Classic American Eats: Denny's

The first time I went to Denny's I was 16 and was pretty excited...mainly due to the promise of mint chocolate chip milkshakes and knowing that the alternative involved my dad 'cooking'...the weather wasn't right for warming up the BBQ (where he excels). After taking a look at the menu, I decided I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and order something other than chicken caesar salad or chicken strips. It was a tough choice, everything was covered in delicious looking cheese and/or bacon (wasn't too worried about clogging my arteries at the time) and I kept getting distracted  by the pictures of milkshakes.

After much deliberation, I decided to stick with what I know and get the chicken strips (no need to get crazy when the strips were bound to be the best ever and noted as an American Dinner Classic). I was however, able to talk my brother into going with the special of the month: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and some kind of vegetable- I was hoping I could steal some of his mashed potatoes and gravy. The meal was fine (I've had better strips), but the best part was that my brother's cranberry sauce on the side was still in can form...ridges and all just cut in half and stuck in a bowl for presentation. My dad wisely decided that should be our first and last trip to Denny's.

Since that was so long ago, I figured probably go there again as it is "America's diner" and obviously as a new American I should check it out....and then I saw this article: Adventures in Gluttony. Denny's has come out with new dishes as part of their Lets Get Cheesy menu- including the star of the article: Mac 'n Cheese Big Daddy Patty Melt. The creation involves a beef patty, topped with creamy mac 'n cheese, melted cheddar cheese (can't get enough cheese I guess) and a zesty Frisco sauce on grilled potato bread...side of fries included.  Now you can get all of this for only .............1690 calories!!! Ummm what?!?!? Now granted I love all things mac 'n cheese but this is a bit much even for me...I'll probably just eat half. Or if I'm feeling like watching my calories, I could just go for the Winner Winner Cheesy dinner for only 1520 calories or the Grand Slamwich with hash browns also for just 1520. I mean why bother with spreading out your calories in three meals throughout the day when you can get most of them in one meal! Great time saver Dennys...way to be ahead of the game. Despite their forward thinking in terms of time management, I think I'll pass- I've decided that IHOP is more my style.