Blog Posts

Gonzalez Restaurant in Ballinger, TX

4/12/2019

Love the Signs!

Sometimes you just have to pick a restaurant because of their cool signage... even if the signs confuse 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? (Texas Grill) Cowboy steaks maybe? 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 had not 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 that 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

Norton is not the chef on the sign. We never found out anything more about the smiling chef. Supposedly Norton is the name of the ghost, who was once a notorious character in Ballinger, until he was gunned down by Texas Rangers, in this very building. Yikes!

One of the women laughed about Norton. "A lot of girls claim he pinches or touches them. Nobody in my family has ever been touched!" She grinned. "Maybe he's just prejudiced!"

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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El Rialto in Las Vegas, NM

4/12/2019

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Dinner in Vegas!

I've seen a lot of vintage postcards showing Las Vegas, with neon signs, glittery casinos and glam pools. This is a postcard from the cute place where we ate dinner in Las Vegas, New Mexico! No neon or glam decor shown in these photos. But, the postcard looks vintage and the restaurant itself looked pretty vintage, when we visited in 2017.

The Plaza

In 2017, Don and I stayed at The Plaza Hotel. No, we weren't at the ritzy Plaza in NYC... we were in Las Vegas. We weren't in the gambling Vegas, we were in New Mexico! The Nevada and New York locations would have been very entertaining, but this overnight was all about easy. We walked out of our sweet historic hotel and strolled across the plaza to dinner.

El Rialto

The Garcia Family has been running El Rialto since 1975. They've had some time to accumulate some curious things for their windows. I have no idea about the age of the building, but once inside, the high, pressed tin ceilings, hinted at old.

Busy on July 3

It was the day before the holiday, so there was a weekend energy to the restaurant. Most of the tables were taken up with large groups of locals, many with children.

Big Outfits Big Meals

Don and I obviously dressed for dinner. I don't think our shirts or jewelry fooled anyone into thinking we were locals. However, our server said she loved my squash blossom necklace. She said her grandmother had lots of turquoise and she hoped to get turquoise, one day. Don's bolo tie got noticed on our walk to dinner. A very polite panhandler asked for a quarter. Don gave him a dollar and then received a thank you, along with positive words! "Nice bolo tie!" We hoped there was no sarcasm in his voice.

Eating and Watching

Each of our piping hot meals was served on 2 thick plates. I ate my taco, tamale and relleno while keeping an eye on the busy kitchen. It was quite entertaining.

Don had chicken enchiladas and filled me in on the happenings in both rooms. He had a good view of many woven rugs, displayed on the wall. One had a large "R" in the center. Was that for el Rialto?

The Garcias

I studied a framed photo before we left. I don't know if we met any of the Garcia family that night. It was too busy to bother anyone with questions. If we'd had some chatting time, I would have asked how the restaurant got its name. Rialto makes me think of the bridge in Venice.

Shopping

There were some curious lamp creations for sale and a t-shirt or two. We could have completed our meal with a purchase. But we headed off, with full stomachs and empty hands.

Quiet Plaza

We headed across the plaza to our hotel. It was fun to imagine the little city, once a booming railroad town in the early 19th century. After WWII, the town grew quiet. We may have missed out on the excitement of a bigger city, but we made it back to the hotel, just in time for karaoke!

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Golden Burro Cafe and Lounge in CO

4/12/2019

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Lunch in Leadville!

Leadville is known for being the highest incorporated town in the United States. 10,152 feet is pretty high!

But I will always associate the once booming mining town, with the Golden Burro Cafe. The first time I laid eyes on the cafe/bar was when traveling with my sister in 1977. I've spotted it on a few other trips, while passing through.

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

This old photo was one of my favorites. I have always adored burros... which I used to call donkeys, until I moved to Texas. I guess that's because I grew up east of the Mississippi River. Is that a real thing?

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

For 50 years the Golden Burro was nicknamed the Brass Ass by locals. Now the name is used for the saloon section of the business. I lucked out and got to meet owner, Dave Wright. He and his wife saved the run down Golden Burro, when they purchased about 15 years ago.

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

When we were finally seated, I had a good time with the menu. There were a lot of photos and bits of history throughout the menu Luckily the cover image, of a Leadville hanging in 1886, didn't ruin my appetite.

I ordered the "Burro-ito" because I was embracing the burro theme! It was huge and tasty and way more than I could eat.

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

We could barely make a dent in our meals. We tried to convince our server Holly that we did indeed enjoy our meal... we were traveling and could not take leftovers. She apologized again for our wait and we assured her we'd enjoyed ourselves while we wandered around.

As we headed to the car I looked up that sweet burro one more time. Darn, I wish it had been closer to evening. I would love to see that sign lit at night.

Another time!

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La Posta de Mesilla in New Mexico

4/5/2019

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Lunch on the Butterfield Trail!

A year ago, Don and I passed through the sleepy town of Mesilla, in New Mexico. We had heard about the restaurant, La Posta. I was eager to eat a little Mexican food, in a 160+ year old building. The stucco structure also happens to be part of the only station that remains standing, on the old Butterfield Stagecoach Line.

The Beginnings

The compound was first constructed in the 1840's. Ten years later, Sam and Roy Bean (yes, the judge) operated a freight and passenger service line from the compound. After the Civil War, La Posta became an important stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach Line. By the late 1800's, Mesilla was a lively wild west town and The Corn Exchange Hotel opened up within the compound.

Katy's Corner

The hotel business ended over 100 years ago, but La Posta Restaurant opened in 1939. Katy Griggs Camunez started serving food in the NE corner of the compound. There were only 4 tables, the floors were dirt and there was no running water, but her business grew.

Today, there are a lot of corners in all the rooms that make up the 17,000 square foot business. I'm not sure which was the corner where Katy began. But the colorful, cozy rooms all felt festive!

Stucco, Tile & Brick

Luckily we arrived early for lunch and missed the crowds. I imagine they get a tour bus or 2, now and then.

The first thing that I noticed when we entered, was the fountain. I do love a fountain!

Then my eyes wandered to the colorful tile work and brick floors. The stucco walls must be a couple feet thick!

Trees and Cages

There was a lot of wildlife happening in the main entrance of La Posta. There seemed to be trees growing up towards the ceiling... and cages...

... the cages were filled with parrots and tanks held fish, including 1 Red Pirranha. A bold sign warned us to keep hands out!

Bird Room

I didn't count the rooms, but there were many. Our hostess took us to our table and I glanced longingly at a room filled with tropical bird decor. There were colorful birds in the paintings and parrots hanging from the ceiling. The skylights and plant growth made the room feel like a jungle. The skeleton on the balcony added a different twist.

Paper Flowers and a Corner Kiva

We passed another room that looked inviting. The entrance showed the thickness of the walls. A corner fireplace made the space look cozy, even in July.

A couple sat beside a window with bright, paper flowers hanging above! Over the doorway I noticed carved figures and a painted mask. It looked exactly like a mask my dad bought in Mexico years ago! So many surprises!

Window and Giant Mask

One wall, felt like stage set. The giant mask made me of think Greek Theatre. The window with shutters and flowers made me expect to hear opera, from a singer on the balcony. I would love to know the story about this curious/whimsical decor.

Cantinas

There were 2 cantinas at La Posta. I peeked in and felt tempted. But I don't usually drink a Margarita before noon.

Beams and Color

My eyes tried to take it all in. The wall colors, the log ceiling beams, the flowers and rustic shutters.

Our Table

We didn't end up in a cozy corner room or a 2-story space with skylights. Our room was in the center where I could see all around and watch the guests coming and going.

Sisters Enjoy

Don and I relaxed at our cute table with its decorated oilcloth. I couldn't help but smile at the table of nuns nearby. They seemed pretty animated and chatty and they did not have margaritas at their table.

We were on the road so no margaritas for us either, but we did order a feast.

Chimichanga for Me

I for some reason ordered a bean chimichanga. The rice, beans cheese and sauces were all decent, but my main course was a bit dry. Or maybe I was just too full from pigging out on chips.

Enchiladas

Don enjoyed his Sour Cream Enchilada Plate with chicken. He had no complaints.

Time to Wash Up

After chowing down, I needed a good handwashing... which means a trip to the Ladies Room. I could see a lamp's glow welcoming me, as I passed the fountain.

Pink!

No one appreciates a kitschy Ladies Room as much as I do! The door decoration was beyond lovely. I stepped inside and found a sitting area, worthy of the title Powder Room. The walls were the color of bubble gum and the cushioned chairs had heart-shaped backs. I so wished I'd come with a lady friend, so we could powder our noses, then sit a spell and do a little gossiping.

Delightful Details

I'm not making fun of this bathroom. I would be truly heartbroken if I returned and they had remodeled. The stall doors looked like a decorated cake! The sink area had some tricky hidden lighting. The tile had some fancy trim that couldn't be missed! Love, love, love it!

Old Mesilla Plaza

Besides dining rooms, cantinas and outdoor patio, La Posta also had a number of shops. They actually sold some lovely things, but Don and I decided to do our post dining meandering elsewhere. We wandered over to Old Mesilla Plaza.

We spotted our party of Sisters on the steps of San Albino Catholic Church. They took turns taking cell phone photos of each other and I regretted that I didn't think to run over and offer to take a photo of the group. That would have tied up our road trip dining adventure, very nicely!

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George's Restaurant in Springfield, MO

3/30/2019

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Breakfast on Glenstone Avenue

I've never eaten at George's, but I've had my eye on the place since it opened on Glenstone, in 1970.

Glenstone Avenue in Springfield

My memories of Glenstone Avenue go back as far as I can remember. My family lived lots of places, but relatives were anchored in Springfield. Our summer and holiday visits always began with a drive down Glenstone!

Colorful neon signs always made me giddy. Exciting smells blew in the open windows... hamburgers and car exhaust! We 4 kids shouted and pointed out our favorite landmarks.

George Lindsey

Around 1970 there was a new sign on the busy street. George Lindsey's Steakhouse! I remember seeing a picture of George's face on the sign. We kids of course knew him as Goober, from The Andy Griffith Show. George evidently owned a chain of restaurants, but I was pretty sure Goober was right inside that restaurant, waiting to greet us.

Springfield Family

My family had no time for dining at George's. Both of my parents had roots in Springfield, so we had grandparents and cousins to visit. We played croquet like my grandmother once did and we ate Grandpa's Chicken in my grandparents' backyard.

My grandma, Daw had lots of food at her house. Her kitchen was always stocked with kid friendly foods before our arrival! Seems like bacon was always cooking!

Rail Haven in September

This past September, I gathered with my siblings once again in Springfield. We came together with some spouses and youngin's, to celebrate my dad's 90th. We stayed at the iconic Rail Haven Motel.

Breakfast Next Door

After all these years I finally got to eat at George's. The '70's era building was right next door to Rail Haven. Goober no longer smiled down from the sign, but "George's Restaurant... Breakfast Anytime" was clearly written.

TV with Breakfast

We turned down the free motel breakfast both mornings and headed over to George's. We didn't try out the counter dining, but I was tempted to grab a stool and watch TV. The Andy Griffith Show was on!

Labor Day Crowd

Our group of 8 made it over for breakfast, early on the Labor Day morning. There were lines forming after we were seated. We couldn't turn down the $2.99 "Recession Proof Breakfast." Don went all out and upgraded his hash browns, with extra onions, bacon & cheese. It was worth an extra 2 bucks! Our tables were covered with eggs and pancakes, biscuits and gravy... all yummy and crazily cheap!

Meeting George's Daughter

I was pretty excited when our waiter said that George's daughter, was in the restaurant at that moment. I grinned, "Oh I would love to meet her!" She was delightful when she came over to introduce herself, but it turns out here daddy George is not George Lindsey. Goober gave up the chain over 30 years ago and the restaurant was taken over by another man named George.

All I could do was laugh! My 12 year old self had thought I was going to meet Goober's daughter. The current George's daughter is delightful, though. All the employees were equally welcoming. What a fun little dining adventure! Decent food, with some amusing moments!

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Pine Tavern in Bend, OR

3/28/2019

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Cookbook Dining Adventure!

Don and I spent one night in Bend last summer. We could have missed this wonderful little tavern, at the foot of Oregon Avenue... but our cookbook reminded us.

Traveling with Cookbooks

We don't cook when we travel, but we carry a couple of cookbooks... for dining inspiration.

In the '50's, Ford Motor Company cleverly sold cookbooks that featured recipes from restaurants across the country. I guess some thought, "I'm gonna buy me a Ford and go to these places!" Others thought, "I'll cook!"

The mid-century recipes have never inspired me to cook, but the watercolor images have inspired many road trip detours!

Last July, we once again used our cookbook like a treasure map, searching for restaurants in the book. Most have been out of operation for years, but I Googled Pine Tavern and got excited!

Still Open!

The old tavern was still in business after 80+ years! We pulled up and grinned to see that little had changed with the building, over the years. It was July so we saw no, icicles and snow, like this old photo. But we saw lots of pine trees.

Bend was a logging town, when the tavern opened in 1936. The tavern got its name, for the 2 gigantic Ponderosa Pines, just in back. A patio was built around the beautiful trees. In the old photo and the book illustration, it looks like one tree is growing right through the roof.

Inside

We stepped inside and felt the mix of old and new. We could see a few reminders of the past. There was a little knotty pine here and a few retro booths there.

Since 1936

Lots of displayed photos helped us imagine how the tavern looked over the years. In 1936, the place opened as a lunch counter, serving local timber workers and their families.

Two women, Marne Gribskov and Eleanor Bechen began the business, during a time when the country was just recovering from the Great Depression. The coffee shop/tavern/dining room, changed and grew over the years.

The Bar

It wasn't yet 5, so Don and I stepped over to the bar to enjoy the end of Happy Hour. We had a good chat with a few local couples who raved about Bend and made us want to move.

More Pics

I hopped up a few times to look at the old photos on the wall. There were pictures of the original lunch counter and photos of famous guests who have dined... Clint Eastwood, Ronald Reagan, President and Jackie Kennedy. I love it when restaurants display old photos!

1957 Addition

Just past the bar, was a spacious dining room that was added in 1957. I passed a few booths with curtains and that seemed very retro. Then I spotted the two trees, growing through the center of the room!

DJ and the Cookbook

I was looking at the trees and holding the book, when I almost bumped into one of the waiters. "Hey, do you still serve Wild Rice Dressing?" I asked.

It was early still, so DJ wasn't in too much of a rush. He said they didn't serve wild rice dressing and then he noticed what was in my hands. DJ had the perfect reaction.

"What! Where did you get this? Can I take a picture of it?"

DJ was suddenly the best guide ever. He told me that the Garden Room was added in 1957. It was built right around the two trees that had been on the patio. He took me closer, to study the tree trunks. One was about 300 years old and still thriving. The other was killed by mountain pine beetles over 30 years ago, but the trunk was preserved.

Pond-side Patio

DJ said he would be happy to be our server, whenever we finished up at the bar. We were lucky to get a patio table on such a lovely evening. Once seated, I looked back and was pretty amused to see the living pine, growing right through the roof.

The red umbrellas gave us shade from the evening sun.

Then when the sun got low enough, the umbrellas came down. Our view was even better. We watched a few kayaks and envied the people who lived in the homes across Mirror Pond.

Yum!

After studying the menu, we dug into some warm, sourdough bread with honey butter. The relaxed, evening atmosphere made us want to slow down and enjoy every minute.

Don ordered the house meatloaf special. It came with two slabs and a zingy, hot fanny gravy! My Chicken Marsala was smothered in a thick sauce of mushrooms and Marsala wine... which I shared with my heavenly mashed potatoes!

Cheesecake

DJ talked us into sharing the cheesecake. He was right! The cake with strawberry sauce, was perfect. It was fun hearing about the general manager's wife who makes the desserts. So fresh!

We were just finishing, when the manager stopped by our table and introduced herself. "Are you the ones with the cookbook?" Betsy asked with much enthusiasm. Betsy told us she was curious to see the book. I think she said had worked at the Tavern for 40 years, but that seems impossible.

Betsy studied the illustration and chuckled. She remembered specific details about how the door and entrance looked when she first started working. She kept shaking her head and smiling. "Bill will be so excited to see a picture of this book." It turns out that the owner is Bill McCormick, as in the McCormick and Schmick's restaurant chain. He sold the chain a few years ago and now his focus is on Pine Tavern, alone.

Perfect Evening

Our evening at Pine Tavern ranks pretty high. The atmosphere was comfortable with a good mix of locals and tourists. The pond setting was ideal. The food was yummy and not over priced. And our people encounters were fun... with the silly cookbook!

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The Cottage at Mirror Lake Inn

3/23/2019

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Lake Placid, NY

In 2014, Don and I stayed at The Mirror Lake Inn. I remember eating breakfast on a screened porch, with a lovely view of the lake.

The Cottage

I also remember looking down at the little cottage at the bottom of the hill and wondering about it.

Adirondack Flapjacks?

I don't remember exactly what I ate, sitting on that lovely screen porch. My old photo tells me that I didn't eat any flapjacks. Back then, I didn't know that Mirror Lake Inn was once known for their flapjacks.

The Cookbook and Mirror Lake Inn

Since that time, I've spotted the old hotel in our vintage cookbook. "We'll have to go back and try those pancakes." I told myself after seeing the recipe.

Last July, Don and I were back in upstate New York. This time, I packed the 1950 Ford Treasury Cookbook. We planned to stop for a meal at the inn, while passing through town. I was eager to surprise the staff with page 45, featuring the Inn's Adirondack Flapjacks recipe! Well maybe. Sometimes the cookbook doesn't excite people.

The Cottage

But The Inn's restaurant was not open for lunch. So we headed down the hill to have lunch in The Cottage. The Cottage is part of Mirror Lake Inn, but this was really going to stretch it a bit, with my cookbook adventure.

Cute Place

It was pretty delightful heading into a restaurant that looked like a little storybook house, with shutters and window boxes. Coming from Texas, it was a thrill to see open windows!

Old Door

We entered the old door, which looked at least 100 years old. I hoped we'd have a server who was also aged and could fill us in, with lots of history. I wanted to know how old the cottage was. I wanted to know who once lived here, before it was a restaurant.

I wondered if the cottage residents (or guests) sometimes wandered up the hill, to dine at the Mirror Lake Inn. Maybe The Cottage housed athletes or elite guests, during the Winter Olympics, in 1932 or 1980.

Casual Dining

I expected to find a restaurant crowded with tourists on a weekend in July. This was the perfect place for a meal, overlooking the lake!

But the dining area was empty and we were invited to pick any table. We of course chose a spot at the window.

Locals

The dining area was empty, but the nearby bar wasn't. The drinking crowd didn't seem to care about the gorgeous view, they were missing. They were too busy socializing and enjoying the music, which didn't match the peaceful view from the window.

Danko, from Serbia

Our waiter wasn't a bit "aged", but he was polite and friendly. We chatted a bit and learned that he was from Serbia. I didn't bother asking all the questions about the restaurant history, but I did pull out the old cookbook. I knew well, that there was a mighty good chance Danko would not "get it" at all. Most young servers don't fully enjoy the odd nostalgia of old recipes from restaurants and hotels that are mostly long gone. If you add a little added language twist, things get trickier.

But Danko seemed curious when I showed him the illustration of the inn, up the hill. He studied the recipe for a minute. He didn't laugh or gasp, like some do when I hand over the cookbook. But he seemed politely interested and best of all he offered to pose with the book. Yay for that! I believe Danko is about the 30th cookbook poser we've had!

Lunch!

I was ready to eat after our cookbook encounter. I took one peek at the menu and knew I had to have the Beer Soup. It was July, but the skies were overcast and the air felt damp and chilly. (To this Texan) I practically drank down that soup. The tangy flavor had me smacking my lips after each spoonful!

Apricot Chicken Salad

Don's sandwich with pieces of white meat, dried apricots, sliced almonds and sesame ginger was yummy. The greens & tomato salad was an extra treat. Our light lunch was just what was needed.

The View

Even with gray skies, the view was ideal. We watched a few kayaks go by and we thought about the very same lake, when we visited in 1980, during the winter Olympics. We were a lot colder then and the lake was frozen!

Cozy Dining Adventure in Lake Placid

Our dining adventure wasn't a huge feast, but it gave us a few memories. We dined in a cozy cottage with a sweet view. We had some tasty food, served by a friendly server. We got to add to our list of cookbook adventures, even if the cookbook wasn't a huge hit.

Best of all, we ate our meal and reminisced, about visiting Lake Placid as newlyweds, almost 40 years ago!

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Ray's Diner in Excelsior Springs, MO

3/23/2019

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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 inside the small window at the end of the room. 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 had to smile when I spotted the red and white lighthouse. Moments before, Don and I had finished up our coffee, while chatting with Brenda about lighthouses. She had 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 by herself. 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!

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Cypress Inn Restaurant in Cross City, FL

3/20/2019

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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 other side 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... and 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!

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Skyway Jack's in St. Petersburg, FL

3/18/2019

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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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Cypress Inn Restaurant in Cross City, FL

Skyway Jack's in St. Petersburg, FL

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