I wrote last week that I was alone on Valentine’s Day. Yes my loved one wasn’t by my side, but I did go out to dinner with a colleague to J. Alexander’s in Cincinnati. Without hesitation, it was the best meal I have ever had.

Now, I know, that was a very strong statement to make. The best meal ever means that out of all the meals I have ever eaten (over 33,000), this one makes the top of the list. That’s a big deal.

The Montgomery Inn Restaurant in Ohio is an icon of American Culinary History. World famous for their ribs, this logo greats you upon arrival at their original location.

Visit the adventures with ben online store for travel ebooks

Whenever I travel, I love spoiling myself with food. I eat pretty plainly at home. It’s a money-saving technique. But as soon as I travel and discover a quaint, little Main Street… I’m all over those little boutique shops like “flies on stink” (as my dad once said)! Such was the case on a trip to Madison, Wisconsin when I stumbled upon Fromagination.

Fromagination included one of the four major food groups…

• Chocolate
• Bread & Oil
• Wine
• Cheese

Visiting McDonald’s while you  travel is always a fun, quick adventure. Whether it’s discovering if the food tastes different or sampling new menu items you’ll always discover a lesson in America, Capitalism or International Business. But you don’t always have to travel abroad to be surprised.

I was in Spartanburg, SC a few years back and came across the Ten Commandments posted above Ronald McDonald.

At first glance, I thought they were the 10 Commandments of the Golden Arches. Ya know, things like:

• Thou shall not steal your neighbors burger a la the Hamburgerler