The Appalling Lack of the Blue Plate Special

Have you ever been trying to figure out where to go for dinner, and all you can think of is, "something good"? Maybe what you're craving is a burger and fries, pizza and salad, fajitas and chips with salsa, or General Tso's chicken with broccoli. And if that's the case, chances are, wherever you are in a mid-sized city or bigger America, you're set. But what if what you want is a good side dish? And the Cracker Barrel just won't cut it (carbo-licious as it is) ... if there's one nearby. It's nearly impossible nowadays to find a good restaurant/diner that serves good sides or even offers a blue plate special. So, what do we do? Buck up and cook it yourself, of course. Or mooch off a friend or family member who likes to cook.

And a blog is born: in my quest for good side dishes, I'll try to keep a virtual log of good recipes to share with you. Feel free to comment with recipes of your own, suggestions for what would go well with the dish, ways to change it up, and anything else you'd like to add!

Definitions: 

side dish: um, not the main course or dessert, but a collection of side dishes do make an awesome meal. This is not a seasoning or topping, but rather a dish in its own right -- probably a veggie, fruit, or carb-based dish, though not necessarily vegetarian.

blue plate special: old term for a restaurant's daily menu consisting of home-cooking-style dishes, usually a meat of some kind, plus three sides. Hard to find these days, as most restaurants think dumping boiled green beans along with a splat of boxed mashed potatoes or canned corn consists of an elite dining experience.

companion dish: what tastes good with the recipe (Captain Obvious moment, I know). Feel free to contribute ideas in the comment section. I'm always trying to figure out how to mix and match dishes to find a good combination (for instance, did you know that duck with orange sauce tastes amazing with a corn casserole and steamed broccoli?).

Most-Favored Restaurant Status: a restaurant with amazing side dishes (such as Oxford, Mississippi's Ajax) -- and not just boring boiled green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, and a roll. This restaurant may be an inspiration for finding out how to make a recipe, or is simply a great excuse not to cook.

Thanks for stopping by. Take care and have a blessed day.