Oh my god I want to attend on of the Orange Arrow’s dinners.

Orange Arrow’s co-founder, a James Beard award-nominated chef, made no apologies for the invitation’s tone or defiant exclusivity. “We don’t want them in if they’re not fun or interesting,” said the chef, who requested anonymity. “This is a private club. In a restaurant, you’re a whipping post. This is a completely different thing.”

Just an awesome and fascinating article on underground restaurants in Washington DC. Wok + Wine sounds awesome too. I miss the food/restaurants in DC, even the ones I didn’t know about.

I’m questioning the availability of many of these fast food secret menu items as I’ve attempted to order a couple of them and been told it’s not available/possible. It’s still worth noting that there are some items available, but not listed on a menu. A few of items I want to try:

• Arbys Wet Fries – Hot fries smothered in cheese sauce.
• Burger King Mustard Whopper – This is a normal Whopper with one difference, mustard is spread onto the sandwich instead of mayo.
• Dunkin Donuts Turbo Hot Coffee – An extra shot of expresso in your coffee.
• McDonalds Chicken and Waffles – This is a McGriddle sandwich with chicken in the middle.
• McDonalds Fries with Big Mac Sauce – Fries smothered in the secret and special big Mac Sauce.
• Sonic Frito Pie – This is a southern favorite with layers of chili and fritos.
• Starbucks Short Drink – This is a less expensive version of any Starbucks drink. It is smaller than a tall with a lower price.

Previously and related: In-n-Out’s (not so) Secret menu.

Anthony Bourdain talks about street food (among other things). One of my favorite things to do is grab a couple hot dogs from a vender while walking around.

The biggest empty space, the biggest gap in what should be a premiere and always vibrant food scene in America is that we don’t have hawker centers like they do in Singapore, basically food courts where mom and pop specialists can set up shop in fairly hygienic little stalls all up to health code making one dish they’ve been doing forever and ever. Just like a food court here except with really good food. … The fact we don’t have that is a shameful absence.

A week or so ago, I was in San Francisco for some work. While there, Ami from On the Fly took me to Blue Bottle Coffee. I’m constantly on the lookout for a great cup of coffee and Blue Bottle didn’t disappoint. I can see why people rave about it.

Steubens is quickly becoming my go-to for food and drink in Denver. My best description of Steubens is that of homestyle. From the grilled cheese to chicago style dog to mac and cheese, the food options are full of comfort. Also worth mentioning is the cocktails. For me, there’s no better place to get a Dark N’ Stormy (with Barrit’s Ginger Beer!). One last note, I was intro’d to Session Beer here too.

La Cascada is a taco truck on Yosimite and 17th (apparently there are multiple, but I stand by this one) that will get you some great Mexican food at a cheap price.

Swung by Bastiens last night after The Spring Polo Party to try their famed sugar steak, which is a New York Strip steak with a brown sugar rub. I give it a B; my medium-rare steak was more medium (well).

GQ calls Miller’s Bar in Dearborn, MI the 8th most important burger you need to eat before you die. A Hamburger Today goes into further detail:

The 7-ounce burger is served on a steamed, white bun and delivered to you on square of wax paper. Lettuce and tomato are not offered. Swiss or Velveeta are available as are the standard condiments like ketchup, mustard, pickle, and sliced onion. But this burger needs no embellishment so forgo the condiments. The meat is so good you could eat it plain. I asked what it was that made the burger taste so great and Mark told me, “It’s the meat. The meat is great. There are no seasonings and we have no secrets.”