While doing some behind the scene work on my blog today it occurred to me that I have quite a few “locals” that visit my blog but the majority are from all over the country and world. Then it occurred to me (yes, my brain was on a roll today) that being a “mommy blogger” we tend to connect as mother’s and women more often that just as people and friends. Sure it’s fun to smile and laugh at each others parenting blurbs but perhaps we could take things further and connect in a geographical way. The beauty of the Internet is that we have the chance to learn about people outside of our comfort zone and be introduced to new experiences.
Thus…..today’s post. Local Flavor. I certainly can’t bring you the beauty of Hawaii or the hustle and bustle of New York but I can bring something to the table from Illinois…quite literally. The Springfield Hamburger Horseshoe.
I bet you’ve never heard of it.
The original horseshoe idea was conceived and served at Leland Hotel here in Springfield, IL in the early 20th century. It started out as two slices of toast topped with ham, a fried egg, french fries and cheese sauce. Today it is better know as this…
That my friends is the best darn ponyshoe (half portion of the horseshoe) you can get in town, ordered at Darcy’s Pint. White bread topped with a generously sized hamburger covered in french fries then smothered in a white American cheese sauce. I know, I know, from an outsiders view it looks and sounds weird, but I’m telling you it is soooo good.
There are several variations you’ll find around town from a spicy Mexican style, to breakfast shoes to my favorite, the ham horseshoe.
Now I’d like to know, does your town or state have a signature flavor that you just don’t find anywhere else?
If this inspires you to write about a local flavor in your town on your blog, send me the link and I’ll share it here. Oh and if you decide to make one at home, let me know how you liked it! It’s super easy to make, some texas toast, fry a burger, pile on some baked fries and spread over some melted velveeta. I do have a super secrety cheese sauce recipe but I can’t give that one up.
I just had to read this while I AM STARVING!
::growl::
I can’t think of anything local. We do always have contests for Fair Food, (new fair food)
a few years ago it was the friend twinkie, then it was the friend candy bar. this year it is… drumroll… FRIED PIZZA!!! I haven’t tried any.
does everyone have fried pickles? dang they are tasty!
OK I am officially hungry and visiting you LOL what it’s like 3 hours from me right LOL That looks so yummy and I’m so hungry! Time for lunch
My hubby would eat that right up without blinking HE always eats his burgers with fries right on top and even throws a few chips on top when we dont have fries
Ok…so Darcy’s is good…but Bernie and Betty’s is VERY VERY good! ( it is my dad’s place – no his name isn’t Bernie)
But they have the best horseshoes ever. My hubby is from IN and I’m originally from Springfield. He thought I was nuts when I made him try it….now he LOVES it and we eat one every time we come into town! Try out Bernie and Bettys!
My husband LOVES horse shoes..being from West Virginia before moving to IL, not really my thing. Yes, they look good and I like the cheesy fries from the top, but I can’t ever eat a whole one (or half!). Now, he also loves Bernie and Bettys and I’ve never been there. I hear their pizza is to DIE for! We’re putting it on the list to take the family to!
Bernie and Bettys have won awards in magazines and state awards for pizza and the horseshoe!
gotta try it! fries don’t get a soggy at B&B’s like they do at Darcys 
we don’t have any local special foods… i have never heard of the “horseshoe” until now. it looks good and greasy!