Diverse Dining List

Showboat's Drive By Pie in Colorado

9/19/2019

Pie Time in Granby, CO

There's not a whole lot to do in the little town of Granby. But you can eat pie!

In fact you don't even have to get out of your car, to buy and eat your pie!

Reaching Granby

First we had to get to Granby.

With Denver traffic, it took 2 hours to reach the town that sits right on US Highway 80. We sailed right past the Trail Riders Motel, which was in fact our destination. We had to reach Showboat's before it closed at 5:30.

Signs

It should have been easy. Granby is small. There are only about 1,500 people in town.

There were even little signs that pointed us in the right direction.

We still got a little lost.

Down the Alley

The little white building with red trim, was just .1 miles from our motel, but we drove right by it. We went around the block and then realized we needed to go down the Alley.

The Green Window

There were no other cars, so we hoped they hadn't closed early. I spotted a list of pie choices and a bell, beside the green order window. We didn't get to clang the bell, since Sherry was at the ready.

Sherry greeted us with a "Happy Summer!" We glanced at the pie menu and decided we probably didn't need a whole pie for 28 to 45 dollars. Luckily we didn't want cream pie. "All Cream Pies - $500" I guess Sherry doesn't make cream pies.

Sherry chatted up a storm as she readied our 2 slices for $10.00. She asked if we'd be needing any raisin bread. She offered some dining suggestions for Granby. She told us about her catering work and how she works for some very famous people.

I was a little surprised that Sherry suddenly became shy when I asked to take her picture as she handed the pie through the window.

"No, but thanks for asking." she said. "I'll let someone else enjoy my 15 minutes of fame."

Evening Pie in the Motel

I have no photos of Sherry, the Famous Pie Maker of Granby.

But I do have photos of her slices of Killer Apple and Wild Maine Blueberry, before we ate them in our room. They were good, but they would have been better if we'd warmed them in an oven and served them on vintage china. Or maybe if we'd eaten them on a pie picnic! A drive-by pie experience needs to be completed in a festive way! I'll think that through, before our next visit.

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Original Columbia Restaurant - Tampa

9/15/2019

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Dining Adventure in Ybor City, FL

This neon sign wasn't around in 1905, but the Columbia Cafe was!

I'm so glad I can make a check on the list! I finally experienced the Original Columbia Restaurant, in the historic district of Ybor City.

Columbia, in St. Augustine, Florida

There are seven Columbia Restaurants, still owned and run by the original family. Three years ago, Don and I didn't know that, when we dined in the Oldest City in the US.

St. Augustine is OLD and we thought this building was also. We had a great time, even when we found out the building was only a few decades old. We vowed we would some day dine at the original location.
https://www.thebethlists.com/diverse-dining-list/columbia-in-st-augustine-florida

Early Lunch!

Last January, Don and I planned a visit, while in the Tampa area. We arrived before noon, to avoid a wait. The building took up an entire block.

Colorful Exterior!

Cuban immigrant, Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. opened a corner cafe in 1905. Workers from the nearby cigar factories, came for Cuban coffee, bean soup and Cuban sandwiches.

The humble cafe expanded over the years and now looks like a Spanish palace, with balconies, painted tile and carved doors. It is said to be the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish style restaurant in the world. I'll take their word for it.

The beautiful tile work was evidently added much later, in the 1970's. Cesar and Adela (third generation) acquired the tiles in Seville, Spain. Some of the tiles had painted images, like the wonderful Don Quixote and windmill scene. One tiled area, was covered with a painted family tree. Six generations of Hernandez-Gonzmarts, since 1905!

Don Quixote Dining Room

Once inside, Don and I were happy to see that we had beat the crowds. We were able to be seated in the Don Quixote Room.

Casamiro Jr. added this room in 1935, along with an elevated dance floor. This became the first dining room in Tampa to have air conditioning.

Besides a lot of Don Quixote themed decor, there was a crazy huge chandelier and a mighty fine stairway to the second level.

Menus and Cuban Bread

Our menus and bread came right away. We were each given our own big old hunk of hot Cuban bread, wrapped in paper! I buttered a piece and pulled out my handy Ford Treasury Cookbook. A nifty cookbook can enhance the dining adventure... or not.

Tony and the Book

Tony was very good humored. He offered to pose with me and the book... and Don Quixote in the background. That part was his idea!

Steak Capachina?

I was relieved that Tony was properly amused by the vintage cookbook, which featured Columbia Restaurant in 1950. Servers under the age of 40 are often hard to impress, with kooky memorabilia.

I asked if they still served the steak recipe, (with chicken livers) like they did 69 years ago. I wasn't surprised that they didn't. Tony had very expressive eyebrows, though. He lifted them dramatically, when he noticed the book's illustration.

"That's the Patio Room and the fountain! It looks like the picture on our dessert menu!"

Half and Half!

I ordered the perfect combo, with a half Cuban sandwich and a small Columbia's Original 1905 Salad. The salad was tossed at the table with Swiss and Romano cheese, slivers of ham, Spanish olives and chunks of tomato, in a dressing with garlic and Worcestershire!

My "Smashed Cuban" (as some call it) was layered with ham, salami, pork loin, Swiss, pickle and mustard. The buttered sandwich was toasted in a hot press, before serving.

Ybor Chicken

Don ordered a traditional dish from the Ybor District. His quarter baked chicken was served on yellow rice with green peppers, onions, tomatoes and spices. It was mouth watering, smooth! I'm glad Don's always up for sharing.

Observing

The food was wonderful, but the activity around us was just as entertaining. There was a steady stream of casually dressed guests coming to dine. The diners in shorts and tee shirts looked just a bit odd, with the formal linens and impeccably dressed staff.

I wondered about a few nicely dressed older men, who seemed to be keeping an eye on things. Were any of them, the 4th generation owners? They talked with each other and nodded and gestured... as proper as secret service men. Mostly, they added an intriguing, formal feel, that helped me pretend we were in the 1940's.

El Patio

After a bit, I just had to take my cookbook into the Patio Room to compare the illustration. There it was! In the center of the space, I spotted the curiously odd, Love and Dolphins sculpture from the illustration... with the bare feet in the air!

Over by the wall, I noticed a couple more, dapper-looking gentlemen "on duty". I decided to head over and let my cookbook help, break the ice. Suddenly both were studying the pages of the vintage book and laughing. "Where did you find this?" The man with the purple tie was so delighted that he offered to give Don and me a tour.

On Tour!

Our gracious host introduced himself as Cesar. He asked if we had about 30 minutes, because there was so much to show us. If we'd been at a resort somewhere, I would have thought he was trying to sell us a timeshare.

But Cesar was just genuinely excited to share some history. He started by taking us upstairs and pointing to the illustration in our nearly, 70-year-old cookbook.

The Skylight

The book mentioned a sliding glass roof, on the patio. Cesar mentioned something about his dad being involved in the patio roof construction.

He told us the courtyard had been added in 1937, but the unpredictable weather led to the addition of a retractable roof. He talked briefly about the sculpture and how it was made in Italy, to replicate a statue found in the ruins of Pompeii. That was interesting, but it didn't tell me anything about why that dolphin was all wrapped around an upside down body!

Wandering Upstairs

The place was a confusing maze, with numerous stairways and halls. We were told there are a total of 15 dining rooms, that can seat more than 1,700.

The upstairs was quieter, with most of the private rooms, not in use. We moved from room to room and I wished that I had a notebook to take notes of all I learned.

I tried to remember all we learned. I think this room was used as a casino at one time. I believe it was called the Siboney Room. It opened around 1955, with tapestries and glossy painted tiles. The stained glass was over 300 years old. I loved the little faces!

Stairs and Tiles

We came down another set of stairs. The marble railing and colorful tile work was stunning. Every piece of the building had a story. Marble from Italy... tiles from Cuba.

As we headed down, I wondered if the servers used these stairs to carry their trays to the diners above.

I don't want to think about what it would feel like to go tumbling down those beautiful steps... or the noise of a tray of Mojitos crashing down!

At the base of the stairs, I studied the shiny puzzle-work, beneath the rails. Unlike most of the orderly tile decor, this display was like a crazy quilt, of mosaic pieces!

Old Saloon

Business was hopping by the time we got back downstairs, but Cesar ushered us on through. A couple of servers jumped out of our way, to let us pass into the bar area. Did they think we were celebs or high rollers, getting a special tour? I doubt it.

I wish I'd gotten a better picture of the bar, which was a beauty. Cesar pointed out the original brass foot rail and reminded us that it had been a standing bar, only. No stools and no women... back in the day. He laughed about those days long ago, when Ybor City was in the middle of swamp land.

"Leaving late in the dark of night, workers had to worry about alligators..."

Hard to imagine!

And More Tile!

I could have studied the patterns all day. I have no idea how many different designs can be spotted throughout the restaurant. But just on the bar floor, there were numerous styles. Cesar pointed out how worn the tiles looked in the heavy traffic areas.

Beautiful Doors

I'm a big fan of interesting doors and there were so many. I didn't get the stories behind these, but I loved comparing them.

The cozy Red Room, was filled up with casual diners, by 12:30.

This whimsical door was my favorite. It reminded me of something in a Dr. Seuss book.

We walked through the door and I peered into another room, just off to the right...

Earlier, I snapped a photo when I peeked in. There were no diners yet, but the tables were properly set. I noticed a curious illuminated display of bottles and figurines, built right into the wall.

Without diners, it was easier to picture a different era, when people once dressed up in suits and pearls to dine. It made me want to return at night, to see if the crowds looked different.

Old Kitchen

As we wound our way back to the kitchen, we headed down hallways with photo displays. This image showed the original and much smaller, kitchen. It's now another dining room.

Kitchen Tour!

Cesar was excited to show us the new kitchen, which was bustling with activity. Again, I was confused as to how we earned this tour. I never spoke of a blog... I just showed my cookbook. But I was thrilled to see this happy, buzzing area with all its good smells.

Much to See

We didn't just peek in the door. Cesar guided us right on in and gave us a quick rundown on all the kitchen changes. He even opened the freezer door and we surprised someone coming out.

The kitchen staff worked efficiently. The interaction between cooks and staff seemed upbeat. No one seemed a bit bothered that we were intruding. I started working up an appetite again when I saw flan... and stacks of bread!

Cesar showed us how the Palmetto leaf was cooked into the bread, to help let out steam. He said it also created a seam, that helped the bread open easily, for buttering.

For 90 years, Le Segunda Bakery has provided the bread for Columbia.

History in the Hall

We stopped to study some family photos in another hallway. I was excited to get some of the family history straightened out. It was becoming clear that Cesar was family, but I wasn't sure where he fit in. I'm not sure why I didn't just ask.

Cesar pointed to one of the men in the photo and said it was his father, who had been a concert violinist.

The handsome young man in the ruffles was Cesar Gonzmart. I had seen his name in the family tree, but I was a little confused. So our gracious guide, Cesar was the son of the Cesar who married Adela, the granddaughter of Casimiro Senior. I so hope I'm getting this right, but I believe our new friend's father and Adela first traveled with their music, before taking over the restaurant in the fifties. Family businesses are complicated.

Off We Go

We eventually ended up near the front door and Cesar shook our hands and thanked us so much for coming. Our tour had been much longer than 30 minutes and we had enjoyed every minute.

The Family Tree

I took a photo of the family tree before we headed to the car and I studied it as we headed out of town. I was still confused. Where was our friend Cesar (Jr), on the tree? After doing some searching, I concluded our kind guide, was the first son of Cesar Gonzmart, before he married Adela. Gonzmarts other sons are listed on the tree. Or maybe I am totally wrong.

Maybe Don and I will need to return for another visit. This time we can dress up and drink Sangria and take in one of the evening Flamenco shows... and ask a few more questions!

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Lunch at Leddy's Porch, in Florida

9/13/2019

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The Florida House Inn, in Fernandina Beach

Last January, Don and I explored this sweet Amelia Island town, for the first time. We turned the corner and spotted a charming 162-year-old inn! On the porch, there were signs that got me pretty excited... a mermaid, a rooster and a chalkboard that let me know the place was open!

I love a porch! This inn had a great one, plus a restaurant with porch in its name!

History of the Inn

This rambling inn, is in the heart of the historic district. It was built by David Yulee, as a boarding house for railroad workers, in 1857.

Yulee had a dream to build a railroad, but the Civil War changed things. The building ended up housing Union soldiers and the railroad didn't get built.

Leddy's Porch

Leddy's is the restaurant's name, but it's also the name of family who bought the inn, after the war.

Fernandino had become a bustling seaport town and visitors like the Vanderbilts and Carnegies built homes, nearby.

Major and Mrs. Leddy ran the inn, to house the guests of those rich folks. Were the homes owned by the rich, really too small for guests? Maybe they housed their b-list guests, at the inn.

Mermaid Bar... And Famous Guests

When we came upon the inn, there weren't any diners on the porch. We headed inside and passed through the Mermaid Bar.

I doubt the Leddy Family had any mermaid decor, when they once ran the inn. Their snooty guests might not have approved.

There were some famous guests who might have enjoyed a whimsical mermaid or two. Laurel and Hardy, were once hotel guests and and they were always in good humor... at least in the movies.

Ulysses S. Grant was another of the inn's famous guests. I guess the comedy duo never bumped into Grant, since the general died before the actors were born. But there's another famous inn guest, who did lived during Grant's time. Henry Ford was a generation younger, but they could have crossed paths and shared a drink! Possible, but unlikely.

Dining Room

Don and I were seated in the Southern Dining Room. We could see a few mermaids through a window in the wall.

The walls were covered with barn red paint and colorful artwork, but I really loved the old wooden floors and tables best.

Evidently, in the 1990's the restaurant offered family style dining, just like the boarding house days.

That would have been fun, sitting around a large table sharing Sunday Supper, with other diners.

HUGE Mahi Sandwich!

Maybe it's just as well that we weren't seated with others. I'm not sure they would have wanted to see Don tackle his monster sandwich! He loved it! I loved his jalapeno coleslaw. Luckily he had a ton to share.

Comfort Combo!

I was in heaven with my grilled, pimento cheese and tomato sandwich, made with homemade bread. The potato soup was scrumptious as well.

Just the right amount for me.

The Back Porch

After eating, Don and I wandered out back and found the porches that possibly inspired the restaurant's name.

This was a little piece of heaven on a Sunday afternoon, in January! There were families lingering over meals, near the fountain and up on the porch near the tree. What a tree! I loved the way the centuries old oak, was leaning into the inn. They looked like old friends, whispering secrets about all the crazy past and present guests!

Must Come Back!

Don and I set off happy. Not only did we have a nice and comfy meal, in a charming southern town. We were able to add one more historic hotel to our list. I hope to someday have The Florida House Inn , written up in my 90-Notable Nights blog!

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Badu 1891 Llano, TX

9/10/2019

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Open Again!

Last May, Don and I drove through the small Hill Country town of Llano. I spotted one of my favorite buildings and reminded Don,

"We need to eat there, one of these days!"

We've been meaning to try this place out, since reading rave reviews about the chef and service, about a year ago.

Closed?

"What!" I couldn't believe it when I saw a closed sign. They had just refurbished the classic brick and granite building, which began as a bank, in 1891. What about all those good reviews?

I found only a few hints about the closure, on the internet. Something about having difficulties, staffing a classy, small town restaurant.

I was heartbroken that we'd missed our opportunity!

Open Again!

For whatever reason, The Badu reopened just a few months later, with the same chef! Don and I made reservations for Sunday Brunch on a surprisingly pleasant, July day.

We parked, then learned quickly that the front door was not the entrance. The patio, with its garden gate, was the way to go.

Outdoor Space

Before climbing the stairs to the deck and entrance, we explored outside.

There was a stage for live music, outdoor fireplaces and lots of seating. The Corn Hole and Jenga games weren't getting much use in the warm sunshine, but I'm sure at night things look a lot more lively.

Bar Seating

There were a number of people dining in the casual bar area. I took a photo of the sweet buffalo, but I should have aimed lower. Evidently the bar is made from the largest piece of granite in the world. I didn't exactly check on that fact.

The hostess took us past the double doors to the dining rooms. The doors were made as exact replicas of the originals. Not sure what happened to them.

Heading Back

Our hostess took us past a wide set of stairs and through the middle dining room. There was a rope at the top of the stairs, discouraging people like me, who use a trip to the Ladies Room as an excuse to explore. I do know that there was a B&B housed at Badu, some years back.

We passed through the middle dining room, with cowhide chairs and an impressive display of western themed paintings. It was hard to believe we were in a restaurant, in a Texas town of just over 3,000.

Front Room

We were seated at a table near a bookcase and fireplace. We made a toast with our champagne cocktails, to our nearby longhorn friend.

Cowboy Books and Marble Floors

There were lots of interesting folks surrounding us, but the space was too intimate, to intrude with my camera. Instead, I snapped a photo of the original marble floor and the bookcase, with lots of cowboy books.

Don and I wondered about the nearby dining guests. There were 2 men with handlebar mustaches and some ladies with some mighty big rings. Underneath chairs, I spotted cowboy boots and hats. Upscale ranchers, I guess.

Love the Ladies Room

Before our meal arrived, I took an exploring trip to the restroom. The frosted glass window, brass knob and white tile, all looked retro chic. The horse art was modern classy. Two thumbs up, for the bathroom.

Food Time!

Don ordered the Badu Burger with bacon jam, pepper jack, basil aioli and tomato, served on a perfect, moon-shaped bun.

I sampled both his burger and fries and they were quite tasty. They deserved a better plate, than a tray with butcher paper... which sounds like something my Grandmother Meyer would have said.

I ordered the Badu Eggs Benedict. It's hard to tell from my photo, but they were served on cornbread, instead of English muffin. Yum! The tomato, queso and avocado gave it a southwestern zing. The salad with prickly pear vinaigrette was refreshing, but I would have rather had less healthy potatoes! The combo was perfect for me, but the nearby cowboys might have complained about the portions.

So Happy

I love experiencing old diners and cafes, in small towns!

I also love the surprise of a small town restaurant, with exceptional food and classy surroundings. Rare!

I especially appreciate an historic building, that's been beautifully preserved!

Just look at that unusual checkerboard pattern, in the band of granite!

Unlike most of our small town dining adventures, this did not have to be a one time shot! Llano is 4 hours from our home in Sugar Land and 90 minutes from Austin. I'm excited to know we can return, maybe on a cool, fall evening. Next time, I'll wear my cowboy boots and enjoy that granite bar and patio!

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The Cherry Hut - Beulah, Michigan

9/10/2019

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Lunch Stop on Highway 31

When in Michigan, you have to embrace the cherries! Don and I did last July, when we stopped for lunch at The Cherry Hut!

Welcome to The Hut

The exterior was pretty welcoming with red house, green lawn and white picket fence. But the smiling Cherry Jerry face on the sign, was even more so!

Cherries Everywhere!

When we headed inside, we spotted lots of smiling Jerry's on the jar labels, behind the counter. There were shelves of cherry jams and sauces, cherry candy and popcorn and even cherry dog treats!

Corner Table!

Don and I were actually meeting up with my sister and sister-in-law. They had arrived before and grabbed a cute corner table. Jennifer and Kate humored me with some playful, menu posing.

None of us had eaten at Cherry Hut, before, but we were already fans. For a number of years, gifts with smiling Jerry labels have come our way... thanks to my brother and sister-in-law. That very morning, we had come from their home on Lake Michigan. A sibling reunion... with lots of cherries!

Homey and Red

I quickly took in my surroundings and decided I was in diner heaven.

I loved my cup and saucer and coffee carafe. Even the paper placemat with cardinal, had a vintage style to it. The placemat told me that the Cherry Hut had been around nearly 100 years!

I almost expected to get crayons with my smiling menu, but then I remembered where I was. You don't have to be a kid to smile about cherries!

Cherry Hut History

There was a large booklet on the table that gave us lots of history about the Kraker Family and their sweet business. The "hut" began as a way to sell pies and other products from their orchards. They moved to the current location in 1937.

The book was packed with history, but mostly I enjoyed the photos. Everything about this one, was retro fun. The hut, with awning and window... the smiling jam selling gals in their aprons...

Our Apron-wearing Server

I was tempted to ask if our server would mind posing with some jam, in a photo. I decided that would just sound weird.

I did snap a photo, to show that the uniforms haven't changed much. These photos also share a blurry glimpse of the booths and cherry wallpaper. The dining area was packed, just a while later.

Lunch!

I ordered the Cherry Chicken Salad, which came with fruit and a cherry muffin. It was all so yummy, I felt like I was having dessert for lunch! My only complaint (which I kept to myself) was about my plate.

I wanted a retro china plate, like the one that held Kate's muffin. Don didn't have a Cherry Jerry face on his plate, but he did have a Maraschino cherry garnish, with his chicken tenders! I think the sauce was cherry flavored, as well.

A Cheery, Cherry-filled Restroom

I do appreciate a little restroom surprise with my dining adventures, now and then! I was pretty delighted by the cherry framed mirror and the fresh, red & white flowers. Best of all, the restroom smelled of sweet cherry lotions and soaps... displayed on a delicious little plate!

Heads Up

Before heading out, I made sure to look above the window, to admire the painted wall mural. What a sweet image of what I'm guessing was the Kraker's original roadside Cherry Hut stand. The image with cherry orchards, Lake Michigan, barn and farmhouse, reminded me of so many scenes we'd seen during our Michigan visit. We'd even seen a few roadside stands, selling cherries and other goodies.

Off We Go

As we headed to the car, Cherry Jerry smiled down. It made me a little sad that I hadn't saved room for pie.

When the Krakers first began selling their cherry pies in the 1920's, they cut the smiling face of Jerry on each pie. I don't think they do that anymore, but I'm sure they still taste pretty wonderful.

Maybe I should have one shipped? Too bad. I just looked and they don't ship as far as Texas.

Then and Now

As we headed to the car, I noticed a flat building, that stood behind the house-shaped restaurant. I know the 97-year-old business has moved and expanded over the years. Maybe the boxy building was from 1937, before inside dining was added. I left wondering.

Escorting Jerry

We headed off happy. I sent this photo of Jennifer, Jerry and me, to our brother and sister-in-law.

David responded to the photo, with concern. "It looks like you're manhandling Cherry Jerry!"

I assured him we weren't, but it does look like we are about to escort him to our car. Which leaves me with one more question. Has Cherry Jerry ever been stolen?

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Showboat's Drive By Pie in Colorado

Original Columbia Restaurant - Tampa

Lunch at Leddy's Porch, in Florida

Badu 1891 Llano, TX

The Cherry Hut - Beulah, Michigan

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