IHOP: food interlude
I went there recently for dinner—it was conveniently located and I was in the mood, although it’s not a place I associate with good food. Merely adequate. So I was pleasantly surprised when I ordered this and discovered it to be really tasty:
That’s something they call a chicken florentine crepe—a crepe wrapped around chicken, cheese, mushrooms, and spinach. Ignore that yucky creamy stuff on the top—I made them put it on the side, and I was glad I did. (I don’t like creamy sauces, but you may love them.)
The crepe itself wasn’t just an afterthought, it was a mighty tasty morsel. Same with the chicken.
All in all, a real bargain for nine dollars and change. And an unexpected one.
Actually, similarly, we had dinner at a Denny’s recently due to a variety of contributing factors and actually found both of our selections to be surprisingly tasty, at a better price than most.
I like IHOP, but like any other restaurant from MacDonald’s to expensive ones it depends on what you order. IHOP does not do non-breakfest foods very well.
IHOP, Denny’s … I am thankful for their existence.
Back in the 70s while I was living out of a white GM van with two other guys, we survived on the IHOP breakfast special: Three eggs, three silver dollar pancakes and coffee for a buck.
A couple days ago I tried “The Egg and I” here in Albuquerque. It’s a franchise, but not ubiquitous. I had their Eggs Benedict and was impressed. The poached eggs and hollandaise were fine, but the big win was a generous slice of tender smoky ham.
My dad used to take me to IHOP for lunch on dad and daughter outings. My dad had a knack for creating sweet memories.
Hi Neo,
As a lawyer and someone who is known to enjoy the occasional fine-dining experience as much as anyone, I am often teased by my friends for my zealous devotion to my local Sizzler, even to the extent of holding my birthday lunches there.
I don’t know how the chain is travelling in the US but here in Australia they have had a bumpy road, the brand name and concept having apparently been sold and repurchased and the number of outlets trimmed several times over the last 20 or so years but they abide.
It’s certainly not a business or romantic destination, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables and decent steaks/seafood at a fair price – what’s not to like?
(Oh yes, and their bathrooms are clean too – never underestimate the commercial appeal of that).