local favorite is that every pub and diner puts their own spin on it. Then it’s up to us to find our choice out of the variety. While the state of Iowa is usually regarded as the center of the loose meat sandwich universe – a general category including the Maid Rite, tavern and Sloppy Joe – there is a specialized version that gets my vote; the Guinea Grinder. The Guinea Grinder – yes, it’s a politicallyincorrect name – is a wonderful substyle sandwich with Italian sausage, tomatoes, peppers and onions, covered with melted provolone or mozzarella. Historically, this sandwich is linked to the Italian American community in Des Moines. But it’s Jennie DePhillips, a Des Moines restaurant owner, who is credited with the creation more than 60 years ago. The sandwich became so popular that DePhillips trademarked The Guinea Grinder name. In these more politically correct times, it’s now called a Jennie Grinder or just a Grinder. Restaurants across the metro and stands at the Iowa State Fair sell their own, and for me a trip to Des Moines is not complete without one. So what about our local specialty? We don’t seem to have a sandwich that fits the bill. The state food is the kuchen, but that’s a German import. As far as I know, there is only one food that is uniquely South Dakotan; chislic. And like so many other favorites, the beauty is in the simplicity. It is, after all, just small chunks of red meat; lamb, mutton, beef or even venison or bison or elk, seasoned and fried. A little garlic salt and perhaps some barbeque sauce is all you need. Most of the time chislic served with toothpicks in lieu of silverware. It is simplicity at its best. Did I miss your regional favorite? Maybe you’re a fan of the Chicago Italian Beef (so am I) or you crave the heat of the green chili burger like they make in New Mexico. Or do you want to explore the Tamale Trail along the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers from Memphis south to Jackson? If you follow the Mississippi all the way to New Orleans, local favorites explode. Whole books have been written about those wonders, and I’ve only got so much space. Whatever your local favorite is, do yourself a favor, eat something good today.
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Jim’s career in advertising occasionally allows him to travel to explore far-away foods, but most of the time he’s at ADwërks, an advertising agency in Downtown Sioux Falls.
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