I have been working, not living, in Albert Lea for almost a year. I commute about 30-plus miles every day, and I hate giving up even one moment of sleep. I will lie in bed until the absolute last second I can without being late for work. There is no time for error. God help me if I didn’t lay out my clothes the night before or if I ran out of toothpaste! So obviously there is no time to pack a lunch. Therefore I eat somewhere in town every day.

At first I started with the obvious fast food choices, but after a month or two of that, I could barely fit my rear in my chair at work. I had to figure out a different plan. Trust me. That plan did not include getting up any earlier and making myself something to bring to work. Oh and the plan also did not include anything that was much healthier. Like others, I’m sure, I have that thought that if you didn’t get it from a drive-through it is much better for you.

Anyway, I started to seek out locally owned establishments. And before I knew it, I was hooked on local fare. Holy cow, this town has some good eats! In Albert Lea, I have found the best slice of pizza you ever did devour, the most comforting homemade chicken noodle soup in the history of Freeborn County, the cheesiest enchilada I’ve never regretted eating, a pancake I wanted to take a nap on, a gorgeous greasy burger with a fried egg on it, and a plethora of other hometown favorites.

The citizens of Albert Lea have some fantastic neighborhood cuisine. Yes, of course, commercial establishments have their place, but nothing beats a meal made from an old family recipe. Thanks, Albert Lea restaurant owners, for keeping me well fed for the last 11 months. I owe my future heart attack to you. You all hold a special place in each of my valves.

Ann Staloch

Waseca