus? Corn dogs is another one, they always taste better at the fair. I don't know why it is, but certain foods always seem to taste better in someplace other than your home..
With the Shrine Circus underway this week at the Arena, I can't help but think back to the first time I had one of their circus dogs - it was FABULOUS! If you ask a Shriner, they'll tell you it's because the dogs are prepared a special way. I think it's because the ketchup, mustard and relish are put on the dog ahead of time so it can "age" like a fine wine.
Thanks to the Shrine Circus, I can't stand eating hot dogs at home. They never seem to taste right. The only other place I've found where I can enjoy a hot dog is at the ballpark. Hot dogs and baseball seem to go hand in hand. Then again, maybe it's the "hot dog soup" that they sit in just before you order one up.
Here's another food that always tastes better someplace other than your house - corn dogs. You just can't beat that freshly fried flavor you find only in a corn dog prepared on the midway of a fair. All I can figure is it has something to do with "fresh" batter versus "frozen" batter. Fresh is always better.
On the other side of the coin, a food that always tastes better to me at home is a hamburger, especially a burger right off the grill. Maybe it's the memories that come along with it. Growing up on a farm, weekdays it seemed like we were always busy doing something. Sundays, however, was when Dad would fire up the grill - YUMMERS!
Steak is another food that always tastes better at home, at least in my opinion. I know there are some really great steakhouses in the region, but there's just something about grilling a ribeye at home that I find extremely satisfying. Maybe it's the whole "me versus fire" thing that I find so enjoyable. It leaves me with a sense of accomplishment.
Right about now, you're probably rolling your eyes and thinking to yourself, "Man, does this guy have issues!" Could be. But after writing this, I'm gonna shut down my computer and head out to the Arena to get me one of those Shrine Circus dogs - complete with ketchup, mustard and relish! Can't wait!