What's for lunch?

[SteveG]

Panda, plenty of sun and a cool ocean breeze for me!

[bajascott]

ur not nice.

[Blueblood]

thats funny i had the same view(ocean) only i was north of morro bay

[Wood]

Panda, plenty of sun and a cool ocean breeze for me!

How was the panda prepared?

I ate lasagna while covering a wrestling tournament...not quite as nice of a smell as a "ocean breeze".

[yikes]

Nice! ...but since that's not in my neck of the woods, I think I'm heading back to Pit Row BBQ to get one of those awesome Santa Maria born tri-tip sandwiches and killer seasoned fries....just for Nick.

[Nick]

Did you eat the whole panda, or just part of it? Aren't they an endangered species?

Dang Brian! You're going to od on that place.

[yikes]

..went to Subway. I'll save the tri tip for your next visit.

[SteveG]

For lunch I made some Albondigas with sopa de arroz using mom's recipe... mmmm mmmm mmmmmm!

[Nick]

I think it's time for me to make another batch of chicken chilli verde!

[PBR]

where's the "pig"?!

[SteveG]

where's the "pig"?!

Ahhh, The Pig. A truly decadent sandwich. A perfect lunch for two at Firestone Grill is a couple Pig sandwiches and a basket of fries to split. I should note that their Tri-Tip sandwiches are awe inspiring as well. In fact, the battle between pig and cow when you're faced with placing an order is a tough one. For years I refused to order anything other than the Tri-Tip sandwich. It's that good. But since trying The Pig I haven't gone back. No image can do this feast justice, but nevertheless....

Gentlemen, allow me to introduce The Pig. Consumed by yours truly Saturday afternoon.

[PBR]

lunch will be on me next time i make it up there! i might have to get tri-tip and pig, holy shit!

[SteveG]

i might have to get tri-tip and pig, holy shit!

Ha! I've been super tempted to do that a few times. If we get together maybe I''ll go big. They also usually make a pretty good Long Island. Two sandwiches, several fist-fulls of fries and a few shots worth of liquor may not be a great combo, though!

[ChaseTruck754]

I'm up for a road trip as that looks GOOD!

As for BBQ - Steve, have you ever stopped at Bandit's in Camarillo or Thousand Oaks on your way down here or back up? That place is my favorite and I always stop at the Camarillo one on my way up your way or back (most of the time both!).

[Wood]

Good grief, the pig looks delicious. Now I'm ready for lunch all of a sudden.
Both times I've tried to go to Firestone Grill it was SUPER crowded. Now I know why.

[SteveG]

I'm up for a road trip as that looks GOOD!

I'm always up for a meal at Firestone. When are you coming?

Wood, The key with Firestone is getting there before or after the meal rush. It gets BLOWN UP during the rushes. The good news is it goes fairly fast. We've always got kids in tow so waiting in line and then for food is a no-go, but if you've got good company and aren't in a hurry it's not that big of deal. If you can find a seat, you can also sit in the bar and be waited on.

As for BBQ - Steve, have you ever stopped at Bandit's in Camarillo or Thousand Oaks on your way down here or back up? That place is my favorite and I always stop at the Camarillo one on my way up your way or back (most of the time both!).

Never have. I'll have to give it a try. What's the specialty?

[ChaseTruck754]

We haven't made it up to SLO recently as Suzy has to volunteer for school and she's doing the 5PM to 9:30 PM shift every Saturday in March through May or so. She's kill me if I went without her - so the trip may have to wait a bit.

I hear ya on hitting firestone at off hours though. Last time we were there the line was out the door (usually is) and the line for seating was about as long...


For Bandits - you really can't go wrong there, but my favorite is the Southern Style pulled pork sandwich. Pulled pork with cole slaw on it. I've gotten that every time but like 3 times I've been there, and when I was working on "Village at the Park" (master planned community just south of Bandits) I ate there once a week for about a year!
I will admit they changed their BBQ sauce last year or so and I was bummed. The bar tender (insider tip - I always sit in the bar) said that many people commented on liking the old BBQ sauce better, but they had spent so much time/$$ to brand their own that since it was done they wouldn't be changing back It's still good - just not as good. Their ranch style beans on the other hand are my favorite beans EVER!

[yikes]

Just for Steve, courtesy of Nick. We enjoyed a tasty lunch treat.

[Nick]

And it was GOO-OOOOD! Tri tip for me, pulled pork for brian. And Steve, you'll be glad to know that the owner of this fine establishment, hails from Santa Maria!

[SteveG]

Not too shabby, boys.