As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I enjoy cooking and food in general. I am always on the lookout for new places and recipes to try. The Food Network is a great way to learn about fun restaurants. One program, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, often profiles local favorites. I have visited three such restaurants. While in Dallas with my family two years ago, we went to Twisted Root Burger Company. The line to place an order is long but moves quickly. Instead of presenting patrons with a number while waiting for their food, they receive a card with a name of a celebrity. We had Usher. Besides the typical burgers, Twisted Root offers game meats such as venison, ostrich and antelope. Not feeling too daring, I stuck with beef. It was here that I tried fried pickles for the first time — they were delicious. On a family trip to Sante Fe, we enjoyed breakfast at Harry’s Roadhouse. They serve comfort food with an authentic taste of New Mexico. I sampled the huevos rancheros. Red or green chiles can be added to just about any dish — or have both, Christmas-style. Another breakfast visit was to the Broadway Diner in Baltimore. They make French toast using challah bread. I had mine with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. There are plenty of great restaurants in Philadelphia I have not yet tried. Any suggestions? — Katie Skrzek, advertising and editorial coordinator