I've decided to write about a couple of intense gastronomic experiences here and ask if anyone else has similar stories. There are a few places and times where the food I've had out has been of such a quality that it makes such a strong impression on me that I remember it for years to come and always try to make it back if the chance arises. Here are a couple of those places.

A great place in Carmel, California called the Flying Fish Grill. We refer to it as the "clay pot" dinner place, although I think they've changed the name. They basically bring out a clay pot and have some ingredients already in it - mussels, rice noodles, bok choy, I think - maybe mushrooms or a couple of other things. They sit the pot on a heater in the middle of your table and let it cook while you eat wonton chips with ginger salsa (yes, as delicious as it sounds). Then they bring out raw seafoods - shrimp, fish, scallops, etc. And you put them in the pot to cook them in the hot broth and take them out to eat them. I really enjoyed the lemon soy sauce. To die for. :)

The other place that I remember so fondly and vividly is the New Orleans Bistro in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawai'i. It was a restaurant in a corner retail slot of a building with eating indoors or outside. I ate there before my then-girlfriend, now-wife got to the island and then once after she got there because it was sooooooo good. I had the popcorn shrimp which were seasoned with the regular cajun type spicings, but they were so tender and flavorful - I've never had that dish at quite that quality since, although I've tried to find it. The other captivating dish was the fried soft-shell crab, I believe served with a remoulade sauce. Very tasty. :) I wonder where that chef is today, because I'd love to try whatever he or she is doing now.

Other restaurants of note include the Rendezvous barbecue in Memphis - incredible dry-rub ribs. The filet mignon at Gallagher's in NYC - the place looks like a restaurant where backroom deals are sealed by men dining in Armani suits, eating from tables with red-and-white checked tablecloths. The only place I've ever been where the beef cost more than the lobster. ;) The bacon-wrapped "perro" dogs ;) in Tijuana after a night of drinking. With mustard and raw onions - a delight! Or at least it tasted that way to my drunk mouth at 2am.

Restaurant chains I could never do without (Or at least hope to be eating at again in a couple years ;) - In-N-Out Burger (Double Double with grilled onions and fries), Rubio's (fish tacos), Buca di Beppo (pretty much anything), Benihana (the seafood!).

Fun places I've eaten: Fifties Prime Time Cafe, SciFi Dine In Theater in the MGM-Disney park and the countries in Epcot at Disney World. Buca de Beppo qualifies for this category, too. I'm no Star Trek fan, but this place was a lot of fun as well. The Blue Bayou at Disneyland.