Saturday, January 31, 2015

January 31, 2015 - Philly's Bar and Grill - Tempe, Arizona

I visited on January 31, 2015 with Joshua and Judson Hayes.  I ordered The Original Cheese Steak…juicy meat, cheese wiz and grilled onions.  It was delicious.  For the side I ordered Garlic Fries…and they were perfect.

Joshua ordered the Grilled Cheese special with waffle fries.  Judson ordered the Chili Burger which was served open faced with cheddar cheese and onions.  He also ordered the Garlic Fries.


For an appetizer Joshua ordered the Fried Dill Pickles…I think they were the best I have ever eaten.

Philly’s Bar and Grill
1826 North Scottsdale Road
Tempe, Arizona 85281
(480) 946-6666

Hours – Open Daily 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Friday, January 30, 2015

January 30, 2014 - Iowa Cafe - Mesa, Arizona


I visited this cafe for the first time  on January 29, 2015 with Craig and Linda Patrick.  We ordered the Seth Loose Meat Sandwich.  Take a Sloppy Joe, subtract the sloppy, and you have a loose meat sandwich.  Also known as a “tavern sandwich,”  It’s ground beef that’s been simmered with onions and seasonings until the liquid cooks away, served on a bun with pickles and maybe a little mustard or ketchup.

Craig and I ordered the homemade Cherry Pie for dessert.   The crust was perfect.  I believe that the crust is the big determining factor in a great pie.  This was a great  Cherry Pie.  We ordered it ala mode and it was served with Vanilla Bean ice cream.  Perfect.  I would say this is the best Cherry Pie that I have ever eaten.

Linda ordered a Chocolate Brownie type Pie for dessert. 


This café as well as the Loose Meat Sandwich was listed in the December, 2014 Phoenix Magazine as Iowa’s singular, defining dish in their list of such dishes in each of the 50 states and where in the Valley you could find the best of each.

The menu is pure Iowa as is the cafe decor.  It reminds me of a little quaint local restuarant.  The best part is that we have it here  right in Mesa.

This was the first restaurant of the 50 states that I have visited.  Be expecting reports from me on the remaining 49 over the next year...or even the next couple of years.



The Iowa Café
1129 N. Higley Rd.
Mesa, Arizona
(480) 985-2022

Hours:  Monday through Friday,  6 am - 8 pm - Saturday and Sunday,  6 am - 2 pm

History of the Iowa Cafe as told by the owners:

"Walking into the Iowa cafe simply makes me feel like I'm home in Iowa again...."

Ruth Cavendar formerly of Mount Ayr, Iowa, established the The Iowa Cafe in 1985.  Ruth’s home style cooking set the standard for the Café that still lives on 20 years later.   Ruth not only started the Café, but she is still in many ways the heart of our home made pies. Ruth’s sister Shirley also was a big part of the Café from the beginning. Both sisters home made pies are not only award winning, they have also won the taste buds of everyone that visits the café from our locals to the visitors we get from all over the country.  Over the years, Ruth’s presence has been that of a mother, to the friends and employee’s of the Iowa Café.

 The Iowa Café was then passed on to Dani From Ruth, along with it’s many traditions. Dani was a waitress at the Café for 10 years. Dani became owner from October 1999-Febuary 2005.  Even though Dani wasn’t from Iowa, she carried on many of the down to earth traditions and started a few more of her own, that helped make the Café so popular.  Dani then passed the Iowa Café on to another employee in March 2005. Pam Ohsman, who worked at the Café for 6 years over the winter months decided to buy the Café when it came up for sale, making the Iowa Café owned again by another Iowan.

Pam Ohsman like Ruth is another “True Blue Iowa Gal”. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Pam ended up in Mesa, Arizona area in 1995. Splitting her time between Iowa and Arizona for 10 years.  She has now devoted her place of residence and her time to living in Arizona and the Iowa Café.  Pam, just like Ruth and Dani is keeping that home style cooking, down to earth atmosphere in place and bringing in some new ideas of her own.

Here at The Iowa Café, there are many things that bring customers in from all over. The Famous Pork Tenderloins, home made pies, down home cookin', and the just plain friendly small Café atmosphere. The Iowa Café is such a down to earth place to have a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner customers have been known to join strangers at a table instead of sitting alone when the place is hoppin'. Go ahead get to know that nice couple at the table sitting next to you. Just a couple of more ways the friendly atmosphere continues to grow.

Come on in today for some good home cookin' in a home-style family setting.

And don't leave without trying a piece of our award-winning homemade pies!



Monday, January 12, 2015

January 11, 2015 - Rudy's Country Store & Bar-B-Que - New Braunfels, Texas

Jo Martin has been holding out on us.  I drove to New Braunfels today with Bonnie and Darryl Patrick.  We stopped for a quick bite at Rudy's.

Bonnie ordered the Chopped eef Sandwich.  Darryl ordered theTurkey Sandwich.    I ordered the Baby Back Ribs and used the Original BBQA Sause.

Rudy’s  describe their sauce as “the perfect blend of heat and  sweet with a hint of the secret ingredient that turns ordinary barbecue sauce into Rudy’s unforgettable and world famous ‘Sause.’

We also choose the cole slaw and creamed corn to accompany the great tasting Texas BBQ…pecan pralines for dessert.  The cream corn was like no other I have ever tasted.  I have included the recipe belowfor your use.

I have included a picture of my Baby Back Ribs.  Please notice the brown paper about the size of a placemat…that’s our plate.



I loved the inside of the restaurant…looked like an old time Texas Honky Honk complete with all the old beer signs…memorabilia…my favorite:  “George Strait Tickets Tonight $3.00”  Plus an added bonus:  the Green Bay Packer vs. Dallas Cowboy football game on all of the big screen TVs hanging  on the walls.  Anybody want to Two Step?



Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q Creamed Corn
1 pint heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese
16 ounces frozen corn kernels
2 to 3 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
fresh cracked black pepper if desired

In a medium pot over medium heat combine heavy cream and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Stir until well blended, and and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add corn kernels, and stir them in. Heat until the corn is warmed through. Add salt and sugar. Serve with some fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
 History:  In the thick of the Texas Hill Country, Rudolph (Rudy) Aue opened his first country store, a convenient palce for locals to buy gas and groceries and to swap stories.  The store added Texas BBQ to its good and services in 1989 and Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q was born.
Why is Jo holding out on us?  Because her nephew and niece, Brad and Kim live in New Braunfels. You just know that she has eaten a lot of Texas BBQ at Rudy's over the years.  I am calling her right now.

January 10, 2015 - Mi Tierra Cafe - San Antonio, Texas

I visited this restaurant with Bonnie and Darryl Patrick.

Darryl ordered the Caldo del Mercado – tortilla soup. 


Bonnie ordered Nachos Mi Tierra – bean and cheese nachos topped with guacamole and beef (Bonnie substituted  chicken for beef)



 I chose the Chalupas Compuestas - a bean and cheese chalupa topped with guacamole. Served with a cheese enchilada and spanish rice.



We chose very light portions…but they were delicious.

The ambience of the very large restaurant in the San Antonio Market Square is something to behold.  Close your eyes and you would feel as if you were in Mexico.  It was decorated with lots of lights….Mariachis everywhere…and the large altar area to celebrate Dia de Muertos – the Day of the Dead – a holiday observed throughout Mexico – the holiday focuses o gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family who hae died during the year.





This restaurant was started in 1941 by  Pete and Crus Cortez when they opened a little three-table café for early-rising farmes and workers at San Antonio’s Mercado.  Sixty-four years later their children and grandchildren continue the operation of the family business.  It now seats 500 people but is still located in the San Antonio Market Square, El Mercado.


Mi Tierra Café and Bakery
800 Dolorosa #204
San Antonio, Texas
(210) 225-3955

Hours:  Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The complex includes a restaurant, bar and bakery.

January 10, 2015 - Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen - San Antonio, Texas

Jo Martin and I met Sam Tarski Henderson Hartman (A long time friend whom I worked with for years in Los Angeles.). I had not seen her in 33 years even though we have communicated for years.

Jo orderd the Fried Oysters…and they looked wonderful. Jo chose sphaghetti squash for her vegetable. The fried oysters were served on a bed of sphaghetti squash.  It not only looked beautiful but was healthy to eat.


I ordered a cup of  Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo without the oysters…Sam ordered a bowl of Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo with the oysters.   The food  tasted wonderful.  I really liked the gumbo.  The broth was again very thin and juicy….not thick and creamy like the Goodes made.  (my favorite Bayou restaurant in Great Falls, Montana.)  Gulf  Coast Shrimp were large.  Each table was served a long loaf of French bread with lots of butter.

This is a fourth generation restaurant business owned by Harris and Chris Pappas whose grandfather migrated from Greece in 1897.  The two started the Pappadeaux restaurants in 1976. with over 35 locations in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona and Colorado.  The business is still a privately-owned family business that is respected in the industry.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
76 North East Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas 78216
(210) 340-0572

Hours: Sunday- Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 pm.  Friday and Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Friday, January 9, 2015

January 9, 2015 - La Paloma Riverwalk - San Antonio, Texas


I had lunch at this restaurant located on the Riverwalk with Jo Martin and Jan Wiberg.  

All three of us ordered a cup of Sopa de Tortilla – shredded chicken soup with roasted garlic, crisp tortilla strips and garnished with avocado.  This delicious…lots of shredded chicken…very filling.  The menu says that it is a “La Paloma Classic”…and it is.



Sopa de Tortilla

Jo ordered the Fajitas Riverwalk – grilled shrimp fajitas sauteed with bell pepper and onions.  Served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and flour tortillas.


Shrimp Fajitas Riverwalk


Jan ordered Enchiladas Tejanas – two cheese enchiladas topped with Tex Mex chile concarne sauce and cheddar cheese…served with Spanish rice and refried beans.


Enchiladas Tejanas


I ordered the Roger’s Famous “Tracaladas” – two flour tortillas tacos filled with carne guisada and guacamole, smothered in the traditional red chili sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese and jalapeno.  Served with Spanish rice and refried beans.


Roger's Famous "Tracaladas"


We were serenaded by two Mariachis…very nice.


For dessert we shared homemade Flan with Carmel Sauce and lots of pecan pieces and strawberry slices…very good.



and...just a picture of Jo Martin sipping sopa

La Paloma Riverwalk
215 Lasoya
San Antonio, TX  78205
(210) 212-0566

Hours:
Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday  11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

January 8, 2015 - Shells Seafood and Grill - Port Aransas, Texas

Jan Wiberg, Jo Martin and went to dinner here tonight...our farewell dinner in Port Aransas.  Jo ordered the Scallops with Brown Butter Sage Sauce…and it came with steamed vegetables and rice.  She began her meal with a bowl of Brocolli Rice Soup….drank Black Current Burst tea…and for dessert she chose the homemade Key Lime Pie.


Scallops with Brown Butter Sage Sauce


Jan ordered the Penne Bolognese…it was served hot in a pasta bowl with grated Parmesan on top…after a while she asked if she could have it re-heated…and the waitress said, “sure” and told the cook to re-toss it…that simply meant that they put the remaining pasta in a pan and re-heated and tossed it…and the best part…they added more grated cheese.  Jan chose the Tres Leches for dessert….this is one of my favorites…three milk cake with whipped cream on top.  I did snatch a little bite…and it was a light cake with lots of the three different milks on the bottom.  (Milks used:  evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream….no wonder it tastes so good.)


Penne Bolognese



I ordered the One Blue Crab Cake with 10 Shrimp…which was served with steamed vegetables and rice.  I started my meal with a bowl of Onion Soup….loaded with onions and the broth ws very light…even though I believe that there was Worchester Sauce used in the broth there was no harsh taste at the end of the swallow.  I drank Mango Magic Tea…and my dessert choice was Homemade Banana Cheesecake.  First time in my life that I have ever eaten Banana Cheesecake…it was thick and creamy with a dab of whipped cream on top and one slice of strawberry to crown the perfection.


One Blue Crab Cake with 10 Shrimp

Two of the Dessert Selections


Banana Cheesecake


Tres Leches Cake

Shells
522 East Avenue G
 Port Aransas, TX 78373
(361) 749-7621

Hours:
Wednesday through Monday – Open 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays

January 7, 2015 - Avery's Kitchen - Port Aransas, Texas

I visited there with Jo Martin and Jan Wiberg.  Jan Wiberg ordered the 5 oz. .hamburger with a cup of Broccoli Soup.  Jo and I ordered one of the specials  - Sirloin steak and shrimp with one side (we both ordered the baked potato) and included soup and salad.

The meal was a darn good down home meal.  The meat tasted great…the baked potato came loaded..and the soup was pureed…so I liked it because I don’t care for the big pieces of broccoli in my broccoli cheese soup.  The pickled beets on the salad bar were absolutely perfect.  I know that they were homemade.

This restaurant is never in any of the brochures that are advertising eating places for the area. But I would not only eat there again but I would  recommend it to anyone who would like just a good regular meal.  This special cost us $14.95.  I don't think there is another place in this country whee you could buy this great tasting meal for that price.  Anywhere else this meal would start at $20+.

Avery’s Kitchen
200 West Avenue G
Port Aransas, TX 78373

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

January 6, 2015 - Charlotte Plummer Seafare Restaurant - Fulton, Texas

I visited on January 6, 2015 with Jo Martin and Jan Wiberg.  Jan ordered the Oyster Stew – oysters served in a light creamy stew.  Jo ordered the Fried Oysters…and Jo chose a baked potato…and Shrimp Gumbo Soup in place of the soup and salad bar.  I ordered the Shrimp Scholten – spiced shrimp with Crab Meat Dressing – topped with Cream Cheese and Broiled…serve on rice…and a vegetable medley.  I thought that it would have been an A instead of a C if they had just put some butter on the vegetables…and had the cream a little more runny on top of the crab stuffing.   Jo and Jan both felt as if their oysters were great…fresh..and never frozen. 

I liked the way they served the oyster stew in a silver pitcher…then came and poured it out for Jan in her bowl.  Her oyster stew was served with three Hush Puppies. Jan, who doesn’t like them...thought they were wonderful.


Shrimp Gumbo 


Jan's Oyster Stew


Lynda's Shrimp Scholten


Jo's Fried Oysters


Charlotte Plummer Seafare Restaurant
202 N Fulton Beach Rd
Rockport, TX 78381
(351) 729-1185




Monday, January 5, 2015

January 5, 2015 - CB's Bar-B-Que - Kingsville, Texas

Today after visiting the King Ranch for a 4-hour birding tour, Jo Martin, Jan Wiberg and I stopped for lunch at CB's Bar-B-Que.

Jo ordered the Brisket plate with cole slaw and cheesy potatoes.  Jan ordered the Brisket Sandwich with Cheesy Potatoes.  I ordered the Ribs plate with Cheesy Potatoes and Jalapeno Corn.  

My ribs were hearty and barbequed quite well.  Each rib was thick with meat that tasted a lot like ham.   It was easy for me to put a little BBQ sauce on them because it tasted perfect....not really sweet....not hot...just an easy...light sauce.

Cheesy Potatoes were mashed potatoes with lots of cheese.  It was a very creamy mixture of the potatoes and cheese.  One big scoop of these delightful cheesy potatoes were put on each plate.

I also chose the Jalapeno Corn....these huge kernals of corn  didn't have a bite at all...was quite sweet. 



Rib Plate with Cheesy Potatoes and Corn Jalapeno


Brisket Plate with Cheesy Potatoes and Cole Slaw

CB’s Bar-B-Que
728 N. 14th Street
Kingsville, Texas 78363
(361) 516-1688

Sunday, January 4, 2015

January 4, 2015 Jay's Seafood and Spaghetti Works - Port Aransas, Texas

Enjoyed dinner at Jay's Seafood and Spaghetti Works with Wiberg, Jo Martin.  Jo ordered the  “Very Crabby” Crabcakes – two large fluffy crab cakes – wonderful tasting with a light sweet tasting sauce – rice pilaf and included the soup and salad bar.  Jan ordered the Grilled Shrimp (the small order that was five large shrimp) that was served with rice pilaf.  I ordered the Coconut Crusted Shrimp served with an Apricot Sauce and rice pilaf.

Neither Jo nor Jan liked the soup but I did – Pablano Chowder – it had pieces of green chili, corn – had quite a bite to it.  I loaded it up with croutons and enjoyed.  The salad bar was also excellent…and with it was a hot bun – balsmaic oil and vinegar for dipping.


On the drink menu I was intrigued with the Beef Stick Blood Mary…and it was served with a huge piece of celery, one large shrimp, one beef stick and two olives…just great.



Jay’s Seafood and Spaghetti Works
910 South Alister Street
 Port Aransas, TX 78373
(361) 749-5666

January 3, 2015 - Kody's Restaurant and Bar - Port Aransas, Texas

I visited on January 3, 2015 with Jo Martin and Jan Wiberg.  .  I ordered the Clam Chowder, Fried French Bread and a Crab Cake.  Jan ordered exactly the same except she had a salad  wth honey mustard dressing instead of the crab cake.  Jo ordered the Crab Stuffed Fried Avocado and  a Crab Cake.

The clam chowder base was wonderful...large clams...cubed potatoes and a good consistency in the creamy broth.  A  spice in it (tarragon, sage or something like that)  just overpowered the clam chowder.  It was a spice that just didn’t belong with Clam Chowder.  As Jan said,  “it was out of wang.”


The bread was good…we used it to sop up our Clam Chowder.   The crab cake was delicious…the dab of sauce on top was mayonnaise based with what tasted like relish and pimento in the sauce.  Just perfect.

Jo’s Crabbed Stuffed Fried Avocado was huge…and the aioli on the batter was delicious but had a real kick to it at the end of the taste.  Jo didn't care for the aioli ...but I liked it.



Clam Chowder and Fried French Bread 


House Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing



Jo's Crab Cake (on left) and the Crab Stuffed Fried Avocado


Crab Cake


Kody’s Restaurant and Bar
2034 State Highway 361
Port Aransas, Texas
(361) 749-8226

Hours:  Open 7 days a week – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.  Kitchen closes at 1:00 a.m.