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Hotel Le Bristol in 2024 In 2024, Don and I had our second dining adventure at the elegant Hotel Le Bristol.  I'm cheating a bit. Our "dining adventure" within the grand hotel, consisted of drinks and complimentary appetizers. And it wasn't even in the hotel's well-mannered Epicure Restaurant. We weren't seated in the dimly lit Le Bar du Bristol, either. More on where, later. Le Bristol in 1999 25 years earlier we didn't cheat. We had an elegant meal at Le Bristol's Epicure. It cost us more than any meal we've had since.  At the end of that memorable meal, I did the unthinkable. I asked the waiter to take our picture. In '99, I didn't hand over a cellphone and I didn't hand him my 35mm Canon, because it broke the day before. I handed him a tacky disposable camera, with TOURIST written all over it! 1999 Journel This is how the festive entrance looked when we arrived on a chilly November evening, in 2024.  Beneath the holiday decorations, it looked much as it did when we dined a quarter century before.  I have no other photos from our 1999 dinner, but it was easy to remember. Especially with the help of an old journal. I remember being slightly intimidated when our cab pulled up to the busy entrance. A doorman quickly greeted and ushered towards the revolving doors.  My journal describes the start of our evening. "Suddenly our table was quietly swarming with perfectly choreographed service... one server lit our candle and another offered puff pastry hors d'oeuvres... a sommelier rolled over a large cart with various champagnes on ice... a woman carried a basket of bread sticks, covered in herbs... a sliver tray holding a bottle of Evian water was placed on our table..." Famous Guests This image from the hotel's website, shows a table that could have been ours. I remember sipping champagne, while enjoying our view of the garden, with soft evening light. I felt slightly frustrated that our chairs were facing away from the room. How could I see if someone famous was dining? Le Bristol has attracted the rich and famous since its opening in the roaring twenties. From Charlie Chaplin to Rita Hayworth, to Marilyn Monroe and then Woody Allen in 2011, when he filmed scenes for Midnight in Paris.  I tried to contain my giddiness, but I'm sure my face was grinning with the impeccable service. I postponed my gleeful comments, when a large wagon of cheeses was rolled to our table. I halted my giggles, when I realized my menu had no prices, but Don's did. I stifled my gasp when Don whispered that the lobster appetizer we'd just ordered cost $75. Chef Frechon What I don't remember about our evening, was that Epicure had just taken on a new chef. Chef Eric Frechon arrived in 1999 and spent the next 25 years overseeing the kitchen. He brought Epicure its third Michelin star in 2009. It was named the World’s Best Restaurant, three years in a row.  Who knows if Chef Frechon was in the kitchen the night we dined. I like to think he had something to do with the exceptional French cuisine we enjoyed. I wish I could remember more details. I absolutely do remember the glorious chocolate mousse and the miniature pastries. Early Evening in 2024 In 2024, Don and I planned a 4-night trip to Paris over Thanksgiving. We didn't budget in an evening at Le Bristol. Our bill in 1999 came to roughly 850 American dollars! What would that be 25 years later?  -Instead we decided we would just visit the bar for drinks. We walked a mile from our hotel and figured out our strategy. We hoped we could just enter the hotel and head confidently towards the bar. We were feeling a little concerned after reading an article about some ritzy hotel bars in Paris, turning non guests away.  We passed a decorated window on our way to the entrance. I could see a lobby desk, so I guessed we should turn right, once inside. We paused a moment so Don could remove his knit hat and I could snap a touristy photo of the 5-star hotel.  I sloppily captured the cream colored Art Deco exterior... and Don. The fabulous building overlooking rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, was once a private mansion. It didn't become Hotel Le Bristol until 1925. In We Go Don wasn't wearing designer shoes and I wasn't carrying a Gucci handbag, but we strutted inside with purpose. As if we were returning to our $2,000- a-night guest room. Or $14,800 for the Azure Terrace Suite!  Piano music and a red carpet greeted us. So did a nicely dressed woman who looked very much in charge. She greeted and offered guidance, but we kept moving down the stairs. We acknowledged with a "we-got-it-wave" and continued past the piano player, hoping we'd guessed right. I pretty much gave myself away as an American tourist, when I snapped a cellphone pic of the stairs and elevator. Couldn't resist.  If the woman who greeted us was watching, she was probably amused. She probably detected our fake confidence when we entered. I'm sure she's observed all kinds of characters coming through the revolving doors. Hotel Bar? We turned the corner and followed our feet to a lovely space with comfy chairs beneath white clouds and crystal chandeliers.  A different woman welcomed us. She ushered us to a cozy table for two and gave me a cushioned stool to hold my purse. I noticed 2 nearby women enjoying tea. Ladies' Teatime? Cafe Antonia We were each handed a lovely menu with a blurry face. Cafe Antonia? Was this hotel's bar? Were we being given menus for a high tea?  The classy cafe did indeed have Tea Time from 3:00 to 6:00. But the menus offered cocktails. We placed our order and relaxed. Then the server returned and apologized, "I'm sorry." She began. I tensed like a teen with a fake I.D. "I didn't get your room number." I explained we weren't guests and she seemed fine with that. But then another woman, (a manager perhaps) came over and asked if we would be ordering food. "Just drinks." I smiled. We waited for the hook... the big boot. But we were just paranoid. I believe she was just checking on us before the menu changed at 6:00. Ahh! Drinks and More Along with our drinks, we were given a tasty assortment of olives and nuts.  Complimentary treats always put me at ease. Unless I overthink it, like I do with palate cleansing sorbet. Do I politely put my spoon down before finishing? Or with decorative carved veggies and fruits, at some Asian restaurants. Is this edible or do they plan to reuse?! Another little plate of goodies arrived after we'd taken a few sips. We were no longer concerned. We were hungry.  Our photo op suddenly had discarded skewers. We were enjoying our nibbles as if we grew up in the Clean Your Plate 1960s. Which we did. Cheers to Queen Antionette! The welcoming goodies (and drinks) put us at ease. We sat back and took in our surroundings with all the French 18th century decor. A portrait of Queen Antoinette decorated one wall. Antonia is the name that Queen Antoinette's mother used for her daughter.
Don sipped a Manhattan. I sipped La Dolce Vita Champagne Cocktail. "Cheers to the Queen!" We were no longer concerned that we looked touristy. We snapped photos of each other. Powder My Nose We had plans to only have one drink each, before heading to dinner elsewhere. My drink with tip was probably about $40 and I'd say it was totally worth it.  Before we finished up, I made sure to get my money's worth with a little exploring. "I'm going to powder my nose." I told Don. Which always means, "I'm going to explore." I paused at a decorated tree. I was very delighted when I found this stunning perched peacock.  I walked closer for a photo and suddenly found the entrance to the hotel's bar. I chuckled to myself because just minutes ago, Don and I had strutted our way into Le Bristol and marched ourselves right up to the hotel's lovely cafe, not the bar. Le Bar du Bristol The swanky, violet colored bar looked inviting at 6:30 pm. It had just opened and the music wasn't throbbing. No partiers beneath the disco balls yet. It was tempting to grab Don and head back for an early Le Bristol After Dark experience.  But I was actually content just peeking in for a moment. I found myself chatting with 2 servers who welcomed me to look around. They seemed surprisingly curious when I told them I'd visited the hotel 25 years before. The young woman was eager to describe all the changes she'd notice at Le Bristol in recent years. Before I left, she pointed to the peacock and asked me the English word. I told her and then did my best impression of a peacock wailing sound. A hushed version. What a nice little visit. Heading Off Don was paying our bill when I returned. Antonia's was getting a little busier.  I hated to leave, just as the place was getting livelier. Good people watching. I told Don about the bar that I discovered. We agreed, "Next time." Posing I did some posing at the bottom of the stairs, before we headed out.  I didn't see the woman who greeted us again. It's amusing to think we had been so worried about being turned away. That article was clearly not talking about Le Bristol. Everyone we spoke to was gracious and welcoming. Good-Bye Paris I'm so glad Don and I were able to visit the magical City of Light one more time.
The Eiffel Tower still impresses me and so does the glamorous Hotel Le Bristol. I'm dreaming of a future visit. I could go for a dinner and an overnight at the grand hotel! Next time!
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Diner Stop in Arizona In the summer of 2023, we had a festive stop at Mr. D'z, while traveling Route 66.  Don and I were traveling from Oregon to Texas, with our daughter, son-in-law and 2 year-old granddaughter. This looked like a perfect lunch stop to please all of us. Kingman There are at least a dozen major cities on historic Route 66. I have absolutely no clue how many towns are along the complicated route.  Kingman is certainly not the most well known, so I had to Google it. I learned only 1 noteworthy fact. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were married in Kingman, during a break in Clark's filming of Gone With the Wind. Now that's a fun tidbit! Route 66 Shield We arrived around 1 pm and parked in a large lot. A big Route 66 shield, with "Mr. D'z" at the top, greeted us on the pavement.  These shield signs have been marking the highway since the 1920s. But only in recent years have they become selfie photo ops, for Rt 66 travelers. I totally missed that opportunity. I could have posed for an extra special photo, since I was 66 years old, traveling Route 66! Lots to Lure Us! The bright colors were enough to make me pull in for a burger! The image of Marilyn Monroe on a motorcycle, might have encouraged a few bikers.  Besides the yummy sign, (with burger, fries and root beer) there was a 1950s police car to excite me.  And an old blue Chevy truck. I love colorful vintage vehicles! Mr. Don's Photo Op I didn't get myself in a photo, but insisted Don pose. We could pretend the diner was named for him.  But the words over Don's right shoulder told us the D was for Dunton. Who was Mr. Dunton? Established 1992 Turns out the Mr. D's Route 66 Diner wasn't all that old. Brothers Roy and Scott Dunton, bought property in 1991. I guess there were originally 2 misters.  The brothers gutted the old 1930s gas station & cafe and opened a '50s style diner in 1992. Roy passed away some time ago, but evidently Scott died just a couple months before our 2023 visit. Today Today the pumps are gone and bright pink and teal paint covers the white.  Picnic tables sit under the roof, where cars once pulled up. I can imagine the "ding" sound, followed by the voice of the driver announcing, "Fill 'er up!" Crowded at 1 We stepped inside and found a hopping diner.  We were offered a small table, but said we were in no hurry. Which wasn't exactly true. We were starved.  There was an energetic, positive vibe to the place. The staff (all in pink shirts) moved about efficiently, taking and delivering orders. Lots of cheerful banter. Stools and Gas Pumps If we'd been a smaller group, eating at the counter would have been fun. I could have swirled around on my stool and purchased some gum-balls from the gas pump machines.
The diners seemed as upbeat as the staff. We've met a lot of Route 66 travelers over the years and most seem enthused. Many Rt 66 fans come from other countries and we heard a couple different languages nearby. Was that German we heard from a crowded booth? The family was squeezed happily around the table, playing cards as they waited for food. Booth Time We didn't have to wait long for our booth. Once we got our legs situated under the table, we took in the show.  Our table opened towards a bustle of activity that was quite entertaining. Elvis and Marilyn We were amused by the giant celebs, smiling across from us... near the entrance to the restrooms.  When did these 2 become symbols, for all the cafes and shops that decorate with a retro '50s theme? Did they ever meet? Marilyn was 9 years older and the 2 supposedly met briefly only once, in 1960. They were in a hall at Paramount.  Of course there's another rumor, that Elvis denied. Who knows? Anyway, it's funny how their 2 images have been combined over time. I think today if you asked "young folks" to name an iconic Hollywood couple, many would name Elvis & Marilyn. Record-shaped Menu Our server Destiny was chatty and welcoming when she brought our album-shaped menus. There were a dozen burger choices.
One that was 4 pounds! Another was named for Andy Devine, Kingman's most famous resident. (Had to look him up) A character actor, who worked with John Wayne and Roy Rogers. Creamy Caramel Root beer Homemade root beer is one of the things that Mr. D'z is known for. We made sure to get some!  Charlie toasted with her water. At age 2, she didn't yet know what she was missing! Order Up! I kept my eye on the little warming window. Good smells were coming from the kitchen.  I'm not sure which dishes used old family recipes. Supposedly the menu includes some recipes that came from Roy and Scott's mom. Dinner Salad at the Diner Salad isn't exactly a diner food. But my retro plate, with greens, veggies and good old 1,000 island dressing, was pretty tasty. Something healthy to go along with root beer, burger & fries.  Elvis kept an eye on Don and little Charlie kept an eye on the big knife, when Don's food was served.  Don's bacon cheeseburger wasn't served on retro china. Instead a guitar-shaped basket held his burger and fries.  Pretty yummy actually. I kind of liked the space age designs on the table, too! Hit the Road Time No complaints about food or service. Destiny and all the servers seemed well trained in dealing with crowds of tourists.  It was a fun stop for lunch, on the old Mother Road. It was nice to take a break in an upbeat atmosphere. Decent restrooms as well! Charlie's good behavior was rewarded with a little outside time, before she crawled back into her carseat.  Too bad we couldn't have given her a quick ride in the odd pink car. I wonder what the story is with that? Elvis Again Charlie had a fun time crawling over a few picnic tables, near the entrance to Mr. D'z Pizza. The little pizza parlor section of the diner, is where garage door once opened to the service station.  Luckily Charlie was a little too young to care about Elvis and his middle finger gesture... beneath "2020 Lockdown". I'm sure the diner suffered during the pandemic, but I wasn't sure I wanted to think too much about this message. Biker Shop It was an odd ending to our fun little dining adventure, when I spotted the yellow building near the parking lot.  The bright place seemed eager to attract bikers traveling 66. A yellow sign on the yellow building told us, "No Mask, No Vax, No Problem. You're welcome. Come on in."
Oh my. We didn't. Lunch in June 2023 I'd never heard of Tulelake and I'd never heard of Mike & Wanda's.  But nearly 2 years ago, Don and I somehow found ourselves in the town of less than 1,000 people, at a restaurant that had a homey-western look. Wide Street It was about noon, when we pulled up to Mike & Wanda's, on Modoc Avenue. The street was wide and the wood covered building, seemed to cover the whole block.  There were 3 door options. We passed the door with bars... that said BAR. The door beneath the Restaurant/Lounge sign, said No Trespassing. The last door had a less welcoming sign, but it opened to the cafe. More Wood Right away, I liked the place. Lots of knotty pine!  There were cozy booths, tables and counter seating. Endless Counter The long wooden bar looked as endless and exaggerated as the long wooden building facing the street.  I counted 8 stools at the "bar". The bottles behind the counter had no liquor. They were bottles of flavored syrups. It was summertime and fun to watch 3 kids being served ice cream cones. They looked like they'd just stopped in, on the way to the park across the street.  The woman serving the kids assured us she'd be right with us. But I was in no hurry. I was having fun examining the walls and the framed artwork critters. Entertaining Pine The wood paneling had a lot going on. It was fun to spot all the various cattle brands, here and there.  I'm not sure what kind of pine this was. A very hole-y cypress? But the deep grooves and circular knots, made my imagination run wild. Oh if I'd had a Sharpie and dared. I could have created the best cartoons. This and That I also enjoyed a few decorator accents. A pump/chicken salt & pepper holder!  A vintage radio was wearing a hat, on the back counter. Sweet Critters And I was so curious about the primitive animal paintings, displayed on the walls.  There must have been some story about the artist. Local? Reading and Listening Don and I took a while to study the M & W menu, while the woman who had served the ice cream, tended to tables.  I did a little eavesdropping. A group of men behind Don seemed to be taking a break from working on a ranch. An elderly couple in a booth chatted with the "Ice Cream Woman", who graciously took her time with them, even though she clearly was working the entire restaurant herself. Other Rooms Our room seemed to be quiet, compared to the noise I heard coming from a nearby doorway. Lots of laughter. A party?  After we placed our order I went exploring and found the Rotary Club Room. No one there. The Bar I stepped into the bar and spotted at least 5 deer heads and 6 men in various hats.  But they weren't making noise. They were all focused on the TV while they ate. Busy Server I found another room with 2 private groups. The ice cream serving woman was rushing to serve one large group. There was a lot of laughter and teasing, yet the woman was professional and efficient. I chose not to intrude with my camera and returned to find my salad waiting.  My 5-dollar side salad was actually pretty tasty. I felt a little guilty not ordering more, but I knew I'd be helping Don... Don ordered a tuna melt, which came with fries and dipping sauce.  I was a good helper and ate about half those yummy fries. The sandwich was pretty darn good and nice and hot. Checking Out After finishing our meal, we finally had a moment to chat with the woman we'd watched serving and busing and even tending to a young barefoot daughter, who came in looking for a toy behind the counter.  As we paid up at the counter, I told her I'd watched her juggling so many customers during our lunch visit. She laughed with good humor, that she was indeed understaffed that day. I then asked who was behind the name of the restaurant. "My parents." She answered with a funny smile. "My dad died a couple years ago and my mom has Alzheimer's. And here I am." She added that they'd had the business for over 40 years. Then she laughed again, "They could have just left me a lake house." Ice Cream to Go I never got the name of the very hardworking and gracious woman who now owns the business. But I did get to tell her how much we enjoyed the food and appreciated her service. I told her I'd watched her serving the kids ice cream and it had made me nostalgic for a good old fashioned cone.  She lit up with enthusiasm when I ordered a cone. "We just got the machine! It seems to be a big hit!" Ice Cream We stepped outside and I enjoyed my cone while wandering over to the little park across the street. Hearing the young woman talk about her parents made me pull out my cellphone one more time.  I snapped a photo of the street and water tower, then dialed up my 94 year old Dad. He answered on his landline back in Missouri. "Hi Dad. I'm having an ice cream cone right now, in the town of Tulelake..."
We had a nice chat. Magical Dining in Alsace Region of France It's been over a year since Don and I spent an evening inside this magical Medieval building, in the heart of Strasbourg's Old Town.  This is how the Gothic beauty looked early morning, on a cold November day. Busy Christmas Market And this is how the famous Kammerzell House looked from a distance, about 6 hours later.  Skies were cloudy and moist. Streets were jammed with visitors attending the annual Christmas Market. Since 1427 This photo shows a different portion of the Maison Kammerzell Hotel and Restaurant. Was this section added much later? The dining room where we ate, was housed in the dark, ornately carved wooden structure. The oldest part of this historic building dates back to 1427.  Maison Kammerzell's neighbor is even older! Construction on the Notre-Dame Cathedral, began in 1190. It took 249 years to complete. Finished by 1439! Peek Inside I spent some time admiring the building, while wandering on a chilly Monday morning. The glowing arcade windows lured me near for a peek.  I could see a couple of tables, ready to serve breakfast. There are less than 10 hotel rooms at Maison Kammerzell and those lucky guests could enjoy a cozy breakfast, without leaving the building! My Favorite Door I found another inviting door, on the Cathedral side of the building.  I was curious about the wooden structures on both sides of the door. I was glad to get a close up look at the bottle glass windows, that I'd studied high above on the building's facade. There must have been 50 of those windows, with circular glass. Another Peek Near the charming entrance, I found a different window that offered a look at a more formal dining space.  This room was darker and cozier, with traditional chairs and tablecloths. Castle-worthy light fixtures hung from the umbrella-shaped vaulted ceiling. Lights and Storks Don and I only had 2 nights in Strasbourg. We arrived at the beginning of the month long Christmas Market season. We were able to get reservations at Maison Kammerzell on the second night. It was drizzling when we walked from our hotel and spotted my favorite entrance, with garland and lights.
I snapped a photo of the old sign. Now when I study the photo, I notice a market rooftop, glowing below the sign. A chimney holds a nest of white storks! We saw a lot of stork decor during our stay! Storks are a symbol of Alsace. Rainy Monday We headed towards the main entrance, near soggy cafe tables. What fun to dine there on a warm evening, with a view of the Cathedral.
I looked through the glass, with an etched "K". The bright room looked welcoming and the diners looked happy. But I hoped for a table on one of the higher floors. Out of the Rain We closed my dripping umbrella and headed inside.  A gracious host greeted us, not far from this wonderful mosaic floor design.  The red numbers reminded of the building's age. 597 years, since the original building was complete! Heading Up! As our host checked on our reservations, I looked to the left and spotted diners in the same salon that I'd seen before breakfast. The painted ceilings and bustling bar made me happy to step in that direction.
But when our host gestured towards the stairs, I got a little happier. We moved up the stairs, looking at lots of faces in frames.
I didn't exactly recognize all of the (mostly French) faces, but Liz caught my eye. Were these all famous guests who once dined at Kammerzell's? Spiraling Staircase Suddenly the climb got more exciting as we began to curl upwards, inside a 16th century stone spiral staircase. It seemed like we were climbing within a medieval tower!
Curious windows on both sides, confused me. Just where were we, within this structure? As we moved higher, I saw giant knot hanging from a rope, on the inside of the spiral.
I have fond memories of climbing bell towers in Italy as a kid. Counting steps and never worrying about the tripping or tumbling. I don't remember any ropes like this, from the past.  But the kid in me had fun using the heavy rope like a mountain climber! I forgot to count steps, though. Third Floor The staircase continued up, but we stepped off at the third floor.  I couldn't have been happier, when we ended up in a cozy room, with 4 tables. Each corner had its own charm.  This one with the rounded fireplace was inviting. A champagne bucket was at the ready. Leo Schnug's Frescoes In 1905, Maison Kammerzell became a restaurant for the first time. The interior was redone and local artist Leo Schnug, created frescoes in many of the dining rooms. He even hid his portrait in some of the scenes.  It was about 7:00 when we were seated, near the windows.  A basket of bread and a bowl of pretzels awaited us, along with napkins, folded like party hats. Our waiter arrived with menus. He was a bit aloof and distracted, but I didn't care. My attention was drawn the simple illustration of Maison Kammerzell.  This image is actually not how the building looked in 1427. A cheese merchant acquired the property in 1571. He kept the original stone ground floor and added 3 more stories. The ornate timber-work came later. A grocer named Kammerzelle owned in the 19th century and gave the building its current name. Surrounded by Surprises We were the first guests seated in our little room. I took advantage and popped up to study our cozy space before others arrived.  There were splendid surprises everywhere I looked. The wooden light fixture above us, displayed carved fish! We had our own little piece of Leo's art, right beside our table.  A horse and wagon scene. Were all the paintings showing us what we might see in Strasbourg, in 1905? Cheers! We didn't attempt to engage with our busy waiter. We did try to place our order in French and then we enjoyed a toast to the fairytale setting.
I was especially excited to add a special toast to the glass bottle windows, right behind me! How many bottle bottoms in this entire building! Our Alsatian Feast Don and I waited for our Alsatian dishes to arrive, with no big expectations. I had read a lot of whiny reviews about service and food, so we were just along for the ride... enjoying the atmosphere and happy to taste food from the region.  My dish had a long name. Fricassee de Volaille facon et Coq au Riesling, Spatzle Sautes au Beurre. My chicken and spatzle photo doesn't look as appetizing as it was. Pearl onions, mushrooms and some kind of crouton. The chicken flavor was very nice. No complaints. Les Choucroutes Baumann Don went with one of the Alsatian sauerkraut and pork specialties. I had to chuckle when I saw his meats piled high on a bed of sauerkraut!  When I looked at Don's plate I cringed at his pink meats, 2 bland potatoes and a pickle.  Don is always much braver than me when it comes to meat in general. But I showed him how daring I was, when I gave his blood sausage a try. (it was not a pickle) Quick Adventure After giving our dinner a decent amount of attention, I was ready for the powder room. Really, I just wanted to explore! I headed down the wild staircase.
I peered into a room that showed more bottle glass and a wonderful door with impressive hardware. I stuck my nose in one of the many dining rooms. Who were all these people? Tourists? From where? I heard no English.  I admired the frescoes for a moment, then grinned to myself. We definitely had been seated in the coziest room! Modern Ladies Room I eventually found the updated powder room.  A totally different style of art! Surely this was not Leo's work.  I snapped a photo of the backs & rocks scene, then headed for the climb. More Celebs On the stairs I was happy to recognize President Macron and a waving Pope! I'm afraid I don't know which. I should though. I've actually (by odd luck) seen 3 different popes in person. In my memory, each is waving just like this photo.
There were a few more I recognized, like Winston Churchill, in 1942. I'm afraid I never laid eyes on him. I continued up the stone staircase, heading back to Don...
Who waited patiently in our cozy dining room, now filled with diners. Just Right Before heading off, we decided to reward ourselves with a sweet treat.  3 yummy scoops of ice cream. Salted caramel, cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a light meringue. Perfect! Looking Up It was just after 9 when we stepped outside, into the 40-degree drizzle.  I looked up and wondered which window was the one near our table.
We headed back towards our hotel, glancing back one last time, at the historic building beside the towering cathedral.  What a perfect time to have visit Strasbourg, with the Christmas Market and festive atmosphere!
But next time, let it be summer! I want to stay in that historic Kammerzell Hotel and dine at the patio tables, on a balmy evening! Lunch Stop in the City Don and I were passing through Albuquerque in June of 2023.  I searched the map for a restaurant not far from our route. Cecilia's promised to serve up authentic New Mexican cuisine. I called to make sure they were open and was told, "We're open, but we close at 1:00." Odd closing time! Sweet Exterior We arrived at 12:30 and parked near the inviting cafe entrance. White stucco, red awnings and Madonna in the window. I hoped she would keep our car safe.  Always a risk parking in unknown areas, when on a roadtrip with a car full of stuff. More Madonna & Balloons If the Madonna under the awning couldn't protect, maybe the one painted in the alcove could.  I had to stop and admire the window beneath the other awning. Oh how I've always wanted to attend Albuquerque's annual Balloon Festival! City Corner Before we stepped inside, I had to marvel that we'd found ourselves at a homey cafe, near downtown Albuquerque.  The white 2-story building on the corner of Silver and 6th, was dwarfed by the taller city buildings. Evidently this was built as a house, over 100 years ago. Cozy Cluttered We climbed a couple of steps and opened the screen door. What a surprise! The little space was packed with decorative goodies and quite a few diners.  A young guy looked up when we entered. He nodded and gestured towards an available booth. Holy Treasures We sat across from a very decorated corner. I spotted St. Frances and a few more Madonnas.  Two cherubs and a Jesus figure in a clock, beside a ceramic Christmas tree. Guy Another corner made me grin a bit.  Guy Fieri and his signature smile and sunglasses, looked down from a signed poster. Cecilia's was featured on his show in 2009. Studying The young man brought menus. I studied the walls more than I did the menu.  The wooden sign gave us a heads up about Great food & atmasphere. I noticed the red and green chilis, beside the words, "unpredictable chile fix". Awards I noticed a lot of Christmas decor. A Christmas tree here, a wreath there...  ... a manger display. And lots of awards. "Best Downtown House Turned Restaurant" That's an interesting award. Made me wonder how many house turned restaurants there are in Albuquerque? Our View I liked our booth, with a view of the dining room. We could see the the exposed brick around a window. I tried to imagine the old brick house, beneath the white stucco.  I could see 3 in the kitchen rushing about. The woman in the red shirt appeared stressed. I guessed she was the one on the phone who wanted me to know they'd be closing that day at 1. San Pascual Arrived 1999 There was a lot of wall decor near the opening to the kitchen. The most curious piece of art, was a crude little painting of a man in a monk's robe, holding a spoon.
The image was of San Pascual, the patron saint of cooks and kitchens. I learned later, that the mysterious little painted board was found on the cafe's stoop, on the first day that Cecilia's opened, in 1999. Fireman's 10 Pound Burrito! Before deciding on our order, we took a moment to ponder the Fireman's Burrito option. Sadly, we did not hear the bell ring during our visit.  The busy woman in the red shirt came to take our order. I didn't attempt to chuckle about the 10-pound burrito. Her focus seemed to be everywhere but our table, as she waited to hear our order. I asked which was hotter, red or green sauce? I got a quick answer. "Both." Tamales Don attempted to order chicken tamales but was told they only had pork.  He was fine with pork tamales. Sadly he was not fine with the heat. He's become less tolerant of hot spicy foods over the years, but usually he can attempt more than 1 bite. He played it safe (traveling!) and just ate his beans and rice. He raved about the beans, though. Stuffed Sopaipilla I was pretty excited about my fry bread, stuffed with beans, beef, cheese, onions and lettuce. My meal was hot as well, but such flavors!  Don was able eat a little of mine. I offered up my beans and rice to him. We actually were both satisfied.  As we worked on our food, the last customers sat down. Just before the Closed sign went in the door. We overheard the woman in red telling them that it had been a rough day. A pipe broke and the bathroom was closed. Yikes. Meeting Cecilia I had not expected to have a chat with the woman in red. But after she took the last order, a weight seemed to lift. She came over and apologized for being so rushed. She seemed so pleased that we'd enjoyed her food. (I couldn't bring myself to tell her it was too hot for Don)  I asked if she was by any chance The Cecilia, of Cecilia's. She laughed that she was. We asked about her experience with Guy Fieri and she shook her head. "Whew! Our business was crazy after that! There were lines down the sidewalk." She talked about the struggles after the pandemic. "We can't get people to work," She looked at the now half empty dining room and said business was so much slower now. A Good Visit Even with spicy food and no bathroom options, we were glad we'd had a visit to the little cafe. It was a treat absorbing the atmosphere, with Cecilia's precious collections.  I wish we could go back and enjoy another meal. Cecilia might be able to suggest a milder dish for Don. But sadly, I looked up Cecilia's today. It looks like the cafe closed its doors, October 2024. Too many struggles, trying to keep the business running, since the pandemic. Sad.
But, I read that Cecilia may have a food truck somewhere! Maybe there will be a next time! |
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
May 2025
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