31526 Thu Sep 16 17:27:15 -0700 2004 9 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 138089 I'm about to partake in the wonders of I-5, and am wondering if anyone has any "favorites" to stop at anywhere between LA and SF. I'd like to keep the detours to about 5-10 minutes off the freeway, if possible. Thu Sep 16 17:27:15 -0700 2004 0 Artsdoc 1 138091 hahaha, the only stop I've ever made on the SF-LA route is the In-N-Out in Kettleman City. There do seem to be a lot of restaurants that cater to truck drivers but I can't really comment on them. One suggestion: you might want to post on the general California board since many of those viewers will live in the Central Valley and be more familiar with the dining scene. Thu Sep 16 17:34:29 -0700 2004 138089 0 JS 1 138094 Anderson's Split Pea Soup in Santa Nella. You will see the windmill along the side of the freeway. Last year my wife and I stopped in there. I was curious why I loved it as a kid and was sure it would be awful all these years later. It was actually great. It is a big place and serves a sort of truckstop/diner/family menu. They also have a cheesey gift shop andother things. You probably won't be putting it on your list of favorite restaurants but it is hands-down better than boring fast food. (unless you haven't been to in-n-out) Thu Sep 16 17:46:10 -0700 2004 138089 0 CarlinConcord 1 138095 We often gas up at the Harris Ranch exit, then walk thru the gift shop, bakery/meat counter. Bakery is decent, as is the meat but very expensive. Their jerky is good. Have actually eaten at the Harris Ranch Kitchen, but it always is busy. Amazes me that people actually would stay in the hotel, kind of out of the way. Thu Sep 16 17:50:49 -0700 2004 138089 0 anli 1 138096 Harris Ranch. Link: http://www.harrisranch.com/dine_ranchkitchen_02.html Thu Sep 16 17:51:39 -0700 2004 138089 0 Robert Lauriston 2 138120 Nothing has ever taken us to Coalinga, but I have heard great things about this place. We were just discussing it Sat. at a water polo game. The lady I was chatting with (our neighbor) used to be a waitress there when she was in college. It is in our Entertainment Book ($20 value) and we hope to try it soon. I would definitely stop if I was driving by and hungry! ***kim*** Thu Sep 16 19:19:38 -0700 2004 138096 0 kim c 1 138098 On the CA board a number of folks have reported on this place. Seems to be the only real chowhound place. http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/california/messages/14286.html Thu Sep 16 17:53:24 -0700 2004 138089 0 SLRossi 1 138115 This issue gets discussed regularly on the California board. If you do a control-F search for I-5 you'll find every possible choice. Thu Sep 16 19:06:57 -0700 2004 138089 0 Ruth Lafler 1 138124 Hi- The way Chowhound is organized, I-5 between the Bay Area and the L.A. area is discussed on the California board, since the bulk of that stretch of I-5 does not pass through either L.A. or the Bay Area. If you take a gander at the California board you will find postings about I-5 eats from time to time. By posting your query both here on the S.F. Bay Area board, and on the L.A. board as you have, you have elicited quite a few responses from helpful Chowhounds. But the downside of this is that all of this information will not be seen by all of those Chowhounds who frequent the California board, because they know that is where I-5 eats are discussed. It will also not help those Chowhounds who are not locals, when they come looking for I-5 tips and they are pointed to the California board. Please, everyone, let's not post any more I-5 tips on this thread. Thu Sep 16 19:43:15 -0700 2004 138089 2 The Chowhound Team 1 138307 try pea soup andersons in santa nella excellent soup and reasonable diner type food right on highway. Sat Sep 18 12:44:58 -0700 2004 138089 0 mark