Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

This was a January selection made on a trip home to Pittsburgh to spend some time with my family. I bought them at a Washington, PA Giant Eagle (where you can now buy beer!).

Rating: B

Mustard, Pickely Relish, Ketchup and Onion plus some oh so delicious Monosodium Glutamate, these chips sure were an interesting flavor melange. I personally prefer heavily seasoned or flavored chips to be without ridges, but these definitely left an impression of a day at a ball game.

Would I purchase again?
Probably not for myself but for my sister and my brother-in-law who's house I left these at for their devouring.

Best place to eat?
In a wonderfully warm kitchen (even though it's actually 49 degrees) on Thomas Blvd with my favorite couple and favorite nephew, making other delicious things. Also good for a picnic.

Dip?

As Michael pointed out, some french onion dip would be awesome. I also would try crumpling this on a nice Hebrew National with a some chopped pickles on a poppyseed bun.

Boulder Canyon Rice & Adzuki Bean Snack Chips Chipotle Cheese Flavor

Boulder Canyon Rice & Adzuki Bean Snack Chips Chipotle Cheese Flavor

Rating: A

Here are some chips selected for me by my love that I have to admit, I would easily walk right past, as they are not my typical chips of choice. A marvelous, healthier alternative with just as much kick, flavor and satisfying crunch offered in their junk food brethern, the Spicy Dorito. A super cheesy, savory, lip-smacking delight that goes a long way. Who knew healthy was so delicious? Not this chipper...

Would I purchase again?
You bet your bippy.

Best place to eat?
Stored in a zip lock baggy along side some other health food on a long summer hike. Or in the backseat of a car at the only drive-in in L.A.

Dip?
Corn and Black bean salsa, yes!

Miss Vickie's Smokehouse BBQ All Natural Kettle Chips

Rating: B-

These tasty morsels are a sub brand under the Frito-Lay snack umbrella and they certainly taste like a member of the family. The tangy BBQ flavored chip has a pretty weak crunch for chips claiming to be "kettle cooked", and quite small in size, but they are satisfying nonetheless. They remind me very much of the classic Lay's BBQ Flavor but with a slightly more scrumptious aftertaste.

Would I purchase again?
I think Miss Vickie certainly deserves another shot, especially with the other exciting but safe flavors offered.

Best place to eat?
Dur, at a BBQ. Or a campfire...

Dip?
Bush's Baked Beans. Imagine dipping these little babies in a batch of bacon-y beans!

Studio City Farmer's Market Kettle Korn (Ma + Pa's)

Rating: C

The county fair and farmer's market staple, Kettle Korn, is an old favorite of mine. Popcorn in general can satisfy me anytime of the day, any meal. Perhaps because of all the weekends spent at the cinema with a bucket in my lap...

This kettle korn was a little too sweet. The perfect kettle korn must have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the smallest hint of butter. Ma and Pa's delivered a sugary crunchy corn that left me craving the hot out of the kettle treats at the county fair.

Would I purchase again?
If I'm getting it straight from the kettle, maaaaybe.

Best place to eat?
Waiting in line for the Zipper, or on the car ride home from a long day at the amusement park.

Dip?
Usually best by itself.

Dorito's Blazin' Buffalo and Ranch

Rating: B-

Doritos have always been a reliable purveyor of odd flavors. My latest corn tortilla chip endeavor included these yummy dudes. The flavor started off decidedly Ranch and then the Buffalo kick crept up to say hello. Kind of the opposite of what it should be. They could be better balanced, but I'll just resign myself to enjoy the satisfying finger-licking of the spicy-cheesy residue left all over my fat little fingers.

Would I purchase again?

Yes, if accompanied by other spicy chip enthusiasts on a late night jaunt to Ralph's.

Best place to eat?

Zoned out in front of Planet Earth on the Big TV.

Dip?

A little fresh avocado to splice the spice would be nice.

Trader Joe's Cheddar Cheese Pita Chips

Rating: A-

Yum.  After a my first trip down the Trader Joe's Pita Chip collection, the Cinnamon Sugar variety, I moved onto the Cheddar Cheese Flavor. An extra crunchy, real strong cheddar experience was in store.  A satisfying munch that reminds me of Goldfish crackers topped with baked parmesan.  Similar to the perfect crispy crust I top my homemade Mac n' Cheese.  The only downside was occasionally coming across a pita that was toasted slightly too much.  

Would I purchase again?

Wholeheartedly.  

Best place to eat?

Anywhere but I enjoy it in the office mostly while working away on the computer.

Dip?

Perhaps a perfect companion for some Veggie Chili.  For a simpler addition, sour cream straight up as not to over power the delish Cheddariness.

Luck o' the Papas Fritas

I've now been in L.A. officially for over a year. I am using St. Patrick's Day as an anniversary date as it is one of the most memorable days of my first few weeks in L.A.  I was driving over an hour everyday to my job in Santa Monica, I wore Lakers colors (purple and gold) by accident, I had tea and sandwiches with my Aunt Sybil(not really my Aunt), and I went downtown to a shitty Irish barf-fest with my male roommates where beer was green and it cost 8 dollars.

This year I played things my way. Now I drive one mile to work.  I wore a delightful combination of mint and forest green to work.  I ate a DELICIOUS Philly cheese steak at Cafe Al Dente. I hung at my favorite place, Bar One, with some lovely Jewish American Hos, Tiffany and Lauren. Oh and Beau too.

The highlight of the evening was the walk home from the bar (what a luxury) and a stop at one of the four in a 1 mile radius 7-Elevens by my house where Beau bought me Sabritas Habanero Limon Papas Fritas. Oh dear St. Patrick.  What a treat of potatoey goodness.  

These babies brought the heat with a twinkle of lime.  I need a glass of H2O near by to fully enjoy them as I am a wuss when it comes to spice.  Overall they are a surprisingly flavorful chip that I fully intend on adding to my 7 Eleven jaunts every now and then.  

All in all I had a pretty spectacular St. Patrick's Day, followed by a beautiful, warm day at Pointe Dume in Malibu.  I'm happy to be L.A.