12677 Sun Apr 25 19:55:32 -0700 2004 6 4 Pacific Northwest 0 24005 My family and I are driving down to the Bay Area and then into So. Cal in June. I'm interested in people's favorite stops for food, from Seattle south, that are near I-5 (say within 10 minutes of I-5). I'm especially interested in good places in the little towns; we know a lot of the places in the big cities like Portland, SF, and LA. I'm interested in any places that people think have really good food; they need not be gourmet or expensive, but that is fine too. But restaurants in the Jan and Michael Stern category are great too; good burgers, fish, Mexican, etc. And if you know of family friendly stops that serve good food, that knowledge will be put to good use. Thanks. Sun Apr 25 19:55:32 -0700 2004 0 reederator 1 24012 If your stomach's running on empty around the time you hit Kettleman Junction, CA, you might stop at Mike's Roadhouse Cafe. It's definitely family friendly. It's diner food with some often interesting specials. The decor is highlighted by antique pedal cars. Mon Apr 26 10:25:32 -0700 2004 24005 0 Curt 1 24019 Here are a couple recommendations... Pambazos and quesadillas at Cuatro Milpas in Woodland, just north of Sacramento. http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/california/messages/10242.html Sandwiches with fresh bread, house-smoked turkey, and BBQ (BBQ on Friday only) in Dunsmuir. http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/california/messages/11204.html -Nick Mon Apr 26 13:26:37 -0700 2004 24005 0 nja 1 24022 Fife Bar and Grill - right on Pacific Highway off I-5, (Fife exit) just before all the Tacoma exits. Great food, a CIA trained chef, inexpensive. Fresh fish, great burgers, homemade soups. And they need the business since Tacoma banned smoking - they have a bar which was the only place to smoke - but not anymore. Everyone goes to the Tribal Casinos. Mon Apr 26 13:51:21 -0700 2004 24005 0 eats-a-lot 1 24041 We ate at a great restaurant in Yreka. Go to the California board and ask for suggestions. The one in Yreka is in a brown building if that helps. The California board was great for unknown places Tue Apr 27 22:27:27 -0700 2004 24005 0 Iris 2 24057 I used to think that it was impossible to ruin breakfast, though I have since learned otherwise (although I still think it's the hardest meal to ruin). But there is, or was, in Yreka, a restaurant that served a fine breakfast, with a rather twee menu (eggs are, in all circumstances, referred to as "cackleberries"). It's readily accessible from I-5, or else I wouldn't likely have found it. You might take a look for it. It will be signed in such a way as to suggest "home cooking" and breakfast, and I think the name is either a proper noun or a "Ma/Pa" type moniker. Wed Apr 28 20:11:43 -0700 2004 24041 0 Robert 1 24166 I wanted to see if you got some other suggestions first since mine are several years old, but here goes: La Burrita, 2716 Jacksonville Hwy., Medford, OR had pretty good Mexican food when I ate there. I especially liked the salsa-- very spicy and flavorful. Harry & David's Store in Medford is a great place to pick up snacks and treats to eat on the trip or take home with you. Casey's Restaurant, 326 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR (Exit 125) had a good breakfast. Link: http://apps.oregonnews.com/readerschoice2002/dinning.html Mon May 10 00:45:50 -0700 2004 24005 0 Steve C