As we continue to work our way through my likes and dislikes of a meal, here are the main courses the Sip Advisor loves:

Sandwiches

The first place my eyes dart to on any menu is the sandwich section, sometimes known as handhelds. Do they have a BLT or Clubhouse? Perhaps a Pulled Pork, Reuben or Beef Dip? I love me a good sando, as they are also one of the better meals to have leftovers of and can be consumed cold or reheated later.

Burgers

Right after sandwiches, I’m going to peruse the burger options. Some of my favourite meals of all-time have featured a burger and many-a-restaurant has made me a returning customer due to a delish bun and meat masterpiece. My only complaint regarding burgers is how messy they can get… but that can also be part of the fun!

Bowls

I’ve really become a fan of various bowls, whether they be rice, noodle, poke, etc, there are so many good possibilities in this food phylum. There’s something about these mixes, including various veggies, that makes me feel I’m actually eating healthy for change. Just please keep kale out of all bowls going forward. Signed, EVERYONE!

While some menu sections immediately draw my eye, others are easy to skip entirely. Here are the main course options I hate:

Breakfast/Brunch

Brunch is among Mrs. Sip’s favourite meals. Why? Well, is she female? Yep, that checks out. Whenever we go to a place at these ungodly hours, I’m hoping they offer lunch items. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. On the occasions that I do lose, I take defeat graciously. Nah, I’m a grumpy, miserable prick, but I do trudge through and order whatever closest resembles lunch and do my best to present and pleasant front. The only reason to go to brunch is to get your day drinking started early.

Pasta

I make damn good pasta dishes – just ask six-year-old Girl Sip, whose has given dad a Michelin star for his patented beef and noodles mix – and feel paying for one, unless we’re in a fine restaurant, is a waste of moolah. I will also go the pasta route if we’re travelling in Italy, but even there, I’m more likely to order some sort of pizza or calzone.

Nachos

Similar to pasta, I just feel I make better nachos than most restaurants. Like, mine don’t turn into sloppy messes of liquid cheese and limp chips. Plus, when you make a plate of nachos at home, there’s no stopping what creations you can dream up, even with my hampered imagination. I get that nachos can be a fun thing to share amongst a group, but you typically walk away feeling you didn’t get your fair share of the meal.

Love & Hate: Spaghett About It

• 1 oz Campari
• Top with Beer
• Garnish with an Orange Wedge

This cocktail came up in my search for the best cocktails to pair with pasta and the name is definitely noteworthy. We’re two-thirds of the way through our meal now. I hope you saved room for dessert!