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Shady Grove in Austin

5/12/2020

Sad News

Yesterday I learned from my son, that Shady Grove is closing.

This isn't the first sad news of closures.

For a couple of months, we've been hunkering down at home, along with the rest of the country.

Restaurant closures are happening. It's one of the many miserable consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Barton Springs Road

Shady Grove has always been a favorite. Since there are a million unusual, one-of-a-kind restaurants in Austin, that says a lot.

The business has been sitting on Barton Springs Road for nearly 3 decades. The neon sign and stone building make it look like it's closer to 80 years old. With the towering trees, it reminds me of a roadside cafe on old Route 66.

2016

We haven't been to Shady Grove since 2016. But that's only because we no longer have kids living in Austin. We don't get back as much.

The last time, was in April of 2016. Don and I met our daughter for dinner. She rode over on her bike and parked near the trailer. The outdoor dining grounds were already filling up.

The old metal chairs, towering trees and grass, always made me feel like I was stepping back into the summers of my childhood.

We found a spot on the patio, where umbrellas and trees kept diners cool.

We studied the menus, with options like Queso Catfish, Truckstop Meatloaf and Hippie Sandwich.

Cheers to Margaritas!

Heidi and I ordered margaritas and toasted to our little get-together.

Were they watermelon flavored? I don't remember, but they were delicious.

Evening

The colored lights at the outdoor bar, came on first.

We were too early for any musical performances. Live music attracted a lot of guests to Shady Grove's.

Food

I'm pretty sure these were the Airstream Chili Cheese Fries.

I remember Heidi said we had to get them, because they were the best.

I remember the Thai Grilled Chicken Salad. I guess Don got a burger and chili. It's hard to tell from the photo and it's been too long.

Trees and Fresh Air

Looking at these 4-year-old photos makes me extra sad, to know they must close.

With restaurants beginning to reopen this May, it seems they could have managed somehow. Patio dining will be the safest of all restaurant dining. But I can't imagine seeing area, with spaced-apart tables and mask wearing guests.

Howdy

I'll miss the patio and I'll miss the Airstream bathrooms.

I loved the idea of "powdering my nose" in a trailer!

I wonder what will become of these trailers and the neon sign and the stone building.

I'm really feeling frustrated that I never made it inside to see what the interior dining even looked like!

Shady Grove... Relaxed Dining! I will miss this place!

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Taj Mahal in Boise, ID

5/12/2020

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Looking Back!

Today, I'm looking back on a dining adventure with my Bro and Sis-in-law, two years ago.

They took us to their favorite restaurant, in downtown Boise.

The Ishaq Family

I am reminded of this wonderful family today, after reading my brother's post on Facebook.

Chris has often posted about this fabulous family and their decadent dishes. But today he spoke about missing their favorite restaurant, during Coronavirus lockdown.

The Atmosphere

I remember the warm welcome our group received... lots of laughter and hugs. Chris introduced us to Sohaim, and they teased each other about their hats. Chris asked about Sohaim's wife, but we would have to wait. She was busy in the back.

I remember feeling so comfy in the cozy restaurant, with the warm colors and music, the art and the unusual display of instruments!

Settling In

Then we got comfortable at our table, with some drinks.

Don and Chris had some kind of curious beer. Karen and I split a bottle of Lassi, with homemade yogurt. Thick and sweet and yummy!

Our Feast!

Chris and Karen did all the ordering. I obviously can't remember it all, but I do remember the Bengan Pakora! Eggplant slices, dipped in some kind of chickpea batter! So crispy good, with some kind of amazing sauce.

I remember Goat Biriyani, so tender and lean! There was Masala with lentils and buttery Chicken Korma, puree'd spinach Palak... Oh I want to go back!

We feasted until nearly 11 pm. All the other dining guests had departed. Then, the atmosphere changed.

Family

It was late, but not too late for some celebration.

The Ishaq's grown sons arrived and were introduced. Both were gracious and polite and good humored with Chris' teasing.

The sweet 2-year-old grandson enjoyed a little distraction with an iPad at a nearby table. He nibbled on a plate of chopped cucumbers and onions.

What a sweet little guy at such a late hour.

When his grandma appeared from the kitchen, sweet Roham made it clear that no one was to bother his grandmother. He clung to her and fussed, if we got too close. Oh my! I hope I someday have a grandchild who adores me so much!

Nawn Lesson

After our meal, we had an exciting lesson on making naan (spelled nawn, in the menu) We moved into the kitchen to see just how much effort and skill, goes into this heavenly bread!

We kept a safe distance from the tandoori oven and watched! First we saw the rolling and stretching of the dough.

Seems I remember the dough being laid flat on some kind of springy pillow, then dropped into the steaming opening. The dough clung to the wall of the oven and the heat was cranked up. Less than a minute later, long skewers were used to flip the piping hot bread from the oven. What an amazing treat to watch and eat! I wish I'd gotten a video.

Wonderful Memories

I remember we departed with our boxed up leftovers, just as some family friends entered with a cake of some kind.

I was happily exhausted from our amazing dining adventure and the Ishaqs were finishing a day's work and ready to celebrate. Was it a birthday? I don't know, but I was mighty impressed to know this hardworking family had energy left to celebrate! They obviously deserved some fun!

Now, I'm thinking of the Ishaqs and I wish them well during this pandemic time. I was happy to hear that Chris and Karen have regularly been enjoying carry-out feasts from Taj Mahal. But I know how eager everyone is, to once again gather and dine inside this fabulous restaurant!

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Mama's Sack Lunches in Montgomery, AL

5/1/2020

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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 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!

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Windmill Restaurant in Holland, MI

3/30/2020

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Dining in Holland

Last July, Don and I squeezed in a little Dutch Dining Adventure on our Michigan trip.

I remember Holland, Michigan from when I was about 10.

Sometimes you just have to revisit some of those old memories, when you have a chance.

Playing Tourist

I remember going to some kind of Dutch Village when I was a kid. So of course, I told Don we needed to play tourist, before lunch.

Actually the village I remember was costly and more for kids. We opted to spend time at Windmill Island, instead.

We got to go up in the DeZwaan Windmill, which is an actual working mill, brought over from Holland over 50 years ago. I saw a lot of wooden shoes and missed the ones I remember buying years ago.

Lunchtime

Then it was time to catch lunch in downtown Holland.

The sweet little diner looked picture perfect.

There was a pair of kissing Dutch kids in the window, plus a welcoming sign. Luckily there was no line. We heard the place could be crowded.

It was nearly 2:00 and luckily they were still open. We headed in.

Long Counter

There were lots of stools available at the counter.

We could have had some chat time with the staff, if we'd gone for counter dining.

There were lots of cozy booths and most of them were full.

I sort of liked this odd one at the very back of the room. It had a framed print of the Big Red Lighthouse, that we also saw in the morning.

Dutch Decor

We were given a nice booth in the front. Don took a seat and I snapped a few pics.

If I'd had more time, I could have counted tulips or windmills or cute kissing figures. I'm not sure what the history is with the kissing Dutch kids.

Food

We were actually starved, so everything on the menu looked wonderful.

I ordered the egg salad, with bacon and tomato, on homemade toasted bread. Even the waxed paper had little windmills.

Messy Dining!

Our messy sandwiches were delicious. Don's French Dip was as good as the reviews we'd read before arrival.

I got my turn to attack my overstuffed sandwich!

I allowed Don to take a photo of me and my egg salad sandwich. I was pretending to be Elaine May in "A New Leaf". Don played Walter Matthau, politely telling me when I had egg on my face.

Cafe History

Our server was quite young and couldn't tell us much about the history of our restaurant.

I read later that the cozy place had been a restaurant since the 1940's. It didn't take on the Windmill theme until 1964.

Tulip Time?

Our young server did know a little bit about the annual Tulip Festival.

I asked her if she had ever seen the 1942 movie, "Seven Sweethearts" and of course she hadn't. I told her she must!

Street Scrubbing

"It's about this very town and the tulip festival!" I practically shouted. She actually seemed curious about the old movie. This photo reminded me of a scene in the old film.

I was excited to hear that the town still participates in a street scrubbing activity, before the festivities begin.

Wooden Shoes

We finished up and got ready to head off. I took one last look at a shelf of Dutch decor.

Sigh... I laid eyes on the sweet wooden shoes and remembered the pair that I I once owned. I wore those things daily for quite a while, even after my dog chewed off the points!

Fun stop with good food and good memories!

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Zehnder's & Bavarian Inn -Michigan

3/15/2020

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Frankenmuth, Michigan

Last July, Don and I put Frankenmuth on our Michigan road trip route.

For over 45 years, I have wanted to return to "Michigan's Little Bavaria". I have fond memories of eating in some kind of German restaurant with my family. I narrowed it down to two places that were around in 1973. Was it Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn Restaurant?

July 5, 2020

Don and I drove into town on a beautiful summer day. It was Friday, the day after July 4th. Main Street was surprisingly uncrowded.

Right away, we spotted the two restaurants, across the street from each other. Neither one actually rang a bell with my teen memory. But both had me very curious.

Lunch at Zehnder's

We decided to go for lunch at Zehnder's, even though the fine neon sign announced chicken dinners, not German food.

The sign was quite the lure. I believe it's been there since the 1930's. William and Emilie Zehnder's restaurant goes back to 1929.

The Zehnders started their biz in a building that had been the New Exchange Hotel. (originally built in 1856) Instead of focussing on German food and decor, they added some colonial columns and started serving chicken dinners.

Inside

I was curious to step inside and see what the place was all about. I heard there were 10 dining rooms! It all seemed a little like a theme park.

It was about noon, when Don and I arrived. We spotted a couple of hostesses, who looked like they were wearing uniforms left over from the restaurant's grand opening, 90 years ago.

Lots of People

The tourists inside the restaurant, weren't dressed at all like those diners from long ago. The dining and waiting areas were filled with people in shorts and ball caps, flip flops and tank tops.

We were welcomed at the door and our name was taken. Then we were directed to one of the waiting lines.

Quick Look Around

Don held our spot and I peeked around. Some rooms looked like banquet halls. I wasn't thrilled about that idea. The Original Dining Room was much smaller. It was built in 1856 and rebuilt about a century later.

The Original Room had a very 1950's feel. So did the waiting area, just outside the room. There was a fireplace and a big console TV and a small crowd of tired looking folks. Were they lounging after feasting? Were they letting someone hold their spot in line? Where were all these people from. Frankenmuth only has about 5,000 residents.

Cowpath Dining Room!

I headed back to join Don, just before our name was called.

A gracious young woman asked us to follow her into one of the enormous dining rooms.

I tried to find a tone that was the opposite of annoyed tourist and I asked,

"Is it at all possible to put us on a waiting list, for a smaller dining room? We would love that."

She didn't act a bit bothered. She peeked inside a nearby doorway, then said it would be just a minute.

Pretty soon, she was escorting us to a little wooden booth in the "Cowpath Dining Room".

I should have asked about that odd name. But, I was thrilled with our sweet little room. It felt like we'd stepped right out of Old Colonial America, into a Bavarian cafe.

There were only five booths, each with carved and painted detail. We sat down and Don ordered a beer to honor the Zehnder's German roots. It was not nearly as gigantic as my photo suggests.

I made Don pose again, to show off our cozy spot with our own chandelier!

Dana, our very sweet and young server, greeted us in her little white cap and apron. She was delighted that this was our first visit.

She got us started, with some Creamy Cabbage Salad, along with some homemade bread and jam.

The stollen-type bread, was served in an odd covered dish. It was yummy, with little bits of dried cherry and pistaccio. Dana seemed delighted that we liked it. She talked about growing up in the area and her cooking with her grandmother. I pictured Dana with her dear old granny, in a flour-dusted apron... and then realized I was probably older than her grandma.

German and American Food

I love family-style dining, but Don wanted German food and I wanted chicken.

Plus, we weren't hungry enough for all-you-can-eat family-style chicken, for $25. each. Luckily there were plate options.

Don and I were happy with our choices. I got a $15. plate with 2 pieces of chicken, mashed taters and dressing. Don got a corned beef Reuben, on swirl rye, with homemade chips. All good!

Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Since we were spending the night, we were able to check out the Bavarian Inn, later.

There was a bit of a Disney World atmosphere, as we approached the complex of storybook buildings.

Bavarian Look

Today, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder's, are both owned by descendants of William and Emilie.

After a little internet search, it became clear that the two are in competition. Both serve fried chicken, but the Bavarian Inn obviously is the one that embraces the German culture.

The entrance on Main Street was pretty festive with colorful flowers, shutters and German figures, popping out of windows.

We headed over to learn more.

Confusing History

The Bavarian Inn, like Zehnder's, had once been a hotel. The Fischer Hotel was the first establishment in Frankenmuth to offer up platters of fried chicken. What is it with all this chicken?

The Zehnder's bought Fischer's, in 1950 and had their son "Tiny" manage the restaurant. By 1959, they expanded and embraced a new Bavarian look.

Exploring

Don and I explored in the early afternoon. We compared the exterior to some old photos.

In the first old photo, you can see the 1959 addition, next to the old hotel. The addition has spiffed up quite a bit since then, with a glockenspiel tower and a festive biergarten.

Don and I entered a door, near the tower and got a little lost with our wandering.

We traveled down some halls and up and down stairs. There were plenty of amusing surprises. A mighty grand Pied Piper mural decorated the walls, on the way down to a giant basement gift shop.

There were halls and walls, covered with photos and plaques. Lots of family photos and history.

Dinner Time

Around 7:00, Don and I headed to the main restaurant entrance. We weren't hungry for dinner yet, but we checked out the options. There were supposedly 12 dining rooms.

There were two rooms off the main entrance. Tiny's Room would have been my pick, but it wasn't open. Tiny died in 2006, but his wife can still be spotted on the property. Almost 98 years old!

The Family Crest Room was fairly full. The waiters in lederhosen and felt hats, bustled around. I found numerous rooms that looked more inviting, but they weren't open. It made me wonder when the dining rooms ever get used... if not on a Friday in July.

Michigan on Main, Bar & Grill

Don and I decided to step into the adjoining bar/grill for some fine photo ops and beer.

We just weren't quite ready to take on all the families in the big dining room. I found a more interesting fellow to befriend, at the bar. My dashing mannequin in lederhosen, seemed to be moping. I failed to cheer him up.

We cheered ourselves up by sharing a giant pretzel at the bar. We also listened to lots of local gossip, since we seemed to be at the go-to spot for the young, afterwork crowd.

Missing Dinner

By the time Don and I finished our pretzel we both agreed we just didn't have the appetite or energy to face the family-filled dining room.

We headed back to Bavarian Inn Lodge, as the sun was going down.

Schnitzelbank!

When we reached the lodge, we made a spontaneous stop at Oma's Restaurant. We enjoyed some live music and continued our poor eating habits, with bottomless bowls of popcorn.

I didn't get to do any polka dancing, but we did participate in the nightly Scnitzelbank singalong. Our server Holly handed out napkins with the verses and we fumbled along with the words and motions. What a way to end the evening!

Bye Frankenmuth!

I'm afraid Don and I did not do a very complete job of exploring the dining options of Frankenmuth. We need bigger appetites and budgets. But we loved wandering and nibbling here and there! We had chicken and a German Rueben in Frankenmuth. That will do it for us, this time!

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Shady Grove in Austin

Taj Mahal in Boise, ID

Mama's Sack Lunches in Montgomery, AL

Windmill Restaurant in Holland, MI

Zehnder's & Bavarian Inn -Michigan

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