by Jennifer K. Bauer
In 1993, McDonald’s introduced the world to super-sized meals. Originally they were called “dino sized” because they were tied to the release of the film “Jurassic Park.” Apparently, eating like a gargantuan beast was an appealing idea that caught on. It didn’t seem like gluttony to people because they weren’t ordering two meals, just one the size of several.
Super-size started disappearing from McDonald’s menus in 2004 but by that time mammoth proportions were a firmly entrenched idea and, for some, an unalienable right. Face it, there are times when you require to a day or two’s worth of food in one sitting. Maybe you only eat once a week. Maybe you need to soak up a vast quantity of alcohol. Whatever your reasons for reckless power eating, here are three local dishes that will fill in the cracks. As one woman said to her companions as the waitress served her Effie Burger, “Don’t judge me.”
The Jumbo Turkey Sandwich Strike and Spare, Lewiston No need to wait until Thanksgiving for that post-feast turkey sandwich with all the fixings. It’s available year-round at Strike and Spare in the Lewiston Orchards. The Jumbo Turkey Sandwich ($14.49) is made with fresh, slow roasted turkey stacked high on homemade ranch-style or rye bread with mayo and lettuce. It comes with a side of homemade stuffing and your choice of fries, soup or green or potato salad. Cranberries are available upon request. 244 Thain Rd., Lewiston; (208) 743-8883
Chaparrito Fries Burrito Taqueria Chaparrito, Pullman
French fries or a burrito? You can have both with the Chaparrito Fries Burrito at Taqueria Chaparrito. The authentic Mexican burrito comes with beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and crinkle cut fries netted in a tortilla that can barely contain its caloric bounty ($10.26). 231 E. Main St., Pullman; (509) 332-4463
Effie Burger Effie’s Tavern, Lewiston
At some point in your life you may require a hamburger as big as a birthday cake. When that time comes, Effie’s Tavern has your back. The 8-inch round burger ($10.75) comes with American or Swiss cheese, pickles, lettuce and mayo. It could feed a small family or one ravenous individual. If it’s not enough, which apparently it was not, the New Effie comes bulked up with grilled onions, mushrooms and ham ($18.50). 1120 Main St., Lewiston; (208) 746-1889
