Route 66 Breakfast... A Year Ago On a cold February morning, we had breakfast at a 72-year-old restaurant. Well, actually it was 71-years-old... when we ate at Earl's, a year ago. Warming Up & Waking Up Don and I stopped at Earl's, while on a road trip last February. It was 14 degrees that morning, when we pulled into the parking lot off Historic Route 66. We were given a booth in the back corner and a carafe of hot coffee for our table. In moments we were warm and awake and ready to read up on a little history. I love a paper placemat with local history. Family Owned Since 1947 We read up on the "Land of Enchantment" and studied the menu. The Fried Egg & Bologna Sandwich was tempting... The Smith Family has owned Earl's since 1972. The original owner must have been a decent guy, since they kept his name all these years. The Smiths must also be pretty decent, since they have worked closely with the Native American community. Local artisans are invited to sell their Native American jewelry and art at the restaurant. 1967 Earl's opened as a hamburger place, about 20 years before this postcard was sold. Back in 1927 there were only 4 stools and 2 booths. The restaurant was larger, by the time Earl's was selling pancakes and Mexican food, along with burgers. I'm guessing this image is from around 1967. That was when Sharon Smith started as a waitress at Earl's. She eventually worked her way up and bought the restaurant, on a handshake. She and her two sons still run the restaurant, today. Back in the Corner I was glad for our corner booth in the back, where I could take in the whole place. Over the years the space has grown and today there is seating for 382 customers. Most of them were locals, on the morning when we dined. A Happy Diner Don was pretty pleased with his Spinach and Monterey Jack Omelet. I didn't go for the bologna, but I did have Earl's Famous Biscuits & Gravy, with my scrambled eggs. Vendors
The majority of diners were Native American locals, who seemed to know one another. None seemed to be buying, but they were all pleasant to those selling. Long Counter On the way to checking out, I walked by the dining counter. A large window gave a peek at the fast order cooks. Near the Counter We paid our check at the counter, near the exit. I read a sign announcing the next breakfast meeting for the the Kiwanis Club. Shopping Before we stepped out, I paused to look at a few earring displays. I was more than happy to buy 2 pairs for $5. each. Selling in the Cold
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
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
December 2020
Categories
All
|