TB#1 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
Did I ever mention my wife was born and raised in Lexington, Il?
She has family in Decatur and when and if we ever get back there, I'll check it out.
Her favorite food treat when she gets back to central Illinois is Gondola subs from Avanti's.
I know a lot of my opinion is shaped by nostalgia, but Krekel's is a tradition in my family. I grew up in a household where grabbing a "krekel burger' and bag of fries, was much better than stopping by McDonalds or BK.
It is a joint that my parents remember eating at when they were in high school, and my (much younger) nephew worked there for a spell in high school just last year. So, again, the longevity and nostalgia can't be ignored.
I will say this though - I have a strong belief that anyone who spent time in Decatur would agree with me. If you like you burgers fried very thin it does not get better than Krekels. Since they are so thin grab a double or triple, a bag of fries, and a milkshake.
Good Lord... I need to get back to Decatur stat. It has been far too long.
EDIT: Another food "thing" I miss about central Illlinois, admittedly one of few, is the pork tenderloin sandwich. So far I've been unable to find a decent pork tenderloin sandwich in the Chicago area. I know it is more of a southern treat, common in parts of central IL and IN. Does anyone make an authentic pork tenderloin sandwich within 40 miles of the United Center?
I really need to take the lady out for one since her experience with the delicacy begins and ends with Culver's version.