That's generally a good rule of thumb. However, a few weeks ago as I headed to Valparaiso, Indiana, I heard so many complaints, frustrations, and downright nastiness over the delay.
Me on the other hand was all, "WooHoo, we're not gonna die in a freak TornadoPlane, Yah!" Which, I am guessing will be the next big SYFY "B" movie extravaganza.
Also a good note to self: if after a long flight delay and you arrive at your destination mentally exhausted, be sure to check if the rental car you received has automatic lights. Do not choose to drive through downtown Chicago at 11pm with no headlights.
I reassured my DH (darling husband) that it was totally ok; that they probably didn't mess with me because they thought I was a gang member driving around with no lights on. His response: "Sure, I'm sure you were SO gansta in your Ford Fiesta blaring Katy Perry to keep you awake." Ok, point taken--so check the lights to see if God-Forbid you have you MANUALLY turn them on. Oh, the horror!
Originally when told I was heading to Valpo for work, I thought (Oh goodie the armpit of Lake Michigan). However, for a foodie--I was pleasantly surprised!
Not only did Valparaiso have a lovely downtown area with quaint shops, live entertainment, a Thursday night wine walk and charming little parks. It also has Valley Kitchen and Bar.
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| Valley Kitchen and Bar |
Valley Kitchen and Bar is a farm to table dining experience. When you walk in there is a chalkboard that is updated weekly to inform patrons where their food came from locally that week.
We came on Tini Tuesday and were forced by adorably perky waitstaff to try the $5 martini specials. They also make their own vodka so I tried their Lemondrop martini. Let me tell you, if any kid opened a lemonade stand and only sold these puppies, they would be able to buy and sell Bill Gates. It was the smoothest, easiest martini I have ever had and if I had indulged in more than one, I would have proposed to every person in the restaurant and then passed out-word of caution--they make a STRONG drink.
Next, my table shared the fried pickles, which we were told are a specialty. They are made with fresh, homegrown pickles and are deep fried with a beer batter tempura. Dip them in the homemade spicy ranch and then wash it down with another Lemondrop and it's heaven. Whoops, I mean 1, I only had 1, I think. 
Finally the main course came. A BBQ pork chop smothered in Carolina-style BBQ sauce. It was sitting on top of two rounds of twice-baked potato with a splash of coleslaw and a bite of cornbread. I have no idea how this pig died, but I know it died happy. The flavor of the meat was so rich and from a probably hand-fed pig that slept on a princess bed (I'm only assuming but it had to be some kind of pig diva to be so delectable and decadent). By the way, you should absolutely share plates (the chop was the size of a babies head.) There is no way 1 person should eat the whole thing. Especially if you've been noshing on adult lemonade and fatty pickles.
By all means, get the recommended chef's dessert. Ours was an espresso ganache on top of a chocolate shortbread with a whipped cream spread, salted caramel and cashew brittle bites. Every single item was constructed by the head chef that day. If you could arm wrestle your dining companions into allowing you a bite that had a piece of everyone of those items, I am sure your tongue would have retired right there and said: "ok, you can't top that--we're out."
The owners also have a farm to table pizza place in Valparaiso IN called Tomato Bar. It is just as wonderful (try their version of BBQ chicken pizza and add pineapple like our server suggested).
Until I can get home and cook lovely bits like these for my friends and family, I am determined to find the best joints across my travels and share.
