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Burger Joint in Oklahoma! You have to love a burger joint with a cool sign. I love the running-cartoon-guy. I love the words, Root Beer and Fresh Pies! Old Place & Old Car Don and I passed through Tulsa, last November. We stopped in for lunch. We parked near a mighty fine, vintage Ford. That was an added bonus! Decor! I actually couldn't remember much about the interior. Once we stepped inside, I thought it might be possible that they've done zero redecorating, since our last visit in the 1990's. That worked for me! Seating When we first entered, the counter seating was all open. I talked Don into eating at the counter, because I couldn't resist those orange-y red stools, with little foot platforms! Bowl Specials... Root Beer... We had a good view of the menu, with the daily Bowl Specials. I chose Monday's special, Frito Pie. It seemed like we should be ordering malts and fries and the works. But it was early, and we'd already enjoyed a big breakfast. Entertaining Stuff We ordered and I spent a few minutes looking at all the curious stuff, in the little restaurant. There was a coat rack, holding a cheeseburger hat. There were shelves above the windows, displaying lots of... stuff. I'm sure there are stories behind the plastic toy collection, but I didn't ask. It looked like most of the goodies were more from my kids' era than my own. Order Window? In the front of the restaurant, I spotted a large window with more knickknacks on the sill. I was curious and dashed outside, to see if the window had been some kind of ordering window. I also wanted to compare the exterior, with a photo I'd seen. But by the time I got outside, a man in a knitted cap, was standing on the sidewalk, in front of that window. He waved two fists above his head and shouted in anger, "JUSTICE! JUSTICE!" Customers React! I was totally freaked out and decided to take photos later. I quickly turned and rushed inside, with a racing heart. I didn't take a photo of the restaurant staff & diners, when I re-entered. If I had, it might have looked like this old photo of Brownies. The entire restaurant looked up at me, as if I'd been the one who caused the crazy outburst on the street! I just shrugged and laughed and all was good. Food! It was time to eat! Don ordered a basic cheeseburger, simple as that. That shiny bun lid looks pretty good to me right now. It was gone in a second! My Frito-Pie was only $4.50. It was pretty tasty, by itself. But, when I noticed the guy sitting next to me, drinking 3 mugs of root beer, I decided I was missing something. Cold Root Beer I flagged down our young server and told her I needed to go for a root beer, after all. That was a nice attitude for someone nearly half my age! Bill "Brownie" We didn't get to meet an owner or even an old customer, but I enjoyed a few old photos, on the way out. This photo is from a 1983 newspaper. That was years before we lived in Tulsa, or had kids. But those little faces look sort of like our two kids and their friends. I wish I had a photo or two, from an old visit. This photo is of the pie baker, Mrs. Cleo Peace. The old snapshot reminded me that we had not sampled pie!
Well, next time I'll let the words on the sign remind me! I'll have Root Beer AND Pie!
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Sad News Yesterday I learned from my son, that Shady Grove is closing. This isn't the first sad news of closures. Barton Springs Road Shady Grove has always been a favorite. Since there are a million unusual, one-of-a-kind restaurants in Austin, that says a lot. The business has been sitting on Barton Springs Road for nearly 3 decades. The neon sign and stone building make it look like it's closer to 80 years old. With the towering trees, it reminds me of a roadside cafe on old Route 66. 2016 The outdoor dining grounds were already filling up. Summertime Feel The old metal chairs, towering trees and grass, always made me feel like I was stepping back into the summers of my childhood. Patio We found a spot on the patio, where umbrellas and trees kept diners cool. Food Choices We studied the menus, with options like Queso Catfish, Truckstop Meatloaf and Hippie Sandwich. Heidi and I ordered margaritas and toasted to our little get-together. Were they watermelon flavored? I don't remember, but they were delicious. Evening The colored lights at the outdoor bar, came on first. We were too early for any musical performances. Live music used to attract a lot of guests to Shady Grove. Food I'm pretty sure these were the Airstream Chili Cheese Fries. I remember Heidi said we had to get them, because they were the best. Trees and Fresh Air Looking at these 4-year-old photos makes me extra sad, to know they must close. With restaurants beginning to reopen this May, it seems they could have managed somehow. We're told that patio dining will be the safest, of all restaurant dining. It's hard to imagine how different it would feel, to dine under those trees... at spaced-apart tables, looking around at mask-wearing guests. Howdy I'll miss the patio and I'll miss the Airstream bathrooms. I loved the idea of "powdering my nose" in a trailer. I loved the door with howdy written above. I wonder what will become of these trailers and the neon sign and the stone building. I'm really feeling frustrated that I never made it inside to see what the interior dining area looked like!
Shady Grove... Relaxed Dining! I will miss this place! Looking Back! Today, I'm looking back on a dining adventure with my Bro and Sis-in-law, two years ago. They took us to their favorite restaurant, in downtown Boise. The Ishaq Family I am reminded of this wonderful family today, after reading my brother's post on Facebook. Chris has often posted about this fabulous family and their decadent dishes. But today he spoke about missing their favorite restaurant, during Coronavirus lockdown. The Atmosphere I remember the warm welcome our group received... lots of laughter and hugs. Chris introduced us to Sohaim, and they teased each other about their hats. Chris asked about Sohaim's wife, but we would have to wait. She was busy in the back. I remember feeling so comfy in the cozy restaurant, with the warm colors and music, the art and the unusual display of instruments! Settling In Then we got comfortable at our table, with some drinks. Don and Chris had some kind of curious beer. Karen and I split a bottle of Lassi, with homemade yogurt. Thick and sweet and yummy! Our Feast! Chris and Karen did all the ordering. I obviously can't remember it all, but I do remember the Bengan Pakora! Eggplant slices, dipped in some kind of chickpea batter! So crispy good, with some kind of amazing sauce. I remember Goat Biriyani, so tender and lean! There was Masala with lentils and buttery Chicken Korma, puree'd spinach Palak... Oh I want to go back! We feasted until nearly 11 pm. All the other dining guests had departed. Then, the atmosphere changed. Family It was late, but not too late for some celebration. The Ishaq's grown sons arrived and were introduced. Both were gracious and polite and good humored with Chris' teasing.
He clung to her and fussed, if we got too close. Oh my! I hope I someday have a grandchild who adores me so much! Nawn Lesson After our meal, we had an exciting lesson on making naan (spelled nawn, in the menu) We moved into the kitchen to see just how much effort and skill, goes into this heavenly bread! We kept a safe distance from the tandoori oven and watched! First we saw the rolling and stretching of the dough. Seems I remember the dough being laid flat on some kind of springy pillow, then dropped into the steaming opening. The dough clung to the wall of the oven and the heat was cranked up. Less than a minute later, long skewers were used to flip the piping hot bread from the oven. What an amazing treat to watch and eat! I wish I'd gotten a video. Wonderful Memories I remember we departed with our boxed up leftovers, just as some family friends entered with a cake of some kind. I was happily exhausted from our amazing dining adventure and the Ishaqs were finishing a day's work and ready to celebrate. Was it a birthday? I don't know, but I was mighty impressed to know this hardworking family had energy left to celebrate! They obviously deserved some fun!
Now, I'm thinking of the Ishaqs and I wish them well during this pandemic time. I was happy to hear that Chris and Karen have regularly been enjoying carry-out feasts from Taj Mahal. But I know how eager everyone is, to once again gather and dine inside this fabulous restaurant! Perfect Name! Last February, Don and I had a late lunch at Mama's Sack Lunches !
1:45 PM We kept fingers crossed as we pulled up. Some Mom & Pop places close down before two. We figured we'd just get lunch to go... in a sack. That would be perfect. Cozy Place But when we stepped into the tiny place, we spotted someone working behind the counter. I spotted a man staring at us, but he was in a painted image. Debbie turned around and greeted us, from behind the counter. She was so welcoming, we decided to dine in. How to Order? Debbie asked if we'd come before. Then she gave us the scoop about ordering in or our lunch, sacked. I thought the red velvet cake on the stand, looked pretty heavenly. Debbie recommended the banana pudding. Keith and Mr. D I chatted with Keith, in his pink Mama's shirt. I told him "Happy Mardi Gras!" when I saw his beads. "Back atcha!" He answered with a grin. I asked Keith about the man, in the large, framed image. He said it was Mr. D, the previous owner. Debbie bought the biz a few years ago. Ordering Lunch Don and I tried to decide on lunch quickly. They'd been open since 6:30 and it was about time to close. But no one acted like they were in a rush. My kind of place! We were a little too late for some of the favorites. The Gumbo was out and many of the 12 or so "sides" had been gobbled up. But there was plenty to choose from. Sack Lunch We were dining in, but wanted to experience The Sack. Don ordered his meal in a sack lunch, then found us a nice little table near the window. We were a day late for God's Happy Hour. Evidently gospel music plays at lunch every Monday. No live music for us, but a speaker was turned up with some church-y tunes. Don and I are always game to experience the local flavor... this place had some. Lunch with a Kiss! No one preached at us, but Don did get a kiss with his meal. His sack lunch came with a jam-packed tuna sandwich, chips, apple, pickle, cookie and a Candy Kiss! All for about $5.! My Meal My meal wasn't considered "sacked". So I had a choice of two sides. My Mama's Favorite Club, was a hit! Grilled with turkey, ham, cheddar, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo! Plus, an amazing pasta salad and banana pudding. And a Kiss! My photo did not capture the flavor, at all. Deidre, Debbie & Keith I'm glad we missed the busy lunch hour, because we were able to have some fun chatting with these three! I asked, "Who's Mama?" Keith pointed to Debbie and laughed. Debbie agreed, but then admitted she bought the business with that name. It was fun hearing a little history of Keith and Deidre, who happen to be cousins. Keith remembered coming to this restaurant, when he was a kid. The cousins have a lot in common. Both went into the service and ended up going to culinary school. Now I know why our food tasted so good.
What a happy bunch and what a happy place! |
The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
April 2024
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