 Romney, Bachmann, Santorum and the rest of the '12 class of G.O.P. hopefuls (along with the attendant hordes of media folk) have descended upon Iowa to make pals with the caucusing public over pork products and pancakes. A diner is a fine place for these aspiring candidates to chow down with the hoi polloi, but if they really wanted to show the locals that they're not just flying by, they'd have made right for a Maid-Rite. Since 1926, Iowans have been feasting on the the iconic "loose meat" sandwich, invented by Muscatine, Iowa butcher Fred Angell. Angell began franchising the idea throughout the Hawkeye State under the name "Maid-Rite" after a delivery man he'd drafted to taste his creation purportedly said, "You know, Fred, this sandwich is just made right." And, for the first time in its 78 years of its existence, in 2006 the Marshalltown, Iowa outpost, Taylor's Maid-Rite allowed ketchup to be served on their sandwiches for the first time. Cheese made an incursion in 2007. Loyalists were wounded to the core, calling for boycotts and organizing Facebook groups like "Taylor's Maid-Rite does not care about Tradition..." where sentiments like "Ketchup as we all know is an abomination!" and "I cannot stand institutions that are stand fast on their policies only to change them to appease a few," abounded. The Maid-Rite way fell further into jeopardy when the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals told the Taylor's franchise that it needed to change its signature process for preparing meat, which involved proximity of ground and raw meat, potentially resulting in cross-contamination. While parent company, the Maid Rite Corporation, agreed with the regulation, owner Don Taylor Short said he'd rather close the restaurant than change the way his family had been making the sandwiches for nearly 80 years. According to a spokesperson from the Maid Rite Corporation, the franchise did eventually upgrade its cookers, but in the interim, watchdog publication Food Safety News reports that their business continued to boom because, "Many now stop in at the 'Marshalltown tradition' because they oppose 'government over-regulation.'" Ron Paul? Your table is waiting. |
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I had loose meat a few times. I never called them back.
These things are great! But they don't look anything like the picture. Maid-Rite has tried to cut back on the grease but that is the best part. Now you have to order it "wet" to get the delicious grease and soggy bun. With a frosty mug of Root Beer nothing says traditional food from Muscatine.
...and we want the government to more regulation??????? They hire the least informed people they can to work for too much tax money just to so called regulate. Government regulation....a bad joke
"In close proximity to ground and raw meat potentially resulting in cross-contamination" This is assuming the ground/raw meat is contaminated. If they have done this for 80 years then someone must know how to handle and grind the beef. My grandmother was a chef. She fed me raw meat that she personally inspected and ground. I or anyone else that ate the raw meat did not ever have ill effects. The inspectors don't know a thing about food preparation. They need to close down most of the McDonalds and leave a talented restaurant owner alone. (Maybe they should go to work with the TSAs if they are this paranoid) I would eat there and the next time I am up their way, I will.........
Huh. I make these at home when I'm feeling particularly lazy;we call them scramblurgers and my son loves them better than almost anything. I never knew it was an official Thing.
I vote loosemeat sandwiches
"Loosemeat" is also the nickname we have for your mom
A Maid-Rite with bacon, pickle and mustard. So delish!
Before I moved to Iowa, in Macomb IL these were served at school as "steamburgers" – not the best name and likely seasoned differently, but easy to prepare by the kitchen staff. I liked them and looked forward to them (at 13 years of age) then encountered the real Maid-Rite a few years later – your condiment choices were mustard and pickle relish. Maid-Rite in Muscatine also made the best hand scooped milkshakes I have ever had. Don't know how things are now, but hope there is still some authenticity remaining
Nothing beats Taylor's. I remember Mr Taylor telling people they did not need catsup when they asked. The only way to eat them is with everything (salt, pepper, opion, pickle, and mustard) and a chocolate shake. I will be stopping on my way by next week. The fun part is you may not get to sit mext to the people you are with if it is busy so you might meet someone new.
To all of you saying it looks plain, that's the beauty if it. Food does not have to be gourmet (aka too much garlic and overpriced). You get to taste the food, not the sauces and spices used to cover up the cheap cut of meat and inflate the price.
I have lived in Marshalltown for 23 years, not quite half of my life. I was born and raised in Ottumwa Iowa and the Canteen Lunch in the Alley is the best loose meat sandwich on the planet. Both diners are institutions in their respective cities. The other little secret about the Canteen sandwiches is they are almost twice the size of the Maid Rites and maybe a few cents cheaper in price. To the jealous Texans who have to brag about 14 hour BBQ processing, go to Kansas city where they actually know how to BBQ.
This "loose meat" mess looks really boring. I was born in Iowa but moved with family when I was about 4 or 5. I cook a lot of Italian and a lot of other types of food. I would never serve something like this.
I have to admit the photo in this story is about as unappetizing as all the political survey calls we have been getting for the last couple of months here in Iowa. The photo of that Maid Rite looks more like card board than food. Trust me, a Canteen sandwich is a very good meal. Maid Rite's are second place but still better than the photo looks.
Grew up near Ottumwa and Canteen Burgers are a must have when I go home to visit my parents. One with extra everything, then a reorder. Bonus if you are there during a "grease out!"
The loose meat sandwich. . . a perfect example of northern life: plain ground hamburger with salt & pepper on a bun! Here in Texas we slow cook spice-rubbed brisket for 14 hours over hickory, chop it, put it on a bun & serve it with spicy BBQ sauce, onions, jalapenos, etc. The sandwich analogy applies to the difference in the women, also.
If you had good meat like we do in the midwest, it wouldn't take 14 hours to get tender, much like your women.
Actually, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. Also, cook with a ton of white onion. Why would you bash something you never tried?
I've tried them. They're actually pretty good with a lot of hot sauce. I still will take a bbq brisket sandwich over them anyday.
Step 5:
Then mate with your cousin and her goat while you wait.
May I just say...
those of you judging the looks of this sandwich and how tasty it would or would not be by looking at the picture posted, that is not a Maid-Rite. I have never in my life seen a Maid-Rite with a perfectly formed bun and meat somehow magically held within the confines of said bun.
A Maid-Rite is so disgustingly smothered by grease and juices in the beef the bun is soggy and mis-shappen, this my friends is where the deliciousness come from. Yes I said it is delicious after having said it is disgustingly smothered...
For you trolls...no I am not a fat slob who eats many meals a week at Maid Rite, one Cheese-Rite with mustard, ketchup, and pickles every couple of months is good enough for me...and it is always a completely greasy mess eaten with the plastic spoon it is served with.
Yeah, I can't believe that people are commenting on the taste from looking at the picture. Apparently, Microsoft has come up with some sort of browser plug-in that I'm not aware of that allows flavors to be transmitted over the internet.
"Loose meat". Is that what they call these GOP clowns out there?
"Loose cannons" might be better.
.
I'm from Cedar Rapids, and I absolutely love maidrites..delicious!!
Jon–Sweet corn is not used in ethanol.
That looks disgusting.
I don't get it, what's the difference between this and a Nu-Way?
Nice to know that even traditions that have nothing to do with politics, bring out the haters. I was born and raised in western/central Illinois, otherwise known as the Quad Cities, and grew up on Maid Rites. It was a treat when the family would go there. Onion Rings, a Cheese Rite and a rootbeer. My uncle who lives in Oklahoma always stops at the Maid Rite when he comes into town, and before my father died, he and my mother would eat there as soon as they entered Moline on their trip back from Florida.
As for those of you that think it's gross, don't eat it, and quit marrying food to politics. Iowa and or Illinois is no worse a state than any other in the Union, and realize that your snotty 2 cents have depreciated over the years.
Thought that was just in Roseanne, who knew? As gross as it looks I'm sure it's better than Primanti's sammiches, the most overrated peices of crap on this planet.
Educate me on these things... is it like a sloppy-joe, but with no sauce? How does the meat stay in place without the sauce? I'm mad at myself for remembering this, but there was a season or two of that show "Roseanne" where they ran a loose-meat sandwich place. Just a little bit of fun, loose-meat sandwich trivia.
is it like a sloppy-joe, but with no sauce?
Basically, yes. The meat is seasoned when cooked.
How does the meat stay in place without the sauce?
It doesn't. They are a bit messy to eat.
Maid-rites are served with a spoon on the side. A good sandwich is juicy so smashing the sandwich a bit with your hand helps; but it does take both hands to eat. The non-trademarked sandwich is called a beefburger. It had to be described as loose meat to not be confused with a burger patty.
It wasn't just a scene or two on Rosanne, it was a season or two. And why are you ashamed to remember that? Funny show. Looks like a sloppy joe without the sauce to me, and looks yummy. Wish we had them where I live.
cooked with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. I add a large white onion to mine. This meat is also great on a salad. You really would not believe how good they are. I am from Iowa and my health nut California husband LOVES this. Hence how I learned it is also good on a salad!
Only one reply was relevant to this article, it was from the person who posted the actual recipie... Good for you.
Anyway we used to have Lum's restaurants in South Florida oh 40 years ago and they had Lumburgers, they were like loose meat sandwiches, never could find a recipie for those sandwiches we loved soooo much.
I thought a 'loose-meat sandwich' was some kind of s e x act.
Since you did not post a recipe as well does that mean your comment is not relevant to the article as well? ;)
I grew up on these in Southern Illinois. If someone can tell me which franchise ships, I would be in hog heaven!
Check either of the Maid-Rite websites linked to in this article. They ship.
I know the Maid-Rite in Marshalltown Iowa ships. It's called Taylors Maid-Rite. http://maidrite.com/
A loose meat sandwich....ha!
You Americans have such undeveloped and unsophisticated tastes...
It looks gross to this particular American.
Ground hamburger is gross to you? I'm sorry...
Good grief. Sophisticated taste??? Try it before you scoff please.
Meant to say "Unsophisticated taste?" Sophisticated is in the eye/ scent/ taste of the beholder, taster, etc. Your "sophistication", dare I say, snobbish tendencies are showing.
Never heard of it. Up 'til now, a loose meat sandwich just described my ex on a Saturday night.
... Pamela Anderson
Bada-bing!
I'm just kidding here. I love my ex; but then again - who hasn't?
Almost two hundred comments on an article about a pile of scrambled hamburger on a bun? It MUST BE a slow news day, and an even slower work day for all the people reading and writing about this crap idea of a sandwich (and I know, I'm contributing to the lunacy). I gotta hope Iowa has something better to offer that a) the caucuses or b) the maid-rite.
meh...
I came on here thinking it was too good a setup for a joke to resist, but then I saw that people were waxing lyrical about ground meat on a white bun. Weird.
I absolutely love Maid Rites and try and stop every time we go through that way. My wife doesn't understand it. I have lived all over and this stacks right up there with other Regional delicacies I love including – Philly Cheesesteaks, KC BBQ, North Carolina BBQ (vinegar based)!
As with most regional sandwiches of this sort, taste is only part of their popularity. Almost all of these types of fare can be improved in flavor one way or another by varying how they are made (Philly Cheesesteak is a perfect example). Tradition is what keeps them unchanging, not intrinsic flavor.
Be afraid of Rick Santorum. Be very, very afraid.
You are so right. He will have us in Iran in no time. Yes, be very afraid.
We have better Maid-Rites in Greenville, Ohio than Iowa would ever think of. And no ketchup allowed.
What's the deal with no ketchup allowed?
That I can answer in one word: TRADITION!
And without our traditions we would be like... like... a fiddler on a roof.
@Linda – I visited Greenville a few years ago, and had the pleasure of eating my first Maid-Rite sandwich at the shop near the Annie Oakley museum. Awesome sandwich, wish we had them here in CA!
In Detroit we put coney island chili over loose hamburger on a hot dog bun, add onions and mustard – loose coney; nothing better
As far as I can tell, Maid Rite is a central and eastern Iowa thing (but that's where most of the population is, too). In northwest Iowa, we had "taverns," which are similar, but with a completely different "sauce" (ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, brown sugar, water). I believe Bob's Drive In in LeMars is credited with inventing those. Taste buds must be regional, because I much prefer a tavern to a Maid Rite!
I'm from Marshalltown and LOVE Taylor's Maid Rite! I was in the Navy and always looked forward to coming home to have a few Maid Rite's with my family! It's a great tradition with great food!
I'm proud to have been born and raised in Iowa!! :-)
Proud of what? Cooked hamburger with nothing but a bun? Sounds lazy to me.
Proud of close minded bigots whose only mission is to reproduce?
Iowa – I couldn't even find on a map.
Not surprising a mouth breather like you couldn't find Iowa on a map. Get out of your mom's basement once in a while and see what the world has to offer.
Sweeping, if not blatantly incorrect generalization.
You sir, are a closed minded bigot.
Oh Joe you are showing your ignorance with comments like that. You need to get out more.
It's not just cooked hamburger any more than KFC is just fried chicken. It's got secret herbs and spices.
It's not just crumbled hamburger on a bun. It's got secret herbs and spices.
After yesterday, Iowa will be forever associated with Rick Santorum. You need to google 'Santorum' if you haven't already.
Mr. Santorum's association with Iowa will be fleeting. But Maid-Rites are getting on 100 years old.
How can you be proud of something you did not achieve?
You have plenty to be proud of Cindy! I am from Minnesota and I know personally how great Iowa is!
How's everything in Minnesota these days? I understand Marcus Bachmann is still trying to pray away his own gay.
Bring out the "anti-republican/we have better cuisine then the midwest" comments. As California born and bred, and having lived in Sacramento for the past 11 years, I only have to say I wish Sacramento had a sandwich or food stuff similar to this. (Before anyone makes a dumb personal comment, I am in great shape and coach youth basketball and volleyball ). Before we get high and mighty, Sacramento was voted only second to Detroit as worst food in America.
And, being stuck at night shift and about to go on break, that picture is looking pretty appetizing
Sorry about your prediciment. Having to live in Calfornia is punishment enought. What you guys reallty need is a good New York Deli to set up shop. That crap they serve in Iowa is only to get rid of the hog meat they have so much of. A better choice would have been the Iowa Skinny, a batter and fried pork cutlet on a hamburger bun with lettuce, mustard and dill pickle slices. Not to be too self serving you can find the recipe in my cookbook on Amazon, Help- I Gotta Cook!
Dayum, that sounds goood!
"Coach youth volleyball and basketball"??? Sure I've never seena fat coach!!! You may as well have said: "Kid toucher".
BTW loose meat sandwich = Sloppy Joe. No real news here. Move along.
Not so, Bo Bo. A loose meat sandwich has no trace of the tomatoey sauce that permeates a sloppy joe.
Yep, cause everyone who works with kids are child touchers. And with a handle like "BOBO," you sound like someone who is in great shape as well. I would respond with my height and measurements, but you wouldn't believe me and namecall me again, so have a good day, and go occupy your mom's basement
I can hear the arteries in Iowa hardening from here.
While it is probably best not to base your diet around Maid-Rites, an overall-heathy person can have one every now and then.
A WOMEN NOT COUGAR NEVER TELLS EVERYTHING OR THERES NO MYSTERY & THAT INCLUDES RECEPIES! WITH THAT BEING SAID THE ABOVE GENERALLIZED TOPICS SHOULD STATE YOU TEND TO YOUR BUSSINESS NEIGHBOR AND ILL SEE TO MINE! MUCH ABLIGED.
Wow, I don't know what your post has to do with anything, but you should learn how to spell.
Copy Cat Maid-Rites
Those of you with recipes that call for ketchup in the recipe have got a FAKE recipe. Maid-Rite has NEVER added ketchup to their meat for their classic burger while cooking it. The secret is twice-ground ground beef (probably the cheapest you can find – it is often told that the beef has other things ground into it, such as kidneys and hearts). The meat is very, very fine.
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, twice ground
1 medium onion, minced
1 can chicken broth
Salt and pepper
Crumble meat in a skillet over medium heat, then add onion. Brown meat and cook until onion begins to turn clear. Drain off fat. Meat should be very crumbly. Add broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid evaporates. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve on buns with slices of dill pickle. Add mustard, if desired.
Almost like a spoonburger. Substitute a can of chicken gumbo soup for the broth and it's a done deal. Lots of spoonburger recipes call for added ketchup and mustard. No thanks. Keep it simple.
I grew up close to Marshalltown, Iowa and often ate with my family at Taylor's Maid Rite, in Marshalltown. Loved the sandwiches with NO SEASONING in the meat. I remember the stools at the counter, the huge map of the world on the wall . Wonder if it's still there?! Glad the place is still open. Sandwiches are NOT DRY, moist and tender meat! One Maid Rite please, with a Coke. Well, Diet Coke now!
Lori, it is still all the same, nothing changed from the bar stool's to the map on the wall
thanks Kae! I have great memories of Taylors Maid Rite! It's the best.
Yuck.... meat is murder, and it will kill you too.
Look PETA boy, I'm a vegan as well but the "murder" reference is stupid. It's called a food chain. If those cows aren't food for us it will be food for something else. Get off the moral high horse.
If it weren't for us eating them, they would not be running wild, nor will other animals eat them. They simply would not be born
Cows aren't people. It's not murder. I wish there was a cure for stupid so you could understand.
Sniff my bung hole.
Not eating meat will kill you faster.
kevin: i have been avoiding meat for about 33 years. it hasn't harmed me
I've been eating meat for much lnger than that and it hasn't harmed me either. Your point?
Those cows would kill you given half a chance. Pure evil, but fantastic over hot coals with some A-1.
And if it is a good steak you won't even need the A-1, just salt and pepper.
...tasty, tasty murder.
Remember, this article is about Iowa. And, in Iowa, a vegitarian is someone who only eats corn-fed beef.
Do you know what IOWA stands for –I ouighta went around–
next time stop by for a spelling lesson.
Oh Jay your ignorance is showing.
Lol. No wonder Middle America is worried about its Middle.
Protein does not contribute to weight gain. It's the fries/chips, white-flour bun and soda or shake that do it.
No, but animal protein and fat contribute to our record cancer and atherosclerotic rates. Read the China Study and stop drinking the FDA and the meat and dairy council Koolaid.
China and Japan have their own health issues related to their diets so any China study isn't revealing the whole truth necessarily. Japanese and Chinese are thinner but they suffer high blood pressure and stroke a lot more than we do because of the high sodium content in their diets. MSG is still used and it has taken a toll on them. I lived in Japan and heard it from locals my husband worked with.
I prefer that French study myself.
Just in: An xray of Jerry's brain looks just like a Maid-Rite sandwich!
Nothing beats the Philly cheesesteak.
A good experience... unless you're unfortunate enough to be in Philly at the time.
Think sloppy joe without the sauce...kind of dry
Jerry, you have proved yourself and the results are not good.
Marshalltown Maid-Rites are the best with a milk shake. Everyone must try at least one and they will be hooked for life.
Never
The loose meat sandwich. . . a perfect example of northern life: plain ground hamburger with salt & pepper on a bun! Here in Texas we slow cook spice-rubbed brisket for 14 hours over hickory, chop it, put it on a bun & serve it with spicy BBQ sauce, onions, jalapenos, etc. The sandwich analogy applies to the difference in the women, also.
What are you saying Tim? That Iowa women are excellent just plain, while Texas women take hours of prep and require tons of garnishment to be presentable? That's not nice.
Just funnin' ya – I couldn't resist!
Toushe. . . very clever.
Actually, if you are in TX cooking beef you are probably using mesquite, not hickory. Thanks for coming out though.
Depends on what part of Texas you are from. If you live in North Texas, you probably smoke with pecan, maybe hickory.
This is because the Iowa farmers keep the best cuts, those which require only a bit of salt and pepper, for themselves and send the cheap stuff which requires hours of cooking and heavy seasoning to Texas.
It's like they said, a sloppy without the sauce. They're OK. Much better, I had awesome pulled pork sandwiches at an American Legion wedding reception in Iowa City, and ate raw sweet corn at an Iowa farm, straight of the stalk but it melted in your mouth. There's good food everywhere if chose to experience.
The sweeter a corn hybrid is, the shorter its shelf life. So, the best, the sweetest, the most amazing corn hybrids are only available at the farm stands in Iowa. The farmers there plant a few rows just to sell at their farm stands. This corn needs to be eaten very quickly. It is a wonderful treat. No butter is required... just a pot of boiling water and a bit of salt.
Didn't you know tht the only way to prepare sweet corn is to get a big pot of water boiling, run to the field, pick the corn, and make a mad run to get it into the boiling water???????? If you trip and fall in the field, you've gotta start over 'cause the corn's too old...........
Love the sandwich but quit using the word iconic!! Everything is now iconic.
(def. #2 applies)
i·con (kn)
n.
1. also i·kon (kn)
a. An image; a representation.
b. A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian personage, traditionally used and venerated in the Eastern Church.
2. An important and enduring symbol: "Voyager will take its place ... alongside such icons of airborne adventure as The Spirit of St. Louis and [the] Bell X-1" (William D. Marbach).
3. One who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol: "He is ... a pop icon designed and manufactured for the video generation" (Harry F. Waters).
4. Computer Science A picture on a screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
iconic [aɪˈkɒnɪk], iconical (def #1 applies)
adj
1. relating to, resembling, or having the character of an icon
2. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) (of memorial sculptures, esp those depicting athletes of ancient Greece) having a fixed conventional style
this sandwich tastes just as bad as it sounds.
If you voted for Barry Obama in 2008 to prove you were not a racist, vote for someone else (anyone) in 2012 to prove you are not an idiot!!
He will have a second term with the whack-a-mole lineup the right has. Get used to it.
Dover, we can only hope.
I suspect that Mr. Dover is correct. President Obama will be re-elected not because he deserves a second term but because the GOP has utterly failed to produce a viable candidate.
I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot!
I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot!
I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot!
I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm an idiot!
You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot!
You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot!
You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot!
You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot! You're an idiot!
I've crossed Iowa twice in RAGBRAI, stopping to eat in about 30 small towns plus Des Moines. Tried so-called Indian tacos, met Mr. Pork Chop, skipped by Pastafari, fattened up on about 10 local church suppers, occasionally cruised into designated lunch towns in time for pie, witnessed Chicken Pool Bingo (it is what it reads like), had Farmboys breakfast burritos, quite a few pancakes, could have eaten pork at every stop, downed one afternoon smoothie after another, paid $2/bottle for the crappiest bottled water in North America a few times ... the list grows...but I never saw anything that anyone identified as a maid-rite sandwiich. Probably did have a loose meat sandwich somewhere, but if I did, it was apparently forgettable. What struck me strongest about RAGBRAI food is two things: always served with a smile, and a vegetarian would starve there.
Oops...that's chicken poop bingo, not pool.
What struck me strongest about all IOWA food in the ten-years I lived there is two things: always served with a smile, and a vegetarian would starve there.
From Maid-Rite's website, the "nutrition" in one sandwich:
Calories 415
Total Fat 19 grams
Saturated Fat 7 grams
Cholesterol 90 m-grams
Carbohydrates 27 grams
Sodium 1160 m-grams
Protein 31 grams
Sugars 5.1 grams
Yeah, ok, I won't be trying one anytime soon. You can make up your own mind.
That is the nutrition for the corporate sandwiches. Taylor's uses no seasoning, just salts the freshly cooked ground beef as the sandwich is made. sandy taylor short
That's not helping your case, Sandy. That's a heart attack on a bun. Gross.
NyteShayde & Stephen, if you are in general good health, eating one of these will not give you a heart attack or jack up your cholesterol significantly.
It's probably best not to base your diet around Maid-Rites, but an overall heathy person can have one every now and then.
I presume that "loose meat sandwiches" are an example of creativity and brilliance in Iowa. Pathetic!
Good job, if you can't think of anything intelligent to comment, just insult and show your ignorance.
Been to Iowa, Dennis. He's pretty spot on. Three spices in the midwest and northeast. Salt, pepper, and ketchup...except at Maid Rite because they're unique you know. No wait...ICONIC
You must be unaware of the Iowa Basic Skills test that was the original standardized test for school children. It has now been bought out by a big corporation and sold for use throughout the states. Iowa has the highest education standards in the nation and produces extremely intelligent citizens. I'd put my Iowa education up against yours any day any time any place. You proved your ignorance when you assumed something about Iowans.
Maid-Rite can't hold a candle to the Canteen in Ottumwa!
Ah yes, glad to see Maid-Rite was mentioned. Found them when going through Iowa on frequent trips between Chicago and Denver. Moved here, and was glad to see there was a Maid-Rite in Loveland (NOT the MadeRite knockoff in downtown Loveland, which is still there). AND THEN THE DIRTY RATS CLOSED IT DOWN!!!! -lol- grrrrrrrrrrr. Kind of a fur piece to drive to Iowa for one of these... but will always stop on my way through.
There's one in Centennial, CO! And it's the real thing...
Go to Mason City to get a couple, plus a chocolate shake, then visit the newly restored Frank Lloyd Wright hotel on the town square. http://wrightonthepark.org/ They serve the Maid-Rites with a spoon. That's all – a spoon. It's for scooping up the crumbles that fall out when eating the sandwich. Yum!
I thought Roseanne invented loose meat sandwiches.
Nah – she just invented the perpetually LOOSE MOUTH.
As a former Iowan, I have tried Maid-Rites and was never a fan. I knew a few people who liked it, but more people I know prefer Sloppy Joes over Maid-Rites.
Kinda like the Philly Cheesteak. Looks like it could use some Whiz.
Maid rite has been in my home town forever... at least since the 1930s. It's all about the little onions and their perfectly mixed ketchup and mustard. It's one of those things that is so simple but impossible to duplicate.
Come to my house in Virginia – been tweaking and making Maid Rites for 50 years and people just keep coming back for more – w/mustard, onion and pickles!!!!! Can't be beat except in Davenport!!!!!
Man looks like someone was to poor to afford the manwich/tomato sauce for that unsloppy joe
These sandwiches are tasteless, over-hyped, and the worst excuse for a sandwich I've ever tasted, until I had a chicken burger in Bedford, Nova Scotia – same thing – only with tasteless ground-up chicken.
Loose meat, loose women and a loose ass, is one of my top things in life!!
I remember the Roseanne episode when they opened their diner and tried to mimic the Iowa loose meat sandwich.
Roseanne and her husband, at the time, Tom Arnold really did open up a diner place in Iowa with loose meat sandwiches. If memory serves me correct, it lasted a year or so than they split.
I just commented that myself but it was a whole season they owned the diner. Martin Mull, Sandra Bernhard. I never knew the sandwiches were akin to a Sloppy Joe until now. I'm a vegetarian so I don't pay too much attention to a meat sandwich..
My parents grew up in Iowa and used to rave about Maid Rites. I remember having one the first time when we went back to visit and I wondered what the big deal was all about. They're not my thing but I'm glad to see the tradition has lasted this long and people still love them.
There's nothing like watching a pasty-white, 500lb Iowa blob-woman, with her mutant offspring and inbred-redneck husband, stuffing sacks of these into their faces like it's their last meal . .
Maybe a nice shake to wash it all down?
A Norman Rockwell picture...in oils.
Oh HeryDerpy your ignorance is showing.
loose meat and loose women, are my favourite too!!!!!!!
Fantastic! You're an intellectual, correct?
?
!
:
The best sandwich in the WORLD
I live in Indiana. My family's been known to travel 400 miles into Iowa for maid-rites.
They are absolutely DELICIOUS.
Thanks for doing your part for both the environment, and population control . .
Have another pinot grigio / lemon grass slurpy and teach us how to be better Americans. Make sure you put on your turtle-neck and crank your George Michaels cd to ten to get the right attitude. We look forward to your words of wisdom.
....probably carries granola in his man-pouch/purse. Prissy arrogant Occupier go away.
This is the sort of deeply insightful news reporting that the current media stars are good at. Reporting randon information thet someone tells them. Everyone is entitled to a local favorite – cheesesteak, hoagie, deep dish, whatever. While the county is torn apart by policians telling the public whatever they think will get them elected. When I see one of theseserioue journalists ask Ron Paul if his view of property rights means that all industry needs to make sure that all air – air being public property – cannot be contaminated by any commercial enterprise. And the defense of public property against commerical interests despoiling it for their profit is an important goverenemt function.
Just another lame-ass Iowa tradition. Can't even do a freakin' burger or a sloppy joe right. Why in the hell do we let a backward-ass country f**k of a state that is about 30 years in the past dictate who the frontrunners will be in the next presidential election? Screw the red states, the two coasts should secede and form an educated, forward thinking nation.
Yep, with such great laws as free needles for drug users so they won't risk chance of HIV and Hepatitis, and blaming Mcdonalds happy meal toys for obesity ( as opposed to parents ), its those damn cornshuckers who are backward. Get over yourself. I have lived in Sacramento for 11 years, and the food here is terrible.
You are a prime example as to why the tough decisions are left to Iowans instead of West coast idiots.
Please note for future reference: IOWA IS NOT A RED STATE!!!
Iowa has gone Democratic in 5 of the last 6 presidential elections. It's been center-left leaning since the mid-80s. They even voted for Dukakis in '88 - not even California did that! Just because the Republican caucus is the one in the news right now, doesn't mean the entire state is Republican. (Iowa did go for Obama in 2008 if you're wondering.)
Overall, Iowa is one of the more progressive states in the Midwest (not as consistently liberal as Minnesota, but nowhere near as conservative as Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska). The ultraconservative faction that comes out for at Republican caucus time might be loud, but they're a very small minority of the population. Most Iowans just ignore the crazies, go about their lives, and are glad when the politicians pull out.
Don't forget, the gov and lt gov did not always run as a ticket. I remember many time the gov was a repub and the lt gov was a democrat. Everyone made sure they worked together and compromised for the greater good of all.
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Nice. but does she eat maid-rites?
I'll get right on that!
@readers:disqus my best friend's mother-in-law makes $95 every hour on the internet. last month her pay was $8370 just working on the internet for a few hours.Follow the instructions at Online Income solution and set up your account.. http://goo.gl/XLH8T
She must suckalotofdick.
Hunter S. Thompson had a phrase that was quite apropos for this particular culinary queerness – "savage and unnatural". I lived in Iowa for 3 years, splitting my time between Grinnell and Pella, and personally gave loose meat an honest appraisal. Mealy, bland, a PITA to eat. I finally brought a bag of sliced jalapenos to the Maid Rite to spice up the product and had codgers tell me if I didn't like it as it I should not come back. I took their advice to heart.
Those codgers all have appointments to get hair-up-their-a$$-ectomies. Did they put ketchup on their fries? Sugar in their tea? Cream in their coffee? Cra ckers in their soup? If the answer to any of those questions was yes, then they don't have a leg to stand on with your embellishment. However, FWIW, I wouldn't have gone back either.
No sh it, did they really tell you that. The photo looks like a manwich without the sauce. Bland indeed.
I wasn't aware that the Internet can now transmit flavors?
You're presuming to judge how something tastes by looking at a picture? Get out!
You can order Taylor's Maid-Rites online.....www.maidrite.com We will ship anywhere in the USA.....83 years, must be doing something right!!!
You probably sleep with your sister.
Mebbe so, but he nails your mother.
Gross. Keep killing those animals so you can get fatter and more unhealthy. Leave it up to Republicans to buy right into anything that kills the environment and people too!
I'm guessing that your skin tone is Charmin quilted. Maybe Scott's two ply; but that seems too generic for a high maintenance house cat like yourself. Try some sun, maybe a little chicken broth, go slow...don't overdo it at first.
Pretty soon those cows and birds that you relish so much will taste better with the right relish.
EAT THE COWS BEFORE THEY RISE UP, FORM UNIONS, AND EAT US!!
Typical conservatoid . . afraid of cows taking your job .
moo
lol you are awesome!
Yep, Jim....no fat Democrats out there. Not a republican, but get over it. Moderation, and all that junk.
If you want to lessen meat consumption, make meat eaters take personal responsibility for the death of the animals they eat. If you can look babmi in the eyes before you brain it, cut its throat, and gut it, then you've earned the privilege of eating it. Until then, graze, biotch!
This would not lower meat consumption in the state of Iowa significantly. Many rural Iowa families already regularly do this (or at least have raised some of the meat they're eating - not everyone is set up with the appropriate tools for butchering a full cow and leave that part to a local butcher shop.) Most 4-H kids are fully aware of the fate of the animal they're raising.
The Maid-Rite probably does taste good, but after hearing how it's made, it just sounds like a poor man's Sloppy Joe. I'd much rather have a Juicy Lucy.
Ok, so I'll "bite".... what's a Juicy Lucy?
When you bite into it is screams: "RRRRRRICKYYYYYY!"
And I'd much rather have a juicy quim.
I knew there was something missing down here in the south. I miss the good food in Iowa.
you are in need of serious help if you think the food in Iowa is better than in the South.
Don't know where in the South you live – but if you can get any kind of ribs or pulled pork, how in the world can you miss Maid-Rites?
I have lived in a lot of states and other countries and tried a lot of different foods, but there is nothing better than this sandwich! You have to taste it. Your mouth melts! The only thing better is riding your horse across 700 acres of flat Iowa farmland on a cold Saturday afternoon with your dog at your side and just hearing that the Iowa Hawkeyes won their football game. You have to live there to understand what I just said.
and the corn as far as you can see. and the deer in your back yard. the brooks full of trout. the friendly people
Wow...that must be really challenging, since Iowa is only like, 200 miles wide!
dude! Why the freak did you move back to Texas then?! I live in San Antonio, b/c spouse is military, and I'd NEVER choose to live in Texas
I'm a transplant to the midwest from TX (the 'coldtexan' is due to the climate, not my heart). MAID-RITE rocks! Basic ingredients, basic cooking procedures, and 80+ years of tradition make an incredible sandwich.
I look forward to the day my grandkids can share a few dozen maid-rites with me.
Mmmmmm . . Fatten those little mid-western dough-balls up . . Turn them into the fat little americans with plugged arteries and fat-asses that they're destined to be!!
There is a Maid-Rite in Arlington, Tx. Opened a couple of years ago. Still haven't made it there to see if it's the same.
Maybe you'll see Hank Hill there?
There's a franchise location in Arlington. Did you know that?
Just because a loose meat sandwich was made and is a tradtion in Iowa doesn't mean it is something to knock. If it was made in the East, all the posters and media would think it's an American Classic. Tired of people knocking things if it is something foreign to their liking or not from either Coasts. Philly Cheese Steaks are made with gooet fake Cheez Whiz.It;s not even cheese!! Why don't we knock that?? Iowa ya did good!! .
This is just ground meat on a hamburger bun...whoooo whoooo. I am with you on the Philly cheese-steaks though. The west coast perfected them with melted provolone.
u jelly?
They are even better with bacon grease and raisins. Yummy!
Enjoy your heart attack Iowans...
Dried up old meat and politicians are the same thing.
Iowa is about as "main stream USA" as the ghettos of Las Angeles. So sad the candidates act like $20 whores pandering to a state such as Iowa. It's not who can run USA best, but who smooches butt best. So Sad.
"Smooching"? Whatever happened to feltching?
I'm loose meat!
Yes, that's what the word on the street is...
More like loose stool.
And I'm a tube steak, baby.
Uuuuum.... dry ground meat on a bun. Sounds as gross and it looks. Good job, Iowa!
I'm originally from Illinois and I can tell you – IT IS GROSS! I think they are just too lazy to form a hamburger patty.
lol .. since you think it's dry meat, you've never had one and as such are full of cr@p ...
And you obviously eat same . .
Boycotting something because it offers something to someone that you might not want, because it is your tradition, though it may not be theirs... is stupid. They'd boycott someone for serving people the way they wish to be served, while they can still be served the way they wish. Everyone should be free to have food the way they wish... as long as it's only the way I've only ever had it, and anything else is an abomination! What a bunch of maroons.
what are maroons? Is that short for maca-roons?
Not a Bugs Bunny fan.
Agree and HeryDerpy is the maroonist of all maroons.
I guess it is an Iowa tradition to be fat and unhealthy?
Why of course, it's the American way of life now!
If only I could free my fat @ss from this chair then I would kick both your unpatriotic butts.
Do not confuse a sloppy joe and a maidrite. No sauce in a maidrite.
My dad was stationed at Souix City Air Station in the early 60's and I went to 1st thru 3rd grade there. I remember the cafeteria serving loose meat sandwiches, and I loved them. Lots of yellow mustard and pickles.
Hey, I love Sloppy Joes! In fact, I could go for one right now!
If it comes to Iowa I personal love the blue cheese from Maytag and especially the Chocolate from Chocolaterie Stam even more. Great and indeed 'nice' state
I saw the words "loose meat" and thought it was another story about Anthony Weiner.
No, that would be about the women he was chasing
Sounded more like the eight clown candidates to me.
Having grown up back there ,This is more about loose stools.Good old mom!
Maid-Rites are awesome! And you don't have to be a GOP member to love them–I'm anything but that. Cheese-Rites with a frosty mug of root beer are awesome. I grew up on them in Muscatine (besides my family, Maid-Rite is about all I miss about Iowa). Don't knock it 'til you've tried one!
Keep it out of Wisconsin! We have enough weight problems with cheese and Brat Wurst.
Agreed I miss Maid-Rites and Sterzings Potato Chips from Burlington.
I have heard the Canteen in Ottumwa, IA was actually around before Maid-Rite, making the best loose meat sandwiches in Iowa.
I agree with your comment on the 'Canteen'. I was twelve years old in 1966 and delivered newspapers for the Ottumwa Courier. On most Saturday's I'd stop by the Canteen and eat one of these delicious sandwiches before picking up the papers for delivery. I think it cost a quarter.
isnt that a sloppy joe...ive eaten that in PA, MD, NJ, CA, etc.....
Alex- can't you read or do you just decide to comment on articles without reading them. "often described as being akin to a sloppy joe, minus the sauce."
And they say they like the sandwich better than government regulations. With all the things you can get today because of unsanitary conditions I think those from Iowa have to be coo coo not to want the raw meat separated from the cooked. What bunch of idiots.
Don't believe in reading articles before commenting?
That's one of the more unappetizing sandwiches I've seen in quite a while. Perfect for a GOP function, which is also one of the more unappetizing things around.
Don't knock it till you try it.
Hey STD...sorry your a loser. These sandwiches define the GREAT STATE of IOWA and the GOP!
"You're"....you righties are so uneducated.
Bland, dry, fattening, no-nutritional value . . Yep – You pretty much nailed it . .
Thanks for your input. You may return to your yogurt and twigs casserole knowing that you have made the web a better place.
What can you say – America loves crap. Especially shmeat. Oh, and let's not forget to wash down this......food.....with a nice 32oz cup of HFCS.
A "Manwich" by any other name is.......
I miss the maid rites as well as a good breaded pork tenderloin. A couple of staples in the culinary tastes of Iowa. It's great to be a Hawkeye!
Ahhhhh, pork tenderloins! Another great Iowa food I miss. The Canteen is a great place for loose meat sandwiches. My daughter always called it "broken hamburger"! No loose meat sandwiches or tenderloins in CA. :(
But we have Tri-tip sandwiches here.
Don't forget the big turkey legs at the Iowa State Fair and sweet corn like you can't get anywhere else!!
Best sweet corn is Silver Queen in Lancaster County Pa., ..I'll put it up against that yellow stuff you have in Iowa any day.
Craig: you are right. I ate silver queen in west jersey growing up and it's the best in the world. I've been in CA for decades and still think about it.
Good luck finding sweet corn, all the farmers grow that bitter stuff they turn into gasohol
Silver Queen Rocks!
If you're in Eastern Iowa looking for fresh corn, try the Stout farm stands - they've got a few stands around during the summer. The one's I know of are in Iowa City at the old Wardway plaza (rte1 & riverside dr) and along US 218 north of IA92. They're seasonal, of course, but have great locally grown fresh corn. Don't recall the exact variety, but it's some of the best I've had (and I grew up in Iowa eating family-grown stuff.)
The state fair turkey legs come from Kramers Sausage in La Porte City (20 south of Waterloo). Their meat is available at a number of places in NE and East Central Iowa.