I agree its shocking. I've been eating out pretty much daily, and moreso the last 10 years since I graduated high school 19 years ago. And its shocking that I've never been asked that question.

Burgers in Calgary just only started getting big. Yes, we've had Fat Burger now for what seems 7 years, and only recently did SmashBurger, and Five Guys, the big US chain has entered into the fray in the Calgary market. Prior, it seems the only burger joints were your basic fast food chains, like McDonalds, Wendy's.. even we thought Burger King was a treat.

I'm more likely to try any food... if it's topped with bacon.

I wasn't talking about burger joints. Most every steakhouse, family restaurant, hotel restaurant, airport restaurant, etc. has a hamburger on the menu, and has for decades. Even in Calgary.;)

I forgot one. Cajun chicken is worthless without mayonnaise.

Really no need to cook decent pork to well done any more - you could have it medium rare provided the mince was carefully handled (same as beef).

favorite rule: if i bought it im eating all of it... simple as that but i mean it sounds like im selfish but when it comes to my food.. that gets down to business haha

When in doubt, add hot sauce. It can turn anything mediocre into something far more edible.

Except for that Cholula crap. ;)

^^

On a trip a few weeks ago with questionable facilities everyone else was trying to avoid drinking in order to not have to use said places that frequently. I however was constantly filling up with water - but it kept me from having any issues (and the facilities weren't THAT bad - most days). Lesson was learned from a similar trip last year where I suffered problems as a result of not drinking enough water.

Wasn't a Chalupa that ill-fated taco-thing they had at Taco Bell awhile back? :p

Hardly ill-fated; you can still get 'em. Basically a taco, but in a fried gordita shell (itself basically a pita bread.)

There are also actual Mexican foods called chalupas and gorditas, of which the Taco Bell versions have only the most passing of relationships (as is true for most things on their menu that don't have entirely made-up names, like the "Enchirito")

I used to eat those twice a week as a college Freshman. And yes, hot sauce was applied :D

Been a while since I've seen a post of yours. Thanks for your help on the Europe trip. It was an amazing experience.

I did not know that pork needn't be cooked through. That's a new train of thought.

Just realized I haven't posted mine:

1. No lemon in water. EVER! If lemon has ever been put in the glass, on the rim, etc, please get me a new glass (lemon makes the water taste like soap to me).

2. When I say no cheese, I mean no cheese. And, no, your little sprinkling of parmesan is not ok. Oh, and don't just take it back and kind of scrape it off. Make me something new. I prefer to choose when I risk my stomach on dairy (for example, cheese bought at a Sunday market in Paris = worth it, fake cheese from a can at a chain restaurant = not worth it).

3. Spinach should never be cooked more than slightly wilted.

4. When choosing a place to eat in a small town in the south, always count the number of farm trucks in the parking lot. The more farm trucks, the better. If there aren't any farm trucks in the parking lot, find another place to eat.

5. Brussel sprouts should only be eaten when fresh. Frozen brussel sprouts are tools of the devil. In fact I suspect most frozen vegetables are tools of the devil (unless I've personally blanched and frozen them myself).

6. Eggs should be no more than soft cooked (the runnier the better).

7. Corn should only be eaten off the cob, when picked fresh at the height of summer.

8. No green bell peppers ever. All other peppers are welcomed with open arms.

9. Chocolate is a gift from the gods, especially dark chocolate.

10. Ketchup should be used sparingly. In fact, meatloaf and onion rings are about the only things ketchup should always be eaten with. Perhaps in small amounts on a hamburger, hot dog, or corndog, but that's it. Never on fries.

1) Food must always be paired with beverage.

2) Medium rare, always.

3) If I am going to be bad, I am going to be terrible.

4) Egg on a burger is awesome.. But I disagree with my countrymen on beetroot.

5) Homegrown tomatoes are awesome, and tomato basil and (real!) mozzarella are a match made in heaven.

6) Buy and eat local. Reduce food miles.

7) When eating out avoid large chains, always ask the locals, be brave and try "non-standard" looking places.

8) Germans know how to live. Brats and Beer!

9) Since finishing college I never and will never again, but prepackaged meals.. Cooking takes time and care and the rewards are worth it!

10) Never clean teeth before breakfast. :)