Jane and Michael Stern: Good day, hungry travelers! Jane and I are here to offer whatever tips we can for finding good Roadfood stops along the way. Our goal primarily is to find food unique to its place and region, but we have no objection to such non-local treats as a great hamburger, hot dog, or pizza, and feel that just about any excellent, one-of-a-kind eatery deserves attention. So, who's going where, and what do you want to eat?

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New York City, N.Y.: I love your weekly segments on Splendid Table! What's the biggest mistake people make when planning a road trip when it comes to roadside dining? Or, put it another way, what's the best advice you could give folks like me that you haven't thought of?

Jane and Michael Stern: Thanks. Probably the biggest mistake is looking for something familiar. For us, the whole point of traveling is to experience the place we are, and that means eating the food people there eat, the way they eat it. That could range from Indian pudding in a Maine diner to carnitas tacos from a truck in South Tucson. In other words, be adventurous! Try new things! Meet new people!

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Los Angeles, Calif.: What is the best Jewish deli in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Jane and Michael Stern: It's nothing fancy, but for a good pastrami sandwich, matzoh ball soup, and noodle kugel, David's Deli on Geary Street is the place we've enjoyed. (I cannot miss this opportunity, however, to rave about how good the grazing is down at the Ferry Building, where I just was last week. No Jewish deli there, but the salami store has cured meats to die for.)

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: We will be in the DC/No. Virginia area this weekend. Ben's Chili Bowl is a must. Any other can't miss suggestions?

Jane and Michael Stern: D.C. can be tough for finding Roadfood, especially since Scholl's cafeteria closed. You're right, Ben's is a must. We also really like the good old Florida Avenue Grill, especially for breakfast. Over in Virginia, we had time for a quick meal in Fairfax and found ourselves at Chutzpah Deli and were really impressed at just how authentic it is.

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Seattle, Wash.: My husband and I are going on a coastal road trip starting from Astoria, Ore. to San Francisco, Calif. in early October. Could you share a few of your favorite diners along the way that do not require venturing off Hwy 101 too much? Thanks.