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Great Sign & Great Ice Cream! The sign is hard to beat! This soda jerk mascot is known as Jugglin' Joe!  I'm glad I can now say, the ice cream is hard to beat also. Iconic Ice Cream Shop I've wanted to have a Gunther's Adventure for a long time. Don and I have visited Sacramento about a dozen times, since our son and daughter-in-law moved here.  We're always searching for iconic landmarks like this one. It's been on the corner here, since 1949. Started in 1940 But the business is even older. "Pop" and Iva Gunther founded the ice cream shop in 1940. They moved to this location on Franklin, in 1949.  I first drove by Gunther's last May, when we were in town visiting the new grand baby. They had just opened and there were no lines. I pulled over and parked. No time for ice cream, but I wanted to peek. Mint Green I stepped inside and smelled flavors that took me back to childhood.  The mint green tile and shiny chrome was refreshing. The displayed photos were so high it was hard to study them.   Was that Mr. Gunther in the middle? I'm glad they've kept these old treasures. The Gunther family sold the biz to Carl Buchell in 1968.  The building hasn't changed much, since this old photo. August 2025 Don and I spent all of May in Sacramento focussing on the new baby. We somehow didn't have time for an ice cream adventure.  But we returned in August and it felt much more like ice cream weather! Flavors! Scott suggested a visit to Gunther's! He packed up Baby Nora and drove us to the ice cream shop on Franklin. Once inside, it was time to make a decision.  There were so many choices! I did not pick Vietnamese Coffee.  Scott stepped up to the counter. Poor Baby Nora didn't get to order any ice cream.  As we waited for our order, I wondered about the tall counters. Too tall for the poor little boy, trying to peek at the action.  Our ice cream server on the other side looked like she might be standing on her toes too... reaching up to put our cones in the holder! It made it feel like we were all little kids. Gunther's at Last! I couldn't have been happier with my rich, high-fat ice cream! Gunther's is known for their traditional methods of manufacturing ice-cream. Made on sight daily.  My Butter Brickle choice took me back in time, once again. When my son questioned me about the flavor, I suddenly realized my childhood favorite isn't common anymore. What do you know? I feel a little sad that Nora will have to wait a long while to have her first ice cream.
But I'm pretty sure we'll be back many times. Hopefully at night, so I can see Juggling Joe in action!
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Chicken in the Rough It was the chicken image on the sign, that caught my eye!  Then it was the word Palms, surrounded in lightbulbs. And the slogan! Where You See This Sign It's Genuine!  But it was the neon letters that said "Take Home a Box" that really excited me. Picnic It was a Sunday morning and Don and I were traveling through Port Huron, Michigan.  We had planned to grab food and have a picnic on Lake Huron. But the neon sign wasn't lit when we drove by. As we continued down the road I looked on the internet. The curious place had great reviews. Which Name? Then I read the hours and learned The Palms was going to be open in 5 minutes! We drove back to pick up a box of chicken.  The building was bigger than I'd noticed before. I could see another chicken sign on the side. And palm decorations. I was confused. Was this Chicken in the Rough or Palms Krystal Bar & Restaurant? Noon Maybe we'd soon find out. We parked in a side lot and waited until the clock said 12.  As we headed towards the door, the sign reminded us of Today's Special. Chicken! Great Doors! We opened the glass door and found an entryway with some glass block and a great metal door. It looked like it should be on a ship.   Once inside, I looked back and was equally delighted by the other side. I love a vintage padded vinyl door. Cozy Interior Once we stepped inside the dimly lit space, we were met with a bright voice. "Hi! How are we doing today?"  We followed the young woman and passed a long bar with comfy swivel chairs and glowing pastel lights. We were taken to a booth in an area that felt a little more like an old soda fountain.  Another, equally pleasant woman arrived with menus. "How's your day going?"  On the menu we had a better look at the cigar-smoking chicken, with golf club! Chicken in the Rough was one of the earliest restaurant franchises in the US. Founded by Beverly & Rubye Osborne in 1936, the successful business eventually had over 300 franchised outlets. Specialty Meal Don and I placed our order way too fast. If I'd seen this old photo earlier, I would have ordered this meal, that the restaurant was known for.  The dish was once referred to as "Chicken in the Rough". It consisted of half a fried chicken, shoestring potatoes and a biscuit with honey. The Port Huron location is one of 3, that still serves it. Glowing Colors While waiting for food to arrive, I took a few photos of the colorful restaurant.  The Chicken in the Rough Clock was glowing yellow, behind the bar. We should have tried the drink, advertised in bold letters.  The green neon near the restrooms was also pretty fun. Next Room Then I peeked into an additional dining room that wasn't in use. The walls were covered with framed photos and memorabilia.  I studied the list of locations, from I believe the 1940s. I love the reminder... "1/2 Fried Chicken Served Unjointed Without Silverware" Special Photo I crawled into one booth to get close enough to see this old photograph.  I heard a chuckle and turned to see the owner Jim, smiling. "Caught you!" Jim He introduced himself and seemed delighted that I was curious about the history. He explained that he'd only owned the business for 8 years, but he'd collected a lot of stories and friends over that time.  Jim pointed to the picture I'd been focussing on. He told me that he'd met the granddaughter of the man in the photo. She stepped into the restaurant, one day and asked some questions. She said her grandfather had built the current bar. When Jim pointed out this photo that included her grandfather, she was moved to tears. Beverly and Rubye Osborne Jim filled me in on the husband & wife team that got this successful chicken business started, nearly a century ago. I tried to find a photo of both, but only found this one with husband, Beverly... and his Western Girls.  Jim shared the story of when the Osbornes fled Oklahoma during the dustbowl. While headed to California, they hit a bump in road, sending the picnic lunch of fried chicken flying. Mrs. Osborne proclaimed something about "Chicken in the rough..." and next thing you know, they turned and headed back to OK City. Mr. Osborne pawned his wife's wedding ring and they started up the biz!  Whether those words were really uttered... who knows. But success did follow. The odd name and logo certainly helped them gain attention. In the 1970s after selling the biz, the Osbornes ended up in California. I'm guessing retirement might have offered some time for golf and cigars... But Jim told me that Beverly was killed in a tragic accident, during the building of their new home. Surely there's a book or movie out there about this couple. Or should be. The Building I didn't get a chance to ask Jim about the building, but it was clearly older than the neon sign.  This photo shows the interior of the building, when it operated as a pharmacy. Between 1914 and 1935. In 1936, the chicken business moved in. This photo from 1941, shows Crystal Bar with 2 buildings, as well as a Chicken in the Rough sign.  I put a red arrow on the corner of the building, where we dined. The building to the left is a parking lot now.  This photo is from the opposite corner of the building. I wish I'd asked Jim about the building's history. I'm so glad we spotted it, while driving through town. Time to Eat I'm embarrased to show my lunch choice. I would have chosen differently if I'd know about the restaurant's history, when I ordered.  But my chicken noodle soup was delish. Big chunks of chicken and fat noodles and carrots. My half of corned beef sandwich on marbled bread was just perfect. At least I did have a little chicken in my meal! Don's chicken sandwich with fries was closer to the traditional Chicken in the Rough experience.  The chicken really was amazing. The fries were a treat as well. I believe in 1949, some kind of tricky grill was designed that simultaneously fried and steamed chicken. Friendly Vibe Before taking off, we had a little more time to chat with Jim. He laughed about how he'd actually been headed towards a real retirement, when he bought the place. He said it didn't look like that was going to happen soon.  You could tell that he clearly enjoyed the staff and the customers. I hope he sticks around a while. I want to go back for the Chicken in the Rough Special!
First Meal in Strasbourg, France In 2023, Don and I spent 2 days in Strasbourg's historic Old Town.  We knew close to nothing about the historic area. We had no clue about where to dine. But we lucked out with a traditional Alsatian meal, at Caveau Gurtlerhoft. Christmas Markets We had been in Paris for Thanksgiving and added a side trip to Strasbourg, after learning about the annual Christmas Markets. After checking into our hotel, we walked less than a minute, to Place de la Cathédrale.
It was the first weekend of the monthlong celebration and things were hopping in the main square. Right across from Notre Dame Cathedral, we spotted the restaurant's red awning. Quite the Entrance Around the side of the building we found this rather whimsical entrance!  The storks caught my eye. So did the odd little red figures, with wings and tails. I guess those are gremlins. Stairs A set of stairs (below the dining room photo) took us to the entrance. However, I took this photo much later. When we arrived around 1:30, there was a crowd of hopeful diners waiting on every step.  That was enough to make us curious about the popular looking place. We decided to see about reservations for dinner. We joined the line and read the displayed menu.  We weren't sure if needed to stay in line just to make a reservation, but the line was moving and the crowded stairway was a warm. A nice break from the damp and chilly air, out near the square. Let's Stay! Suddenly there were only a few in front of us and we were standing inside. It felt cozy in the cave-like setting.  The warmth and good smells made us hungry. We asked about a table for lunch, instead of dinner. From the 14th Century Luckily we needed no reservation. I was happy to wait a little longer, gazing into the intriguing multi-level interior. I studied all the nooks and crannies. Every table looked appealing,
And so many little sets of stairs! It looked pretty tricky for the staff, carrying wine and hot soups and stews. Home to Priests and Wine Originally the building housed priests, in the 1300s. That was convenient, with the Cathedral right across.
The rustic cellar also housed wine. I guess it still does. And maybe it did when the priests were here too.
The rock walls and ceilings should have made it feel like chilly cave. But the lively dining cellar felt warm and welcoming. Perfect After a few minutes, we were given a tidy little table for 2, on one of the small landings.  I was pretty delighted with the whole set up! The wooden "headboard" had a shelf that held our wooden lamp nicely. The ladder back chairs with woven rush seats were comfy and fitting for a fairytale meal. Cellar... Cave... Church! We ordered wine and our glasses were delivered with a decorated crock of pretzels. Decorated with storks of course. The symbol for Strasbourg.  The setting conjured up memories.  I've been in lot of basements and quite a few caves in my time. This felt like a dining adventure in a cavern-cellar! The vaulted ceilings also made me feel like I was dining in a church! Alsatian Feast Luckily the menu had a little English.  Don ordered Flammekuech, an Alsatian favorite. The thin-crust flatbread was covered with cheese, cream, bacon and onion. Baked in a wood-fired oven.
Don was amused with his handy rolling tool. The board reminded me so much of one that hung on the kitchen wall, in my childhood home. I ordered Poelees de Roesti Bucheronne. Grated potato, fried with bacon, egg and cream, topped with cheese, tomato and egg.  My hearty browned pancake was the perfect dish for a misty winter day. I loved the iron serving dish and the weathered board it was served on. Quick Explore Shortly after being seated, the restaurant began turning guests away. I felt extra lucky that we'd just stumbled across this sweet place and were able to be seated.  Before leaving I made a quick trip to the restroom, which gave me an excuse to snoop around a little more. I wish I knew the stories behind all the framed photos. On my journey, I spotted yet another little stairway.  This one had red metalwork, that matched nicely with the red gremlins in the curious bathroom hallway.
I've searched the internet for the story behind this little mascot. No luck. Happy Heading Out It was late afternoon by the time we headed up the empty staircase.  We couldn't have been happier with our very first meal in Strasbourg. Traditional Alsatian food, served by gracious and efficient staff, in a storybook setting!
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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
October 2025
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