• Jennifer Fumiko Cahill
• "All the Way" mashed potato cone at the Lighthouse Grill in Trinidad.

Tragically, the lure of delicately battered fish and chips might keep one from trying the mashed potato cone ($5) at the Lighthouse Grill. There you are at the edge of the sea, salt air, outdoor seating — can you really order a land-locked menu item?

Yes. Yes, you can. This is not some state fair gimmick. It's a freshly rolled cornmeal and herb waffle cone, like a crisped version of the savory-sweet cornbread that comes with chili or Thanksgiving dinner. Inside is a hot dollop of creamy mashed potato, fallen-apart brisket in gravy, melting cheddar cheese and pieces of smoky bacon. You can also go vegetarian with veggie gravy and cheese ($4).

Do not try go at it without utensils like an ice cream — too risky with the fragile cone. Get in there with a fork and hog toppings; others at your table will want a taste, and you didn't come here to make friends.

If the joint is jumping at the, there will be a wait. It took nearly an hour for us, so think outside the box and maybe get an ice cream first so you're not too weak to lift a fork when the main course arrives.

Is it wrong to want a turkey version for the holidays? Consider how easy dinner with relatives would be if you could just pick up your dinner in a handy cone and take a walk. You know, just around the block.

What's your food obsession, Humboldt? Email jennifer@northcoastjournal.com.