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Love the Signs! Sometimes you just have to pick a restaurant because of their cool signage... even when the sign confuses 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 shaped like Texas? Cowboy steaks maybe? And 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 hadn't 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, which 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
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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Lunch in Leadville!
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 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 Dave 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
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
Coffee at the 87-Year-Old-Diner Last September, Don and I spotted this red & white building in downtown Excelsior Springs. We had already eaten breakfast, but we knew we couldn't pass up this diner experience. We headed in for coffee. Two Doors There were two red doors on the small storefront. We went for the door on the right and glanced at all the messages, as we headed in. No Smoking, No Credit Cards, Shoes and Shirts Required. There were also a couple other scribbled notes behind the thick screen, but my eyes were the most drawn to the weathered, metal sign. "RAINBO is Good Bread" Busy at 11:05 We arrived just as breakfast diners were finishing up. Brenda the owner, was already grilling up Philly cheese steak fixings on the griddle. She spun around and announced, "Not serving breakfast now!" We assured her we were just having coffee. Then we each took a seat on one of the 10 counter stools. Coffee and the Paper Don and I enjoyed our coffee with a little newspaper reading. We chuckled over the 1957 Smart Shoppers ads, under the glass. We checked out the Arrow brand shirts, advertised for $4.00! Lots to See and Hear We pointed and chuckled at the vintage newspaper, but mostly we listened to the diner sounds around us... dishes clanking, food sizzling, bells on the door, jingling and voices! Brenda and the other two women were teasing and laughing and carrying on, with each other and most of the customers. We were clearly the only non-locals and I was envious. Between Rushes There was a short lull, after Brenda served two steaming plates to some early lunch guests. The little round table in the corner was suddenly empty. I had failed to notice if the men at the table had been whining about weather, religion or taxes. Those were a few of the "complaining subjects" listed on the "Worthless Men's Club" sign, above the table. Chatting with Brenda Brenda took a breath and leaned on the counter to chat. I wanted to know what time she started her day, since Ray's opens early. "I'm up at 4:15." Brenda answered. I believe she said she got to the diner around 4:30 and opened the door at 6. Since 1932 Brenda told us a little about Ray's beginnings. In 1932, Ray and his wife started up a chili and burger joint across the street. They opened the current building in 1942. Brenda still forms burgers on the original hamburger press. We were sitting on the stools that were brought over from the old building. When Brenda became the 4th owner of the business, she received the chili recipe along with the keys. I asked what she liked to cook best and she didn't pause to think. "Everything. I've been cooking at the grill since I was 11 years old." Betty Boop and Bigs Boys I'm not sure which owner started the collection of retro memorabilia, but there was a lot. I wonder how many people make the mistake of asking for a Coke... in a diner that's dripping in Pepsi decor? Heading Out We dragged out our little visit as long as we could. I never got to peek through the small window, under the Broadway sign. I never got to check out the titles of the record albums, hanging from the ceiling. Worst of all, I didn't sample the chili or the burger or the garbage sandwich! But it was time for us to hit the road for Kansas City. Lighthouse As we stepped outside, I spotted the red and white lighthouse, near the cafe chairs. Just moments before, Don and I had chatted about lighthouses with Brenda. She told us about a road trip she once took to Michigan, in search of all the lighthouses. Brenda had a special name for that trip... that she happily took all alone. She smiled as she recalled the joys of traveling, when you only have to please yourself. Mostly she raved about the beauty of the lighthouses she discovered.
So our dining adventure involved no eating. But we spent some time in a cozy setting, surrounded by people and food. We absorbed the atmosphere and some good information. Hopefully we can return someday for a meal... and just maybe, we'll get to Michigan and see some of those lighthouses we learned about! Country Cooking on the Old Dixie Highway Seven years ago while on a Florida road trip, Don and I pulled off the Old Dixie Highway to check out this little beauty. We'd already eaten that morning, but bought coffee and looked around. We quickly added Cypress Inn Restaurant (and its Country Cooking) to the "Must Return" list! Dixie County This past January, Don and I found ourselves on another Florida road trip. We headed north from St. Pete, with giddy anticipation. Lunch at Cypress Inn! Before reaching the little restaurant in Cross City, the highway took us over the Suwannee River, right into Dixie County. Two songs came to mind as we crossed the bridge... I sang a few lines, from the one about the river. I have fond memories of belting out Suwannee River as a kid, while our family Ford traveled on that very highway, over that very river. Big Lot in a Small Town When we arrived at Cross City's iconic restaurant, we joined other vehicles in the large, unpaved lot. On that January day, it looked like every Dixie County police officer, sheriff and firefighter had already arrived. Cross City is an odd title, for a town with fewer than 2,000 residents. But maybe the town earned its city status by importance, not size. It is the county seat of Dixie County, after all. Entrance The sweet little side entrance delighted me. I loved the odd texture of the red painted cypress. The door windows were decorated with homey curtains and a sign. We read and chuckled, "Please Come Again" as we headed in. 90 Years Old The inside of the door showed a sign that might have made more sense for greeting us. "Cypress Inn Since 1928" I loved the idea of dining at a roadside cafe, that opened the year my parents were born. I loved the visual, of two white birds, sitting on a cypress tree... dripping with Spanish moss. At the Counter We passed through the side dining room and into the front area, with counter seating. A few young women were cleaning up after the rush. They took turns fussing over one woman's 2 month old baby. All were chatty and welcoming. I was delighted to be introduced to the baby. Changes The old restaurant hasn't changed much since it opened 90 years ago, but I noted a few differences from 7 years ago. My old photo shows a juke box and upper shelves, filled antiques and a quilt. The display of dishes, even looked different back then. Dish Display The display was more colorful on this visit. I asked if the dishes were the restaurant's original plates and cups. I guess that was stupid question. The bright china matched the unstained potholders. I was told, "Oh no. Those are dishes from the Pioneer Woman collection." It took me a minute to realize we were talking about the blogger-turned-TV-personality-pioneer-woman. Pecky Cypress The Cypress Inn got its name because of the "Pecky Cypress" paneling that covers the walls and ceiling. The Dixie County area is home to many lumber yards and sawmills and this special cypress is one of their unusual products. At first glance the brown and white wood made me think of a stage set or a cartoon drawing. There was something fake looking about the weathered appearance of the wood. But the dips and holes in the wood were created naturally, by the growth of pecky fungus. Words of Wisdom Tacked onto the pecky cypress, I saw a few little reminder signs. "Be Thankful" and "Cowboys Welcome" I also saw some words of wisdom scribbled in pen on the cypress... beside the Bible quote. Actually the graffiti was mostly names... nothing profound or rude. Where to Sit? There were open stools at the counter, but Don and I headed into the side dining room, where the folks in uniform were dining. I asked the cashier, if the tables were original. They looked mighty old. "Well..." She pondered a bit. "My dad owned the restaurant from the time I was about 6 to 16. They've been here as long as I can remember." More Helpful Folks Don and I looked over the menu first. Then I popped up to have a peek at the buffet in the front room. The fellow in the overalls was pretty clear. "There's nothing here that's not great! I've been in town working for 2 days and this is the second time I've eaten here. It's all good!" All the locals were doing the buffet, but it was just more food than I was up for. I headed back to the table and paused to look at a photo of Cypress Inn, when it was more than a restaurant. Shamrock, Florida I studied the old photo from when Cross City was mostly a company town for Shamrock Lumber Co. It was odd to imagine our little restaurant having a service station and hotel rooms at one time. A police officer on his way to the buffet, paused to chat. "If you like old buildings, you should look at the Putnam Hotel across the road!" He was incredibly enthused about recent renovations of the old hotel... which also has pecky cypress wood! Time to Eat! I ordered the BLT and could barely see the bread underneath my mountain of bacon. "Oh we do bacon well!" Our server said with a proud grin. "We're a southern restaurant and we're going to feed you well!" Retro Menu The menu itself looked retro, with old fashioned prices... skillet image... opening hours of 5 am... plus the words... "Southern Hospitality Dixie Country Style" Don and I will go a for a bigger feast next time, but we were both in a sandwich mood. Don was pleased with his good old fashioned cheeseburger and fries! Old Pic I didn't take a photo of the dining room this time. I felt a little restrained with all the people dining in uniform. But here is a photo from a few years back, showing the brown wood walls and beams... and a couple of deer heads, hidden in the shadows. The Throne! Sometimes a trip to the Ladies Room becomes part of my dining adventure memory. (There have been some odd ones over the years!) I just had to capture this image, with the mint green walls and vintage tile. But best of all was the platform toilet. That just made me laugh! I'm guessing this was the answer to some tricky plumbing issue back in the day. I don't know, but it amused me! Heading Off We headed to the car feeling content, that we could put a check on our list. Don and I discover so many curious places on our travels, but we don't have time to experience them all. This was one of those places that we spotted, then added to the list. 7 years ago, I crossed my fingers that we really would have a chance to return. Cypress Inn asked us to "Come Again" and we did!
U-Turn For Breakfast! Last January, Don and I left our hotel in St. Pete Beach and headed north. We were planning to grab coffee and eat granola bars in the car, but the sight of this diner made me giddy. I grinned as we drove by, then told Don to turn around. He did... happily. The Sign The pink pig certainly lured me, but the yellow sign below, made us both curious. Any place that serves $3.99 breakfast specials from 5 to 8am, must be full of character! The upper part of the sign, was what truly delighted me. I didn't know who Jack was, but I was eager to find out what the connection was with that special bridge! I have fond memories of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, from when I was a kid. We crossed the original 2-lane bridge for the first time in 1968, when a hurricane was brewing in the gulf. It was creepy and thrilling, even without knowing the bridge would collapse about 10 years later. Goofy Things The crowded parking lot was a good sign. Would it be filled with children? What kid wouldn't beg Mommy or Daddy to pull over to the restaurant, with Humpty Dumpty and a piggy bench. The motorcycle on the pole might have excited some older kids. Painted Windows There were cartoon images, too. I wasn't quite sure what to think about the ethnically diverse pig officers... eating bacon. Yikes. Since 1976 I posed next to the chicken and painted windows. Since 1976? Really? It seemed a whole lot older than that. Crowded at the Counter The place was hopping on a drizzly morning. Almost every stool was taken at the counter. Window Seats The tables near the windows didn't open up, till a little later. The corner looked pretty darn cozy, below the sheer curtains and shelves of piggy knickknacks. I forced myself not to laugh. Table With a View Actually our table had a fine view. We could keep an eye on all the men, dining at the counter and the servers, rushing about. It felt like we'd stepped back in time, when I noticed a few men reading newspapers. I didn't see a single person staring at a cell phone. Menu Time Our server Amy, let us know how the restaurant got its name. Jack, the original owner, opened the diner at a location near the Sunshine Skyway. He had been a Navy cook and knew how to cook for hungry crowds. Fishermen from the nearby marinas were a big part of his business. But the Skyway was destroyed in 1980, when a freighter collided with a support column, killing 35. Business changed and Jack moved his restaurant north, to 34th street. Evidently, a lot of business still comes from the fishermen at the marina. Coffee and Christmas Amy brought us our coffee in Christmas mugs. We studied our menus and peeked around at some of the decor. So Many Pigs When Amy came back for our order, I just had to ask. "Has anyone ever counted, to know how many pigs are in this place?" She shook her head and laughed. "A lot!" She said there used to be a lot more pigs than now. "The new owner took over 4 years ago. He's been gradually taking some of the stuff down." Then she added, "He's from New York." As if that explained it. Our Orders Don ordered the Ham Hash, which was a blend of grilled potatoes & onions, topped with 2 poached eggs and served with a biscuit and Hollandaise. Amy said she would be happy to put the "Holly sauce" on the side. That gave me a little chuckle. My big order was two slices of raisin toast, which came with homemade, green tomato jelly! I figured I could save the "Real He-Mans" order for next time. That would be, two 8-ounce steaks, 4 eggs, potatoes, sausage, gravy, baked apples and 2 biscuits! Wash Up Time It's always nice to wash up before you hit the road. Some of our most iconic diners have had the most memorable restrooms. I headed for the sows and Don headed for the boars. Off We Go We headed off down the road feeling pretty pleased with our stop. I couldn't help sharing the experience with a quick Instagram post. It wasn't long, before I got 2 comments. Who would have guessed that I would know 2 people who have been to Skyway Jack's. Yay, for the friendly staff and crazy pigs and chickens at breakfast!
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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
November 2023
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