Got a quick invite from SmashBurger in Ankeny to try some new menu items that are being tested in the Des Moines area. First of all they have some new SmashSalads. They all look perfect and delicious. You can add a half salad with your sandwich or go solo with the full version. Being a big barbecue fane I tried the BBQ Ranch SmashChicken salad. I chose grilled chicken a top crispy thin onion rings, diced tomato, cheddar cheese, bacon, baby spinach, romaine, and arugula lettuce. There is zig zags of barbecue sauce and ranch dressing.  Instant favorite. I would get that in a full version.

They also had several new SmashChicken sandwiches to choose from. I was happy to have chosen the Avocado Club SmashChicken.  It starts off with the wheat bun with a grilled or fried chicken breast. Then it is topped with cheese and thick pieces of apple smoked bacon. The setting included ranch sauce, mayo, tomato, lettuce, and avacado. At first I thought man this is a small piece of chicken. However the chicken fits the sandwich as the layers all came together to make a delicious combination.  I also upon recomendation tried the fried pickles. These were also tasty.

Overall I am happy to see an expanded menu and am certain others will enjoy the expanded menu. Good stuff.  Check out the Iowa Menu Options!

Enjoying a chef salad in the southern Minnesota. Loaded with Chef Salad stuff.

Today's lunch consists of a salad with eggs and salami served up with Gino's Creamy Garlic dressing.

I have been really good as of late not eating out.  So the lack of posts is showing.  I did however have a great lunch at Olive Garden with a bunch of people I work with.  I think that last time I ate there was like 10-15 years ago on a date so I was not sure what to expect.  The menu does have quite a few items in the $7-$12 range which I would say is typically out of the budget after you include a drink and tip.  So after  reviewing the menu I worked it out to split a pizza with someone.   We ordered a  10 inch Alfredo Chicken Pizza right at $10.  It came with one salad- so we ordered a 2nd for under $3.   It was a pretty good meal considering the salad and breadsticks are bottomless.  I atleast left there full.