Sunday, October 30, 2011

A Farewell Ode to the Sandwich


O savoury flavours betwixt thick slices of bread,
Colourful slivers of succulent fillings.
Plates adorned with crispy coleslaw, cups of soup, 
slender salads and heaps of fries.

Our appetite is sated!
The quest is complete!
Farewell loyal followers!
Hail to the mighty sandwich!

Losing its flavour

In this sea of green rug, we share our sandwiches...a Patty Melt on Rye and a Monte Christo. The arttle of a shopping cart goes by as we eat. There are bright orange cupcakes under an acrylic lid. This place opens at 8am seven days a week.          D.



Seated at Table No.9, we looked down on people as they strolled through the mall. Nearby, large golden fish cruised under an arched walkway. We decided to share our unimaginative sandwiches. The restaurant had emptied by the time we left at 2:45pm. There were still three orange and yellow iced cupcakes for sale under an acrylic lid...$2.50 each!! Out of the corner of my eye I saw a skunky hairdo pass by. Would I return?...I hope not.            L.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Heavenly Borscht


It was memorable for the wrong reasons. I wasn't sure if I was in a place of worship or a cafe. Praying hands on the wall extolled "He who the son sets free is free indeed" and "Jesus is the Gift" on a red wall plate.

The owner assembled my chicken avocado crepe, placing marbled cheddar on top with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce before popping it into the microwave. Nothing about this concoction was right. I wondered who had created this menu item and why hadn't I ordered the standard borscht and homemade bread??

                                                                          L.


I order a roast beef sandwich on wholewheat with a bowl of borscht. How does one write about a place so familiar? Usually all I see is the homemade bread and soup. I find it's a great place to make a shopping list before crossing the street to Askew's for groceries. Today though, I am  noticing the sayings that present themselves around the cafe.  "He who sets the son free is FREE indeed" and "Jesus is the Gift" on a red plate that reminds me of a Coke logo. 
I want to lick every drop of soup from my bowl. Amen.                                                                
                                                                           D.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Promises delivered



Our waitress is wearing a plum coloured flower in her hair. It matches her sleeveless t-shirt. I order the curried chicken and pineapple panini on focaccia with side salad and thai dressing. Vibrant paintings, laminated photos and more than 35 awards for Best Restaurant fill the walls. The restaurant is on the shady side of the main street and is a welcome refuge from the August heat. It's bright, it's funky, it's artsy and the menu promises flavour!        D.




My "Fiery Chipotle Chicken Melt" was served by a waitress wearing a fuscia shirt and a flower in her hair. The walls were covered with team photos and Best Restaurant awards. Over the cash register was a sign counselling customers to "Keep calm and carry on".

Daily home baked goodies and 50's music offered touches of yesterday while the promise of organic coffee reminded us that we were in the 21st century.

The occasional car and pedestrian passed by on the main street outside our window. Inside was bustling. The tables were full and the food was delicious!   L.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Decked out

Our umbrella twirled in a gust of wind 
as houseboats floated by on Mara Lake. 
Tree branches swayed and begonias fluttered their faces, 
flirting with the clouds.

My veggie burger arrived with a fresh gust of country music 
and a raspberry vinaigrette side salad.

Our friendly server talked about educational options in Alberta and Ontario. 
Other guests discussed a chance meeting with a token turtle 
as though it had mystic importance.

The view was amazing, the food was tasty 
and the service was exceptional.          L.
The music here is pretty serious country, "Shotgun Girl" and "Tonight I'm gonna love you like there's no tomorrow". We choose a table and then change immediately when we realize the magnificent view of Mara Lake is obstructed by a wooden railing. I order a chicken caesar wrap from the waitress who wears her various service paraphernalia on a bejewlled belt, snuggly strapped around her hips. It's a slow day. Most of the tables are empty. The wind picks up and spins the large umbrellas at each table.       D.



Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Cash only!

I ordered the Chorizo Burrito (Mexican family recipe for sausage) 
and green tea iced tea (the owner's personal recipe). 
It doesn't qualify as a sandwich as in two slices of bread, 
but hey, it is exactly what this project is about: 
the profound beauty of simple ingredients in unexpected surroundings!
...D.

The place was littered with faded photos and signs. 
The Virgin Mary gazed out at us. 
Caballeros squinted at each other. 
Colourful plastic chairs offered respite from the threat of rain.  
We were reminded by another sign that it was "Cash Only". 
A "No dog droppings" sign was taped onto the garbage can closest to our table 
and nearby public washrooms offered interesting graffiti.

When we ordered our lunch, the owner said that Sturgis North was a disaster for her business. 
Locals stayed away because the road was closed to everyone except motorcycles. 
She was confident that the Roots & Blues Festival in August would keep her busy. 
I dropped a few coins into her Mexican Retirement Fund tin.

My loaded veggie burrito was as delicious as I remembered it 
from my last visit when she had just opened for the season. 
A few drops of Valentina Sala Picante added a little heat to my bites. 
Bliss!!
...L.




Friday, July 15, 2011

Ho-Hum Haven


The scent of leather mixed with cigarette smoke and drifted down to our outdoor table. Another Harley pulled into the parking lot. Semis roared past, raising dust and drowning out the conversation.

It was a pleasant relief to sit outside without a horde of mosquitoes drilling into my legs, arms and neck. A breeze kept the temperature at a perfect level. Listening to my hungry stomach, I ordered the deluxe cheeseburger. Throwing caution to the wind, I also requested fries instead of salad. 

Enroute to the washroom I spotted a skeleton, clinging to the replica of a motorcycle, hanging over the pool table. A cigarette vending machine sat at the end of the bar. Two women in the washroom shared stories about outhouse experiences while camping at the Merritt Mountain Festival.

It felt like yesteryear. Lunch was fresh and delicious! ....L.



Virginia creeper archways line the wraparound deck creating summer windows. I order a BLT on wholewheat with a salad. The waitress is almost yawning. A cool summer breeze wafts over us and country rock music is piped in overhead.

The pub is on the main street and there is a fairly steady flow of traffic going by. Our conversation gets drowned out by the passing semis and motorbikes.  

Across the street is a Yarn Shop which is part of the General Store. After our surprisingly serene lunch experience we will wander over to run our fingers over the beautiful rich colours stacked enticingly up and down one entire store aisle that spills into a back corner.  ...D.