USA snacks for microwave

dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hi y'all!

This is a weird request! After our WDW trip this year we are staying in Clearwater, this we do every trip but this is the first time at a Marriot which are all suites. We will have a microwave, which is a first for us! So my question is .... Are there any iconic American microwaveable snacks we should try!?!? There is a CVS locally which we normally visit and we are excited to go 'grocery" shopping!
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
That's a tough one! Not knowing exactly what is available in the UK, I may mention some things that are not unique. Also, I want to preface this by saying...not all the food I listed is what I would consider good food. Rather, they are iconic meals/snacks. At some point in my life, I thought all of them were good, but that changed as I got older. So, moving on...

As far as microwave meals...it's hard to get less iconic american than Hungry Man Fried Chicken or Salesbury Steak meals. Mind you, they are NOT GOOD...but they've been sold in the US since the 50s (where originally they were heat and eat in a conventional oven only).

Of course, there's Popcorn. Orville Reddenbocker would be the iconic American brand to try, but I prefer Act II Movie Theater Butter myself.

Another idea. Grab a bag of restaurant style white corn Tostidos, shredded chedder or mexican blend cheese, and bottled jalepenos (mild or hot, your choice). Spread the tostidos on a plate, then cover with cheese and place a jalepeno on each chip. Microwave for 30 - 45 seconds until cheese is bubbling. Quick and dirty nachos. Dunno how "american" that is...but it's something I enjoy making!

Stouffers is another iconic American brand. Their meatloaf and mashed potatoes is very good!

Bagel Bites and Totinos Pizza Rolls. Food I grew up munching on with friends on summer break days as we played video games together.

For soft drinks, try Mountain Dew and/or Dr. Pepper. Not sure if either is available in the UK, and they both are rather popular and...unique...tastes.

Chef Boyardee (will be in the canned foods aisle). I'd recommend the ravioli.

Hot Pockets. I'd recommend the pepperoni and sausage with cheese.

White Castle cheeseburgers. Though, they aren't the best. In fact, I don't think they are good at all! But, every few years the picture on the box will sucker me into buying some!

If you really want to try steamed mini burgers (which is what the White Castle burgers are), find a Krystal. They have a unique menu. http://krystal.com/menu/

There are 3 in Orlando. Also there are 3 in Clearwater. http://krystal.com/locations/

Anyhow, that's all I can think of at the moment, hope it helps!
 
dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Wow @englanddg you've grasped exactly what I'm after! I'm after iconic snacks rather than top quality snacks! We know all about the food at WDW no problem but it's the every day classic American food we are clueless about! As we will have access to a fridge and microwave we think it's a great opportunity to be 'American' for the week! I love your ideas!!! I shall be googling them all!!

Thanks for making the effort, really appreciated! :D
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
dave&di said:
Wow @englanddg you've grasped exactly what I'm after! I'm after iconic snacks rather than top quality snacks! We know all about the food at WDW no problem but it's the every day classic American food we are clueless about! As we will have access to a fridge and microwave we think it's a great opportunity to be 'American' for the week! I love your ideas!!! I shall be googling them all!!

Thanks for making the effort, really appreciated! :D
Click to expand...

Anytime. If any more pop in my head, I'll add them. Slightly off topic, as these ideas aren't microwave options, rather Fast Food...these are some spots I'd recommend seeking out if you have a chance.

1) Krystals (I HIGHLY recommend this. The food is unique (and tasty). If you are driving from Orlando to Clearwater, try and scope one out along your route using the locator in my last post. They make the perfect "eat while driving" food.

2) Chik-fil-A (I'm willing to bet it will be the best chicken sandwich you've ever tasted, but note, they are not open on Sundays) They are all over Florida and Clearwater - http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Locator

3) Steak and Shake (MUST do this! Best burgers and fries in the country for any fast food place, in my opinion) http://www.steaknshake.com/locations#q=clearwater fl

4) Waffle House (Great breakfast. Try your hashbrowns scattered smothered covered chuncked and diced (that means, scattered on the griddle, with onions (smothered), cheese (covered), chunks of ham (chunked) and chopped tomatos (diced)). Also, the Raisin Toast is excellent! http://www.wafflehouse.com/

5) Rallys / Checkers - Good burgers, great fries (they batter them...not good for you, but delicious!) http://www.checkers.com/locations?location=clearwater fl

6) Sonic (This is a drive in style eatery. Good burgers, good hot dogs, interesting drink offerings) http://www.sonicdrivein.com/

7) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Great fried chicken!) http://popeyes.com/

8) Chipotles or Moe's (Quality varies greatly between locations, but these are build your own taco/burrito spots) http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default - http://www.moes.com/food/
-----

Anyhow, these are some options to look for on your trip that are a bit more unique and better than KFC/Taco Bell/McDonalds/Burger King...
 
SAV

SAV

Well-Known Member
Forget the microwave and make sure to eat at the Palm Pavilion!!! Our Favorite place on Clearwater Beach.
 
MOXOMUMD

MOXOMUMD

Well-Known Member
Microwaveable pork rinds. They may be a hard find but they are worth trying. They are packaged just like popcorn. Banquet has small microwaveable fruit potpies, apple, peach or mixed berry. And though not microwable "snap into a Slim Jim!" I love jerky.
 
dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
SAV said:
Forget the microwave and make sure to eat at the Palm Pavilion!!! Our Favorite place on Clearwater Beach.
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We have passed it many times but never really looked in, a great option when watching the sunset! Thanks SAV :)
MOXOMUMD said:
Microwaveable pork rinds. They may be a hard find but they are worth trying. They are packaged just like popcorn. Banquet has small microwaveable fruit potpies, apple, peach or mixed berry. And though not microwable "snap into a Slim Jim!" I love jerky.
Click to expand...
So many things to try! I heard of Slim Jims but never had one! I'm with you on the jerky, I always get that from CVS when in town! Thanks :)
 
dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
@englanddg a lot of the places you've listed are no more than 1/2 an hour from us! I know Tampa airport has a Popeyes, that's already on the list! Thanks :D
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
dave&di said:
@englanddg a lot of the places you've listed are no more than 1/2 an hour from us! I know Tampa airport has a Popeyes, that's already on the list! Thanks :D
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Don't overlook the Shrimp Po Boy, if it's on their menu. It's also very good! They batter the shrimp in the same batter they use for the chicken. Very unique! Also, they will mix your chicken meal spicy and regular if you ask. For sides, the Red Beans and Rice and Fried Okra are my favorites...but, each Popeyes has a slightly different menu...so I can't tell you what exactly will be at the one you are going to.

If I were to say there are four places that you really should make a point to check out if you have a chance, just because of their uniqueness and / or American flair...it's Steak and Shake, Krystals, Chik-fil-a and Waffle House.

The others are good...but those four are just fantastic and unique.
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
Oh...here's another one that's worth doing! This is an Atlanta chain, and I wasn't sure if they were down there, but I checked, and they are!

Zaxbys has the best chicken strips. I love that place! They serve them with "Zax Sauce", which is a specialty sauce that has a very nice tang that goes with the chicken. Also, their chicken strip salads are fantastic (beats Chik-fil-A's chicken salads I think)...

http://www.zaxbys.com/locator/StateMap.aspx?zip=33756&radius=25
 
dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
englanddg said:
Oh...here's another one that's worth doing! This is an Atlanta chain, and I wasn't sure if they were down there, but I checked, and they are!

Zaxbys has the best chicken strips. I love that place! They serve them with "Zax Sauce", which is a specialty sauce that has a very nice tang that goes with the chicken. Also, their chicken strip salads are fantastic (beats Chik-fil-A's chicken salads I think)...

http://www.zaxbys.com/locator/StateMap.aspx?zip=33756&radius=25
Click to expand...
I've got lots of researching to do now! We're in Tampa for a day so definitely do-able. Thanks for your help, we won't need the microwave any more! ;)
 
englanddg

englanddg

One Little Spark...
dave&di said:
I've got lots of researching to do now! We're in Tampa for a day so definitely do-able. Thanks for your help, we won't need the microwave any more! ;)
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No problem! I think trying out different fast food joints is a fun idea. When I go to other states, I try to seek out chains that are unique to those regions. Since FL is near my State (Georgia), we tend to have a lot of the same eateries...but if you travel the country there are lots of other great places (El Pollo Loco, Whataburger, In and Out Burger, list goes on).

Just to plug again...if you can squeeze it in, I can't stress Steak and Shake more. They don't serve steaks (though that's in the name)...rather they serve Steakburgers!

My favorite thing to get there is a double classic Steakburger with extra mayo, a side of cheese fries, and a chocolate malt (yes, they make shakes and malts there...lots of variety!)

They also have good chili, and the chili mac is my Dad's favorite thing to get there.
 
bsiev1977

bsiev1977

Well-Known Member
dave&di said:
Hi y'all!

This is a weird request! After our WDW trip this year we are staying in Clearwater, this we do every trip but this is the first time at a Marriot which are all suites. We will have a microwave, which is a first for us! So my question is .... Are there any iconic American microwaveable snacks we should try!?!? There is a CVS locally which we normally visit and we are excited to go 'grocery" shopping!
Click to expand...
Popcorn is of course the most obvious.
Hot Pockets are another big one.
My personal favorite are the soft pretzels. I never make them in the regular oven at home.
 
dave&di

dave&di

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
englanddg said:
No problem! I think trying out different fast food joints is a fun idea. When I go to other states, I try to seek out chains that are unique to those regions. Since FL is near my State (Georgia), we tend to have a lot of the same eateries...but if you travel the country there are lots of other great places (El Pollo Loco, Whataburger, In and Out Burger, list goes on).

Just to plug again...if you can squeeze it in, I can't stress Steak and Shake more. They don't serve steaks (though that's in the name)...rather they serve Steakburgers!

My favorite thing to get there is a double classic Steakburger with extra mayo, a side of cheese fries, and a chocolate malt (yes, they make shakes and malts there...
They also have good chili, and the chili mac is my Dad's favorite thing to get there.
Click to expand...

The nearest S&S is 30 mins away so it's on my list! I've heard how good In & Out burgers are but I believe they only exist on the West Coast?!?
 

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