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The Airplane Restaurant is a 275-seat restaurant but only 42 passengers can occupy the actual plane. This leaves plenty of space for the ground lovers. Looking around this space, we found that there was plenty of interesting memorabilia to take in. The décor lifted our spirits to new heights, as we took in the various aircrafts suspended from the ceiling. We also noticed an assortment of aviation artifacts that detail add interest to the rooms.

3) Visit the Cockpit

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100 Years and Counting

Staying small has helped The Cozy Inn survive hard times. During the Depression, many large scale restaurants shuttered their doors due to rising costs. This inexpensive meal option, limited menu, and small staff allowed this burger joint to remain nimble. In the 1940s, two new military bases opened nearby. The Cozy Inn began receiving visits from enlisted men and their families, which provided a boost to sales. The 1980s saw a revitalization of downtown Salina, which threatened the future of the restaurant. Public outcry would help save the business and provided the spark for an exterior renovation.

Keeping with Tradition

Over time, the original owners passed away and the business changed hands. In 2007, Steve Howard became sole owner of The Cozy Inn. Growing up in Salina, he knew the value of retaining the traditions that made the business famous. The six-stool design has remained, as well as the original grill top. The grill will hold up to 55 burgers at a time and Steve has often found himself at full capacity. Even with a flurry of customers, his infection smile greets you as you pass through the doorway.

Six-Stool Diner

In 1922, the six-stool diner was becoming popular, although it’s a fad that would disappear with time. Stepping through the door, we were greeted with the aroma of grilled beef and onions. It’s the kind of smell that permeates your clothes and reminds you of your visit for the entire day. The stools were occupied and it was standing-room only. For a second we considered using the walk-up window, but decided we wanted the whole experience. We stood there admiring the constant buzz of activity behind the counter. They have certainly perfected the assembly-line style of building burgers by the bagful.

Simple Pleasures

The capacity to produce dozens of burgers at a time means that the wait wasn’t too long for our meal. We watched as those in front of us received their orders and dived into their sliders. The menu is about as basic as you will find. Cozy burgers come as singles or doubles and topped with onions and pickle. If you are feeding a crowd (or just really hungry) you can get them by the bagful. We ordered a half-dozen, but they also offer up to 48 burger quantities. Our order included; a half-dozen Cozy burgers, one bag of chips, and a root beer. Since the six stools were all occupied, we opted to enjoy our meal at one of their retro outdoor tables.

Burgers by the Bagful

When other customers discovered it was our first visit, they happily shared their earliest memories of the Cozy Inn. It was apparent that this place has created a following that borders on becoming a cult classic. With each story, we became increasingly eager to sample the sliders for ourselves. Opening our bagful of burgers, we were greeted by the delightful smell that we had found inside. My mouth was already watering by the time I had everything laid out before us. Diving in without hesitation, we we quickly engrossed in our meal.

The Cozy Inn

Our visit to Salina, Kansas was made to visit the Smoky Hill Museum, so adding this lunch stop was a bonus. As we made our way back to our car, the conversation focused on the devouring that we had just completed. We knew the flavor of our burgers by the bagful would stay with us far down the road. This is exactly the kind of meal that fits perfectly into a road trip. After all, it was quick, unique, and delicious. What more could anyone ask for from a 100-year-old establishment?

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We want to thank Lincoln CVB and Honest Abe’s for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Cut to the Point

When I was researching Lincoln eateries, this one popped up more than once. Seeing a burger joint getting rave reviews intrigued me. After a little deeper dive, it was decided that Honest Abe’s Burgers needed to be added to our list. After all, it checked all of the boxes that we look for in a meal stop. Their downtown location is near the Nebraska History Museum, so it was easy to fit it into our schedule. After a busy morning at the farmers market and museum, our appetites were revved up and ready to be satisfied.

Bird’s Eye View

Stepping through the front door, we were greeted by a slew of Abe images. This happens to be my all-time favorite president, so I have to admit to being overjoyed. Crystal could see the glee in me but tempered it with a reminder that we needed to eat something. After spending considerable time exploring the menu online, it was time to put our research to work. I had tried to imagine how some of the interesting flavor combinations would taste. As Abe would say, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Time to get to work and decide which burgers we would order.

Honest Abe’s Burgers

Since we were in a category two burger joint, we wanted to sample something unique. Our first choice was the 1809. To make this sammie, they load up a traditional burger patty on a bed of pickled apples. Then they top this with loads of bacon, melted gouda cheese, and smoky honey mayo. Served with a heaping mound of Herb Seasoned Freedom Fries, this meal demanded recognition. Biting into this Honest Abe’s Burger brought a mouthful of zest and smoky goodness into play. Crystal and I have an unwritten agreement to share our plates so that we can each sample the flavors. There are times I finish my half and have become addicted to the flavor combination. This was one of those times.

Food with Attitude

For our second choice, we decided to step even farther down the zany flavor path. A burger with a name like Hammer of Thor certainly captures your attention. Read the ingredients and tell us if you’d try it. Start with another one of their delectable beef burger patties. Top it with griddled Brussel Sprouts, chipotle cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and bacon mayo. It was far from normal and had just enough crazy to make it to our table. A side of some Freedom Tots added a potato variation. After wrapping up my half of the 1809, it was time to test this eccentric combination. The layers of flavors quickly ended my time of mourning, as this burger brings the whole house full of tastes. Well played, Abe.

The Good Life

We’ll be the first to admit that we haven’t spent enough time exploring Nebraska. This was our first time in Lincoln and we were finding it to be a flavorful experience. Honest Abe’s Burgers was a good example of the interesting approach that many of the local restaurants have taken with their menus. With a plethora of dining choices scattered around downtown, we knew that it would take multiple visits to sample even the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, we were finding that our pre-visit picks were spot-on for great tastes. All of our research was making this another successful excursion. As Old Abe said, “Prepare for the chance that could come someday.”

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Artsy Start

There is something appealing about a space filled with old-school artwork. During our travels, we have seen so much grassroots art that we have grown to love all of the variations we find. Sunrise Memphis has plenty of this homemade eye candy hanging on the walls. Many of the pieces reminded us of the handmade items we found in Lucas, Kansas, which is lovingly referred to as the “Grassroots Capital of Kansas”.

Bring the Green

The menu at Sunrise Memphis is quite extensive and includes handhelds, as well as plated dishes. When I noticed a menu item that put avocado into play, I was betting that Crystal would pick it. Sure enough, one order of Basic B for her. It all starts with some of their homemade Ciabatta bread, which is delicious. A healthy slathering of mashed avocado is added and then it’s topped with two eggs cooked your way. On the side they toss in a serving of their hash browns, which add a tasty crunch to the meal.

Hearty Beginnings

I wasn’t feeling peckish in the least, so I selected the Kitchen Sink. Just as the name would imply, this plate is packed with savory fare. I wasn’t jealous of Crystal, since I had my own hash browns and eggs. She may have been a bit envious of my Hanna Farm grits, Evan Meat sausage, and Petit Jean farm bacon. To wipe up the last drops of goodness, they include a sumptuous buttermilk biscuit. This looks like a lot of food, (which it is) but I was up to the challenge.

Simple Messages

Dining at Sunrise Memphis definitely had us rubbing elbows with the locals. That look I get when I pull out the camera was replaced with smiles, whenever I caught the glance of other diners. I’m guessing that the food is so good that the locals are used to people documenting their experiences. In fact, the notice about not hoarding tables may have even been meant for travel bloggers who camp out for the perfect shots.

Sunrise Memphis Moments

Now that we had our bellies full of the delicious eats from Sunrise Memphis, we were ready to head out on our morning of discovery. While we may not blog about every breakfast, we certainly like to shout out the ones that make our travels extra special. This place definitely falls into that category and we are so glad we found it. What type of breakfast stops do you look for when traveling?

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and The Hive for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Cool Down

Bentonville, Arkansas lies in the northwest corner of the state. Summer in the Ozark territory can bring with it some hot weather. Sure enough, our visit was falling smack dab in the midst of a heatwave. We try to be prepared for any circumstances, so this was not unexpected. Even knowing the temps would be soaring, there is only so much that can be done to cool down. On the advice of our server, we decided a cooling cocktail would hit the spot. Pouring over the menu, we saw one that seemed extremely promising as a cooling agent. The Miami Vice is concocted with Plantation rum, pineapple, coconut, lime, almond, bitters, and blue curacao. When it arrived at our table, the Caribbean Sea-colored beverage was as beautiful as it was refreshing.

Familiar Classic

When we pick a restaurant for refined country cuisine, we go in with high expectations. This was not going to be a fried chicken and mashed taters meal. Crystal was looking forward to sampling some home-style cooking. Their Roasted Chicken Breast is served up in a bed of grits and accompanied by baby carrots, red onion, and fennel. The mixture of flavors wraps your taste buds like a cozy country quilt. You can bet that Crystal fell in love with this dish.

Pork Chop Heaven

How many times have you ordered a pork chop only to be disappointed in the results? Delivering this cut as a delicious and moist dish is a challenging proposition. The Hive has a menu item called Berkshire Hog Chop. When I spied it, I was immediately tempted. Our server assured me that it is an excellent choice and one of the most popular menu items. That was enough for me to jump on this opportunity. What arrived at our table was a tender, juicy, and absolutely filling plate filled with goodness. The chop comes accompanied by yellow corn grits, broccoli, and grilled peaches. Each bite was a bouquet of flavor that reminded me of the pork chops served up by my grandmother. I was in pork chop heaven.

A Sweet Surprise

Even though we were full from our main courses, the idea of passing up dessert was out of the question. The refined country cuisine we were experiencing required us to sample one of their sweet treats. Our server was helpful in directing our attention to their Pecan Pie. What could be more southern than this classic goody? The Hive’s version takes this delicacy and enrobes it with a shortbread crust, and tops it with a scoop of buttermilk ice cream. To take it to the next level, the bar sent over a couple of glasses of port wine to accompany our dessert. There was no possible way that we were going to let a single bite of this treat go to waste.

Refined Country Cuisine

When we think about dinners we have had in hotels, the results have been a mixed bag. The Hive is definitely one of the experiences that stand out as a real winner. While we did not stay at the 21C Museum Hotel, we still took some time to examine some of the artwork that can be found scattered throughout the hotel. With all of their unique pieces, it really made our refined country cuisine dinner all the more special. With our bodies cooled and our appetites satisfied, it was time to do some more exploring in downtown Bentonville.

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Funky Vibe

Stepping through the door, we found that the unique styling continued on the inside. Guests are greeted by a large bar area, which is wholly acceptable in a city like Mobile, Alabama. After all, the residents of the city embrace their happy hours. In fact, in 1907 the state legislature was debating the idea of passing a Prohibition Bill. Mobile’s Mayor led a delegation to the capitol to attempt to prevent this from happening. Other citizens got involved with the battle. N.J. McDermott, President of the Bank of Mobile, wired the statehouse legislators and told them that if the Prohibition Bill was passed, that Mobile would secede from the State of Alabama.

Eclectic Eats & Drinks

Squid Ink continues the tradition of encouraging patrons to imbibe by offering some interesting flavor combinations. We couldn’t pass up the chance to quench our thirst with one of their colorful cocktails. Strawberry Fields is a delightful blend of gin, mint, lime. rose, strawberry, and tonic water. It offers an invigorating punch with a cooling effect on a hot summer day. The hostess had seated us on the main floor, which offered us a great view of the bar. We could also watch diners arrive and move upstairs to the overflow seating. Outside, they had set up some tables on the sidewalk, which served people looking for further social distancing.

Vietnamese Baguette

With our drink cooling us down, it was time to focus on the main draw, the eclectic eats found on the Squid Ink menu. We were in the mood for some handhelds, for which we found plentiful choices. My selection landed on the Chicken Bahn Mi Bao. This variation of a Vietnamese sandwich is made with grilled chicken thighs. Then they toss in the mix some pickled carrots and daikon, as well as fresh cucumber, shaved jalapeno, cilantro, and some spicy mayo for tons of flavor depth. It’s all contained in a bao bun which is a traditional Vietnamese steamed bread. This sammie went perfectly with the thin fries that accompanied it.

Going Green

Crystal was predictable as always. I had seen the Avocado BLT on the menu and was predicting that she would select it. She has a love affair with avocado, so it was an easy choice. Squid Ink’s version provides a healthy amount of the green stuff. They also include bacon jam, tomato, cilantro, lettuce, gyoza, and aioli for another flavor-filled treat. Toasted multi-grain bread does an admirable job at holding this all together, but I did spot some leakage. Of course, that came from the fact that the sammie is packed full.

Dining in Lower Alabama

Exploring Lower Alabama was certainly a first for us, but we feel like it won’t be our last. With a whole state for us to investigate, we are betting the Gulf Shores will repeat in our future. Mobile makes a great home base for exploring the surrounding region. It has tons of stops, plenty of eclectic eats, and don’t forget that it is home to the start of America’s Mardi Gras. Toss in plenty of beignets and beads and it may be just about the perfect place to get a true taste of southern living.

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We want to thank Louisiana River Parishes and Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Local Life

In the heart of the River Road, tradition is key. Running a smokehouse takes dedication and years of practice. Wayne Jacob’s is steeped in barbecue tradition, as the business has been handed down for generations. Back in 1950, Nolan Jacob built the current home of the smokehouse and included an apartment over the top. He wanted to make sure he was close at hand anytime the smokehouse was operating. This level of commitment is a large reason why the restaurant is a local favorite.

Watchful Eye

Our barbecue experiences have taught us that there are many ways to become a smoke master. In Quebec City, we dined with a French-trained chef who studied the art all across the United States. One of the best teachers is time. Wayne Jacob has the advantage of being raised in a barbecue family, so those years of trial and error have been recorded for him. With all of this family history in tow, he keeps a watchful eye over the business to ensure consistent results.

Teasing Tastes

Knowing that this would be our only stop at his restaurant during this trip, Wayne wanted to make sure we got a great sampling of the restaurant’s menu. We started it with a blend of the appetizers. A bowl of Chicken & Andouille Gumbo featured tons of smoky goodness as it is packed with meats made in-house. A few Boudin Balls really hit the spot. These pork sausage and rice creations kept us coming back for more. To cap it off, Wayne threw in some of his classic Andouille Chips, which are sliced thin and fried up nice and crispy. The Creole Mustard dipping sauce was a perfect compliment for them.

Smoky Goodness

Now that we had whetted our appetites, it was time for the main courses. With so many great choices on the lunch menu, we once again left it to Wayne to fix us up. When the tray hit the table, we knew we were about to enter barbecue overload. The four corners were each occupied by the smoky goodness of a different meat option. We discovered a Half Smoked Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, and Smoked Sausage. To top it all off, there was also a bowl of Roux Peas and one of Baked Beans to compliment all of the meats. For the next half hour, the only sounds coming from our table were the coos of satisfaction that accompany a satisfying meal.

Exploring the River Road

Try as we might, we just couldn’t finish everything. Of course, the smoky goodness kept us coming back even after we were stuffed. Oh well, we knew we would be walking it off at our next stop. Before we departed Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse, we had to pick up some of the smoked meats for back home. We knew that this fall we would be wanting to make our own batch of red beans & rice, so some of his trademark Andouille sausages would be a perfect compliment. Fortunately, we can mail order more when it’s all gone.

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We want to thank Louisiana River Parishes and B&C Seafood Market for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Happy Life

B&C Seafood Riverside Market & Cajun Restaurant is quite a mouthful to say. To shorten it any would be a disservice to all of the goodness that this place has to offer. As we entered the restaurant, we found ourselves in the market section. We were met with an infectious laugh as one of the staff members interacted with customers. Looking around, we noticed they had a fresh supply of cooked mudbugs ready for eating. A grouping of coolers was filled with all sorts of delectable treats. If we lived nearby, this would certainly be a regular stop for us.

Take It Easy

Here in the heart of Plantation Alley, we knew we could find real Cajun food. After all, owner Tom Breaux has been fishing the waters around this region for decades. His restaurant has drawn in some well-known people. As we sat and talked with Tom, he pointed out a guitar hanging on a nearby wall. When he mentioned that it was a souvenir from Tim McGraw, we just had to know why it was here. Turns out that Tim filmed part of his video “The Rest of Our Life” in B&C Cajun Restaurant. Crystal immediately recalled it and I would make sure to get a refresher as soon as we got a chance.

Bounty of the Gulf

After an entertaining conversation with Tom, he excused himself and left us to our meal. Chef Lanny Weber had prepared us a variety of dishes that reflected the tastes of the land and sea. He spread these across two platters and we knew that we would not be leaving hungry. On platter #1 we discovered a mix of Fried Shrimp and Alligator. With each bite, the crunchy coating gave way to the delicious texture of the meat hidden within. A bowl of Smoked Rabbit Gumbo anchored the center of the tray and provided a depth of flavor. The platter also held Okra and Crab Cakes that had been fried to golden perfection. We could already see the need to pace ourselves.

Tastes of the Land and Sea

The second platter contained more delectable treats. Fried Oysters and Clam Strips offered chewy bites of bold flavor. The footed bowl on this tray contained a Seafood Gumbo that complimented the Hush Puppies and Boudin Balls that accompanied it. With all of this variety, we were really getting a true taste and the depth of flavors available in the River Parishes. B&C Cajun Restaurant is a little off of the beaten path, but that means you will be hanging with the locals when you visit. We are confident that you will feel welcomed by the friendly folk of this region.

Heads On

Just when we thought we had sampled it all, the chef brought out another basket. This one was brimming with fresh cooked Shrimp and Crawdads. You can’t visit the bayou area without partaking in some mudbugs. There is something addictive about the sweet taste of their meat. No knife and fork needed to really enjoy a dish full, just tear off the heads and dig in. It’s hard to describe the actual flavor, but I would say it is a cross between crab and shrimp. It is definitely less salty than lobster but still offers a firm texture.

Land of the River Parishes

Our visit to the Louisiana River Parishes felt like a step into another time. One where people were more relaxed and the pace was just a bit slower. Courtesy is still a thing to have and the warm smiles of passersby remind you of their welcoming spirit. Much like the people, the food is filled with tradition. The tastes of the land and sea have been prepared for generations, so their recipes are tried and true. It feels like every bite reminded us that we were in river country.

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We want to thank Visit Pella for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Tulip Time Specials

When a city of just over 10,000 plays host to a crowd that nearly doubles the population, you have to make some adjustments. Dutch Fix has learned to adjust its robust menu to streamline the process of serving the masses. This was no issue for us since we had no predetermined dishes in mind. We were just going with the flow and ready to tackle anything that came before us. It was handy that they had placed a placard outdoors since it helped us determine our choices before heading in.

Popular Place

Of course, heading in during Tulip Time means waiting your turn. Being festival savvy, we know to expect lines for everything. This is where the streamlined menu helps out. The staff at Dutch Fix has made an art of serving this type of crowd. With having a halt to the festival in 2020, due to COVID, they were eager to see a return of the crowds. Our plan in these types of scenarios is to scope out other customers’ plates to help confirm our menu selections. With about a 20 minute wait in line, we had plenty of time to complete that task.

Getting Our Bearings

As we made our way through the line we felt our hunger growing. Seeing all of the delectable-looking dishes was really striking a chord with us. We diverted our attention to the colorful mural that decorates the main wall of the restaurant. During one of the Tulip Time festival presentations, we had heard about the history of the Netherlands. Seeing this large map helped us get our bearings of the cities that dot this small European country.

Go Big or Go Home

As the line continued to progress forward, our anticipation grew. When our turn came we were prepared to quickly blurt out our order. We had heard and seen, where others had selected the Dominie Burger. They create this monster burger using twin patties, bacon, Gouda cheese curds, sliced smoked Gouda, mayonnaise, and pickles. Cramming all of that goodness inside of a bun is a real task. Having seen others attempt to tackle it, we decided to split one. When you toss in a side of Frites, we quickly learned it was a wise decision. We have sampled a wide range of burger joints around our hometown and this one definitely stacks up to them. It’s easy to see why it ranks in the Top 10 in Iowa.

Dutch Dessert

During our time in Pella, we had noted a variety of dishes with names unfamiliar to us. One that we kept hearing about was Poffertjes. Everyone told us that we had to try them out, but we weren’t exactly sure what they were. When we spotted them on the menu at Dutch Fix, we knew it was time to give them a whirl. Evidently, this traditional dessert can come with a wide range of toppings, but during the festival Dutch Fix had concentrated on the three most popular. The Amsterdam Poffertjes are tiny Dutch pancakes covered with Nutella and diced strawberries. A hearty dusting of powdered sugar helps take the sweetness to a higher level. It only took one bite to understand why so many people are enamored with this sweet treat.

Getting Our Dutch Fix

Our visit to Pella brought us at the peak of the festival period, so we obviously faced large crowds. Now that we have had a savoring of the Dutch cuisine, we plan to revisit during a less busy period. This summer would make an excellent time to do such a trip and would offer a chance to explore more of the culinary treats that are found in this Midwestern city. We love that Pella embraces its cultural history not only with its museums and shops, but also in its restaurants. Now we just need to figure out how to make those Poffertjes at home.

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Slushy Sips

Where we would usually have a road trip, this time we substituted the Amtrak. After a four hour trip, we were definitely in the mood for a good meal. Some earlier reconnaissance had uncovered an interesting option named Doxie Slush. The first thing that had caught my attention was their wide range of frozen cocktails. These are quite popular in New Orleans, and we have even found a place in Kansas City that offers them. Finding a place that offers adult beverages isn’t difficult in Hermann, but this place had some other tasty treasures, as well.

Summer Vibes

While the town was certainly popular, the crowds were thinner due to the pandemic. We located an open table and proceeded to scan the menu. Our server stopped by to welcome us and walk us through the various options. Doxie Slush offers a flight of 3 of their slushies, so we just had to narrow down our selections. That is harder than it would appear because they have so many amazing flavors. Finally, we asked our server to surprise us. You can imagine our delight when he delivered a trio of summertime treats. From left to right we had; Melon Mojito, Blue Hawaiian, and Strawberry Hibiscus Frosé. Each brought a sweet taste that reminds us of the summer days that had recently ended.

Flavors of Fall

While the sips of the summer drinks brought delicious memories, the second flight welcomed the rich tastes of Fall. Pumpkin Spice Old-Fashioned, Caribbean Coffee, and Apple Dolce Martini all supplied a bounty of flavor that reminded us that the upcoming holiday season was just around the corner. Each of our cocktails had a nice little kick, so we were glad that our travels were in the hands of the railroad. In the meantime, we were getting ourselves in the Oktoberfest spirit in anticipation of exploring the town after lunch.

Tasty Treasures

Now before you get the idea that Doxie Slush is just another bar, we should tell you that we picked this location because of their tantalizing food menu. We discovered that owner Nicholas Renfrow is a New York City trained chef, who has brought his tropical experiences to Hermann. This is not the place to grab a plain hamburger or a chicken salad sandwich. Instead, they offer up unique flavors like their Manchego Beignets. These deep-fried crispy bites of heaven incorporate the tangy taste of Spanish cheese, that comes from sheep’s milk. What a perfect appetizer and they tasted amazing with our craft cocktails.

Not Your Average Burger

Now I said they don’t serve up plain hamburgers, but you will find an Island Burger on the menu. Nick’s twist on this American dish begins with a base of a certified Angus beef patty. Then he lets loose a torrent of flavors that come crashing through in every bite. The grilled pineapple and Vidalia onion strings complimented the Pepperjack cheese and smoked paprika mayo. Each bite was a combination of tastes that had me coming back over and over until there was no more. This burger is so amazing that I nearly forgot about the Sea Salt Fries that accompany it.

Flavors of the Sea

Crystal had chosen to begin her meal with the Fish n’ Chips. (We split both entrees, so we could sample more flavors.) Even such standard bar fare as this is kicked up to another level. We were expecting Cod filets, but Nick knows that crispy wild-caught mahi-mahi makes this dish extra special. The crispy battered bites melted in our mouths and we once again neglected the bed of sea salt fries. Doxie Slush serves up some lemon slices on the side for flavor, but the real star condiment is their dill-caper tartar sauce. They should bottle that stuff so that we can try to mimic this dish at home.

More Tasty Treasures

You can imagine how stuffed we were by the time we finished our meal at Doxie Slush. What we found to be the hardest task was narrowing down our food choices from their tempting menu. We know that another visit (or three) will be required to really explore the various flavors. Leaving without testing the Pork Belly Fried Rice or Scampi Mac n’ Cheese was difficult. Then there is the Southern-Fried Lobster Bucket that is packed full of tempting tastes. We told you this place is unlike any other in town. It looks like they are going to see a lot of new visitors in the near future. Bon Apetit!

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We want to thank Hays CVB and Gella’s Diner for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Impressive Resume

If you travel back to the start of this century, you will find that many cities were starting to see the potential of redevelopment. While the suburban sprawl was still in full swing, many saw the dire need to recapture what was missing from their city’s core. For generations, locals had shopped, dined, and fellowshipped in the downtown areas. The big question for many was “What can be done to spark an interest in our downtown?”. What many cities discovered was that if you build it, they will come. In Hays, it took a small group of investors that put a serious effort into revitalization. The formation of the Liberty Group offered a vehicle that would drive this change.

Local Style

After a few years, there had already accomplished the renovations on a couple of dozen buildings. Stepping back to look at their work, they realized that there needed to be a flagship restaurant that would anchor the Chestnut Street District. Drawing people into the downtown would require places for shoppers to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. It was decided that this new eatery would give a nod to the city’s German heritage. The name Gella’s is German for “yes”, and the Lb. in the brewery’s name is short for “liquid bread”. To add an extra layer of historical charm, the interior is decorated with vintage murals painted by Fort Hays State University students. 

Eat, Drink, and Enjoy

Being surrounded by all of this history definitely adds an extra level of special to a meal. While Crystal and I are not big beer drinkers, we did find some cold drafts that we wanted to sample. Gella’s is well-known for its hand-crafted root beer and crème soda. We weren’t about to pass up these frosty beverages. Sure enough, both were delicious and had a nice depth of flavor. My root beer paired well with the Frontier Burger, which starts with a juicy 1/2 lb. patty. Throw on some crispy bacon, crunchy onion rings, and a drizzling of BBQ sauce to make it better than a backyard barbecue. Their crispy Sweet Potato Fries were a great match for this hearty entrée.

Colorful Cuisine

Crystal had to go and pick a chicken dish, which I knew she would. When I’m reviewing a menu and see a dish with avocado or pesto, I can bet she will order it. Sure enough, the Grilled Pesto Chicken Breast was right at the top of the entrée list. They start with a boneless breast that has been grilled to smoky perfection. Then they slather it with a generous helping of homemade pesto. The dish comes with sides of roasted new red potatoes and sautéed vegetables. She ensured me that the entire meal was delectable.

Beefy Entrees

Janet, who had been filling us in on the behind the scenes in Hays, had her own favorite dishes at Gella’s. As our server was taking our order, I heard her choose the Beef Stroganoff.  It is rare that my mind is swayed, once I have chosen my dish. This was one of those rare occasions, and I could picture the silky sauce drizzled over the egg noodles. Oh well, I would stand by my decision and just relish in the opportunity to have more dishes in this article. Once we began eating, it was obvious that Janet had the inside scoop. Her dish was constructed with loads of beef and mushrooms, which are braised with an Oatmeal Stout made in-house. I cataloged this dish for the next time we are in Hays. Kansas.

Sweet Endings

As though we hadn’t eaten enough food already, our server came by to remind us of the desserts at Gella’s. I am never one to stand in the way of sampling more flavors from a menu, so I twisted my tablemates’ arms to grab a couple of dishes to sample. Between the three of us, we figured we could polish off two selections. One of them had to be the German Chocolate Cheesecake, which is a sinfully decadent dessert. The German chocolate frosting is packed full of pecans and coconut. The second pick was French Toast Brûlée, which is soaked in vanilla custard and flash-fried to perfection. A sweet syrup and caramel sauce takes this dish over the top. Yes, we were able to finish them.

Gella’s does Hays Right

This is one of those times that we are thankful we took our selfies before dining. By the time we finished our evening, it was nearly closing time. Our conversation with Janet had covered so many topics in and out of Hays. These are some of our favorite times when we visit a new destination. This chance to eat, drink, and enjoy the company of another gives us lots of insight into the community we are visiting. We learned about the ups and downs that the city has experienced and how the progress of moving it forward is working. This common thread is shared in cities and towns all across the nation, as each strives to provide its citizens with the best that they can do. It makes us realize that no matter where you travel, it is all about the people who call the city home.

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Welcome to Grand Island

Grand Island lies along the I-80 path, as it crosses Nebraska. This city of almost 50,000 residents is home to the Stuhr Museum of the Pioneer Prairie. This was the draw that brought us to the city, but we knew that we would need sustenance to carry us through a visit. Being from a NASCAR city with its own unique dining experience, the sight of a race car on the roof certainly caught our eye. Since we were already stopped, we decided to check it out.

The King of NASCAR

Stepping into Thunder Road Grill was like immersing yourself in race day. Everywhere you look there are signs and artifacts associated with racing. We quickly learned to look up, as well as around. Spotting the iconic “43” of Richard Petty sent chills up my spine. After all, he wasn’t crowned The King of NASCAR without good reason. He was the first driver to win the NASCAR Cup Championship seven times, which is an accomplishment only achieved by two others. Seven seemed to be his lucky number, as that is also how many Daytona 500 wins he amassed. That is only fitting, since his father, Lee Petty, was the first-ever Daytona 500 winner.

Heads Up

After finding a seat, I had to do some more exploring. I’m sure Crystal gets a little tired of me wandering off, but at least she had some fresh coffee to sip on. With my camera in hand, I headed out to explore this space. In a separate area, I discovered a video game room that was the perfect setting for attaching a car to the ceiling. Whoever designed this place certainly wanted to take it to another level of fun.

Starting Our Engines

My explorations were interrupted by our meal being delivered. My appetite overtook my curiosity, so I sat down to refill my tank. After the nearly five-hour car ride, the smell of brunch was starting our engines. Crystal had ordered the Stuffed Biscuits & Gravy, which has a mixture of breakfast classics. After stuffing two buttermilk biscuits with eggs, cheddar cheese, and bacon, they ladle on a heaping helping of sausage gravy. This made my Pancakes, Eggs & More look rather tame. Oh well, the important thing was we needed to refuel for the day’s activity. The way we scarfed down our meals, you would think we had just crossed the entire prairie.

Unique Perspectives

While we dined, we took an opportunity to check out our surroundings. The designers of this space made sure to incorporate the artifacts to best engage with customers. Sure there are plenty of pieces hanging static on the walls, but they added a few extra twists. How about dining under a motorcycle crashing through a plate-glass window? Or setting up a family-sized seating arrangement underneath a classic hot rod? This is the kind of “out of the box” design that draws the customers into the scene.

Pit Stop Perfection

After we finished our meal, I took a few moments to do a little more scouting. These are the quiet moments when Crystal likes to savor her last sips of coffee. As I looked around the space, I noticed that they had included pieces with local interest. Mounted on the wall opposite of Petty’s car was a local stock car. It was a reminder that the birth and development of new race car drivers happen on these smaller venues, which often include dirt tracks. With many of these large sporting events in a state of flux right now, this place was able to offer a NASCAR fix for those needing to start their engines.

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We want to thank Quebec City Tourism for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Downtown Destination

Exploring Old Quebec City means that we were spending lots of time behind the walls of the original town. Since our mode of travel was on foot, we knew we would be burning off plenty of calories. This meant we could indulge in the delectable culinary treasures that are found all around the city. After a visit to the Musee Du Fort, we were ready for lunch. Fortunately, Le Chic Shack is right around the corner. We mean literally in the same building. Talk about convenience.

Blueprint for Success

If you plan on building the perfect burger, it’s important to have a blueprint for success. We were discovering that a majority of restaurants in Quebec City utilize standard practices that are frequently found in French cooking. This includes attention to detail that far surpasses the backyard grilling, which produces so many burger meals in America. Here they plan out the assembly down to the finest detail. We were sure this would produce results that would be memorable.

Robust Menu

When the menus were handed out, we were surprised to see that there was a reasonably manageable number of items to choose from. Many restaurants will bombard customers with a plethora of choices, yet often fail to deliver on the basics. Not at Le Chic Shack. Here they have honed the menu to include four major entree groups. Building the perfect burger comes first, but guests can add to their meal with chips, salads, or one of their popular poutines. Since we had experienced our first poutine the previous evening, we decided to stay the course with burgers. Even then we had to choose between beef, chicken, venison, or a veggie patty.

Keeping it Le Chic

Crystal decided to keep it simple by ordering the basic burger, which they call Le Chic. A juicy beef patty is nestled on a fresh tomato slice and topped with maple-smoked bacon, lettuce, pickles, cheddar cheese, and their housemade Chic Sauce. It’s important to note that they use fresh ingredients that are sourced locally to ensure the highest quality. While this may sound like a standard burger, it is created in a fashion that will appease even the pickiest burger aficionado. For her side, Crystal chose the Sweet Potato Fries, which makes a good accompaniment for their burgers.

Or Perhaps Le Shack

At this restaurant, you can’t have Chic without Shack, so I selected Le Shack. Using the same high-quality beef patty as a base, they toss on some red-ale braised beef for extra heartiness. These are topped with Cantonnier cheese, which supplies a nutty twist that includes a fruity-flavored base. Building a perfect burger means adding complex layers of flavor, and Le Chic Shack has this nailed down. Adding Horseradish aioli and Chic Sauce packs on an additional burst of flavors. When I selected their Homemade Chips as a side dish, I didn’t realize it came with a maple syrup drizzle. I should have known that there had to be some way to incorporate the national flavor into our meal.

A Foodie Paradise

We were less than 24 hours into our Quebec City visit and we had already consumed three amazing meals. It was obvious that the local attractions would be challenged to match the memorable dishes that we would certainly find in Canada’s original city. We were confident that no matter where our hunger led us, we would find incredible foods. This means we could focus on just enjoying our time in this historic city and rest assured our meals would all be magnificent. For now, it was time to go walk off some of those calories and prepare for our next meal.

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Once we were in Quebec City, we found ourselves dining at some amazing eateries. Being a French-based population, they take pride in the execution of their dishes, and many could be considered works of art. With all of this attention to detail, we were wondering how it would be applied to the smoking of meats. After all, many Americans have been doing it for years and still struggle with consistency. As the days and meals were checked off of our itinerary, the anxiously awaited time for our visit finally arrived.

We want to thank Quebec Cite Tourism and Faite à l’os for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Total Experience

We had arranged to meet for dinner at Faite á l’os. When speaking with Emmanuel, I had mentioned lunch, but he was quick to point out that the barbecue is only served at dinner time. The restaurant is designed to handle a certain number of guests and he wants to ensure that all receive an amazing experience. This particular comment raised my expectations since it was clear that he understood the importance of delivering an out-of-this-world experience.

When we entered the restaurant, we were immediately impressed with the mix of urban and homey decor. The southern rock soundtrack playing in the background added a bit of grit to the atmosphere. Emmanuel came out of the kitchen to greet us and give a little more background on his barbecue philosophy. We discovered he’s not some guy who read a bunch of BBQ books and decided to open a restaurant. He spent time in the United States honing his craft for making outstanding ‘cue. Of course, knowing that we were from the BBQ capital of the world, he was interested in hearing our opinion.

Surf & Turf

In cases like this, we are open to uncovering the menu at a pace chosen by staff. Emmanuel asked if he could serve us a variety of plates so that we would have a good feel for the extent of his mastery of barbecue. Obviously, the opportunity to sample a broad spectrum sounded like a perfect way to get a true feel for his style. After all, we have tested many versions of barbecue and found that each comes with its specific notes of flavor.

His first dish was Surf & Turf. This little gem does not have a permanent place on the dinner menu, but he brings it out when the mood hits him. We were certainly glad that he was in the right mood because this dish was a perfect way to start a meal. This delightful plate is a combination of smoked bacon and scallops, topped with a jalapeno sauce. The addition of dollops of lime sour cream helps add a creamy texture to this smoky appetizer. It’s hard to describe how flavorful such a light dish can become with the right chef at the helm. Clearly, Emmanuel has a grasp on seafood.

Smoke on the Water

To show his flexibility with water creatures, our next dish was Smoke on the water. This well-dressed appetizer is created with a slice of smoked trout that has been seasoned with bourbon and maple. Situated on a bed of celery rémoulade, fennel, and sour cream, it had such a delicate smoky flavor that played on our taste buds. Even Crystal, a person adverse to any seafood or fish dish, couldn’t get enough of this one. We could see that this evening was going beyond the standard ribs and fries of a Kansas City BBQ joint.

Bad to the Bone

With the main course up next, Emmanuel took the time to walk through what we were about to be served at Faite á l’os. The Bad to the Bone combo is usually designed to feed two people. He continued by saying what he means by “feeding two people”, is that it stuffs them, and many have left-overs. Since ours was to be a four-course meal, he wanted to make sure we had room left after this serving. To accomplish this, he was cutting the servings about in half, so that we would still have all of the tastes of the standard platter. When he brought out the tray, my mouth just about hit the floor.

This heady platter was filled with scrumptious delights. Half of a smoked chicken weighs down one side of the tray, while the balance is brought with a thick slab of smoked brisket on the other end. Both of these meats were tender and flavorful, which shows Emmanuel’s grasp on the fine art of barbecue. Two tasty bones of St. Louis-style ribs are ample proof of his ability to deal with pork. To stay true to the BBQ lifestyle, he adds sides of Coleslaw and potato salad to round out the platter. There was even a couple slices of cornbread on the plate, as well as two types of barbecue sauce.

Let’s get something straight. When I first identified a barbecue restaurant in Quebec City, I did not hold high expectations. For me, it seemed more of a novelty to find this cuisine so far from our home. The original goal had just been to show that different cuisines can be found all over North America. Now I was facing the fact that this Canadian chef had taken one of my favorite cuisines to a level I had never experienced. As he spoke about his smoking methods, it all seemed so precise, like what would be found in a college chemistry textbook more than a recipe card. It was becoming clear that Emmanuel was bringing the French style for precise results to bear on one of my favorite foods.

Sugar Pie Honey

With our heads reeling from our evening of smoky delights, we couldn’t imagine any way Emmanuel could add to our pleasure. After clearing the table, he brought out one of the only things that would keep us eating, dessert. Once again, he outdid himself by serving up two options that struck home with us. The Maple Sugar Pie ended up being a delight for Crystal. She described it as being similar to the base flavor of the best Pecan Pie she has tasted. Filled with rich Quebec maple flavor, it was fun watching her gobble it up.

Once the plate was photographed, I did a quick spin, so it landed the Carrot Cake in front of me. Little did Emmanuel realize, but this is one of my all-time favorites. The flavor of this slice was hard to beat. It had all the hearty flavors of a nutty cake sandwiched between layers of sweet cream cheese frosting. All of the taste was there without being too sweet to taste the rich tones of the cake. What a great way to end a perfect evening of American, err…Canadian cuisine.

Visiting a Quebec Smoke House

We will be the first to admit that we are not barbecue judges, but we have been to our share of contests and tasted plenty of versions of this smoky cuisine. After dining at Faite á l’os, it was obvious that they had taken barbecue to a new level. By bringing the intensity of French cooking to bear on this cuisine, they have created some unbelievable dishes. During our conversations with Emmanuel, he noted that the passion they have for barbecue is meant to be sampled in manageable numbers. They aren’t pushing to expand to serve huge numbers. For them, the idea of perfecting their BBQ skills and offering up memorable experiences are the main goals. We have to admit that those are pretty lofty goals, but they are definitely on the right track.

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While a picture paints a thousand words. it still leaves much to be discerned. To ensure that the places we choose offer a pleasing experience for an entire family of travelers, I may end up crossing dozens of potential stops off my list. The goal is to root out those locally-owned eateries that are destined to become a landmark. Of course, sometimes they just fall in our lap, like finding Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, Texas.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Coyote Bluff Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Soaking Up The Sun

Life in the Panhandle-Plains can be hard, and it’s easy to work up an appetite. After a morning of exploring, we were ready to chow down on some delicious Texas beef. We had arranged to have lunch with Braley Hand, who was our primary contact at Visit Amarillo. This would be our second meal with someone from the tourism bureau. We always feel honored when they are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to meet up. It’s a chance to learn more about the city that they call home.

We arrived a couple of minutes before Braley and took the momentary pause to soak up some Texas sunshine. Some people may think we are crazy to travel south in the summer, but we love it. We have found that preparation makes all the difference, and it begins with your mindset. We watched as groups of locals came and went, and it seemed like cowboy hats and baseball caps were the fashion statement of the day. Glad I had my Baylor University cap.

Hanging With the Locals

When Braley arrived, we made our way inside the diminutive dining establishment. Space is a premium inside, and we could immediately see that this place is a hit with the locals. That is exactly what we look for when exploring. The tables were filled with groups of diners engaging in conversation. Coyote Bluff Cafe is one of those places where there is a constant murmur of talking in the background. It makes the atmosphere feel so alive.

Our server found us a table and we sat down to scan the menu. This is easy to do, as the bulk of the dishes revolve around their half-pound burgers. Yeah, that’s right. A full half-pound of lean Texas beef. If you leave this place hungry, well you just didn’t try hard enough. It didn’t take long for us to decide, and we all found our favorites.

Prairie Patties

Before you think that Coyote Bluff Cafe is just a simple burger joint, let me point out that they have options. There are nine different topping combinations just on the burgers. Diners can choose from a smoky barbecue experience or kick it up a notch with some mild green chilies. For the adventurous, you can select the Burger From Hell that includes jalapenos, Tabasco, and their special Coyote Hell Sauce. Needless to say, no one at our table chose to burn out their taste buds on this occasion.

We did end up selecting three different flavor combinations without even meaning to. Braley suggested we split a Basket of Fries, which ended up being more than enough for three adults. Crystal’s choice surprised me, since I noticed a few chicken based choices on the menu. I guess she decided to adapt the Texas philosophy of ‘Go Big or Go Home‘.

Cowboy Up For Lunch

After placing our order, we spent a few minutes chatting with Braley. Having been a long-time Amarillo resident, she was able to provide plenty of background for our visit. Her passionate descriptions were building our anticipation to explore this Route 66 metropolis. Being our first visit to the Panhandle of Texas, we had no idea what the landscape would look like. During our drive from the Alibates Flint Quarries, we scanned the horizon checking out the Amarillo cityscape. We were surprised at the similarities to our home state of Kansas.

Sitting in a crowded restaurant, in the heart of Amarillo, we knew we were in cowboy territory. Looking around the dining room, we noted lots of people who were obviously on a lunch break. It was obvious that Coyote Bluff Cafe is a local haunt. We were feeling pretty confident with our dining choice by now. As our server laid out our bounty before us, I knew that we would all want to dig in, but first I needed to capture the moment.

Piling It On

By now, Crystal has become quite familiar with the routine. We arrive, find a seat, I take photos, and then we order. Then I take more photos, the food arrives, I take more photos, and finally we get to eat. Her patience is commendable, and sometimes I take it for granted. On the occasions that we dine with someone from a city’s tourism bureau, I have to remind myself that they may not be familiar with the routine. Fortunately, Braley was a well-seasoned professional who made sure that I had everything I needed for the article, before starting to eat. We love working with professionals.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Bedlam Bar-B-Q for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

#7) Ordering Old School

Finding Bedlam Bar-B-Q wasn’t difficult, as it lies just off the main drag. Being located on the northern half of the city worked out perfectly, as this was our last stop before the drive back to Kansas City. Stepping through the door, we found ourselves in a galley style chamber, where patrons order their food. Using the “order here and we’ll bring it to you” style is synonymous with many of the well-established barbecue joints we have visited. It actually reminded us of one we have in KC, that got its start in Oklahoma.

While Oklahoma Joe’s has since changed its name to Joe’s KC, it still has its roots from the years it was connected with the Midwest smoker manufacturer. Fortunately for us, our late arrival had ensured we wouldn’t face the lines that can be found during lunch rushes. In fact, being a weekday, we were one of a handful in the house for a 2:00 mealtime. Maybe we need to rethink our dining times to avoid the rush more often.

#6) Choices

Since our visit had been pre-scheduled, we were planning on sampling a variety of the dishes available at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. We still took time to review the menu, so we could see if anything unusual popped out at us. They have a good selection of plated dinners to choose from. We found that owner Jeff Watt has chosen the brisket and hotlink sandwich as his favorite. The range of smoked meats was quite familiar, but we were surprised to see the addition of smoked bologna. Now that’s not something you see at most barbecue joints. They also offer up half of a smoked chicken, still on the bone. That sounded like the makings of a good dinner for two.

#5) The Decor

Now that we had seen a sampling of the dishes available, it was time to check out space. If you have ever visited Oklahoma and spent some time in the state, then you know it has quite a storied history. At Bedlam Bar-B-Q, they embrace this colorful past, and it shows through in the decor. The walls are covered with memories of days gone by when cowboys and Indians still roamed the lands. It is easy to get caught up in checking out the decor, and before you realize it, your food has arrived.

#4) Seating Choices

At most restaurants we visit, we find a couple of choices in seating. Usually, it will be tables or booths. Sure you can find both of those at Bedlam Bar-B-Q, but it doesn’t stop there. Looking for a real conversation starter? Why not belly up to the piano table, where you can dine with friends in real style. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t sit there, but don’t think it wasn’t tempting. I did plop down on one of the stools, just to check it out. By the way, the photo of the laser cut stool at the top of the page is located at the piano table.

#3) Connect With Nature

Since we are on the subject of unusual seating choices, let’s not forget the outdoor patio at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. This wonderful setting is used for special events and most frequently in the evenings. We can imagine sitting in the shade of the willow tree, as the gentle Oklahoma breezes flow by. Nearby, the sounds of live music would play, by one of the local bands that frequent this place. Of course, there would also be the tempting aroma of the smoky dishes being prepared nearby. Man, we wish our visit would have allowed for a firsthand taste of that experience.

#2) Sides Galore

Okay, it’s time to talk about the food at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. While most places you will visit focus on the meats, the staff at Bedlam offer up some of the best sides we have sampled. When they delivered our food, they wanted us to have a good assortment to choose from. Clearly, they know how much we can eat. The flavors they pack into their dishes bring pleasure with each bite, even from some old standards. For instance, the creaminess of the Mac & Cheese makes it melt in your mouth. We found the same attention to detail with their Baked Beans and Cowboy Beans.

These sides, while exceptional, are commonplace at barbecue joints. When they delivered our dishes, there were a couple of sides that stood out from the field. Seeing Tabouli Salad served caught my attention immediately. This Mediterranean based dish is a mix of finely chopped vegetables and Bulgur wheat. With olive oil and a lemony base, it offered a refreshing lightness to our meat-heavy meal.

Sitting next to the Tabouli was a dish that clearly came from a casserole-style creation. Our server was quick to point out that this is their famous Green Rice. It is made with a recipe that has been handed down through Jeff’s family. Our first bite told us that it was a dish we were very familiar with since it is one that Crystal often makes at home. The mix of rice, broccoli, and cheese offer a delightfully creamy texture. The taste had us coming back for more bites, and this was the first dish to be emptied.

#1) The ‘Cue

While all of these sides offered plenty of reason to visit Bedlam Bar-B-Q, let’s not overlook the main attraction. The top reason we visit barbecue restaurants is to sample the smoky meats that they produce. Even before our first bite, we were already savoring the smoky scent found when we approached the parking lot. Once everything was laid out in front of us, it was hard to refrain from tasting it. I learned firsthand what Crystal goes through whenever I ask her to pose with the food. I feel like I earned an extra portion just for my patience.

Our plate was filled with pulled pork, smoked turkey and chicken, tender brisket, and some of their notable dry-rubbed ribs. With so much going on, they had to put the Polish and hotlink sausage on its own plate. Finally, it was time to dig into this smorgasbord of smoky goodness. With each bite, we could taste the care and time put into making the taste delicious without the need for sauce. To us, this is the sign of a confident barbecue chef, who has mastered the ability to replicate his dishes daily.

You can only imagine the smacking lips and satisfied taste buds that took place this day. The tasting passed far too quickly, and soon we were noticing dishes become empty. We each gravitated toward our favorites, but the delectable flavor still tempted us to mix in some of our less frequented cuts. Even though we gave it our best, there was just no way that we could complete all of this food. After thanking the staff for this unbelievable meal, we rolled ourselves out to the car, to begin our journey home. As the mile markers whizzed by, we chatted about our successful venture in Oklahoma City. When is your next trip scheduled for this amazing destination?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Braceros Mexican Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Heading South of the Border

When we discovered that Braceros has been in business for over 15 years, we knew that they had to be solid. In the restaurant business, 10 years is a magical number that many never achieve. For this visit, we were excited to have lunch with Kashion Smith, who is Deputy Director at Visit Amarillo. After our greetings, I headed off to get photos of the restaurant, while Kashion and Crystal had a chat. It sure is handy being a traveling couple, since we can cover two tasks at once. Crystal was able to make note of some details that she learned from this life-long Amarillo resident.

Brightening Up the Table

I returned to the table to find them in deep conversation. We snacked on some chips and salsa, while we perused the menus. Soon, our server returned to see what we had decided. Kashion led off the ordering with a dish we had never seen. Her Veggie Plate was filled with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Toss in some grilled shrimp and you have a color wheel of deliciousness. The smell of the freshly grilled ingredients was intoxicating. Kashion assured us that it tasted as good as it looked. Obviously, she was no rookie when it came to getting her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Going Old School

Braceros has some pretty good looking lunch specials, that had caught our attention. Crystal likes to stick to the tried-and-true dishes, that she can easily recognize. Of course, sharing bites has opened her eyes to some new tastes. Today she would choose to go mainstream with the Chicken Enchilada & Chicken Taco plate. The addition of refried beans (or Charro if you prefer) and Arroz Mexicano (Spanish rice) round out this lunch special. It definitely equates to a filling meal that had a nice assortment of flavors and allowed Crystal to get her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Sizzling and Savory

The lunch special menu was calling out to me, as well. When I spotted the Soft Fajita Tacos plate, my mind was made up. With a choice of chicken or beef, I decided to sample their steak version. Once again, my plate was accompanied with a choice of beans and their delectable rice. The tacos were absolutely spot on. The steak had a nice flavor, which was accented by the perfectly caramelized onions and grilled peppers. Excellent lunch choice.

A Sneak Peek

Being travel bloggers does come with a few perks. Most visits we make will land us a chance to meet the owners of the restaurants we choose. On this particular visit, we were greeted by Jaime Santillán, who hails from Zacatecas, Mexico. After a short conversation, he asked if we would like to sample a dish that he was considering adding to the menu. When he delivered the plate of tacos, they made a striking presentation. The blue corn tortillas are stuffed with Huitlacoche (also called Mexican truffles), which is an edible corn mushroom. This delicacy is accented with a deliciously tangy cheese. Since Crystal doesn’t like mushrooms of any sort, it fell on me to enjoy, err… sample this dish for the team. I already wish that this was available at a restaurant in our hometown.

Get Your Tex-Mex Fix on Route 66

Braceros Mexican Grill is certainly a notable landmark on the old Route 66 path. What our visit showed us was that places like this have a menu so large, it would take weeks of visits to even make a dent. If you visit their website (Link in the first paragraph), you will find that their menu is layered with amazing culinary creations. Toss in one of their specialty drinks, from their in-house bar, and you can easily create your own fiesta. We now understand why they had a steady crowd in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday.

Spending Time with the Mother Road

Now that we had our Tex-Mex fix on Route 66, it was time to check out some of the other businesses along this section of the Mother Road. We bid our goodbyes to Jaime and Kashion, and headed back out into the bright Amarillo day. The food and conversation had been so enjoyable that we were a tad bit behind schedule. Never mind a few minutes, we were not going to miss this opportunity. We spent about an hour exploring the shops and conversing with locals. When the demands of our next stop became a reality, we bid our farewells, for now. It looks like further exploration will have to be done on a future visit.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and S&B’s Burger Joint for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Long Play Favorite

S&B’s Burger Joint has built a following across Oklahoma. This chain of restaurants is owned by Shannon Roper and Bryan Neel, hence the name S&B’s. While we often shy away from showcasing chain restaurants, there are always those few that stand out from the pack. We like that S&B’s is more of a local chain and that they are dedicated to their community. This includes being generous with donations back into each community that they serve. We arrived a few minutes early, so we had time to scope out the interior. Since we were enjoying an early lunch, it meant that we had our choice of tables, in their open, garage-like seating area.

Gimme, Gimme

Most of you can probably remember the lyrics, “We built this city on rock and roll”. This chain has built rock and roll into their theme. From the colorful graphic images on nearly every surface to the rows of LP records, it’s all about the tunes. Reviewing their menu, we found that they carry this theme into this area, as well. We found categories of Greatest Hits Salads, Classic Rock Pizza and Burgers, as well as Other Classics. Our hosts talked up the specialty shakes, so we obviously needed to sample one. I picked out a Strawberry Poptart Shake, which is truly over-the-top experience. 

Rockin’ Patties

With four in our group, there was a whole lot of food being ordered, so let’s get started. Meg got it rolling with the Impossible Burger. This plant-based version of a burger is becoming all the rage. While we are okay with a good cow-based patty, it’s nice to see restaurants beginning to solve the ordering dilemma for our vegan friends. Tabbi pulled from the Indie Rock Burger section, with her order of The Frenchman. With mushrooms, Swiss cheese, fried onions, and French onion dip, it had me second-guessing my choice.

Smothered Goodness

You can’t have burgers without getting some fries, and Tabbi knew that S&B’s was rocking the classics with their Peanut Butter & Bacon Fry. While we truly enjoy a nice order of sweet potato fries, this place doesn’t stop there. Let’s get crazy and drizzle some creamy peanut butter all over your fries. Oh wait, why not toss on a heaping helping of bacon crumbles, as well. What kind of madness is this? Oh wait, it’s the delicious kind that kept us coming back for more.

Instant Classic

With all of these crazy options to choose from, it was actually our server who helped me decide on my burger. Old Town Road is one of their signature burgers and starts with one of their half-pound Angus beef patties. Then they go crazy. Toss on some melted cheddar, jalapeño-bacon, hand-breaded fried jalapeños & frizzled onions, and then coat it with BBQ aioli. While you are at it, why not top it with a whole fried jalapeño? Oh wait, they did just that, and it was delicious.

Rocking the Classics Again

It was looking like Crystal would have to bring some normalcy to our table. I thought it would happen with her order of the Black & Blue. Once again, S&B’s was rocking the classics with their spin on this burger house staple. Sure it’s a burger, and sure it has bacon, but the coating wasn’t blue cheese, it was a balsamic blue cheese vinaigrette. How can that be misconstrued as a Black & Blue Burger? Sure enough, they threw this dish for a loop, as well. Crystal quickly discovered that the blue cheese is stuffed inside the burger, so the flavor comes out in every bite. Pretty tricky!

Get in my Belly

As we dined and conversed, it was clear that S&B’s Burger Joint has found a way to spice up their menu. By rocking the classics with unusual twists, they have carved out a niche in the burger world. What made it even better was that the Angus beef patties were juicy and flavorful, so they would easily be able to stand out on their own. Of course, we aren’t upset to have so many unique topping combinations to choose from. It just makes it a little more difficult to pick just one. At least I had my strawberry shake to savor while I decided.

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Vinny Vanucchi’s for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Seating Choices

Downtown Dubuque is easily navigated on foot. With everything in close proximity, we were never more than a few blocks away from our hotel. (You can read about Hotel Julien here.) Our dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s ended up being less than a block down the street. Inside, we found that they have a few seating areas to choose from. A counter-service deli offers a quick lunch area that transforms into extra dining space in the evening. There is also a bar area for those just wanting to enjoy a Happy Hour. We chose to be seated in the main dining room. No matter where you sit, you’ll have views of plenty of family photos.

Drink Up!

Once we were seated, the restaurant manager, Sunny Moore, came by to visit. Like most visits, we had pre-scheduled a time when the staff wouldn’t be overloaded. This is an approach we find works best for all involved. It’s also a great way to have top-notch service since the wait staff isn’t slammed with customer requests. Sunny suggested we start with a drink, and when we struggled to pick the best one, she decided to bring out a trio to sample. The White Sangria had a mellow, fruity taste that makes for a refreshing summer cocktail. The Dirty Frank packed a good punch, and along with the Raspberry Cosmo, made us look very upscale.

Time for some Italian Classics

We sipped our cocktails, while we ate our salad and breadsticks. We weren’t worried about the effects since we were doing the pedestrian thing that evening. Before long our dinner dishes arrived. Crystal had selected the Chicken Vinito, which features a delectable mix of tomato, artichoke, and basil. These are tossed with fresh Linguine and a charbroiled chicken breast. The flavor reminded her of one of her favorite Italian dishes, so I could tell she was completely satisfied.

Getting Stuffed

Since Crystal was going old school with one of her favorites, I felt I should as well. Uncle Paulie’s Baked Penne combines the three flavors I enjoy the most from Italian cuisine. Vinny Vanucchi’s hits it out of the ballpark with this dish. Baked Penne noodles are doused in a delicious tomato sauce. Then they add Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese to the bake for gooey richness. A healthy sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds that extra zest. We were going to be full for a week.

Any Room Left?

Sometimes, I think we do ourselves an injustice by leaving dessert for last. Sure, we were full, but the dishes they brought to the table looked too tasty to pass up. Cream filled Cannoli, decadent Tiramisu, and an airy piece of Italian Lemon Wedding Cake all begged to be tasted. It was looking like we were going to need to do a lot of walking after dinner.

Family Tradition at Vinny Vanucchi’s

After we pushed ourselves away from the table, we had one more surprise. Sunny wanted to show us a little more of the space. We had already noted that Vinny Vanucchi’s is filled with many old photographs, and she explained that most are actually family shots. She led us upstairs to a seating area that can be reserved for special occasions. There is even space, with the head table, that puts the guests of honor in an old jail cell. Can you imagine having your wedding reception here? Everywhere we looked, there were mementos and artifacts of the family. Our visit to Vinny Vanucchi’s was more than just a meal, it was like being invited into the family.

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We want to thank Visit Springfield and Cozy Dog Drive In for their hospitality. Rest assured the opinions are all our own. 

Getting Our Kicks on Route 66

Growing up, we had plenty of opportunities to visit sights along the old Route 66, as it wound its way through the Central U.S. Today, nostalgia drives thousands of visitors each year to cruise some or all of America’s “first highway”. Over the past couple of years, we have added stories from plenty of Mother Road cities, including ones in our home state of Kansas. (You can read about one of our Route 66 explorations here.) With so much of the route already under our belt, a chance to fill in the gaps in Springfield was not to be overlooked.

The Early Days

Cozy Dog Drive In has a fascinating story to tell, and much of the information is held in artifacts at their restaurant. Their claim to fame is not that they invented the corn dog, but that they revolutionized how it is served. For decades, corn dogs have been a staple of southern cuisine. This dish involves coating a frankfurter in a cornbread sandwich. While it is basically an early version of today’s popular treat, it took too long to prepare. While Ed Waldmire Jr. was attending Knox College, he had his first experience with this southern dish. After discussing it with a fellow student, he let the subject drop. Five years later, he heard from that student, who told Ed that he had developed a batter recipe that would stick to the frank, while being deep fried.

The Origin of Corn Dogs

Since Ed was stationed at an Air Force base in Amarillo, Texas, he had time to test it and had access to equipment. The early versions used cocktail forks for sticks, and were nicknamed “crusty curs”. This new version was a hit, and Ed sold thousands in Amarillo. Once the recipe was fine tuned, it was time to work on the name. After going through a dozen he didn’t like, he finally settled on “Cozy Dogs”.  In 1946, Cozy Dogs were moved to Springfield, Illinois. That same year, this unique eat was introduced at the Illinois State Fair. By 1949, they had moved to Route 66 and the tag “Drive In” was added to their name.

Cozy Up to Cozy Dog

These days, travelers from around the globe visit Cozy Dog Drive In to learn about the origin of corn dogs, and sample these tasty treats. We pulled into their location at 2935 S. 6th Street, which is easily spotted by their sign along the street. Our stop was at lunchtime, and we found a steady stream of diners making the pilgrimage. Once inside, we discovered it is counter service. We placed our order and found a seat close enough to watch the magic. The menu has a good variety of handhelds, so those looking for something besides a corn dog will surely find a meal to their liking.

Our Turn To Taste

We decided to sample a spectrum of the menu, including the iconic treat that the restaurant is named after. Of course, we had to toss in some fries and rings, as well as a juicy burger to round out the meal. To wash it all down, we discovered they have an assortment of bottled sodas to choose from. We found it to be an added bonus that they carry the Route 66 logo on the containers. With all of this food laid out in front of us, the only thing left to do was to dive in. As we dined on our nostalgic meal, we took in all of the memorabilia that adorns the dining room. It sure made us feel like we were kids again, enjoying a site along the Mother Road. How many of you like to explore Route 66 cities?

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We want to thank Oberweis Dairy for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Entertaining the Troops

This trip included time with two of our grand-kids, so adding a sweet treat  would not require convincing. When we told them of our trip to Oberweis dairy, they pointed out that they had visited before, and liked their ice cream. Since our visits always include some guy running around with a camera (Me), we try to arrange our timing with staff. We were greeted warmly by Lauren, and given a short background on the company. While we listened, we had a look around the store. We noticed families gathered at tables playing chess and enjoying their scrumptious scoops. It was apparent that this place is a huge draw for families in part, because they offer such a welcoming atmosphere. We had learned that they get their dairy products from a series of small farms, which allows them to insure the best quality. From the non-stop line at the counter, it was apparent that this feature wasn’t lost on the locals.

Behemoth Bowls

After completing our tour, it was time to sample the tasty treats at Oberweis Dairy. With four humans in our group, it gave us a chance to sample a wide range of their ice cream treats. They make their waffle cones and bowls right there in the store, so we knew they would be fresh. What added a twist is that they dip some of them, and even decorate them with sprinkles. Oh yeah, choosing our selections just became a little harder. Lauren made a few suggestions, which would allow a test of some of the variety available. These sundae bowls can be filled with your choice of ice cream flavors, so Crystal chose Lemon Blackberry.  I decided to go overboard and sample one of their custom creations. Lauren whipped me up this mountain of magic, complete with chunks of cookie dough. Yes, I was rolling out of there.

Tasty Treats at Oberweis Dairy

The grand-kids showed a little more restraint than us, which certainly surprised me. A two-scoop cone certainly looked appealing, as I posed with it by one of the murals inside the store. Of course, I had to take the picture quick, since our grandson was eager to devour his tasty treat. Our granddaughter ordered up one of their frosty shakes, which comes with a cookie straw.  Soon, we were all enjoying our ice cream and discussing who’s was the best. The final vote was that each Oberweis Dairy treat was delicious in its own way.

Unexpected Treasures

Before we left, Lauren surprised us with a gift bag filled with Oberweis Dairy swag. The two stuffed cows were immediately spoken for, and never made it to Kansas City. Perhaps they will get a chance when the grand-kids visit. Inside we found a thank you card, which was such a memorable token. For us, we are usually satisfied with just having the opportunity to share some places that you may overlook during your own vacations. Our hope is that by giving you a peek inside, you will be more comfortable choosing to make your own visit.

Branching Out

One of the items in our swag bag was a gift card for a sister company that Oberweis Dairy owns. That Burger Joint is exactly what the name says, a local burger stand serving up burgers, chicken, and hot dogs. While the menu is fairly straightforward, the food offers some interesting options. Crystal and I each had burgers, but we switched it up with our bun choices. Mine was presented on a pretzel bun, while she opted for a Ciabatta roll. They have a variety of toppings to choose from, and they are all free, except for bacon. We were finding that Chicago is a “must see” city. (You can see more of our Chicago articles here.)

One More Bite

When we arrived at That Burger Joint, we didn’t realize it was connected to a satellite branch of Oberweis Dairy. It was a pleasant surprise to see the familiar tables, with chess boards, sitting at the other end of the space. After we finished our meal, we decided that we needed to test out the ice cream one more time. After all, it is all in the name of research, and we are always willing to make a sacrifice for the blog. This time we went with same line of thought that our grandson used, and each ordered a cone. As we sat there devouring our tasty treats, we found ourselves in ice cream heaven. How many of you have tested the tasty treats at Oberweis Dairy?

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We want to thank Visit Kenosha and Franks’ Diner for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Iconic Interior

In the 1920s, the Jerry O’Mahony Company, in New Jersey, was producing prefabricated diners that could be shipped all over the nation. Anthony Franks saw a golden opportunity and ordered the delivery of one to Kenosha. What started as a long galley shaped eatery, was enlarged in 1935 to make room for additional diners. With a constant flow of hungry diners, the kitchen needed to be expanded in the 1940s. For 75 years, the Franks family operated the business at 508 58th Street, which is just a couple blocks off of the streetcar route.

Breakfast – “Oh Yeah”

As we entered the diner, we could feel the nostalgia. The long counter laid out almost the entire length of the original restaurant. The fry cook was hard at work preparing a variety of dishes for the customers who beat us there. Over the murmur of conversations, we heard a phrase that would bring many smiles to our faces that morning. “Oh, yeah!” Those who have visited Franks’ Diner recognize this saying, and immediately picture the person who uses it. We will leave that little mystery for you to discover during your morning meal.

Double the Space

We decided to sit in a booth, which means we had to move to the addition that was added in the 1930s. It was cool to see the original stenciled name along the side of the car. With some hot coffee to satisfy us, we took some time surveying the menu. We struck up a conversation with a local sitting nearby. He pointed out that he enjoys the massive plates at Franks’ Diner on a regular basis. When I asked for a meal suggestion, he immediately mentioned the “Garbage Plate“. The name intrigued me, so I scanned the contents of this unique dish.

Mega Meal

I knew Crystal wasn’t going to pick that for her breakfast, and I was right. Instead, she went for Franks’ Homemade French Toast. Made using their homemade bread, she had them include a serving of their strawberry topping. To get some protein in her meal, she included a side of two fried eggs. Little did she know, the meal she ordered would be enough for two people. Of course, I would be busy with my own massive plate, so she was on her own. I did sneak a small taste and found that the use of their own bread really knocks this one out of the park.

Massive Plates at Franks’ Diner

Let’s get back to our conversation with our fellow diner. When he made his suggestion, he did add a small disclaimer. He noted that the Garbage Plate comes in half or full plate. His suggestion was that I looked like a half plate guy. After reading the description, I realized he had hit that nail on the head. My order arrived and dwarfed Crystal’s French toast. The dish begins with 3 eggs (5 for a full plate). These are mixed into a concoction made from hash browns, onions, green peppers, and 1 meat choice, which for me was their ground sausage. I tore into the dish with zest, but by halfway I knew I was fighting an uphill battle. While I gave it a decent try, it became apparent that this was a fight I would not win.

Common Ground

The massive plates at Franks’ Diner have drawn a lot of attention from celebrities across the country. In earlier days, the Three Stooges, Lawrence Welk, and even Liberace dropped in to spin a stool. In more modern times, a variety of newscasters have tested the chow, as well as Mark Ruffalo of Avengers fame. As we sat in our booth, I noticed a signed poster of a famous foodie hanging nearby. It seems like Crystal and I keep finding ourselves crossing paths with Guy Fieri, host of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. In Little Rock, Arkansas, we had our visit postponed a day, so that he could tape an unexpected episode at a local restaurant. (You can read about The Root Cafe here.) We feel like we must be picking the best stops to be dining in such good company. You’ll definitely want to add your name to the list of diners who tested the massive plates at Franks’ Diner.

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Mr. Maples

The outside certainly evokes the idea of an old mountain camp, and stepping through the door kept the theme going. The restaurant is named for local legend, David “Crockett” Maples. The frontiersman served in the Civil War, where his company helped protect the Appalachian region. He returned to the Gatlinburg area to operate a supply store with his wife, Mary. At times, Mr. Maples would serve as a mountain guide for visitors, which led to his near demise. A blizzard left him stranded and he nearly froze to death. Severe frostbite cost him both feet, but that didn’t stop David Maples.

Unstoppable Spirit

“Crockett” created a pair of boots with wooden feet. He secured these to his legs and was able to get around with a pair of canes. With the mobility issue solved, he was able to continue his active life until his death at the age of 88 years. When you make your stop at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, you will want to give a nod to the statue of Maples that can be found outside. Back inside, the smell of frontier food had our appetites revving. After a quick look around, it was time to sit down to a hearty breakfast.

Protein Portions

Crystal decided to sample some standard campside eats. Eggs, bacon, and toast would provide her fuel and the side dish of fresh fruit was a great compliment. An unexpected treat was a dollop of Cherokee Sweet Corn Pone. This delectable, sweet substance is a mixture of cornmeal, sugar, butter, and water. While the recipe sounds simple, the results are out of this world. Good thing they ration this stuff because you can have too much of a good thing.

Not Your Average Bennie

I was feeling much more ‘”out of the ordinary” for my order. For the past couple of years, I have had a hankering to test out as many Eggs Benedict dishes as I can find. Crockett’s has a plate that puts the frontier food spin on this classic dish. The Signature Corned Beef Hash Benedict starts with an English muffin and ends with their homemade hollandaise sauce. In between, they load a healthy helping of corned beef, which they top with two poached eggs. A side order of baked apple slices added a sweet, cinnamon touch to my meal.

Frankenstein Flapjack

During our visit to Gatlinburg, we came to realize that pancake places are abundant. We had already tested a few and decided that we will be compiling a pancake plethora article in the coming weeks. In the meantime, it was our turn at the Thick Aretha Frankensteins Pancake. The manager sent one over for us to sample, and we were blown away by its size. We found out that it is baked, instead of being whipped up on a griddle. The texture was so airy that we kept nibbling away at this monstrous creation.

Full Up with Frontier Food

After filling our bellies, we took a few extra minutes to nurse our coffees. These extra moments gave us time to walk through the day’s itinerary. We knew that the recent rains would make some of the trails less than pristine, but it wouldn’t stop us from exploring a region we had waited so long to visit. With plenty of fuel from our frontier food, the day was ours to seize. It’s time to hit the trails and make the most of our day. What do you think of the tale of David “Crockett” Maples?

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Gathering Place

Our arrival at The Tomato Head came about 28 years after its start-up in 1990. In those days, Market Square hadn’t yet transformed into its present day attraction status. Formerly named Flying Tomato, it focused on serving up lunchtime bites to downtown workers. It was chance that brought the owner to this spot. The landlord leaving a pizza oven on the premises became a major reason why Knoxville soon had a gourmet pizzeria. Over time, the unusual flavor combinations being served up created a stir throughout the city. These days, The Tomato Head is a core eatery in what has become a destination for residents and travelers alike.

Focusing On The Food

With a better understanding of the history of The Tomato Head, now it was time to see what 28 years of practice has created. Our visit was planned for lunchtime, as that is the only period that you can order by the slice. That meant that we could sample a variety of their specialty flavor combinations. Choosing 3 out of the 14 available was harder than it sounds, since many sound intriguing. First up we picked the Benton’s Bacon, Ham & Hot Italian Sausage. This savory combination of flavors packs plenty of punch. The carmelized onions added a sweet overtone to this meaty treat.

Getting Sauced

Over the past few years, more pizzerias are mixing up their sauce choices to compliment new combinations of toppings. By focusing on the food, the winner is the customer. A garlicky white sauce adds a boost of flavor to the Blue Cheese & Walnut pie, at The Tomato Head. This slice brought a tangy crunch that had lighter flavors, but was still just as delicious.

Flavor Perfection

Our final choice was the Chicken, Roasted Portobello, and Pesto. Once again, it starts with a base of white sauce, but from there it takes a quick right turn. Smoky chicken is accented by the salty Kalamata olives and sweet caramelized red onion. Toss in the tang of goat cheese and nutty taste of pesto sauce to create a mad rush of flavors. This had to be one of the most interesting pizza combinations we have ever experienced. It is one we would happily repeat over and over.

Plans for Success

The Tomato Head has spent the last couple decades perfecting a business plan that puts customer satisfaction at the forefront. We added ourselves to this ever-growing list. Back out in the midday sunshine, we stopped for a quick selfie in front of this Knoxville classic. It was clear to us that the local foodies were in good hands, when they visited Market Square. With our appetites quenched, it was time for us to head a short distance to explore the East Tennessee History Museum. (You can read about that visit here.) Travel blogging can have its own challenges at times, but getting to sample a meal like this can go a long way to making it worth it. What’s the most unique pizza topping combination you have ever tasted?

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Why Visit Gumbo Shop

The French Quarter is the oldest section of New Orleans. The building housing Gumbo Shop is one of the oldest in the area. Built after the big fire of 1794, the structure has served many purposes. (Learn more New Orleans history here.) It wasn’t until 1920, that it finally became home of its current resident. Since that time, it has had three owners. The original family operated it until 1960’s, bringing their Italian family influence to bear on the menu. The current owners took over in 2008, and have strived to maintain the tradition of serving Creole cuisine to customers from far and wide. We knew that this place can get very busy, but weren’t going to pass up a visit. Our compromise was a stop between lunch and dinner times. Even with the odd timing, Gumbo Shop was still seeing steady business.

New Orleans Dining Tradition

It’s hard to pick just one dish to represent an entire cultural cuisine. We decided it would be a shame to limit our choice, so we chose to share a Creole Combination Platter. This oversized dinner has plenty of flavors to offer up. Our plate gave us a chance to taste a pleasing Shrimp Creole. This dish differs from etouffee by using a thinner sauce, which had a nice bit of heat. The other end of the platter was awash with a hearty helping of Red Beans & Rice. This New Orleans staple contains kidney beans cooked with spices and the trio of onion, celery, and bell peppers. In the middle of our dish, was a pile of the house made Jambalaya. Shrimp, chicken, and smoked sausage are combined with a spiced rice to create a savory treat.

Don’t Skip This Stop

New Orleans is filled with so many great restaurants that it’s hard to imagine ever sampling even a quarter of them. When you visit The Big Easy, you’ll certainly want to savor as many of the diverse cuisines that can be found there. Places like Gumbo Shop are part of an experience that can only be found in the Crescent City. During our two visits, we made sure not to repeat any stops, as we wanted to get as much variety, as possible. Be sure to check back to see some of the other NOLA classics that we will be sharing. In the meantime, “Let the Good Times Roll”.

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Family First

It was easy to find Cruze Farm dairy, since their neon ice cream cone sign hung out from the side of the building. Of course, the gathering of ice cream eaters was certainly a dead giveaway. Once we stepped inside, we were greeted by an immaculately clean looking space. The use of white certainly creates a nice backdrop for the vivid photos that adorn the walls. It caught us off guard to see actual dairy cases, since we had assumed it was strictly an ice cream shop. I guess the name should have clued us in.

Fresh From the Farm Goodness at Cruze Farm Dairy

We weren’t sure what to expect at Cruze, but the steady traffic suggested it should be good. While we have seen more flavor options at other stores, none had the unique combination style. Of course, first we had to decide on the final product. Besides cones, the menu is filled with shakes, floats, and churns, which are a mixture of farm fresh ice cream and cookies or candies. Everything sounded delicious, but we stuck with our original plan to get cones. Regular or cow size? Now, I don’t want it to be a direct reflection, but let’s go cow size. We let a lot of people pass us in line, as we continued to narrow down our final choice.

Twisted Options

What flavor(s) would we pick? Yes, flavors, since Cruze is set up with soft serve machines that sit in tandem. Customers can choose one flavor or a swirl of what’s brewing in the pair of dispensers. They have a few standard flavors that are combined with rotating ones to create a wide range of options. A person who visits on multiple occasions will find new combination choices to try. Once we finally selected our flavors there was one more choice. Did we want our farm fresh ice cream to be dipped? Although the options of chocolate, peanut butter, cherry or toasted coconut toppings were attractive, we decided to hold firm with just the ice cream.  After all, with all of this time invested in decision making, we definitely wanted to savor the flavor.

Hooked on Cruze Dairy Farm

After our first experience with the farm fresh goodness that came served in a cone, we were ready for another. Of course, since we had recently eaten dinner, our bellies told us that would be a bad decision. Oh well, we walked away knowing that we would be in this area again on the next day. Sure as shooting, we happened to find a little time in our schedule to make another stop after our lunch break. Once again, the creamy goodness was waiting for us. This time we looked less like novices, as we were able to step up and order at will. Now we just need to find a reason to return to Knoxville for more Cruze Dairy Farm ice cream.

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The Beignet Way to Start Our Day

Getting a head start on our day is important, if we want to cover our schedule. We will purposely overload our days, so that we will end up seeing more places than would usually be done by an average vacationer. Our goal is to show you as many options as we can, so you can pick the ones that most appeal to you. To get all of this moving accomplished, we need to keep our bodies fueled. Our morning ritual will always include coffee, and we are flexible enough to test out the local type. In New Orleans, that means a cup of chicory-blend coffee with a plate of fluffy beignets. The combination of these two is actually a blending of staples from the menus of the Creoles and Cajuns.

Coffee Comes to the Gulf Coast

Around 1700, the French began to settle along the Gulf Coast, and brought with them coffee beans. By the time of the Civil War, the Creole people began blending regular coffee beans with chicory to develop their unique brew. This was partly due to a coffee shortage at that time. This new flavor combination became so popular, that after the end of the war it continued right up to today. The addition of chicory brings a slightly bitter, but chocolaty flavor to the drink. Combining this brew with scalded milk turns it into café au lait. This interesting coffee variation was a perfect brew to accompany our morning treat, and is a New Orleans staple at Café Du Monde.

A Different Doughnut

New Orleans is the quintessential “foodie” city. Restaurants and eateries of all kinds can be found throughout the city. They are so proud of the foods they serve that many places have kitchens designed to showcase the creation process. We were fascinated by the dough roller that helps create the square biscuits, which would soon become our breakfast. The Cajun people, from Nova Scotia, brought their own French flavors to the landscape of New Orleans. Their version of the doughnut comes without a hole, and is square. Once this doughy biscuit is fried, it plumps up, which signals it’s ready for a heavy dose of powdered sugar.

Getting Our New Orleans Staple

During our planning stage, for this New Orleans visit, I was already anticipating at least one stop at Café Du Monde. Beignets are sold in sets of three, at Café Du Monde. The airy, sugary treats are a little messy to eat, but oh so good. Our satellite shop wasn’t open 24 hours a day, as that is only available at the original site in the French market. After savoring our long-awaited New Orleans staple breakfast, we were amped up with enough energy to get our day going. Off we headed to the French Quarter, which was only a couple blocks from our hotel.

Cruising Through The  Crescent City

Our return to New Orleans was one of our most highly anticipated trips on our 2018 schedule. While we only had a handful of days to explore, we planned on making the most of our available time. The Crescent City is unlike any other city in the world, and must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. The sights, sounds, and smells are distinct to this place, and will permeate your memories. This visit was our first since Hurricane Katrina, and we were glad to see that much of the city had rebounded. Their 300th birthday celebration was also a time to reflect on the resiliency of the people of this close knit community. Marching bands, street parties, delicious foods, and live jazz are all New Orleans staples, and are part of the tapestry of this unique city. When was your last visit to the Big Easy?

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and The Root Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Arrive at The Root Cafe Early

Being that our new time landed on a weekend, we expected it to be busy. Some of the locals had suggested we arrive about 15 minutes before opening. Are we ever thankful that we took their advice. Even with an early arrival, there was still a good line in play. We weren’t going to let a wait keep us from experiencing this place. It actually created a greater amount of intrigue. Once the doors opened, the line moved at a steady pace. Near the doorway are some chalkboards that list the key menu items for the day. This helps keep the line moving, since you are prepared to order when you get to the counter.

Once we paid, it was time to grab some coffee and find a table. There is an eclectic assortment of seating options at The Root cafe. It makes for a homey feeling, which was also obvious by the casual vibe that could be felt throughout the restaurant. All around us there were friends and families deep in conversations. It truly left a relaxing feeling in both of us.

A Conversation With The Owner

While we waited for our meals to be prepared, the owner popped by for a visit. Jack Sundell, and his wife Corri, are the spark behind this interesting restaurant. Starting with a small space, they crafted their counter service into a well-oiled machine. The original space was quite cozy, for customers and staff alike. With the addition of extra space, (created with repurposed shipping containers) they have been able to serve their ever growing throng of fans. An outdoor seating patio adds extra options on nice weather days. All of this has allowed Jack and Corri to perpetuate their dream of offering fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to their customers. They felt that this approach would be greeted with approval, and by the size of the lines, it appears that they were right on the mark.

Freshness Matters

It felt like we had barely sat down, when one of the staff members brought out our meals. Crystal was in the mood for a good old fashioned style breakfast, so she ordered the Biscuits & Gravy. The meal comes with two farm fresh eggs to add some extra protein. The star of the meal is the buttermilk biscuit drenched with their amazing sausage gravy. I stole a bite, with her permission, and the gravy has a deliciously silky texture. It was so good, and I can see why she chose it.

I was wanting something a little different, and a bit more photogenic. The Vegan Omelet was a perfect fit for both categories. Filled with grilled onions, peppers, and two kinds of cheese, it is a hefty meal choice. They even add in a side salad to compliment it. I knew that I would be set for quite a few hours of exploring, after this dish. While neither of these meals were the fanciest we have seen, the freshness came through in every bite.

Recipe For Success

It became clear that this simple approach to food is the reason The Root Cafe has continued success. They bring the best ingredients to the table in a sustainable manner. That is how you make a standard breakfast plate turn into an amazing meal. Now we see why Guy Fieri wanted to feature them in one of his episodes, and they deserve their spot in the limelight. Of course, we are betting that once the cameras leave, Jack and Corri will be right back in the kitchen whipping up plates of Good Eats! Do you look for locally owned and operated dining options when you travel? We’d love to hear about some of your best finds.Share them in the comments section below.

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and Tucker’s Onion Burgers for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Long History at Tucker’s Onion Burgers

To understand the history of onion burgers, you have to travel back to the 1920’s. The country was struggling economically and the Great Depression was forcing hard choices in most people’s lives. Looking to stretch the ground beef in their burgers, cooks began adding a pile of shredded onions. Not only was this an economic boost, it created a delicious accent to the burgers. Before long, diners and cafes all across the state of Oklahoma had embraced this practice. To this day, Oklahoma has claimed the title of “Onion Burger Capital of the World”.

Keeping It Close

Tucker’s prides themselves in using the finest ingredients in all of their dishes. They source their products from a 300 mile radius to insure freshness. Their restaurants are designed to be environmentally friendly. The disposable items are all recyclable or compostable, which is an environmentally responsible step we are beginning to find at more locations we visit. The clean, industrial design creates a casual vibe fit for a family visit. Our stop was after a hot day at the Oklahoma Zoo, and we never felt out of place. (You can read about our zoo visit here.)

Getting Our Eat On

After a day filled with exploring, we were more than ready for a hearty meal. The choices at Tucker’s are not limited to just beef burgers. They also offer turkey burgers and even a veggie burger version. We ordered one of the 100% Black Angus Single Onion Burgers with cheese. You can also pick a double or even the Mother Tucker, if you are REALLY hungry. Be prepared for more than a pound of patties to land in front of you. Our second choice was their Tucker’s Clucker. A chicken breast is breaded with their special seasoning, and we even had them toss on some bacon. Add in an order of their fresh cut fries and we were set to smash our hungers. To wash this all down we picked one of their fresh squeezed lemonades, as well as a seasonal shake. At that time it was peach flavor and packed with bits of real peach. By the time we finished our meal, we understood why onion burgers have been a wild success for almost 100 years. We are betting they will be around another century, as well. Have you ever tasted an onion burger? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below. Let’s see how many of you loved them like we did!

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We want to thank the Dodge City CVB for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Opening Time

Our arrival occurred just as they were opening, so they weren’t brewing during our visit. Dodge City Brewing is the first craft brewery in southwest Kansas. They offer a nice selection of their own creations, as well as serving up a few from other Kansas breweries. The owner is an award-winning home brewer who decided to take his craft to a larger scale.

Even though the doors had just opened, it didn’t take long for others to start arriving. By the end of our visit, the place would be almost full. It’s clearly a popular place with the locals. The open and airy feel of the dining area is brightened by the large bank of windows on two sides of the room. With plenty of seating available, this place would make a great party site.

Sampling the Goods

During our visit they had around 10 brews on the menu. This will rotate, and will include at least a couple of the guests brews. Guests can order a full pour, half pour or even a sample, if they want to test it out first. This is a great option, especially for those of us who aren’t familiar with craft brews. I was excited to see a hard cider on the menu and ordered a pour. The sounds of the Tenderfoot Raspberry Sour also tickled my fancy, so I got a sample size draw. This brew has loads of raspberry flavoring popping out and made for a delicious drink.

While we were picking our drinks, we also went ahead and ordered our meal. Dodge City Brewing offers oven fired pizzas with an Old West style crust. Now we had never heard of this type, so we got a little clarification on it. The dough is hand stretched, which gives a good crispness to the final product. We liked the sound of that. They usually will have eight or nine pie choices on the menu to choose from, so you should be able to find a combination that suits everyone.

Digging In

The owners attend training at a pizza school in New York, so we expected good results and were not disappointed. The bubbly crust had a nice crisp and the toppings were plentiful and delicious. During our visit we got to see just about every pizza combination they offer. I spoke with some locals about their dining experience, and found that most were regulars. The common theme was that they come for the food and stay for the brews. A mighty fine combination of flavors. Be sure to drop into Dodge City Brewing when you make your visit to Dodge City Days.

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We want to thank the Dodge City CVB and Boot Hill Distillery for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Relocation

In 1878, the residents of the Boot Hill Cemetery were relocated to a municipal site, and the land was used for a school for a while, and eventually the city operations. The current building, which was opened in 1929, was home to City Hall, courtrooms, police department, jail, and fire department. The building fell into disrepair until the current group of investors saw the potential and gambled on this mission. After heavy renovations, and considerable startup expenses, they finally opened for business in the summer of 2016.

Making Mash

We had the pleasure of meeting up with distiller, Mark Vierthaler, for a tour of the facility. One of the first things that was apparent about Mark is his passion for his craft. You could hear it in his voice, and feel it in the stories he shared about the place he has grown to love. Three of the owners are Kansas farmers who supply every grain that is used to produce their products. The term “from soil to sip” describes the companies all encompassing method for delivering exceptional products. Mark walked us through the intricate distilling process and showed us the tanks used to create the spirits the company sells.

…And Now We Wait

Near the end we were shown the assortment of oak barrels that are used to age their spirits. Mark explained the difference between the types of whiskeys that are sold throughout the industry, as well as the regulations that stipulate what it takes to define each type. One of the most interesting pieces of information was the guidelines surrounding the creation of bourbon. It is one of the most heavily ruled spirits that we have ever heard of, and takes four years to produce. (Google “guidelines for bourbon” sometime.) Boot Hill Distillery has plenty of stock in the aging process, but it will not be available until the Spring of 2019. We are betting there is going to be quite a party when that keg is tapped.

Custom Kegs

As our tour progressed, we made our way back into the main section of the building. In the bottling area we saw a display of smaller kegs. These are available for people or businesses to purchase, knowing that they will have to wait for them to age to perfection. We even saw one with the name of the hotel where we were staying. I’m betting it will be served in their in-house bar at the hotel. At this stage of the tour, Mark showed us a special spirit that only Boot Hill Distillery produces. Dr. Sherman’s Prickly Ash Bitters was a cure-all that was hawked in the early 1900’s. The old peddlers would travel from town to town touting it’s powerful healing magic. It took a lot of reverse engineering to determine the exact formula, but the folks at Boot Hill did it, and now the general public can enjoy this unique libation. When you stop by the distillery you will certainly want to sample a sip of this concoction.

We were so engrossed with the backstage tour that we didn’t realize that our time at Boot Hill Distillery was quickly slipping away. Mark invited us into the tasting room and we were more than happy to follow. Now we know everyone has their own favorite spirits, and mine happens to be gin. There is something pleasing about the botanical undertones of a good gin that leave a pleasant aftertaste on my tongue. When Mark offered up a taste, I could not pass it up. Wow! Now this is what good gin should taste like. It was quickly apparent that their attention to details pays off for the consumer. Obviously, we had to sample the Prickly Ash Bitters, as well. It is a complex spirit with a ton of flavors going on. We bet it would make an excellent base for a variety of cocktails. As a matter of fact, if you check out the Boot Hill Distillery link, (It’s at the top of this page.) you can find the recipes for some interesting cocktails listed under their “Spirits” tab. We purchased a bottle of their gin for home, and thanked everyone for their hospitality. Our next stop was calling us, but we left knowing we were taking a little piece of Boot Hill home with us. Are you ready to sample some of their bitters? Share your favorite drink with us in the comments section below. We may just have to give it a try. Thanks!

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We want to thank Artego Pizza for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Artistic Designs

Many of our readers suggested this place for a visit. You don’t have to twist our arm to get us to eat pizza. We picked a Third Friday for our visit, which is the monthly special event. It seems like more and more areas in KC are claiming a repeating evening each month to hold special events. We find these to be a great way to explore new areas, since they will usually have stores open longer than normal. After checking out a handful of local boutiques, we were ready to quench our hungers. The West 39th Street corridor is easily walkable, so find a good parking spot and check it out on foot.

As soon as we entered Artego Pizza, we were impressed with the oversized art canvases that cover a large portion of the walls. We had the opportunity to speak with owner, Joe Perez. You might remember his name as a former Kansas City Chief player. Before opening at the end of 2014, he spent months refurbishing the space. Over 1000 wooden planks were installed piece-by-piece on the walls. The steel bar was salvaged from a scrap yard and meticulously restored.

Artistic Endeavor

Crystal noted that the canvases decorating the walls looked unusual. Joe pointed out that during the renovation he had local artist Alexander Austin helping out. This artist is responsible for these over-sized masterpieces. Most of them are painted on old drop cloths, which can be seen along the edges of the taut frames. Be sure to check them out!

Getting Our Eat On

After reviewing the menu, we placed our order and then checked out more of the artwork. We were surprised when our server delivered an order of the Caprese Salad to our table. Joe wanted us to experience this delicious starter that features fresh sliced Mozzarella and tomatoes. These are topped with fresh basil, olive oil, and a delightful balsamic reduction. We joyfully snacked on this appetizer, while we awaited our main course.

Picture Perfection

We have learned that when we are doing research we will not have the ability to take home leftovers. This has made us rethink our ordering pattern, and eventually helped us keep our weight in control. Often we will be asked how we stay our sizes with all of these tasty places that we visit. (Of course, Crystal is much better at this than I am.) Part of the secret is ordering smaller portions. We usually find that about 20 or 30 minutes after we eat the fullness hits us. At Artego Pizza, we chose to select a small version of the 39th Street, minus the green peppers. Their original crust is a special recipe that Joe and his chefs worked on to get just right. This puffed up base offers plenty of support to the fresh toppings. Whatever their secret is, this crust is amazing. They aren’t exaggerating when they say their pies look great in photos.

Did You Say Dessert?

Most restaurant visits are limited to just enjoying a single meal with the possible addition of an appetizer. When it comes to dessert time, our approach is usually to find a specialty shop for this extra touch. When we were reviewing the menu something special popped out at me. I know how Crystal feels about chocolate, and Artego Pizza offers a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake that was sure to be acceptable to her. When it arrived, it had the same artistic styling that we found with our appetizer. This sweet ending was the perfect way to wrap up an evening of delicious eats, great conversation, and new friendships. Now it’s time to get back to our walk and start burning off these calories. What are your tricks to staying fit while traveling? We’d all love to hear them, so drop us a line in the comments section below. Thanks!

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During the planning portion of our St. Louis trip, it was decided that we would make the Moonrise Hotel, on the DelMar Loop, our home base. With this in mind, we went to work looking for unique dining destinations within walking distance. When we happened upon the Peacock Loop Diner, it was obvious that a visit would be a requirement.

On our first evening in town, we took a stroll down the Loop after checking into the hotel. When we passed Peacock, we happily bathed in the neon glow of the animated sign that designates this uniquely St. Louis landmark. It was tempting to pop in for a bite, since the restaurant is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Since we were on our way to dinner at Fitz’s, we passed on this place knowing that we would be testing it for breakfast the next day.

Neon Glow

Bright and early the next morning, we made our way to the restaurant with our appetites in tow. Stepping inside, we found that neon continued to dominate. Our first sight was the bar area, which serves up adult milkshakes, as well as pretty much every type of mixed drink. It was a little too early to consider these, so we moved on to the seating area. Four U-shaped counters jut out into the room offering plenty of seating. We chose one of the booths that sit along the wall opposite the counters. A series of displays, set in the wall, are filled with various memorabilia associated with peacocks and dining.

Unexpected Extras

On our way to sit down, we passed a couple of interesting features. A special booth named “Peacock Carousel of Love” can be reserved for special occasions. It seats up to 8 people, and rotates to reveal a flat screen TV hidden behind a curtain. This was certainly something we had never seen before and we have visited a lot of restaurants. Nearby this booth was a seating area with a few tables. In one corner of the area stood two Skeeball games.  This is one of our favorite games, so we took time to play after ordering our food. Being early in the morning, the breakfast crowd hadn’t started flowing in yet. This meant that it wasn’t long before our food was ready.

Diner Eats

Our day’s schedule included a visit to the St. Louis Zoo, so Crystal was looking to fuel up before our visit. The entire menu is available all day, so the choices were numerous. After a little hesitation, she ordered a fairly standard breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash browns. The Build Your Own Breakfast lets customers assemble the meal of their choice with a nice set of options. It provided plenty of food to load her up for a long morning of exploring.

Not My Norm

In most cases, I would have doubled up and ordered the same dish as Crystal. Being in an exploration mood, I chose to try something we don’t run across very often. The  Finals Breakfast Sandwich is made with fried egg, cheddar cheese, and a meat of choice (Mine was bacon) all loaded between  waffle wedges. syrup and sriracha sauce accompany the dish to bring a little sweet and spicy. While it was different than Crystal’s choice, I still ended up having plenty of fuel to hold me through the entire time at the zoo. We finished a little early, so we sat and enjoyed an extra cup of coffee. The morning crowd was beginning to filter in, so we decided to head off to our next destination. Our visit to the Peacock Loop Diner offered us a cheery start to our second day of exploring in St. Louis. Have you ever dined in the “Peacock Carousel of Love”? Tell us about your experience.

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We want to thank the Red Onion Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Popular Place

This day’s lunch crowd was clearly a mix of local business people, residents, and a few travelers, like us. The hostess escorted us to our table near a window, and along the way I scoped out some of the dishes that were at other tables. There were lots of conversations taking place, but the place didn’t seem too noisy. Once we were seated, we began reviewing the menu options. We had contacted the restaurant in advance, and John Starchman, the manager, was there that day. He came out and introduced himself, and we talked about what dishes are most popular at the Red Onion Cafe.

Local Favorite

Earlier in the morning we had made a stop at the Joplin Tourism office to meet  our contact, Carrie Puffinger. During a lengthy conversation, the subject of lunch came up. Carrie was excited to hear that we had chosen the Red Onion Cafe, and was happy to suggest some of her favorites. One dish she raved about was the Smoked Chicken Dip. She made it sound so appealing, that we couldn’t pass it up. A blend of smoked chicken and cream cheese is topped with peppers, jalapenos, and red onion. Crispy tortilla chips serve as the instrument to devour this delicious dish.

Appetizers Galore

The menu has plenty of starter choices, and John wanted us to taste one of the most vibrant. The Bruschetta Misto is concocted with a large dollop of herbed cream cheese as the base. To this they add diced tomato that is flavored with basil and garlic. They also add to it marinated olive salad. Plenty of grilled focaccia bread wedges were on hand to carry the spread to our mouths. Both of these appetizers were unbelievable, and had us coming back for more. We started to wonder if we would have any room left for the main courses.

Staying Light

Knowing well that we would be packing in plenty of calories in the starters, we decided to hang back a little on the main dishes. Crystal chose the Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is served on grilled whole grain bread. The filling is a good mix of chicken, walnuts, celery, and grapes. The ingredients are chunky, so each bite has lots of flavor. Her meal came with the choice of a side, so she picked a house salad.

Red Onion Cafe offers a good selection of entree salads, which was exactly what I was in the mood for that day. I chose the Mandarin Orange Salad, which comes in a hefty sized bowl. A blend of mixed greens is topped with onion, celery, grilled chicken, and mandarin oranges, The addition of candied almonds adds a sweet crunch to the dish. It was a really good mix of flavors that had me continuing to nibble, even after I announced that I was stuffed.

Sweet Ending

When we entered the restaurant, we noticed a cooler filled with sweet treats. John had mentioned that these are created by a local resident, and the selection rotates. As I was moving around the place taking pictures, I ended up near the case chatting with John. Everything in there looked amazing, but especially the Shamrock Cake. I had to ask for more details about it. It is a staggering creation of Guinness chocolate cake layered with Jameson chocolate ganache. The richness doesn’t end there, as it is topped with a Bailey’s Irish Cream buttercream frosting. Just the description made me gain two pounds. While it sounded absolutely scrumptious, we had to pass. Not only were we stuffed to the gills, but our next stop was a candy shop. Looks like a lot of walking will be needed after this trip.

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Riverfront Dining

The White River Fish House is actually an oversized barge that is tethered to the shore. It is designed to look like an old fishing lodge. Around the exterior is a walkway that widens in places for seating. It also features a pier for boaters to dock, while they stop in for refreshments. Once inside, the fishing theme continues throughout the interior. Assorted boats, including “johnboats” which may have originated in this area, are hung from the ceiling. At the far end is a large stone flanked fireplace with large windows on either side, which offer wonderful views of the water. The seating is an assortment of booths and tables with plenty of room for large parties. The feel is casual, as would be expected with a fishing lodge.

Sweet Beginnings

After being seated, we started our meal with some of their signature Jalapeno Cornbread. This sweet appetizer is served up in a cast iron skillet. The bread may have some bits of jalapeno incorporated, but it doesn’t pack any real heat. On the contrary, it is rather addicting, and I couldn’t stop eating it, even though I suspected the main dishes would be substantial.

White River Fish House Knows Fish

The menu at White River Fish House is not limited to seafood and freshwater fish. There are a handful of meat options, as well as burgers and sandwiches. Of course, we believe it is always best to stick to the specialties of the house, since they are the most practiced. Crystal chose the Maple Glazed Salmon, which is grilled and topped with a house-made pecan butter. For her sides, she decided on the green beans and sweet potato tater tots. Crystal will be the first to admit she is not a big fish lover, but the combination of the maple glaze and pecan butter made the dish quite appealing. To top it off, she loved the tater tots, which had a nice crispiness to the bite. (I might have tested one or two for the article.)

Delicious Sea Dwellers

I selected the Grouper with Crab-meat, and picked the green beans for my vegetable, as well. I chose the rice pilaf for my starch, which had a nice flavor of the portabella mushrooms that were incorporated in the dish. The fish filet was so delicate and tender that it almost melted in my mouth. The crab-meat topper added another layer of flavor, which really compliments the meal. We were both pleased with our choices, and enjoyed them to our fill. While the White River Fish House may be located within the area of an outdoor mall, the entire experience felt like we were dining out in the country. It certainly opened our eyes, and appetites to adding more fish restaurants to our future plans.

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Pocket Restaurant

Did I mention that the place is small? When we spoke with business owners about our experiences and plans in Eureka Springs, quite a few mentioned Nibbles Eatery. With what we had heard before our trip being confirmed by locals, we just knew it was a must visit place. We got there right around opening time, and found it was fairly empty. With only about nine tables, we wondered if it was really that good. We found a table, and made ourselves comfortable. There were two people on staff, with one handling the serving duties, as well as assisting the cook. The space is cozy, which means as others arrived we found ourselves invited into conversation. After getting our coffee, (A must for starting the day right!) we set about deciding on our meals. The menu is as small as their space, so it was easy to pick dishes. A local couple had sat down beside us on my right, and was telling us that this is their favorite breakfast spot in town. We hadn’t seen any of the food yet, but were holding out that they were well versed.

Gourmet Presentation at Nibbles Eatery

I had chosen the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Omelet, which is served with a small salad, as well as some wheat berry bread. First, let’s talk about the omelet. This had to be in the top three that I have ever been served. The mushrooms were tender, without being slimy, and the goat cheese added a delicious tangy bite to the dish. It was unbelievably delicious. The addition of salad would have been a complete shock, if we hadn’t experienced it at a Belgian restaurant in Philadelphia. (You can read about that experience here>) Everything on my plate tasted so fresh, and we were informed that they source as many ingredients locally, as possible. The couple next to us had that look of, “Now you see why it’s our favorite.”, as I savored each bite. The meal was perfectly portioned, so I didn’t feel overly stuffed at the end. It was clear that the owner knew their business.

Crystal chose the Chicken Artichoke Quiche, which also included a fresh salad. These were accompanied by a dish of yogurt with a sprinkling of granola. Her quiche was as marvelous as my omelet (I took a bite.), and she commented that the yogurt was also delicious. I’ll have to take her word on that, as I am not inclined to eat the stuff. Her plate was also well portioned, and we dined in style, as we also began a conversation with the couple at the table on my left. They turned out to be from Kansas City, as well, so we exchanged stories of our visits to Eureka Springs. That we both had ended up at Nibbles Eatery on the same morning was quite a pleasant coincidence. It reminded us just how many people visit this quaint destination for a relaxing get-away. Like us, they were nearing the end of their visit, but planned to return again to this special spot in the Ozark Mountains. We certainly plan to add Nibbles Eatery to our list of places we eat on our next visit, now that we know how good it is. Of course, we know to come early, because table space fills up pretty quickly.

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We want to thank the Dilly Diner for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Dilly Diner – A Local Favorite

For this meal we had arranged to meet up with Vanesa Masucci, the Vice President of the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. We were looking forward to this meeting, as Vanesa had been extremely helpful in identifying many of the places we visited in Tulsa. After introductions, we made our way in to start our visit. The restaurant has a nice open design, which can make it a little noisy when crowded. A long counter doubles as a bar, but most of the diners were enjoying the booth seating. We were escorted to our seats, and set about reviewing the menu for our selections. The manager brought over one of their signature croissants with some homemade raspberry jam. Once our orders were placed, we spent some time visiting. Our discussions ranged from places we had visited, as well to ones that we would have to see on a future trip. Tulsa has way too much to see in three days, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

Picture Perfect Presentation

It didn’t take long for our meals to arrive, and my camera came out of it’s case. I had warned Vanesa that I wanted to take pictures before starting our meal, but being a seasoned professional, she was already expecting that. She had ordered the Brioche French Toast, which is made with homemade brioche bread. Cooked to a wonderful crusty brown, it is topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. This is one of my favorite breakfast dishes, but I had decided to try something different this morning, and I was wondering if I was missing out. Vanesa described just how delicious the dish was, and the warm maple syrup added a sweet smell to our table.

Crystal ordered her standard meal, which at Dilly Diner is named the Two Egg Breakfast. The makeup of the meal is pretty obvious, but it included some fresh fruit, which isn’t always offered by other restaurants. It should be noted that although she chose toast, she could have picked biscuits and gravy to accompany her plate.

Stepping Out Of My Box

I had a discussion with the manager about some of the most popular dishes. One that he mentioned was something I had never tried. I decided to order the Breakfast Tacos, which sounded intriguing. Two flour tortillas are topped with scrambled eggs, avocado, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and a squirt of chipotle aioli.  After corralling the ingredients into a manageable shape, I tested my first bite. The variety of flavors blended so well, that I wondered why I have never seen this combination on a menu. My fear that the chipotle sauce would be too spicy was unfounded. It gave just a little kick, but the avocado quickly quenched any heat and left a creamy coolness in its place. It was difficult for me to concentrate on the table conversation, as I was truly savoring the tacos. Too soon they disappeared, and I topped off my meal with the fresh fruit. With our meal completed, we spent a little more time conversing over our coffee. Before long, we all had to head off to our next destinations. Dilly Diner is certainly on our list for another visit in the future, and I’m going to test out that French toast.

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A Boutique Bakery

We timed our visit to fall after dinner at a nearby restaurant. We spent a little while perusing the Ida Red store, as we let our dinner digest. We had planned to wait quite a while, but having seen some of the pie slices as we passed by the store front, we decided to cut our shopping short. Antoinette Baking Co. is just across the street, so we were there in no time. We had seen a steady stream of customers filing through the door, and we were a little concerned that they may sell out, before we could get our choices.

Choices Galore

Fortunately, There was no need to worry about their stock. The shop is an open air format with the kitchen in back, and the sales counter to one side. A large set of windows lend an airy feeling to the place. Tables and booths are arranged in about a fourth of the place, but it was plenty during our visit. As we made our way past the register, we began to see all of the sweet options that they had produced for that day. An assortment of cookies, bars, whoopie pies, and other pastries decorated the counter. Everything looked delicious, but we were on a mission to sample the pies we had heard about earlier.

Eye Candy

At the end of the counter we came to a refrigerated case. Here were the rewards that we were searching out. There were so many good options, and each looked better than the one before. I have to admit that I was a little shocked when Crystal bypassed the Lime Meringue Tarts. After all, she is one of the biggest fans of Key Lime Pie that I know. The bottom rows of this case held slices of pie that were almost too large to believe. This was the point that I began wondering if we should have shopped longer, so as to make more room in our bellies. Well it was too late to fret it now, so the only thing to do was to pick the flavor that sounded most appealing.

Heavenly Pillows of Meringue

I chose the Lemon & Blackberry Meringue Pie (On the left), which had a crown at least four inches tall. The sweetness of the meringue blended so well with the slightly tart lemon. It was absolute heaven. Although I knew it was unwise, I finished the entire slice. Crystal chose a Lime & Raspberry Custard with an extra large dollop of whipped cream. While her slice was not as tall, it was more dense, so just as filling. We each tasted the others, but stuck with our original choices. We finished our treats, and thanked the staff for such a delicious experience. As we left the shop, we were glad that we had a nice long walk back to our hotel. In fact, we even took the long way to help burn off some of the dessert. Doesn’t this look like a place you want to visit?

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We want to thank Tally’s Good Food Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

An Iconic Look

When Tally purchased the building, it had only one dining area, and was in need of lots of work. Since those early days, he has added additional dining rooms to help serve the ever increasing crowds. Tally has embraced the Route 66 theme, and brought the feel of the old roadside diner back to life. Of course, for Tally it isn’t only about growing a successful business, he also believes in giving back. Beginning the first year he opened, each Thanksgiving he opens his doors to feed the homeless.

Tulsa’s Best Cinnamon Roll

We were seated in one of the red 1950’s style booths, and ordered some coffee. Of course, we ordered coffee, it was breakfast time after all. While we scanned the menus, (they have over 100 items to choose from) tally brought us one of his famous cinnamon rolls. We aren’t sure if the picture does it justice, but this was a huge roll. What made it the most amazing was how soft the bread was. This sweetly coated treat melts in your mouth, and we were tempted to devour the whole thing. Of course, we knew that we should leave room for more of the menu items.

Breakfast All Day

One of the main appeals of Tally’s Good Food Café is that they serve breakfast all day long. This is welcomed by workers from many professions that do shift work. It is also popular with travelers, who enjoy the option of a filling breakfast meal while taking a break from the road. We were here during regular breakfast hours, and were happy to test their extensive menu. Crystal chose the Fruity French Toast with Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream. These delicious slices of Texas Toast are topped with a sweet fruit compote, and come in an ample portion.

Going Southern

With such a massive menu, I was struggling with a choice, until I came upon the item labeled “Tally’s Favorite“. It was obvious that this man knew a few things about good food, and I decided to follow his lead. When our waitress brought my order, it required two plates. One for the chicken and eggs, and one for the waffle.  The Belgian style waffle was crisp and sweet, and came with a dusting of powdered sugar, as well as a dollop of whipped cream. It is served with twin chicken strips and two eggs any style. When my plates were placed in front of me, I knew there was no chance that I could finish it all. I did give it my best try, as I knew I would be walking a lot of it off at the Tulsa Zoo. (You can read more about the zoo here.>)

A Route 66 Landmark

With our appetites completely conquered, we knew it was time to head toward our next destination. A great meal at an iconic restaurant was the perfect start to a day filled with exploration. Before we left we just had to capture a picture of Tally, and he was happy to oblige. We were so glad we got to meet this wonderful man, and his great staff. It’s easy to see why this place has be given so many great accolades. It is also understandable why people stop by from all over the world, when they are traveling the Mother Road. Have you ever dined at Tally’s Good Food Cafe? What are your favorite menu items? We would love to hear what we should check out on our next visit.

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Vintage Diner

For those that followed our day on Instagram, you had the chance to see some cool photos of Bobo’s Drive-In. When we pulled up, we already knew that this place was popular with the locals. Bobo’s has been around since just after World War II, so they may know a little about burgers. It’s location on 10th Street put it right on our path between stops, so this couldn’t have worked out better.

Cozy Up

We had been warned that this place didn’t have a lot of interior seating, so we were hoping our timing would be good. When we arrived there was one booth open, which we quickly snatched up. Our server came over, and noticed our camera, so we explained what we do. It is always interesting to see the reactions from people we meet. She walked through the menu for us, and highlighted some of the most popular dishes. After a few minutes of deliberation, we were finally ready to order. Our grandson chose a Root Beer Float, which is made with their house made root beer. I picked a Cherry Shake, since I had read a lot about their ice cream.

Burger Time

When you visit a place known for their burgers, it is probably best to order a burger. That is what each of us did, but I was the only to deviate on the side choice. The Onion Rings are handmade, and I’m a fan of them just about everywhere we visit. These have that flaky crust which isn’t too thick to drown out the onion. A squirt of ketchup, and I was in dipping heaven. I did sneak a couple of fries from my grandson, and they have a nice crispness.

Here’s The Beef

Their burger patties are the type that are thin and crispy on the edges, just like all of those old diners that used to dot the landscape. Clearly this place has had lots of practice, and it seems they have just about perfected the art. It was fun watching the people that had noticed me taking pictures of the food, before we dug in. These days lots of people take photos of their food, but most do it with their cell phones. Before long, the cook came out and asked how we liked our food. He was obviously proud of his product, and that made a nice statement about their quality. With our hungers completely quenched, we said our thank you and goodbyes. Soon we were headed down 10th Street toward our next adventure. Looking back on our visit, we will need to leave room to taste the apple pie the next time we travel to Topeka.

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Friendly Atmosphere

Since our dinner at Ronneburg Restaurant was planned for Saturday evening, we stopped by earlier in the day to make reservations. While there, we spoke with the hostess for quite a while. She told us about her migration from eastern Europe to the United States. After time in the mountains, she and her husband settled in Amana. A common occurrence we found in the Amana Colonies, was the friendly people who live and work there. It was easy to strike up a conversation, and they truly listened. That is a little more rare in these electronic days.

Full Meal Portions

We can only assume that since they have been used to family sized meals for so long, they just continue these over-sized portions today. Guests can choose to dine family style or pick plated meals. This seemed like a safer way for the two of us, and it was still a lot of food. After polishing off our salads, our appetites were ready for some home cooking. I had ordered broasted chicken, which comes with potatoes and two side vegetables.

Ronneburg Restaurant Delivers

Crystal had decided to go with the Ham & Swiss Chicken, which has a slight similarity to Chicken Cordon Blu. Her plate was also covered with the same sides. By this point we were both ready to toss in the towel and give up. Being troopers, we knew that we had to give it our best shot for our readers sake. (At least that is the excuse I am going to use.) The food was good, but after all they have been making these kind of meals for generations. Neither of us were able to finish our plates, but by this point of our visit we had come to expect this.

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