Daily Dirt: From the standpoint of an equal opportunity eater, bring on those milkshakes

Yes, it’s still winter, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ice cream treats such as  … say, milkshakes … Welcome to today’s three thoughts and Vol. 218 of The Daily Dirt.

1. Quincy may be isolated from the rest of the world in some ways, but in terms of finding a quality milkshake there should be complaints. Some of the world’s best are available at a number of local establishments.

Here’s my top choices:

Gold medal: Steak ‘n Shake serves up some great frozen treats, led by its milk shakes. At least one national study of such things places Steak ‘n Shake atop the U.S. rankings. More than 20 flavors are normally available, and there is not a weak link among them.

Silver medal: The bad news: Arby’s does not nearly have the overall number of selections that Steak ‘n Shake does. The good news: Arby’s jamocha flavor is the No. 1 overall individual flavor at any fast-food establishment.

Bronze medal: Sonic is often overlooked when it comes to shakes, but the assortment and overall thickness of its entries earns it a podium finish. 

2. McDonald’s receives a lot of complaints these days, but one area that is hard to find fault with the Golden Arches about is the breakfast menu.

What I can complain about is that breakfast is no longer offered all day and evening, but we’ll save that for another day. My favorite McDonald’s breakfast items:

The big breakfast (that doesn’t have pancakes): My favorite bite from this meal combines part of the scrambled egg and sausage patty. The strawberry jelly atop the otherwise naked McMuffin often provides a culinary exlamation point.

Sausage McMuffin with egg: The first bite of these is often the palate’s equivalent of Fourth of July fireworks. fireworks 

Hash browns: Simple, immediate impact for the taste buds and about four bites needed to down both of them. 

Egg McMuffin: An old friend that is always welcome before 9 a.m.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit: When I’m not in the mood for any sort of sausage patty.

3. My five favorite male singers of all time (who are not named Rod Stewart):

1. Al Green: A true soul legend. Favorite song: “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart”.

2. Elton John: I think his earlier material is much better. Favorite song: “Your Song”.

3. Tom Jones: He sounds as good today as he did more than 50 years ago. Favorite song: “It’s Not Unusual”.

4. Andy Williams: If you’re old enough, you remember when her had a weekly TV show on NBC. Favorite song: “Happy Heart”. 

5. Sam Cooke: He influenced so many artists who followed him. Favorite song: “Twistin’ The Night Away”.
Steve Thought O’ The Day — Steve also enjoys a good Croissan’wich from Burger King, an Egg and Cheese Croissanwich from Dunkin’ Donuts and a some of those breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks. He’s an equal opportunity eater.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He has been seen standing outside Quincy’s new Sonic waiting for it to open.