Off The Beaten Plate

Off the Beaten Plate: Menudo at Tres Mexicanos

The Tres Mexicanos menu describes this simply as “Special Mexican Soup.” It’s so special, in fact, that you can only get it on weekends, and not many — if any? — other Mexican restaurants in town serve it. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Peanut Butter Pie at Intorno

This pie has a gooey ribbon of what could be described as peanut butter ganache (if such a thing exists). That's only the first layer. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Angel Food French Toast at Five Bar and Tables

As the name suggests, this is angel food cake battered and cooked on a griddle like French toast. It's served for breakfast, not dessert. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Ama Ebi at Yokohama

Ama ebi from the nigiri sushi menu has the best of both worlds — raw shrimp tails and fried shrimp heads. Eat them all whole. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Cream Cheese Doughnuts at Munchers Bakery

Warning: Munchers Cream Cheese Doughnuts are addictive and should be consumed with caution. To the many Lawrencians who already have fallen prey to their clutches, the Journal-World apologizes for the late warning. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Wellington Kobe Burger at Dempsey’s

Fancy-schmancy beef Wellington transforms into something to eat with your hands on a barstool with a pint of beer and game of trivia. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Chilaquiles at Mexquisito

Just to be clear, this isn't nachos. Eat chilaquiles with a fork and — if you're going for the Mexican-approved method — a fried egg on top. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Flaming Cheese at the Mad Greek

If any food merits being served with a big “opa!” it’s a dish that comes on fire. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: The Murder Burger at Pachamama's

A deep-fried hamburger, with fancy cheese and sauce — the heart-attack-on-a-plate goes gourmet. By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: Spicy Hot Pot with Pig’s Feet at Jade Garden

No. 118, the Spicy Hot Pot with Pig’s Feet and Shrimp, brought to you courtesy of the "authentic" menu at Jade Garden. By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: Chicken and Waffles at the Burger Stand

This isn't the bone-in chicken and waffles a la soul food restaurants, but it's easier to eat. Battered and fried chicken fingers top a crispy round waffle, the whole shebang drizzled with maple syrup. By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: Drive-thru Tamales at Burrito King

Tamales from a drive-thru? Decorated with a mural of a Jayhawk in a sombrero? Until 2 a.m.? Burrito King has that market cornered. By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: Pig in a Blanket at 715

Think “pig in a blanket,” and you most likely think “Oscar Mayer wieners” and “elementary school cafeteria.” How could this kid-favorite land a spot on the lunch menu at an artisan, foodie-approved European bistro? By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: The Retro Cupcake at Billy Vanilly

Unlike its prepackaged, semi-crusty convenience store counterpart, The Retro’s white curlicue frosting actually smears if you stick your finger in it. By Sara Shepherd.

Off the Beaten Plate: Yuca Frita at La Parrilla

Yuca is a key food and income source in many developing countries. Here, it's a novelty you won't find on many menus. By Sara Shepherd

Off the Beaten Plate: Cereal Bar at Java Break

Decisions, decisions — Grape-Nuts with raisins, wheat germ and skim milk? Or Reese’s Puffs with whipped cream, chocolate chips and Oreo cookies? By Sara Shepherd.