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Lunch Stop on Main Street Don and I had a memorable little lunch in downtown Bryan, Texas.  This isn't actually where we had planned on having lunch. Martin's Place Since 1924 We had planned on trying out Martin's Place, south of town on College Avenue.  We'd read about the old BBQ place. It's been run by the same family since 1924. But when arrived, there were no cars in the gravel lot.  Martin's wasn't open on Tuesday. Oh well. Next time. Also Since 1924 Luckily I scrambled and found another curious option, a few minutes away.  This burger place in Bryan, also has some history. The Opersteny Burger has been around since 1924. New Place In 1924 Louis Opersteny opened a saloon and grill, at another downtown location.  The building where Opersteny served up his well-loved burgers, burned down in 1955. Louis was able to take the grill and operate in a new location. The Story The story was actually written right on a board, inside the door.  The write-up explains that Louis's son-in-law Jimmy, bought the biz in 1968. He ended up renting the business to a woman who changed the name to Margie's. When Jimmy sold the business to the Wager family in the 1980s, the grill and Opersteny Burger continued! Busy Before Noon The long and narrow space was pretty busy when we arrived before noon.  A woman in a blue t-shirt welcomed us to have a seat anywhere.  We sat not far from a long counter, where I was tempted to hop up and adjust the numbers on the flip calendar. If business had been slower they would have had time to realize it wasn't still Tuesday, June 15. Opersteny's Grill Right across from our table we could smell (and hear and feel) the burgers cooking!  We watched a young man juggle numerous orders as he stood at the old grill, which was rescued after the fire in 1955. We could actually feel the vibrations in our metal chairs, when he pounded each patty with the spatula! Options Lina greeted with a big smile and a couple of menus.  I asked about the Opersteny burger and Lina made sure I understood that the it was only 2 ounces. "They're small!" She warned. Then she wanted to be sure I was okay with mustard and pickles. I assured her I was excited to try the traditional Opersteny style. Cheese Burger and Tots I ordered mine with cheese and also got an order of Tots.  The burger was wrapped in paper when it was served. The story goes that back in the day, patrons loved the juicy burgers so much they used to lick the juice off the paper wrapper. I didn't know that at the time or I might have done the same. "Lina is the Best" Our table was beside an exposed brick wall, with a patch of plaster shaped like the state of Florida. Don noticed a few notes taped to the cream colored patch.
Don noticed some compliments written on pieces of paper. "Lina is the best!" "Justin deserves a raise" Don asked Lina about the notes and she laughed. She said that it had become a joke between her and her brother, Justin... who got the most compliments. I believe they accused each other of creating a few! Lina and Family We had a fun chat with Lina whose grandparents bought the property in the eighties. She said her parents own now, but they were out of town with Justin. Her other brother was the young man who grilled our juicy burgers!  By the time we finished our meal, I'd watched Lina greet and serve about about 8 tables of guests. She seemed to know know every single customer and her warmth with each of them seemed genuine. Lots of laughter and a few hugs! After graciously posing with an old cash register, Lina pointed out the spatula near the photo. She said it was the original tool that Opersteny used when he grilled burgers.  It was fun to see the photo of Louis, the original owner. And it was a treat to meet the Lina, who is a member of the second family to own the wonderful burger business!
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Burger Joint in Oklahoma! You have to love a burger joint, with a cool sign. I love the running-cartoon-guy. I love the words, Root Beer and Fresh Pies!
This Mom & Pop place was serving burgers on Yale Avenue, back when we lived in Tulsa 21 years ago. The sign says, they've been in the biz much longer than that. Since 1956. Old Place & Old Car Don and I passed through Tulsa, last November. We stopped in for lunch.  We parked near a mighty fine, vintage Ford. That was an added bonus! Decor! I actually couldn't remember much about the interior.
Once we stepped inside, I thought it was possible that they'd done zero redecorating, since our last visit in the 1990's. That worked for me! Seating When we first entered, the counter seating was all open.
I talked Don into eating at the counter, because I couldn't resist those orange-y red stools, with little foot platforms! Bowl Specials... Root Beer... We had a good view of the menu and the daily Bowl Specials.  I chose Monday's special, Frito Pie. It seemed like we should be ordering malts and fries and the works. But it was early, and we'd already enjoyed a big breakfast. Entertaining Stuff We ordered and I spent a few minutes looking at all the curious stuff, in the little restaurant.
There was a coat rack, holding a cheeseburger hat. There were shelves above the windows, displaying lots of... stuff.  I'm sure there are stories behind the plastic toy collection, but I didn't ask. It looked like most of the goodies were more from my kids' era than my own. Order Window? In the front of the restaurant, I spotted a large window with more knickknacks on the sill.
I was curious and dashed outside, to see if the window had been some kind of ordering window. I also wanted to compare the exterior, with a photo I'd seen.
But by the time I got outside, a man in a knitted cap, was standing on the sidewalk, in front of that window. He waved two fists above his head and shouted in anger, "JUSTICE! JUSTICE!" Customers React! I was a little freaked out and halted my camera snapping. Decided I should get myself back inside the cozy cafe.  When I re-entered, I didn't take a photo of the staff & diners near the counter. If I had, it might have looked similar to this old photo of Brownies. The entire restaurant looked up at me, as if I'd been the one who caused the crazy outburst on the street! I just shrugged and laughed and all was good. Food! It was time to eat!
Don ordered a basic cheeseburger, simple as that. That shiny bun lid looks pretty good to me right now. It was gone in a second!  My Frito-Pie was only $4.50. It was pretty tasty, by itself. But, when I noticed the guy sitting next to me, drinking 3 mugs of root beer, I decided I was missing something. Cold Root Beer I flagged down our young server and told her I needed to go for a root beer, after all. She brought me an ice-cold, foamy glass and we chatted a bit.
I told her that Brownie's was a whole year older than me. She laughed and said she used to worry about getting old, when she was in her twenties. Now at 35, with a teenager, she just wants to enjoy getting older and having grandkids. That was a nice attitude for someone nearly half my age! Bill "Brownie" We didn't get to meet an owner or even an old customer, but I enjoyed a few old photos, on the way out.  This photo is from a 1983 newspaper. That was years before we lived in Tulsa, or had kids. But those little faces look sort of like our two kids and their friends. I wish I had a photo or two, from when we visited in the '90s.  This photo is of the pie baker, Mrs. Cleo Peace. The old snapshot reminded me that we had not sampled pie!
Well, next time I'll let the words on the sign remind me! I'll have Root Beer AND Pie! Perfect Name! Last February, Don and I had a late lunch at Mama's Sack Lunches! It was early, afternoon on Fat Tuesday. Downtown Montgomery seemed pretty quiet.
We needed a bite before we hit the road for Mobile. Don found this little gem on the internet. I was game to give it a try, because I like restaurants with Mama in the name. I also like sack lunches. I had a lot of sack lunches as a kid. 1:45 PM We kept fingers crossed as we pulled up. Some Mom & Pop places close down before two.
We figured we'd just get lunch to go... in a sack. That would be perfect. Cozy Place But when we stepped into the tiny place, we spotted someone working behind the counter. I spotted a man staring at us, but he was in a painted image.  Debbie turned around and greeted us, from behind the counter. She was so welcoming, we decided to dine in. How to Order? Debbie asked if we'd come before. Then she gave us the scoop about ordering in, or having our lunch sacked. Debbie pointed to the case full of fresh desserts and salads. She said everything was house made. It looked like they'd done a good lunch business that day.
I thought the red velvet cake on the stand, looked pretty heavenly. Debbie recommended the banana pudding. Keith and Mr. D I chatted with Keith, in his pink Mama's shirt. I told him "Happy Mardi Gras!" when I saw his beads. "Back atcha!" He answered with a grin.
I asked Keith about the man in the large, framed image. He said it was Mr. D, the previous owner. Debbie bought the biz a few years ago. Ordering Lunch Don and I tried to decide on lunch quickly. They'd been open since 6:30 and it was about time to close. But no one acted like they were in a rush. My kind of place!
We were a little too late for some of the favorites. The Gumbo was out and many of the 12 or so "sides" had been gobbled up. But there was plenty to choose from. Sack Lunch We were dining in, but wanted to experience The Sack.  Don ordered his meal in a sack lunch, then found us a nice little table near the window. We were a day late for God's Happy Hour. Evidently gospel music plays at lunch every Monday. No live music for us, but a speaker was turned up with some church-y tunes. Don and I are always game to experience the local flavor... this place had some. Lunch with a Kiss! No one preached at us, but Don did get a kiss with his meal.  His sack lunch came with a jam-packed tuna sandwich, chips, apple, pickle, cookie and a Candy Kiss! All for about $5.! My Meal My meal wasn't considered "sacked". So I had a choice of two sides.  My Mama's Favorite Club, was a hit! Grilled with turkey, ham, cheddar, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo! Plus, an amazing pasta salad and banana pudding. And a Kiss! My photo did not capture the flavor, at all. Deidre, Debbie & Keith I'm glad we missed the busy lunch hour, because we were able to have some fun chatting with these three! I asked, "Who's Mama?" Keith pointed to Debbie and laughed. Debbie agreed, but then admitted she bought the business with that name.  It was fun hearing a little history of Keith and Deidre, who happen to be cousins. Keith remembered coming to this restaurant, when he was a kid. The cousins have a lot in common. Both went into the service and ended up going to culinary school. Now I know why our food tasted so good.
What a happy bunch and what a happy place! Small Town Feasting! Today, Don and I ate lunch in a town we'd never heard of.
I first learned about Hutto, just yesterday. I was reading a worn out book, that lists oddball things to see in Texas. It talked about Hutto and their town mascot, The Hippo. Don and I took a detour today, to spot some of the hippo statues that are scattered about town... and we found an incredible cafe! Growing Town As we drove to Hutto, I read up on the small town, that was once all about ranching and cotton.
In the year 2000, the quiet little community along Highway 79, had only about 1,200 residents. Today, the population is nearly 30,000. More about the hippos, later. Lunch at 11 It was just after 11, when Don and I pulled into town. We decided to stop for an early lunch, before going on a hippo search.
Texan Cafe had just opened. I was already drawn to the beautiful building, on the tidy little street. But the magnificent cow head above the old sign, just made me giddy. I love a cafe attraction Grumpy? We were greeted by welcoming staff, the moment we walked in.  My eyes were drawn to the words Grumpy Ice House, in the back of the room... but this seemed to be a happy place at 11:05! Last Booth We were seated at the last open booth.  We hunkered down with our menus. Menus I read some quick history on the front of the menu, but it was the colorful board above our heads that got me hungry.
I asked our young server and she recommended the Chicken Fried Steak. I love a place with a Blue Plate Special! Decor I quickly snapped some pics of the decorated metal walls.
Soon the tables were all full. Cowpoke Cafe The next room had old photos and western decor, covering an exposed brick wall.
The Cowpoke sign was evidently used when filming a TV series in 2013. From Dusk to Dawn was the name of the show, starring Don Johnson. Director, Robert Rodriguez gave the sign to the cafe when filming was over. Pies In the back of the Cowpoke Room, was a sweet smelling pie case!
I didn't count the pies, but there were 30 on the menu! They looked amazing. Food! Don kept it simple and ordered the burger with fries, for $6.69. There were lots of fancier burger options, but the sweet classic, inside the checkered paper, was just perfect. Plenty of crispy, piping hot fries, too!
After taking this lame photo with glaring window light, I took one more bad photo. Above Don's head, I noticed a small hippo statue, next to the green, swirling window glass. Oh boy! Lunch and then a hippo hunt. My Blue Plate Special! My plate wasn't blue, but it was packed with colorful flavors! The crust on the chicken was crispy and seasoned.
The meat was juicy. The gravy was creamy good. I wasn't very daring with my choice of mashed potatoes, but I had to have them. I got more creative with my choice of Amish Chow Chow for my second side. Sweet and sour, cool and refreshing, on a super hot, summer day! Take Home Pie We really needed to have pie, since the restaurant's name includes it. But I was full.
I love peanuts and the Peanut Butter Pie looked fabulous. But I needed a slice that would travel. We chose the Snickers Pie and it held up fairly well in the cooler. The chocolate was gooey and thick and the peanuts weren't a bit soggy. I'm so glad I waited until I was hungry, because I absolutely savored every bite! Heading Out We finished up and headed for the door, before noon!  Every table was full at 11:58! I spotted cowboy hats, army fatigues, trucker hats...lunching ladies, scholarly types... a possible hipster or 2 and a big family, being greeted with hugs by the owner. Mystery Photo I took a photo of this framed picture, just before we left. I was thrilled to know the big cow head was on the building, way back in Old-timey-car Days. But... I searched for more internet info and learned the Texan Cafe opened in 1966 and moved to its current location in 2005. What? That makes no sense. The building looks the same as the one in my photos.
I was still confused when I read that the original restaurant, had a giant whole cow in front. The cow's name was Ferdinand. When the business moved, they only took Ferdinand's head. What's with this vintage photo? Maybe those parking stripes are telling me it's not an old photo. Hmm? I should have asked when I was there. I do love a mystery. Off to See Hippos Don and I were in great spirits after our fine lunch. It was time to see some Hutto Hippos.  I was pretty amused by the story behind Hutto's love of hippos. It all goes back to 1915, when a circus train stopped in the area and a hippo got loose. A few years later, the high school adopted hippo as their school mascot. Over the years, hippo statues have multiplied in town.
I had hoped to go on a major hunt to photograph as many plump hippo figures, as I could find... but the temps were headed towards 100. Don wasn't interested in getting out of the car and posing with me. So I captured 2 of my favorites.
Now I have an excuse to go back to Hutto. More hippos and more pie! |
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
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