Taqueria Los Portillos, Petaluma

Was in a huge rush to get in and out of Sonoma County and down to the Bay. But of course, there is always time for tacos. Random selection of Los Portillos, as it happens to be the exit I get off on to go to Sugo just down the block. Los Portillos is located in a strip mall close to the freeway

Went with two al pastor tacos. Yes, these were very tasty and spicy. I did not add any additional condiments to the tacos. Good meat to fat ratio, small little tortillas (so the balance was right), quality condiments. I'd say top marks on everything. The chips and salsa they gave out were good, although the chips could have been better. I'd come back.

More Tri-Tip Sandwich Updates for Fresno

Mike’s Grill has the best tri-tip and ribs in Fresno that I've had to date. (Although, Fresno Bites insists on Keith’s Box Car) I’ve reviewed Mike’s plenty of times and have eaten my fair share of sandwiches and ribs in their parking lot. I like the consistency of the wood smoke, moist meat, the grilled, seasoned and buttered roll and the house-made barbeque sauce; all combine to make a delicious sandwich. I’ve eaten the tri-tip sandwich probably 6 times and their pork ribs, 3 times. I give the highest marks for tri-tip and ribs at Mike’s. The downside, you’re in a parking lot or the front seat of your car eating, rather than in a restaurant. Oh well, the price one pays for good tri-tip and roadside tacos is exposure to the elements.

The Doghouse Grill is very close second to Mike’s. The tri–tip is identifiable with large slices of beef and a good crust of seasoning. The bread is toasted, seasoned and has texture, unlike B&L or Meat Market. The meat is moist. Doghouse tri-tip is the most expensive of all the sandwiches (between Mike’s, B&L, and Meat Market) at $8.49.

As a side note, Dog House ‘bucket o’fries’ has a big punch of seasoning salt, but are fresh, crispy, delicious and $3.49.

If I had to take atmosphere into account, rather than just the sandwich, Dog House is the only restaurant with an indoor seating area and atmosphere. The other three aforementioned places are simply take-out style restaurants or delis with seating situated in parking lots.

Sonic Burger, Ripon

Welcome to Freshville? Really?

I have never been to Sonic Burger, but here’s my basic impression. If the legendary King (Burger King) and the iconic McDonald’s had a mythical burger-child, this is what it would look like. A thin greyish patty and spongy bun were obviously from its Mother, McD. The pickles, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese with mayo, mustard, and ketchup, from The King. Wrap it all up and you’ve got a burger that was good enough to eat at a gas station during a hypoglycemic episode and cheap fill-up. Oh, the coffee at the Love’s Gas Station next door at Jack Tone Road is only 0.99 cents when you bring in your own cup. The burger was $3.55.

The Cured Ham eats McDonald's Breakfast

Yet another guilty pleasure of mine is McDonald's Hash Browns and an Egg McMuffin. Call it nostalgia or just being a kid again, there is something satisfying about this breakfast sandwich.