665407 Sat Nov 07 11:47:44 -0800 2009 5 6 Southwest 0 5163506 We'll be traveling through the US on I-80 in December and wonder if anyone can recommend places to eat, good local specialties/holiday foods to try. Sat Nov 07 11:47:44 -0800 2009 1083050 beequeen 1 5164223 I would highly recommed Chez Panisse in Berkley, CA. But there are so many choices around the Bay area that posting on the CA site is definitely a good idea. Sat Nov 07 18:48:30 -0800 2009 5163506 143575 bourbongal 1 5167278 In Salt Lake City, the Red Iguana is a great place for Mexican food-- they have a bunch of different types of mole (and will give you a plate of little tastes if you're having trouble deciding which to order). Tamales are a popular holiday food in the Southwest; I'm not sure where to get good ones on your route but searching this board may turn up some, or you could ask in a specific city. I'd guess somewhere in Utah would be your best bet for these as well. Mon Nov 09 10:10:33 -0800 2009 5163506 174150 bortukan 2 5175433 I've only been to Salt Lake City once, and the Red Iguana was the highlight of my trip. It remains one of my favorite spots in the country. Don't miss it, if you're near there. Thu Nov 12 07:56:42 -0800 2009 5167278 39487 woodleyparkhound 1 5168581 OK, my original sarcastic post was deleted but seriously, the USA is a big place and I-80 does go coast to coast. How much time are you taking and what cities will you be visiting? That might make it easier to pin down some recommendations. The fried chicken at the Holiday Inn just off I-80 in Grand Island, NE is pretty good, however. Mon Nov 09 16:58:09 -0800 2009 5163506 1102452 PitLab 2 5168829 PitLab, you are my hero! Remember the best thing to ever come out of Nebraska is Interstate 80. For the "Southwestern" board other than SLC, there is nothing much, except the Basque places in Elko and Winnemucka. If its food and scenery you want take I 76 to Denver and then I70 west. Be careful about getting over passes. If I was headed west in December, it would be down to I40 and then west. That means BBQ, New Mexican, Flagstaff and Vegas. This board has lots of suggestions for all those locations. Mon Nov 09 18:33:58 -0800 2009 5168581 11139 BlueOx