"Spring Time with Matluck in America"

Strangling a musical line from a Mel Brooks movie (see title) seems an appropriate manner in which to kick off this year's culinary road trip. Yes. We are back. We are back with a vengeance, hurtling towards a part of the country with temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius), a part of the country with the birth place of the both famous and infamous dish called Buffalo Wings, a part of the country with Niagra Falls, and some other inconsequential stuff. I am packing tube socks, long sleeve shirts, extra layers, and eyeing a trip to Wal-Mart to acquire some gloves and a hat (no boots for me!).

Some interesting food facts about Buffalo, NY, via Wikipedia.com:

"Several well-known food companies are based in Buffalo. Non-dairy whipped topping, later imitated by Cool Whip, was invented in Buffalo in 1945 by Robert E. Rich, Sr. His company, Rich Products, is one of the city's largest employers. General Mills was organized in Buffalo, and Gold Medal Brand flour, Wheaties, Cheerios, and other General Mills brand cereals, are manufactured here. One of the country's largest cheese manufacturers, Sorrento, has been here since 1947. Archer Daniels Midland operates its largest flour mill in the city. Buffalo is home to one of the largest privately-held food companies in the world, Delaware Food Companies, which operates concessions in sports arenas, stadiums, resorts, and other state and federal parks."

But Chicago (our ultimate destination) has its own culinary trivia. Take, for instance, the "Francheezie." A francheezie is a hot dog stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, then deep-fried. Before you yell, "Heart attack in a bun!", you should research the true and well-researched facts about pork fat. Pork fat is good for you! 45% of park fat is monounsaturated fat (the healthiest kind!). Obviously it should be consumed in moderation, as with any food item, and, especially, any food product (especially of the industrial kind). But who would not desire just one taste of such a delectably sacrilegious dish?

So much lies before us that has been researched (by yours truly), yet not experienced. Now we begin the experience; now I begin the blog.