One benefit of traveling is being able to sample different foods. I always try to eat local when time permits which doesn’t always mean healthy or non-caloric. I many never again visit many of the places where I find myself and so I try to make the most of it … often trying not to let my wife know what I’m eating …
After completing my work in Montauk, LI, I received a recommendation to visit Gosman’s Dock for fresh lobster tail.
![fresh lobster tail dinner at Gosman's Dock](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_0225P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
In Bar Harbor, ME with Dorothy, I had to sample fresh Maine lobster, which I combined with a filet in the Reading Room of the Bar harbor Inn overlooking the harbor. The following afternoon, we ate at the Thrive Juice Bar and Kitchen so that Dorothy could have a vegan meal and some custom juice concoction. I built a great salad at their custom salad bar.
![fresh Maine lobster and filet](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_1122P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
![fresh made-to-order salad at the Thrive Juice Bar and Kitchen](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_1156P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
In Robinson, PA, the fire chief and I had humungous sandwich at Primanti Brothers.
![The Capone sandwich at Primanti Brothers](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2413P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
I had an unexpected surprise when my clam chowder came with whole clams at the A-Town Bistro in Anacortes, WA.
![fresh clam chowder with whole clams](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2030P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
On a cold night in Buffalo, NY, Dorothy and I elected to stay inside and we visited the Pizza Plant and Italian Pub within the same building as the Courtyard by Marriott. She had a terrific (and healthy) made-to-order vegan salad, while I went a bit heavier with a pizza sandwich with pepperoni and vegetables.
![fresh made-to-order custom vegan salad](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2841P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
![fresh pizza pond at the Pizza Plant and Italian Pub](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2842P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
When in Philadelphia, I always make my way to South Philly for a cheesesteak at Geno’s … provolone wit onions.
![Geno's Steaks in South Philly](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_0578P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
![Geno's Steaks in South Philly](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_0576P.jpg?resize=450%2C600&ssl=1)
Dorothy and I relaxed at the Downtown Taproom of the Dust Bowl Brewing Company in Turlock, CA where we sampled some of their beer and a soft pretzel, giant onion rings, and the fifty-fifty sliders at the bar.
![sampling of micro brews at the Dust Bowl Brewing Company](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_3134P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
While across the river from Philly, I was told the best cheesteseak was actually in New Jersey at Donkey’s Place in Camden. It was certainly unlike and cheesesteak I’d had before. On a round poppyseed roll with a ton of meat and juice, I found it a bit heavy … not to mention incredibly difficult and messy to eat. Next time it’s back to Geno’s I think .
![New Jersey cheesesteak sandwich](https://i0.wp.com/larryshapiroblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_2537P.jpg?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)