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Creole House in Paulina, Louisiana

4/30/2019

Lunch Near the Great River Road

It's been 4 years since we stopped for lunch at the Creole House. But the memories linger and it's time for a quick recall.

Road Side Dining

A few Octobers ago, Don and I were headed with "the kids" to tour the Whitney Plantation. Before crossing the Mississippi River, we drove through the small town of Paulina. Pop. 1,178. The Creole House, with porch and swing, looked like our best bet for lunch.

Dark Wood and Dark Doors

There was a tavern feel to the cozy building. There were Saints flags and banners and an area where live music happened, in the later hours. I was especially curious about the thick, rounded doors, on one wall.

Surrounded in Wood

Victoria brought our menus and I struggled to understand her Cajun accent. I wanted to ask more questions about the building, which looked old, with pine walls and ceiling. But I was having a hard enough time, just communicating about food.

Peeking Around

While our orders cooked, I explored. I loved the red windows that peeked into the kitchen. I should have counted the fleur de lis decor, since I spotted the first, on the roof.

Fire Place and Christmas Tree

The far end of the dining room looked very festive with a cozy fireplace and a Christmas tree... even though it was October. It looked like the inside of an old house and I wanted to know more.

The Rounded Doors

We chatted while awaiting our food and Victoria refilled waters. I asked about the wonderful doors, that looked like they should have been in a castle somewhere. She just said they separated the dining room and the bar.

Creole Food!

I wimped out and ordered a cheeseburger and salad, which was fine. But Scott and Chali played it right and ordered the big platter of fried shrimp, fish and oysters with onion rings, biscuit and a bowl of seafood gumbo. That's the way to do it!

At the Counter

While checking out at the counter, I managed to have a quick chat with Victoria. I didn't learn anything more about the curious building or the restaurant's history, but I learned about the wooden, pyramid decoration near the bubble gum machines. Victoria lit up, when I inquired!

Bonfires on the Levee Tradition

photo: bullwinklestravels.blogspot.com

I believe this is pretty much what Victoria said... Every Christmas Eve, wooden structures line the levee. Locals gather to celebrate with friends, family and food, as the structures are lit. She said she'd grown up with the tradition and had fond memories. "The kids love it!" She smiled and added shyly, that she'd been a part of the pageant last year. I'm guessing that would be the Miss Festival of the Bonfires Pageant... but I'm not sure.

So I learned a little something fun. We'll have to return some evening and enjoy some live music in the cozy Creole House. Better yet, we'll come on Christmas Eve and sneak a peek at the glowing levee!

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Smitty's Market in Lockhart, Texas

4/28/2019

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Memories of Smitty's

It's been over a decade since my mom, sister and I stumbled across Smitty's Market.

We were on a road trip adventure, to celebrate Mom's 80th. We stopped in Lockhart, but not for its famous BBQ.

We made the detour, because of Mom's love for the hilariously, quirky movie, "Waiting for Guffman", which was filmed in Lockhart.

We spent time snapping photos of the lovely courthouse. (Seen often in the movie) Then we noticed Smitty's across the street, with its tempting sign in the window.

Birthday Girl

Mom was in heaven that day as we headed over from the square, to check out the old building and doors. At 80, she was still spunky and curious, but she was also struggling with Alzeimer's. Jennifer and I were so grateful we could give her the Texas road trip, that she craved.

Mom had always loved road adventures, with all their surprises. She loved wandering, exploring and observing. As a kid I was often impatient when Mom got off on a questioning tangent with a guidebook or a chatty local. As an adult, I grew to love it!

Building History

We knew nothing about Smitty's, when we approached it that November day, in 2008. We did end up learning a little about the 2 buildings, once we stepped inside. The shorter building had been Kreuz Market, since 1924. Edgar "Smitty" Schmidt bought the market in '48. Later he expanded, when he bought the 1906 dry goods store next door.

Dark & Smokey

I still remember the thrill of opening those doors and seeing this mysterious hall, with its soot covered walls. (It was much darker, without my camera flash) Big fans hung from the ceiling, moving the warm, smokey air. We inhaled the wonderful flavors... and coughed... and laughed.

The Market

We peeked left, through the doorway to the old market. It wasn't open, but someone welcomed us in. I honestly don't remember who it was, but they probably couldn't say no to Mom, who was eagerly pointing out all that she saw.

We grinned at the old scales and coolers... the saws and stools.

Jennifer snapped lots of photos, while Mom marveled at the wavy surface of the butcher block table.

Down the Hall

After roaming around the market, we traveled down the dark hall. On a busier day, there might have been people sitting on the benches, eating barbecue on the skinny tables, attached to the wall.

From the Stairs

I couldn't resist climbing a few steps. From halfway up, I could see a number of pit areas in the back section of the old market. The arrow pointed us to the area where BBQ is now sold.

The Old Pits

As we moved towards a small line of customers, the smells grew more delicious, but my eyes began to sting. I looked back once more at the original room, where customers once ate their BBQ, right beside the fire pits.

Today

Today, customers order their meat in the next room. I was glad Mom was steady on her feet... not walking with a wooden cane, when we passed the open fire, to get to the counter. I would love to know how many visitors have had little mishaps with the open flames.

Over the Years

On that day with Mom, we ordered a sampler of meats and took it with us for an evening feast.

In the years following, Don and I have traveled 2.5 hours from Houston, with family and friends to share the fun of a Smitty's Experience. Each time, I am in awe of the skilled people, on the other side of the counter. Many like Pablo, we've seen year after year.

Fire Box... Cooking Chamber...?

Since there are usually lines at Smitty's, there is no time for questions. I think I finally have it figured out that the fire box thing on the ground, provides (through some kind of flue) the smoke and heat for the brick cooking chamber. It's amazing to watch the guys in their aprons, lifting the lid and messing with the meats. The slicing and chopping is clearly an art!

It's a Wrap

After ordering and paying with cash, the meat is wrapped in layers of butcher paper. For people dining in, the bundle is handed over like an open pocket.

Dining Room

After getting the meat, it's on to the dining room. There has always been an interesting crowd at the community tables.

Drinks and Extras

Soda, tea and beer is available at a nearby counter. There are a few options for sides, but that's not what Smitty's is known for.

Finding a Seat

You never know who you'll sit by. I always hope for a cowboy hat or two. Or at least a handsome young man who eats all but the bone! Scott loves BBQ!

Once seated, the butcher paper becomes a plate. There are plastic spoons for the sides, but I swear I remember seeing knives chained to the table in the past. Maybe I just dreamed that.

Recent Visit

On our most recent visit, I chatted with Jim. He is married to Nina Schmidt Sells, who took over the business from her father in 1999. Nina grew in the biz. Before her dad, Smitty bought Kruez Market, he worked there as a teen. In 1999, Nina's brother moved the used the Kruez name and opened in a new location. Nina kept the business and gave it her father's name.

With Pat and Susan

Don and I had the fun, of introducing our friends Pat and Susan to Smitty's recently. Don brought his own knife this time. He learned by watching locals on past trips... not that one was really needed! We had some Lockhart Beer and chowed down on ribs and brisket and sausage.

While we ate, I spotted Jim taking a break. It was late enough that Nina was relaxing a bit herself. I introduced myself and raved about our meal. I felt like a BBQ Groupie, meeting Smitty's actual daughter!

Off We Go

We finished and walked off a couple bites of brisket, with a stroll around the square. Then on the way to the parking lot, I got one last glimpse of the intriguing world of Smitty's BBQ. I heard buzzing first, then notice a man, standing in a sea of oak logs. He was working away, splitting the wood that fuels the pits. I felt like I was getting a little peek, backstage.

Mom would have loved that final treat!

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Priddy Store

4/23/2019

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Welcome to Priddy

Don and I were on the 4th day of a road trip with friends, when we reached the town of Priddy. We had already enjoyed a lunch in Blessing, TX and we'd spent a night in Comfort, TX. It seemed fitting that we should visit another small town, with a name that makes you smile!

We were very hungry by the time we laid eyes on this fine sign. Who was this fine, parrot-carrying pirate?

We were too hungry to stop and research, but we learned later that the unincorporated town was named for Thomas Jefferson Priddy. He was not a pirate. He was a pioneer Baptist preacher. Priddy was also a Texas Ranger, so he might have carried a weapon. I doubt he had a parrot.

Another Sign

We had no problems spotting the Priddy Store, with it's curious sign. We could accomplish so much! We could get gas, diesel, groceries, hardware, wine, ice and deli food! The word beer seemed to be painted over.

5-Star Dining, in Northwestern Central Texas!

Our friends Susan and Pat had Googled dining options before we reached town. Susan got us all excited as she read aloud, a 5-star Yelp food review for Priddy Store. The words magical and biblical were used! The reviewer also stated, "I would trade a unicorn and a rainbow for their food!" When we saw the little brick building, we laughed. Our reviewer might have been drunk or just sarcastic.

Quick Debate

We've never traveled with Pat and Susan before, but Don and I were delighted with their Go-For-It attitudes! Don parked next to a truck and said he'd wait in the car, if we wanted to go in and check the place out. But our friends were game to just head on in. That's the way it should be done!

Fish, Worms, Deer

The signs in the window, made me grin. They did not make me lose my appetite.

Shop and Dine

A table of workmen looked up when we entered. A young woman in pink, invited us to sit anywhere. Don and Pat sat at a table near some shelves of motor oil and Band-aids... and Tampons. Susan took in some of the other shopping options.

Cigs and Wine

There were 3 wines for sale and lots of tobacco and cigarettes. There was also a large tip "cup" with the message, "If Love is the Root of All Evil, Then Cleanse Yourself."

Wine and Ice Cream

We could have shared a bottle of wine with our lunch, for $3.50. Actually that might not have been allowed, but I'm sure we could have eaten the ice cream from the freezer. The weekly specials were listed above.

Bathroom by the Pumps

I was the first to try out the single bathroom on the side of the building. I walked past the pumps, which do still serve gas. I was relieved to smell a freshly cleaned bathroom, when I entered. 5 stars for that!

Jerry

The young woman in pink was pretty quiet when she took our order. I asked, "What's good?" She paused as if she'd never been asked that question. "Everything."

She took our order and not long after, Jerry came over to our table to chat. She had finished working in the kitchen and had just sat down to eat a burger. She was delightful and chatty. She whipped around so I could take a photo of her shirt. She showed us the dot, showing Priddy on the map. There are about 230 people in Priddy.

Food and More Chat

Our orders began to arrive and everyone was talking at once. We were excited to learn that Jerry grew up in Hallettsville, which is 223 miles from Priddy. We told her that we had stopped there 2 days before, to buy kolaches.

Jerry talked ranch and cattle talk, with Pat and she answered Czech language questions from Don. Jerry wished she'd learned to speak Czech from her parents... instead of mimicking them behind their backs, with her sister.

The Food!

The food actually was impressive. The Thursday Special was a Jalapeno burger (with grilled peppers and onions) along with seasoned home fries and tea or fountain drink. Jerry insisted we enjoy a complimentary piece of oatmeal cake. It was fresh and moist, with lots of nuts and coconut!

Photo Time

Jerry offered to take a photo of our little group. It had been fun chatting with her, but we needed to let her go. Lunch ended at 2 and she was off duty. We heard a voice from the kitchen area. "I'm about ready for a cold one." Was that our pink girl? Maybe.

More Chatting

The door opened and a couple entered, with lots of greetings for Jerry. "I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays!" said the white haired woman, as she hugged Jerry. Jerry had taken her work apron off and she probably had a list of things to do that afternoon. But she acted like there was no other place she'd rather be.

Good-Bye Priddy!

We paid up and had a short chat with the couple at the table. They were still chatting with Jerry when we left. I took one last look at the old building... established 1936. I wish I knew more history. I had asked Jerry, but she pointed the feed store across the street. "The woman who works there can tell you everything!"

It was tempting to cross the street, but we'll save the feed store adventure for another day!

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Koffee Kup Family Restaurant

4/21/2019

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Hico, Texas

On Good Friday morning, we had breakfast in Hico. Don and I were traveling with our friends, Pat and Susan. Like us, they knew little about the small town of about 1,300, in North Central Texas. We had however, heard that the Koffee Kup was a great place to go for breakfast.

Cowboy at the Table

Don and I have eaten in a few restaurants, with cowboy signs or names. This one had a mighty fine silhouette image of a cowboy, above the door. That man with his hat and spurs, seemed to be pondering life. Or was he just savoring that last sip, while he stared at the coffee pot?

I wondered if we would see any cowboy hats inside.

Seating

We entered at about 8:45 and I spotted no cowboys. We pondered only briefly, about where to sit.

There was a nice big table near the door with the Koffee Kup logo branded into wood.

We headed back and aimed for one of the booths.

Booths and Displays

There was a booth open, by the salt & pepper shaker displays.

We chose a slightly larger booth, so I had to sneak over for a peek at the fine collection.

Filling Up

We took a seat and before long, we had coffee at our table. Our server was quick and efficient. I believe her name was Mary Ellen and she didn't have much time for chit chat, since the place was filling up fast. Before long I saw my first cowboy hat.

Eggs, Bacon and Biscuits

My scrambled eggs came fried. I really didn't care, but Mary Ellen seemed concerned as she studied her pad. I had the feeling she had never made a mistake before. I assured her I was happy with fried. The bacon was crispy the way I like it. The biscuits were far too crumbly to make a breakfast sandwich... or I might have. I like the idea of gravy... but all I usually need, is one taste.

Gigantic Oatmeal

Pat went for bacon like me, but Susan ordered oatmeal with her eggs. It was Good Friday after all. We all laughed when we saw the size of her bowl. Don's breakfast burrito was amazingly good. We probably should have ordered pie, even at breakfast. That's what they're known for.

More Hats, More Locals

Before long I spotted a few more cowboy hats. I'm not sure why this amused me. Hico is surrounded by ranch land, so I shouldn't have been surprised. I noticed a lot of diners, stopping to greet other diners. This seemed to be the place to eat and socialize.

Movie Star?

On my way to the restroom, I paused to look at the wall with framed photos and news clippings. There was a portrait of a man, directly above the still vacant, "branded" table.

Mary Ellen was standing near the kitchen area and she noticed me looking.

"You probably think that he's a movie star." She said, gesturing towards the black and white photo.

Owned by the Allen Family

Mary Ellen had been so busy earlier, but suddenly she was happily carrying on about Lynn Allen, the old owner who had died a few years ago. She pointed to names, engraved in the wood. There were about 16.

"Those are the names of the men who used to gather at this table, every day." She pointed out the name Jack Allen. I believe he was Lynn's dad, who started the Koffee Kup in 1970. "They're all gone now." She added sadly.

Even Sadder

We left happy and I shared my tiny bit of info in the car with the others. Later I searched the internet for more info. I was curious about the history of this busy place in a small town. The info I found, made me sad and angry.

I was sad that my happy little dining experience was suddenly tainted by my curious Googling. I was angry, because I learned that not all that long ago, the restaurant's name was different. The once, Koffee Kup Kafe had a shorter nickname... KKK. From what I read, I don't believe it is just rumor, that clan meetings were held in this very building.

I could have chosen not to add this restaurant to the blog. Or I could have left this part out. But I've shared what I discovered, because that's what my dining adventures are about. Usually my surprises and discoveries are amusing or curious. Sometimes I learn some history, that I eventually forget. This disturbing discovery, won't be forgotten.

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Rathskeller Restaurant - Fredericksburg

4/21/2019

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Lunch in the Texas Hill Country

There are tons of dining options in Fredericksburg. The Hill Country town, once settled by Germans, now caters to tourists. They've done a good job of preserving their culture and history and beautiful buildings, like this one.

Lunch in the Old Memorial Keidel Hospital

This sturdy, limestone building has always intrigued me. When recently traveling with friends, they suggested stopping for lunch, in the old hospital.

Lovely April Day

Pat and Susan had eaten before at The Rathskeller. I was excited about the idea of a basement dining adventure... especially since our friends had been told, the basement had once been a morgue. Intriguing!

But the spring weather was heavenly and we had to pause to take in the courtyard, before heading down the exterior steps.

Down We Go

The sign at the bottom of the stairs flipped to CLOSED, shortly after we arrived

Coming through the door, we could see the thick, limestone walls. Who knows what the basement was used for in 1883, when the building was first completed. It opened then, as a general merchandise and hardware store.

Still Serving

It was nearly 3:00 when we arrived, but they were still serving lunch. We were invited to sit anywhere. The table near the old window looked cozy and the giant utensils sort of amused me.

Bigger Space

There was a private room with a meeting table, if we'd brought along more friends. The sweet beast on the stone wall, would have kept an eye on us.

But we took another cozy corner table, with Grandma and Grandpa looking over us, from their frame. I sat near the Mercedes grill.

More Curious Decor

I was pretty delighted peeking around. The nearby window view amused me, with its cocktail cart and flamingo display. The restroom had some interesting art. I don't speak German, but the antique piece was interesting.

Chatting With Mary

While we studied menus, our server Mary, bustled about. She was fun and chatty and answered lots of questions. She said she'd been working at the Rathskeller off and on, for at least 18 years. "Since the owner's son was toddling around." she said.

Mary however, didn't answer my questions about the basement once being a morgue. She really did not want to confirm that at all. She said it had been the laundry room.

Photo on the Menu

The menu had some less eerie history inside and a great photo on the cover. In 1919, Dr. Victor Keidel bought the building and expanded, with the wing that looks over the courtyard. It opened as The Keidel Memorial Hosptial in 1938. Dr. Keidel's son in law, Dr. H. Perry also practiced and eventually bought the property. The building is still in the Perry family today.

Cheers

Susan and I enjoyed some beer (German for me!) as we waited for our food. We continued to wonder about the morgue. I asked Mary if they had any ghosts sightings in the basement. She steered clear of that subject, just like she had the morgue. Then she reminded me that we were in a small town and there were residents who had family members who were born or died at the hospital. It was suddenly clear to me, why this kind of gossip was off limits.

Yum!

I ordered the Daily Special, even though I clearly knew it was more than I could eat. Well, there was no Country Fried Pork Cutlet left on my plate when I finished. The beans, gravy and potatoes were packed with flavor! Crispy cutlet and fat mushrooms in the gravy! Yum!

The Rest

The Almond Crusted Fried Dover and Turkey Ruebens were well received, also. But I think mine was best!

Fun Stop

We enjoyed some good food and fun conversation. It was a fun dining adventure, even if we had no eerie encounters! This may be the first "meal in a hospital" for the Dining Blog!

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Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks

4/20/2019

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Seafood Feast in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Don and I learned from a local, that this was the best place to go for seafood when visiting Hilton Head. "It's kind of stinky sometimes, but don't let that bother you."

Checking It Out

Don and I are amused and tempted when we hear things like that. But we had friends coming to meet us in Hilton Head. Not everyone likes a smelly dining adventure. The 2 of us drove over one afternoon and checked on the place. There were lots of cars and that was a good sign.

On the Docks

I told Don to wait in the car and I'd run in to check on the smell. I passed the sign saying, "Yes, Our Oyster Bar is Open. Entrance at the Docks." I loved it already.

Built on Oysters!

I peeked around the other side and saw more boats and tons of oyster shells. This property originally opened in the 1920's, for seafood processing. Thousands of oysters were brought in daily, by oar-powered boats. They were shucked inside and sent north on barges. Discarded shells piled up outside, eventually creating the peninsula, where the current restaurant sits!

Friendly Greeting

So I stepped inside and was immediately greeted by cheery staff. I said I was just checking the place out for later. I discreetly inhaled and wasn't blown over by fishy smells. "Look around!" A young woman encouraged.

Oyster Bar

The oyster bar was pretty lively. I didn't get a photo of the crowd around the actual bar. That felt sort of intrusive.

So I looked at all the photos displayed on the cinderblock walls. I checked out the cute little tables.

I liked the place.

Shucking Tools and a Window

I tried to photograph a display of oyster shucking tools. The glare was bad, but I could read some of the different names... like Stabber Pattern! A woman cleaning up, noticed my interest and pointed through the wall's window to another room.

Oyster Factory Room?

She seemed delighted that I was interested in the history. She took me into the large room, which I believe was called the Oyster Factory Dining Room. She said it was the original space where oysters were once shucked.

Shucking Oysters

She pulled me over to a painting on the wall. "This shows what it used to look like in here." The image showed about 10 men shucking at long tables. Evidently Hudson's today, serves over 3,000 gallons of oysters annually.

A Good Report

When I finally made it back to the car, I told Don we just had to come back when our friends arrived. A few days later we headed over with Dan and Kim. It was a lovely evening, when we approached from the east, as the sun was lowering.

Boats

We paused to check out the boats from across the water. Hudson's is the only restaurant on the island that has a working fleet of shrimp boats.

Dockside Dining

It was tempting to eat on the deck, near the boats. We might have seen Jeff and Skip Toomer arrive. They are third generation shrimpers.

Sunset

But we opted for inside dining... after watching a dolphin, playing during sunset.

Kim and Don

We didn't get a table right at the window, but there were plenty of windows surrounding us. Kim and Don posed for me. We've had a few memorable meals and photo posing times, in our 25+ years of friendship.

Starters

Our waiter Todd was on top of things. We told him how hungry we were and he brought us their famous hushpuppies first. My photo is blurred, but the flavor was perfection. Light brown with onions and crispy, sweet cornbread! No sauce was needed! There's a long story about how the Hudsons purchased this recipe with bottles of whiskey. The crab cakes were just heavenly!

Don's Fried Shrimp with Slaw

Don just had to have fried shrimp. 100,000 pounds of shrimp are consumed here annually.

My Sampler

Knowing about the oyster history, I made sure to have some. Todd explained that it was a good oyster day because of the low tide. My Oysters Rockefeller and Bacon Wrapped Oysters were very yummy. The Stuffed Mushrooms, Mini Crab Cakes and Scallops were also good.

The Gang

So we got to enjoy a dining adventure with our good friends... at an iconic, family owned seafood business in South Carolina!

Smell Test

Thanks Hudson's! You passed the food and smell test!

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Catherine's in the Park - Saratoga Springs

4/13/2019

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Lunch at a State Park

Don and I got hungry while exploring Saratoga Spa State Park in New York, last summer. We found lunch in this charming building.

We love visiting parks and eating at them. But that usually means packing our own food. Our closest park back home in Texas, is Brazos Bend State Park. There's no "Spa" in the name, but we love a sandwich at a picnic table, after wandering the trails and spotting alligators.

The Gideon Putman Resort

There were no obvious reptiles at this New York state park, but they had some nice accommodations. The lovely Gideon Putman Resort opened in 1935. Guests came from far away to "take the waters" for good health and relaxation.

Catherine's

We could have eaten lunch at the hotel, but we learned about this smaller cafe that offered a more casual setting. The inside was cozy and quiet. A few golfers were gathering in the nearby bar.

Screen Door

The arches and woodwork were classic, but the screen door was calling to us. "Is the patio open for dining?"

Ahhhh! Perfect!

Just down the steps, we had our pick of umbrella shaded tables. The air was perfect. I loved the outside view of the structure better than the inside. I studied the classic brick structure, with ionic columns. The noticed the words Golf Club, written above.

Arches

I loved the flowers and the arched windows and colonnades. I saw a photo of some lovely ladies lined up posing, back in the day. I wondered about the famous folks who once visited. Did Fred Astaire or Cary Grant enjoy a summer day, on this patio?

Victoria Pool

But the best part of our view was the calm pool, surrounded by more brick buildings and towering trees. The Victoria Pool was the very first heated pool in the country! Oddly enough, it is too expensive to heat it now.

On Deck

Don and I sipped a beer and studied our menus on the original limestone deck. The pool was closed and we enjoyed the quiet. But it would have been entertaining to see what kind of crowd enjoys the pool, during open hours.

Yum!

I felt like I was dining at my Aunt Marguerite's country club, but we were in a state park! This all felt sort of silly and magical! My Buffalo Wing Salad was not something that would have been on the menu years ago, but it was wonderful. Aunt M. probably would have ordered a chicken salad sandwich, just like Don. All was wonderful!

Bit of History

I love a little dining adventure that includes some history. This was a fun one. We had no spa treatment, but I felt like I'd had a therapeutic lunch. Maybe next time we'll go back and stay at the hotel and join the crowds at the pool! Maybe next time, I'll find out who Catherine was!

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Gonzalez Restaurant in Ballinger, TX

4/12/2019

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Love the Signs!

Sometimes you just have to pick a restaurant because of their cool signage... even if the signs confuse you a bit!

It was a bright summer day when Don and I spotted this unlit neon sign, with smiling face, tiny mustache and chef's hat. Was this an Italian restaurant? Wait, what about the blue sign? (Texas Grill) Cowboy steaks maybe? The words on the stone wall? (Gonzales Restaurant) Yum... enchiladas? I was up for any and all!

Corner of Texas Highways 83 and 67

The restaurant was just sitting there, right on the corner of 2 highways when we pulled into town on the last day of a long road trip.

We had not heard about the place. No help from Yelp. No guidance from articles. No word of mouth. These finds are always extra fun... and extra daring.

The OPEN sign was lit, but it was almost 1:30. We parked and crossed our fingers as we headed over. Small town restaurants make their own rules.

On the Corner Since 1901

I read later that the building has been sitting here for more than a century. As we headed to the entrance I studied the stone work above. I wondered how many different kinds of businesses have enjoyed this corner spot, over the years. Then I took a good look at the painted windows. It looked like we would be having a festive Mexican lunch!

Welcoming Staff

Don and I usually try to avoid being the last diners, at any restaurant. There's nothing more uncomfortable than eating your meal while brooms sweep nearby and chairs go up on tables. When we stepped inside, we saw no lingering diners. That was not a good sign.

The Buffet

The idea of a buffet at the end of a shift, was also unappealing. But the women at the door welcomed us, with such enthusiasm. And the Mexican decor was fun and we could eat quickly and get on the road! We stayed and found a few decent foods at the Fajita and Salad Bar Buffet. Best of all, we ended up having a fun time chatting with the staff.

Happy Chatter

There was a lot of playful banter between the folks running the place... I believe 2 sisters and a brother? They happily included us in their weather talk when they found our we were from Houston. "Oh it was 114 here yesterday! I remember when I was a kid the weather never bothered me. I could be out picking cotton or collecting sheep's wool and I never felt it. Now I can't even work in the garden!"

Eerie Hall & Stories

I took a trip to the restroom and came back grinning. The journey had amused me. The hall had been long and dark. I didn't get a picture of the decorated walls, or the darkened "dining room" where a TV glowed in the corner. I pictured festive family gatherings and celebrations.

When I returned to the table, the ladies began telling us stories about the old building. "It's haunted, you know."

Cowboy Ghost

They shared some articles about the old building that had been a saloon until prohibition. After some years as a department store, the building reopened as a restaurant in 1954. Supposedly Norton, the Cowboy Ghost has been haunting the place for a very long time.

No Signs of Norton

Norton is not the chef on the sign. We never found out anything more about the smiling chef. Supposedly Norton is the name of the ghost, who was once a notorious character in Ballinger, until he was gunned down by Texas Rangers, in this very building. Yikes!

One of the women laughed about Norton. "A lot of girls claim he pinches or touches them. Nobody in my family has ever been touched!" She grinned. "Maybe he's just prejudiced!"

So we had a curious little dining adventure, as our last meal on a a 2-week road trip. Maybe we need to revisit for an evening meal... and be the last diners again!

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El Rialto in Las Vegas, NM

4/12/2019

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Dinner in Vegas!

I've seen a lot of vintage postcards showing Las Vegas, with neon signs, glittery casinos and glam pools. This is a postcard from the cute place where we ate dinner in Las Vegas, New Mexico! No neon or glam decor shown in these photos. But, the postcard looks vintage and the restaurant itself looked pretty vintage, when we visited in 2017.

The Plaza

In 2017, Don and I stayed at The Plaza Hotel. No, we weren't at the ritzy Plaza in NYC... we were in Las Vegas. We weren't in the gambling Vegas, we were in New Mexico! The Nevada and New York locations would have been very entertaining, but this overnight was all about easy. We walked out of our sweet historic hotel and strolled across the plaza to dinner.

El Rialto

The Garcia Family has been running El Rialto since 1975. They've had some time to accumulate some curious things for their windows. I have no idea about the age of the building, but once inside, the high, pressed tin ceilings, hinted at old.

Busy on July 3

It was the day before the holiday, so there was a weekend energy to the restaurant. Most of the tables were taken up with large groups of locals, many with children.

Big Outfits Big Meals

Don and I obviously dressed for dinner. I don't think our shirts or jewelry fooled anyone into thinking we were locals. However, our server said she loved my squash blossom necklace. She said her grandmother had lots of turquoise and she hoped to get turquoise, one day. Don's bolo tie got noticed on our walk to dinner. A very polite panhandler asked for a quarter. Don gave him a dollar and then received a thank you, along with positive words! "Nice bolo tie!" We hoped there was no sarcasm in his voice.

Eating and Watching

Each of our piping hot meals was served on 2 thick plates. I ate my taco, tamale and relleno while keeping an eye on the busy kitchen. It was quite entertaining.

Don had chicken enchiladas and filled me in on the happenings in both rooms. He had a good view of many woven rugs, displayed on the wall. One had a large "R" in the center. Was that for el Rialto?

The Garcias

I studied a framed photo before we left. I don't know if we met any of the Garcia family that night. It was too busy to bother anyone with questions. If we'd had some chatting time, I would have asked how the restaurant got its name. Rialto makes me think of the bridge in Venice.

Shopping

There were some curious lamp creations for sale and a t-shirt or two. We could have completed our meal with a purchase. But we headed off, with full stomachs and empty hands.

Quiet Plaza

We headed across the plaza to our hotel. It was fun to imagine the little city, once a booming railroad town in the early 19th century. After WWII, the town grew quiet. We may have missed out on the excitement of a bigger city, but we made it back to the hotel, just in time for karaoke!

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Golden Burro Cafe and Lounge in CO

4/12/2019

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Lunch in Leadville!

Leadville is known for being the highest incorporated town in the United States. 10,152 feet is pretty high!

But I will always associate the once booming mining town, with the Golden Burro Cafe. The first time I laid eyes on the cafe/bar was when traveling with my sister in 1977. I've spotted it on a few other trips, while passing through.

Two years ago, Don and I finally stopped for lunch!

Yellow and Blue

The colorful building looked just the way I remembered it!

When it was built in 1888, there was no adorable burro sign, or yellow and blue paint. The structure housed a bakery, hardware store and music store, until the 1930's, when Roy Pray opened his business. By the late '30's, "Ray's Lunch" suddenly became "Golden Burrow Cocktail Lounge", open 24/7. At that time, the nearby mines kept 19 brothels in operation. There was a constant flow of hungry and thirsty customers day and night, at Golden Burro!

Diner

In June 2017, Don and I expected to see plenty of tourists when we stepped inside. But the middle room, felt much more like the local diner.

Lots to Read

There was lots to look at and read, while we waited for a table to open up. The sign catering to bicycle friends, was a reminder that "tourists" come in big groups. We were glad to be sharing the cafe with the "Rocky Mountain Billy Goat" and locals... not mobs of travelers.

A Real Burro

This old photo was one of my favorites. I have always adored burros... which I used to call donkeys, until I moved to Texas. I guess that's because I grew up east of the Mississippi River. Is that a real thing?

Neon Burro

This is the booth I really had hoped for. It was right beside the mirror and yellow glass. I was very amused by all the donkey treasures, especially the old neon sign. I think that was originally on the outside of the building.

Dining Counter

The room to the right of the entrance had a dining counter that looked pretty retro. I believe the back bar was part of the original business, when they were serving those cocktails round the clock.

More Burros

The woman behind the counter looked a little busy as she cleaned. I decided not to ask her if she'd ever counted all the burros in the cafe and bar. I liked the larger one in the center, best.

Dave in the Brass Ass Saloon

For 50 years the Golden Burro was nicknamed the Brass Ass by locals. Now the name is used for the saloon section of the business. I lucked out and got to meet owner, Dave Wright. He and his wife saved the run down Golden Burro, when they purchased about 15 years ago.

The Back Room

Dave showed me the back section of the saloon. There were vintage costumes for photo shoots and lots of tables for playing poker. He said I could learn to play Faro too... whatever that is?

Dave told me he'd moved to Leadville over 30 years ago. He said The Burro became so run down, the locals wouldn't even eat there. He worried about selling it someday. "They'll probably just tear it down and build a condos." He was a good spirited guy, but concerned that so few care about history anymore.

Time to Dine

When we were finally seated, I had a good time with the menu. There were a lot of photos and bits of history throughout the menu Luckily the cover image, of a Leadville hanging in 1886, didn't ruin my appetite.

I ordered the "Burro-ito" because I was embracing the burro theme! It was huge and tasty and way more than I could eat.

Feasting

Don ordered the Meatloaf Dinner, "Just like Mom used to make." It came with dark gravy and a twice baked potato. The medley of broccoli and cauliflower had a decent cheese sauce and it all started with a cup of bean soup! Pretty good for a small town cafe where miners used to hang out!

No Doggy Bags For Us

We could barely make a dent in our meals. We tried to convince our server Holly that we did indeed enjoy our meal... we were traveling and could not take leftovers. She apologized again for our wait and we assured her we'd enjoyed ourselves while we wandered around.

As we headed to the car I looked up that sweet burro one more time. Darn, I wish it had been closer to evening. I would love to see that sign lit at night.

Another time!

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