Column: Potato Oles

My older sister lives in Los Angeles and probably has some of the best dining options in the country. She can experience the cuisine of so many different cultures, plenty of fresh seafood, lots of healthy options and of course can anytime go to In and Out Burger.

Despite all the choices offered in California, her pallet has not completely changed since her days in high school in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She has not lived in her hometown for around 30 years, but one of her first stops is always to Taco Johns for potato oles with cheese. Sometimes this happens just moments after her flight arrives. There is not a trip home without at least one stop at Wyoming founded fast-food chain and it is oftentimes at least two times. Because she doesn't eat it very often it will oftentimes upset her stomach, but that does not stop her one bit. At one point I wouldn't be surprised if she just ate it on the toilet because that's where it going to be quick anyway.

While I have not lived away from Wyoming as long as my sister has, I definitely understand how she feels, although it isn't about Taco Johns, which I love, but can eat anytime in Butte or Bozeman. It is just the little things about a place that brings back great memories and often does involve food.

I wrote a few months ago about almost getting a D in math because I had so many tardies due to the fact I tried to eat at a place called "Grub's" just about every school day. My friend Jeff and I just loved eating there. It smells that good. Occasionally, we would mix it up at Taco Johns on "Taco Tuesday" and eat so many crisp tacos we could barely fit through the doors of the high school, but for the most part, it was the little 10 seat diner you can smell from about a half a mile away. In fact, I would oftentimes avoid driving by it if I knew I didn't have the time or money to eat there.

Grub's is always one of my first stops when I am home and the last two trips it has been closed and I was devastated. It is my favorite burger and it just wasn't a complete trip home without stopping in. It doesn't matter if I haven't been there in three years, the owner always greets me by name, and I run into some familiar faces.

It is also a must to stop for Chinese food. Where I currently live there are no Chinese restaurants and I'm not a huge fan of the options in neighboring larger communities. My hometown is known for a lot of things including a vicious feature on 60 Minutes that made it look like one of the worst places in America when it is certainly not, and a really high number of really excellent Chinese restaurants. I'm talking off the charts, best you've ever eaten Chinese food.

It was always a tradition to go to a restaurant named Sands when I was younger and there Singapore Chow Mein and Chicken Fried Rice is easily a top-five meal. The best part is we can get it for dinner one night and it will be great for lunch the next.

I also have to make a trip to Boschetto's for "Kronskis". They are garlic kielbasas and it is the best sausage I've ever eaten. Boiled in beer and on a bun with a little mustard – that is all you need.

Once I've had a double shamrock (four patties and enough cheese to fill a swimming pool) at Grub's and my go-to Chinese my trip is always complete. Of course, the reason we visit is because of seeing friends and family, but the food is a must-have.

It's kind of weird how much of a role food can play growing up and you often don't think of it, but it really does.