Author: Calvin Rudd

Growing up in North Carolina, Sunday meant one thing in our house: fried chicken day. The crackling sound of chicken hitting hot oil still takes me back to my grandmother’s…

I’ve always believed that great pizza is worth traveling for, and California’s pizza scene proves my point spectacularly. From crispy wood-fired crusts in Los Angeles to sourdough innovations in San…

As a born-and-raised Jersey girl, I’ve had my fair share of pork roll (or Taylor ham, depending on which part of the state you’re from). This beloved breakfast meat is…

I’ve always been a sucker for a good steak dinner, but lately my wallet’s been feeling the burn more than my taste buds. North Carolina has no shortage of steakhouse…

Nothing says summer in Maine like the hunt for the perfect lobster roll. I’ve spent countless weekends cruising the rocky coastline, following hand-painted signs to weathered shacks where the seafood…

North Carolina has a treasure trove of breakfast spots that locals have cherished for years. These hidden gems offer everything from fluffy biscuits dripping with gravy to farm-fresh omelets that’ll…

California’s fast food scene is packed with chicken joints promising finger-lickin’ goodness, but not all deliver on that promise. From soggy breading to questionable service, these chains have earned some…

There’s nothing that screams summer in Georgia quite like fresh peach ice cream! As temperatures soar, locals and tourists alike flock to orchards and farms across the state for that…

Nothing beats the experience of sampling artisanal cheese right where it’s made – with happy animals grazing nearby and the fresh countryside air filling your lungs. I discovered this joy…

Growing up in the South, I learned that soul food isn’t just a meal – it’s a memory, a tradition, and sometimes even a family secret. South Carolina holds some…

I’ve been a Texas Roadhouse regular for years, and let me tell you, there’s more to this steakhouse than meets the eye. Beyond those famous rolls and hand-cut steaks lies…

Texas hides some incredible Mexican food treasures that most folks never discover. I’ve spent years hunting down authentic spots where abuelitas still pat tortillas by hand and recipes haven’t changed…

North Carolina’s farm-to-cone ice cream scene is booming in the sweetest way possible. Over the past three summers, I’ve road-tripped across the state, chasing down small-batch scoops crafted with love—and…

New York’s fast-food scene has always been iconic, offering comfort and consistency to hungry city dwellers. But sometimes beloved classics get tinkered with, and not for the better. I’ve watched…

Texas knows a thing or two about burgers—especially the gloriously excessive kind that would make any nutritionist faint. As a born-and-raised Texan, I’ve made it my personal mission to track…

Living in the relentless Arizona heat, there are few things more satisfying than escaping the sun and indulging in a hearty meal at Outback Steakhouse. As a long-time desert dweller…

Remember cruising down Woodward Avenue, music blasting, one hand on the wheel and the other holding a warm, paper-wrapped sandwich from your favorite fast food joint? For many of us,…

When hunger strikes in Washington state, fast-food joints with their neon signs call out, offering the promise of quick satisfaction. Over the years, I’ve explored the sandwich scene across the…

Pennsylvania’s culinary landscape is a delightful patchwork of rich flavors and deep-rooted traditions, shaped by the state’s diverse cultural heritage and abundant farmlands. From the hearty, comforting classics of Pennsylvania…

Growing up in a small coastal town in Maine, seafood wasn’t just something we ate—it was part of who we were. From lobster boats pulling into the harbor at dawn…

There’s something truly special about savoring a meal with a view of the water—the gentle breeze, the glimmering waves, and the laid-back vibe that makes everything taste just a little…

Growing up in the Garden State taught me that a proper Fourth of July celebration is about more than just burgers and fireworks—it’s a full-on cultural experience. From my first…

Growing up in California meant being spoiled with some of the best regional snacks that most of the country never got to experience. I still remember trailing behind my mom…