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Aunt Martha's Pancakes

7/22/2015

Breakfast in Springfield, Missouri

Don and I joined my dad for breakfast at "Aunt Martha's" when we were passing through town last fall. I never had an Aunt Martha, but I did visit lots of aunts and other relatives in Springfield over the years.

The Pancake House sign makes it a worthy stop for anyone!

Since 1959

Aunt Martha's seems like a place that has been around forever. That's a scary thought, since I was born in '57. I'm two years older than this family business!

What did we order?

Obviously we ordered pancakes. I think my dad was laughing because he knew there was no way on earth we would finish all that food. I ordered pumpkin pancakes to go along with the fall harvest decor that seemed to be popping up all over the restaurant. Don went all out with eggs, hash browns, crispy bacon and pancakes!

Cozy Booth and Ruffled Curtains

The place was packed on Saturday morning. I had to jump up and snap this photo when the booth actually cleared for a moment. The curtains and wall displays with china plates and high school pennants seemed very 1959.

Counter Dining

There's something about drinking coffee at a counter that seems so right. There were newspapers to share and more festive fall decor. I had to sort of slip behind the counter to get to the hall to find the bathroom...

Just Peeking

I felt like I was practically in the kitchen when I hunted down the restroom. If I'd snapped this blurry photo a second earlier I would have had the cook's smiling face. "Hello!" he said as he waved some utensil. I must not be the first nosy diner to peek in on the kitchen.

Smell of Syrup and Sound of Chatter

There was something pretty darn cozy about eating breakfast with my dad in this sweet smelling, popular place! We hardly made a dent in our pancakes, but I managed to digest some fabulous old family stories that I had long forgotten!

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Runaway Train Cafe in Brownwood

7/22/2015

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Lunch in a Train Car!

Don and I found this place in Brownwood, on one of our many Texas road trips. We had just had the adventure of spending the night in a teepee, so we were in the mood for a dining adventure to top it off. Sleep in a teepee, then dine in a train car. Perfect.

11 a.m. on Saturday

We'd had no breakfast or coffee in the Teepee, so we hit the cafe right when it opened. It was sitting on some tracks on the edge of Brownwood. It seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, but I sensed some nearby suburbs.

Lots of Red

Red, black and a little neon! It felt like a 1950's soda fountain as much as it did a dining car. But I guess that was the idea. We had our pick of cozy booths.

Table with a View

We picked the side away from the road, since the window view made it look like the train was traveling from Chicago to Illinois, like it once did in the 1950's. I loved the original metal blinds that slid up and down.

The Other End

Near the kitchen there was a counter with stools. If we'd sat there, we could have asked more questions. But it started filling up pretty quickly and our server seemed a little distracted. I think she would have been happier answering questions about her high school prom than train history.

Family Biz

The family owned cafe has been open for about 10 years. We spoke with a few locals who let us know the owners were very nice. They also told us to keep an eye out our window because we might see some deer. We didn't see deer or the owners (in the kitchen?) but we saw about 5 different young groups in sport's uniforms. Lots of happy and hungry kiddos, just off the soccer and softball fields.

The Dining Part

Don let me slow him down for the photo before he devoured his burger and fries. We both had coffee with lunch, which made made us look extra elderly in the crowd of youngin's. I had a chili dog which was pretty perfect. I am not pictured, because I didn't look so good after sleeping on the ground in the teepee!

Headed for the Washroom

I felt just like I do when I'm waiting for the "lavatory" in the narrow aisle of a plane. I kept my gaze on "Rosie the Riveter" and the Men's room "Chief", so the family at the table I was nearly touching, didn't feel my intrusion. I was fully prepared to squeeze into a tiny bathroom like I remember from train travel 50 years ago, but to my surprise it was updated and somewhat roomy.

On Down the Road

We left the packed dining car just in time and headed home to Sugar Land on back roads. Always keeping an eye out for future dining adventures... or at least a picnic!

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Schilo's in San Antonio

7/19/2015

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Since 1917!

Don and I have been eager to return to Schilo's since we discovered it over 10 years ago. We were just glad it was still sitting there on Commerce Street, looking as retro as we remembered.

We headed over nice and early for breakfast, because we remembered it got crowded with locals.

Tile Work

Before walking inside, I had to smile at the tile beside the door. Schilo's will be celebrating their 100th birthday before too long!

Just As I Remembered

It was as cozy as I remembered, with colorful tile floors, molded ceilings and tables like an old library. We ordered from our incredibly perky and efficient waitress. I think she would have been game for a photo op, but she was gone so quickly. I didn't want to slow down her system.

Wandering

While waiting for food, I explored a bit. There was a back room where a few men were having some sort of breakfast meeting. The 6 deer on the wall appeared to be eavesdropping. I took a peek inside the awesome phone booth that still held the original pay phone, with a wandering cord.

The Old Schilo's

Papa Fritz Schilo first opened a saloon in San Antonio, but that lasted a short while since prohibition began in 1917. Instead, Mr. and Mrs. Schilo started up a delicatessen, which was run by 3 different generations and ended up in the current location.

Old Mercantile Exchange Building

The building, constructed in the 1800's was the perfect setting of a German restaurant. Across from counter/bar you can see (barely in my photo) a barrel that holds their famous homemade root beer. Behind that is an ornate carved bar. And the exchange's vault is now used as a walk in refrigerator.

Breakfast is Served!

Our very enthusiastic server soon arrived with our food! I just had to order the Papa Fritz breakfast special of 2 eggs, bratwurst, hash browns (or grits) and biscuits. Don had the potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream! Not pictured, is the container of Fritz's spicy mustard that was sitting on the table.
(I love a breakfast table with mustard!) So good that we purchased some.

Off We Go!

We headed off feeling full and happy to make the long walk to our hotel. I had to snap one more quick (and blurry) photo of the great booths as we headed to the exit. You have to love booth benches that look like wooden church pews.

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The Esquire Tavern in San Antonio,TX

7/19/2015

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Where To Eat?

Recently, Don and I found ourselves strolling down San Antonio's River Walk... alone. I realized every visit we've made in the past 17 years, has been with a small crowd... of family and/or friends. This time when the sun went down, we only

Scary?

had the 2 of us making a decision about where to eat. What a treat. We could finally go into this place we had long been curious about!

The street view on Commerce looked a little eerie, more like a Gentleman's Club. The river entrance didn't attempt to lure tourists, either. It looked more like second story brothel with a metal fire escape.

Longest Bar in Texas

But once inside, Don and I were both game. There was a definite saloon feel with the dim lighting and the 100-foot long bar. Molded tin ceilings and plush wall paper, dark leather booths and tarnished mirrors! I was tempted to climb up on the bar and remove the flat screen TV. Then I could have imagined it was 1933 and the Tavern had just opened... the day after prohibition ended.

A Few Furry Friends
The stuffed beasts hanging from the wall and standing on the bar reminded me that this was quite the man's hang out in its time. There are stories of gangsters and prostitutes and lots of shady business. By the time the place closed down in 2008, things were pretty dilapidated. What a treat that the current owner rescued the place and reopened in 2011.

I have a feeling in the bright daylight, The Tavern might look a bit worn, but I liked the dark, weathered vibe. At least the crowd wasn't creepy. There was an eclectic, not so touristy mix.

Food!

Luckily Esquire's is not just a bar anymore. Our casual, yet knowledgable waiter brought us our vintage looking menus and a chilled bottle of water with sliced lemon. It was a treat to have good service and tasty food options, in this authentic old tavern. I'm sure the smell of cigars and stale booze is absorbed in the walls somewhere, but it was the food I smelled that night.

Salad and Chile Relleno

I was tempted by the fried corn on the cob, fried pickles, deviled eggs and boiled peanuts on the menu. But we ended up splitting a garden salad and Chile Relleno, made with yummy pulled pork and ancho chiles. That $6.00 salad was huge and delicious. It was the perfect amount with a couple cold beers.

Favorite Place

I've been intrigued by restaurant bathrooms since childhood, when I was finally old enough to venture on my own. I used to love spotting anything unusual that I could report to my family back at the table. This wonderful "Ladies Room" at the Tavern was my favorite. The frosted glass on the door, the wonderful walls with paneled wood and burgundy wallpaper... the tile with snake skin pattern and oh my... a stuffed otter right above the door! I returned to the table with a glowing report.

River Walk Dining

Funny, I'd forgotten that the Tavern was even on the river, until heading back to the hotel. For most out-of-towners, San Antonio is all about the Alamo and the River Walk. I'm a sucker for a margarita by the water, but it really was a treat to try something completely different... away from the usual tourist crowd!

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Dining in the Amana Colonies

7/18/2015

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Ox Yoke Inn or The Ronneburg Restaurant?

Don and I were eager to have a meal in the old Iowa town, settled by German immigrants over 100 years before I was born. We both love German food and we loved the idea of eating the foods that were once prepared in communal kitchens... homes in Amana didn't have their own kitchens! Which place should we pick?

Ox Yoke Inn

We had to decide fast because Amana closes down early. We decided to stop first at the Ox Yoke... partly inspired by the great illustration and recipe in our old Ford Motor Company Cook Book!
We couldn't eat two dinners, but maybe we could stop for a German beer!

Ox Yoke!

But it was already clearing out by 6:00. We stepped into this newer room to see if we could grab a beer at the bar.

Where are the Crowds?

Cindy Welcomes Us!

Cindy had just collapsed into a chair near the bar. "Come on in and pull up a seat!" she said, patting the chair beside her. She and her grown children had worked a busy 2-day Apple Festival weekend and Cindy didn't try to hide her weariness. We joined her after ordering a beer at the bar. Cindy began filling us in about the history of the restaurant, stopping to introduce us to her daughter and son in law who were bustling in and out. Her grandfather had run the restaurant for 40 years and she pretty much grew up in it.

Lina and William

Cindy had us follow her upstairs to see a few things. She pointed to a portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Leichsenring, who opened the restaurant in 1940. Mrs. L. appeared to be holding a bible in the photograph... unless it was a cookbook. Evidently she worked in one of the communal kitchens as a young woman, until the depression. That's when the Colonies found they could no longer remain self-sufficient... the end of the communal kitchen. Cindy remembers when Mrs. Leichsenring used to come in daily to test the potato soup. The Ox Yoke is still owned by the Leichsenring family.

Yokey and Our Cookbook

Cindy took us to a room filled with antique crocks and stuffed beasts. She wanted to show us Yokey the Bear. She laughed about how that stuffed bear scared her as a little girl. I then had to share my silly cook book with the water color illustration and recipe for Ox Yoke Sauerbraten. She was pretty surprised to see the restaurant featured in the 55 year old book.

On to Ronneberg!

We tried not to rush, but wanted to check out the other nearby German restaurant we had heard about. Don and Elsie Oehler opened the Ronneburg in 1950. Elsie's grandmother had been a "kitchen boss" during the communal day.... I believe in this very building. In this photo you can glimpse at a few folks through the windows, some wearing suspenders. We were too late for the German band, but we saw a few gentlemen in lederhosen relaxing around the bar.

Tiny Table

Our table was almost too small for all the dishes that cluttered the checkered cloth. Meals are all served family style as they were 150 years ago. The only difference is that Don and I got to sit at the same table. Men and women ate at separate tables back in the day.

More Than 15 Minutes

We felt a tiny bit rushed since we were some of the last diners, but at least we got more than 15 minutes, which had been the allotted time for Amana dining. How would we have eaten our Sauerbraten and Wiener Schnitzel that came with cottage cheese, slaw, fried potatoes, gravy, green beans , Spaetzle and bread!! I'm guessing we wouldn't have had wine and beer either!

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Junk Food in Southern Cal

7/14/2015

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Frozen Bananas on Balboa Island

Don and I returned last year to Laguna Beach where we lived 35 years ago. During our visit, we were pretty eager to indulge in some of the yummy treats we once enjoyed. We started with Balboa Island for a banana on a stick!

Dad's Original

There seems to be some disagreement about who created the first frozen banana. There are two places on the island that claim to be the original. Even the whacky comedy "Arrested Development" focuses on this debate in a few episodes. I didn't actually care who created the frozen banana. Dad's and Sugar and Spice both had lines, so I just chose the one that had the sign I liked best. Dad's won, with the banana shaped sign.

Dad's!

Dad's also had lots of other options. The place just smelled plain sweet, with donuts and cookies and ice cream! But I already had lots of decision making to do, since there were 4 sizes and lots of toppings! I kept it simple and had a chocolate dipped banana, coated with peanuts! Tasty!

Husky Boy's in Laguna Beach

This was another nostalgia food stop. Don and I once lived within walking distance from Husky's. It was the burrito that I always craved the most.

Top Dollar Property

How is it possible that this still exists? It is right on the Pacific Coast Highway, just up a ways from Laguna's Main Beach. The photo doesn't make it look like those are glam houses on the hills, but you can be sure there is nothing under a million.

Who Dines?

So little has changed in 35 years! You still order at the window and sit down at one of the picnic tables near the dumpster or near a couple work trucks. I love it that you have surfer dudes, lawn crew workers, manicured mamas with model perfect blond tots, all sharing tables beside the parking lot!

Feast!

Don went for a burger, but I went for the burrito. I was so hungry that I forgot to snap a photo, but it was every bit as delicious and filling as I remembered.

The Shake Shack!

Just north of Laguna, before Corona del Mar, we found a bright yellow "shack" overlooking North Beach. Don and I struggled to recall what we could, of our date shake memories. Did this replace an older shack? We certainly didn't remember anything so bright or an ocean view deck with patio heaters! But who cares, we got our incredibly thick shake made with huge chunks of date!

View!

While we indulged, we studied the land jutting out into the blue water. We noticed lots of homes scattered on top. We had remembered only one ritzy mansion, and the rumor that it belonged to Elton John. And where was the mobile home park that claimed the beautiful beach area below? I always meant to get a picture of that ideal trailer park! We later learned it had been the setting for a scene in Lucille Ball's "The Long Long Trailer" movie.

Crystal Cove Shake

As we pondered the changes, we became more grateful that the Ruby's chain had bought the old shack. I don't care much for chains, but Ruby's has kept this prime location from turning into some elite hotel that most of us can't afford. Plus the guy working there was surprisingly friendly and gracious.

Next Time

As we finished up, the small parking lot began to fill with carpooling moms, who must have promised after school treats. Funny to think about kids growing up in beach communities and how different their routines are. As we headed to the car I spotted the yellow one-sided picnic table. I do love a picnic table and especially a bright yellow one with an ocean view. Next time!

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Ladora Bank Bistro

7/6/2015

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Lunch in Ladora, Iowa

Don and I heard about the bank while on a midwest road trip last fall. Some fellow travelers insisted, "If you're traveling down Highway 6, you should definitely stop for lunch!"

1920 "Jewel Box" Style Bank

We had already planned on taking that route to Grinnell, so I'm guessing we would have noticed the fine building with bold Doric columns. There's little else to see in the town of less than 300. But we might not have noticed that the bank had turned into a bistro. I'm so glad we were tipped off!

Cozy Options

It was tempting to sit at the bar where we spotted another couple dining. We might have learned another travel tip. But we chose a more open table, where we could take in our surroundings.

The owner Jim, welcomed us through the glass from the kitchen, near the vault. He invited us to take a seat anywhere. The cozy nook with cushy art deco seating was tempting.

Words of Wisdom

Small Town Dining?

A Little History
Jim told us he had been working as the chef, when he and his wife, Holly recently had the opportunity to purchase the business. He talked about the odd history of the building that had been used as Ladora Savings Bank, for only 11 years.

Then, Jim brought us the menu and a yummy assortment of nuts, which made us thirsty for a couple of beers on tap. We sipped and studied the small plate choices... Stromboli, Sausage en Croute, Duck Rillette? It was so odd to have these options in a tiny Iowa town. We finally decided on a platter of crab cake sliders and they were amazing.

As we sat in what was once a grand lobby, we read the words at the top of the four marble walls. We pondered these serious thoughts of diligence, integrity, frugality and wealth and tried to imagine the local farmers banking here nearly 100 years ago.

The Depression hit and the building became a "flop house" for truckers and a Red Cross office, among many things. Jim pointed to a nearby counter and chuckled about how the thick glass didn't even break when a hammer fell from a high ladder during renovation. This classic revival structure was obviously built to last!

A Tour with Holly

Paying at the Teller Cage

Holly arrived as we were finishing lunch. She offered to take us upstairs to see a meeting room and to peek at the Executive Washroom through the glass panel. I had been a little concerned earlier when I noticed the "see-through" door to the Ladies Room. Evidently these 2 were "display only" bathrooms. The bistro was throwing a little spotlight on one of the bank's exciting features in 1920. A bank with restrooms was somewhat of a novelty, I guess.

Jim was happy to settle our bill at the table, but I sort of insisted Don go up to the barred teller window to pay up! I wanted to have the full bank experience!

Heading on Down Highway 6!

I was pretty pleased about our lunch adventure. The food and atmosphere couldn't have been better. I was suddenly extra excited to head on down the road to my old hometown of Grinnell. I was especially eager to see one downtown building.

The famous "Jewel Box" bank, designed by Louis Sullivan was as impressive as I remembered. Too bad it's still a bank, though. I wish I could take that bank and combine it with my favorite childhood food joint in Grinnell. Then I could sit beside a hefty vault door, while enjoying a frosty mug of A &W root-beer!

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Aunt Martha's Pancakes

Runaway Train Cafe in Brownwood

Schilo's in San Antonio

The Esquire Tavern in San Antonio,TX

Dining in the Amana Colonies

Junk Food in Southern Cal

Ladora Bank Bistro

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