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On the Border Don and I stopped for lunch at this little cafe/gas station, during our August road trip.  I didn't realize until writing this up, that we were actually in Oregon. Our roadside stop was practically on the border of Oregon and Idaho. Drive to Winnemucca We left my brother's house in Boise and felt lucky to find this quirky oasis, about a third of the way to Winnemucca, Nevada.  As we pulled up, I noticed a few vehicles in the lot. I wondered about the snazzy camper jeep. I'm sure that's not what you call it, but it was clearly equipped for adventure. Dining In or Out? There were some shade trees and some picnic tables on a deck. One couple occupied a table.  There were also a few cabins nearby. The shed-like structures didn't look too appealing. We decided we'd go for inside dining. Counter or Table? We had another decision once we stepped inside. We could sit at the counter and watch some kind of rescue program playing on TV.  The 4 stools also had a good view of the narrow window into the kitchen. Corner Table We chose one of the 4 tables instead. It was right next to the counter, so I could still watch the activity and admire the knotty pine. A pine ceiling even!  The sticker on the soda machine told me that we were dining at a Veteran Owned business. I could read the daily specials on the board. I could also hear what the wifi password was, when an inquiring diner asked. "TRUMP WINS" I did not type that into my phone. Table With View Our table was in the corner near windows and we could peek out the blinds... or study the gold collection in the case... or read a plaque that reminded us, "Cowgirls are like barbwire. Handle carefully."  A display of dates, showed us some kind of involvement with local FH and FFA. The first year was 1992. The cafe felt older, but that could indicate the age of this Rome Station business. Shopping Just past the dining counter, I found a tiny store tucked into the back of the small building.  I could go shopping while I waited for food. Handy for the folks staying in the tiny cabins. Restroom Adventure I could do a little shopping without leaving the cafe, but if I needed to wash my hands it was an extra adventure. The restrooms were located in back of the cafe.
It was a confusing little cluster of buildings. Who knows what the "white" building was for? Or what the message on the metal roof meant? The restroom doors were located to the right of the old building. I would recommend visiting AFTER lunch. I'm not the pickiest in the world, but the bathroom experience was not pleasant. Lunch We didn't converse much with our server, since she seemed quite busy. Was she cooking as well? Our food arrived and we were fairly pleased.  Don's hand-pressed burger was just $7.25. Extra for fries. Both were quite tasty. My cup of chicken noodle soup was only $4.75! I would have preferred more flavor, but that's usually what you get with chicken noodle soup. The noodles tasted like yummy dumplings. That works for me.
My dinner salad was mostly iceberg, with tomato and cheese. I don't expect fancier or healthier, when at a roadside cafe. But what a price! $3.75! Alarming Report We were just starting in on our meal when the woman we'd seen on the deck, popped her head into the cafe. She looked at us with an odd smile and asked, "Are you the owners of the car from California?" Don answered that we were driving a rental with California plates.  The woman, with a very cute hat and an accent, reported an alarming message. "Well you have a big bird on the front of your car!" Don and I sort of winced at each other and chuckled. We explained that we'd driven through a flock of birds an hour earlier. We'd felt a THUNK and worried that we'd hit one of the birds. Poor Dear Bird The couple was still on the deck when we finally came out. It's a very sad thing that the bird encounter ended up with a deceased bird stuck to the front of our car.  The whole predicament was oddly funny. This dear bird, (which appeared to be a prairie chicken) was very securely attached. The couple, who owned the jeep, turned out to be a very entertaining pair. We pondered the problem together for quite a while. Stories and Feathers Maria and I did most of the talking. She was more amused than saddened by the whole thing. She initially thought we'd wired the bird to the grill as a display. She must have wondered about those crazy people with the creepy car decor!  Our bird talk led to more chatting. They were the owners of the Jeep. Ready to meet with 8 other vehicles, to head off for a week of wilderness camping. When Maria mentioned she was from Guatemala, Don and I chatted about our stay with a family years ago. Before we headed off, I complimented Maria's hat and hinted that she could use a few feathers for her hat. I gestured towards the car. She wasn't convinced. Another Hat I told Maria to hold on. I dashed to the car and grabbed an Austrian hat, that my brother had just given me during our Boise visit.  I showed Maria just why she needed some feathers. She cracked up, because as you can see this hat has almost too many feathers. And some kind of look like prairie chicken feathers. Ladies in Hats Maria once again declined to take the bird or feathers, but we decided to get a photo of ourselves. A kind man who had just parked, took our photo.  What a goofy little lunch stop with a cringe-worthy wifi password and not so nice bathrooms. But the food was decent, the prices were low and the people encounter was mighty memorable!
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Food & Film! Back in the day, a movie theatre dining adventure, would mean a popcorn dinner! That actually sounds good to me. But these days, you can get a real meal at many theatres.  But at the old Tower Theatre in Sacramento, you can have a popcorn feast with your movie, then walk a few steps next door to Tower Cafe (beneath the Records sign) for some great food and atmosphere! Tower District We have loved driving by this wonderful corner, since our son and daughter in law moved to Sacramento 7 years ago.  We finally got visit this little movie and cafe oasis 1.5 years ago. The theatre and cafe are hidden from traffic behind tall palms and lush garden growth. A lover of old movies, I was drawn to that art deco theatre!
While waiting for a table at the cafe, we took a peek at the posters and wandered inside the lobby.
Eventually, I got to take in a movie on another visit. My daughter-in-law Chali took me to the movies! Our Popcorn Dinner was the best! Brunch in June! Back in 2023, we had a real meal at the cafe end of the Tower Complex.  A beautiful Sunday in June! There was a long wait for our group of 7. History There was time to learn some history from displays in the theatre. The theatre was built in 1939. Long before the tall palms.   To the left of the tower, was Zamm's Candy Store, which provided the candy for movie patrons. To the right was Tower Drugs, which is where the Cafe is today. In the back of the drug store, Tower Records was founded, by Russ Solomon in 1949. Enjoying the Fountain On that lovely Sunday morning, there was lots garden space to enjoy while we waited for our table. 
We spent a lot of time hanging around that fountain.
And running around the fountain and greeting the lions. At least 2-year-old Charlie did.
 I usually hate long waits for tables. But I have fond memories of that waiting time. Our 2 kids and spouses and granddaughter all together! Perfect!  Time to catch up and chat, without distraction. Heading In Eventually we were called to be seated. We headed to the door, below the wonderful old neon sign.
Past the posing lion, next to the door. Inside The group was guided towards a patio table, but I peeked inside.  What a festive place!     Even the bathroom was photo worthy!  It was clear the restaurant was not going along with a Movie Theme or a Records Theme. Tower International Cafe Once we were given menus, it was clear that the cafe (which opened 1990 on Earth Day) was embracing Sacramento, as a "Global Village".  "...created to express the unique history and character of a city corner... evolve from local memories to global pursuits...where hearts, minds and appetites convene with family and friends...join 'the pattern which connects' our many differences to... our Good Earth" Family And here we were on a beautiful Sunday, gathering with family around a large table!  Enjoying fresh air and converstaion and Bloody Mary's...
And huge plates filled with pancakes... and foods I can't actually recall!   Cha and Scott are the 2 who lured us to Sacramento back then. They live not too far from Tower Cafe/Theatre.  And now it's October 2024. We don't have our whole group in town for this visit. But we're back and this time Don and I are staying at an Airbnb, just a 1 minute walk from Tower Theatre!
Yesterday morning I went for an early run and stopped to check out the movie options. Yes! I returned for a Hitchcock movie at 4:00! This Morning! This morning, Cha and Scott had to work, so Don and I walked over to the Cafe for breakfast!
Weather was chilly, so we headed inside to dine. No wait and a witch was there to greet! We were seated beside a Buddha, with fall veggies displayed at his feet.  Don's shirt matched his cup and plate beautifully!  His Bourbon Glazed Ham (with eggs & taters) was huge and delicious!  My moist Cornbread Pancakes melted in my mouth! The Halloween surprises were extra fun, added to all the international decor.  I could have enjoyed a tiny orange pumpkin hunt!  I failed to get a photo of our wonderful server, Susan. We chatted a long time about everything from Portland to pancakes. She was wonderful and we hope to see her next time. Sweets I also didn't get a photo of the amazing cookies we bought to take with us!  But I did get a photo of the luscious cakes and pies!
I just finished our breakfast 5 hours ago, but I'm ready to go back again. How I wish I had a house in this little neighborhood and could be a regular! |
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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