HOMEMADE PIE, OH MY, OH MY

    And Breads, and Cinnamon Rolls, and Swedish Rusk, and Danish .......  and so much more. All offerings of the charming Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

I grew up in central Illinois farm country yet had never been to 

Bishop Hill.  On a visit back home it took a Facebook post from a cousin about an upcoming quilt show in Bishop Hill to get us there. What a nice surprise. Founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants, the village is much as it was 160 years ago.  We came for a few hours and spent the day.  Which meant a stop for lunch, of course.   We couldn't miss Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery located right in the heart of the village on Bishop Hill Street.  The outdoor seating and the entire setting looked so inviting we had to give it a try.  I confess that their ad in the Bishop Hill brochure did have something to do with our decision.  I mean, how can you resist the phrase "Baked Goods from Scratch, Handmade Lunches to Match!" 

 It was a gorgeous spring day so we joined other diners    at the umbrella covered    picnic tables outdoors.  Ordering has been simplified with the slips pictured. You can take your time perusing the choices and simple circle exactly what you want with the pencils provided,  a     novel and efficient idea. Among our group of four we chose a cup of Spinach Bisque with a 1/2 sandwich of  Chicken   Salad on  Spinach Parmesan Bread (the gals), Swedish Meatballs with Salad,  and a Ham Sandwich served with chips and a pickle (the guys).  All I needed was one taste to   decide to Blog about Bishop  Hill Bakery and Eatery.   Everything was fresh and delicious.

I had had a peek indoors to check out the indoor dining and the bakery counter while waiting for our food to be prepared.  What a delicious looking assortment of baked goods filled the case and shelves!  

It was so tempting to haul home all sorts of goodies.  But pie lovers all and especially Strawberry Rhubarb, that was our choice to carry away to enjoy later.  And believe me, that was a hefty pie.  I knew it was going to be great the minute I picked it up.  Their website says they start with lots of fruit for the filling they make themselves, and mix up their crusts from scratch from an old family recipe. I believe them.  I'm a pretty good from scratch pie maker myself but I can't beat theirs.  

    So, in closing, when in central Illinois, be sure and plan a day in Bishop Hill (a National Landmark Village listed in the National Register of Historic Places) with its interesting museums, eateries, gift shops, and art galleries.  And make your day complete with a lunch stop at Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery.   (Be sure and leave room in the car to carry away a sackful or two of goodies from the bakery!)

                                                                        

Off The Grid

 
     OFF THE GRID - HOME RANCH BOTTOMS CAFE AND PUB

  Yep, a cafe and pub that's off the grid.  Meaning no power lines for electricity.  Can you believe a restaurant with no microwave? Well this one ain't got one. And that may be a plus.

  We had headed into the North Fork area along the western border of Glacier Natl. Park to check out a dot on the map called Polebridge.  There's a Ranger Station there with an entrance to the park frequented by hikers, fisherman, and boaters. It's about a thirty mile drive north from the Apgar Visitor's Center and most of the road is gravel.  No problem, it's a good road and we were surprised at the number of vehicles that passed us headed back south.  The views of the mountain peaks to the east proved to be pretty impressive and true to form we stopped way too many times to snap some photos.  So when we spotted the Home Ranch Bottoms sign, we were ready for a meal stop and decided to give it a try. It turned out that Home Ranch Bottoms is more than just a cafe and pub.  There's also a convenience store and camping sites.  The wilderness North Fork area is off the utility power grid so generators must be used to provide electricity. Much of the area is also without phone service. Home Ranch Bottom does have phone service, however.      

  We entered the cafe/pub through the store.  The place had a western feel, cozy and welcoming.  Several patrons were conversing at the log bar or just finishing up their meal. We checked out the menu of pizza and burgers and such but fell for the special of the day - barbecued ribs. We were told the ribs were prepared by a native Texan, and he knows how to do ribs.  How can anyone resist a pitch like that!

   We weren't disappointed.  Our plate of smoky flavorful ribs, slaw, baked beans, and roll was great.  I'm a picky person when it comes to ribs, slaw, and beans and I really enjoyed the Home Ranch Bottoms version. It was delicious to the last bite.  But wait, what is that in the upper left corner of the picture?  What else but homemade Huckleberry Pie.  The only way to finish off a meal in this part of the country!  And A La Mode, too, of course.  I really didn't enter Home Ranch Bottoms with the intention of doing a review.  But friendly and interesting conversation with the rib master and also one of the owners (the lady  behind the bar, center, in the picture above) while we were enjoying our meal was the clincher.  Sometimes the best places are the ones you fall into purely by accident!

  Check out their website at http://www.homeranchbottoms.com/ and when you're out Glacier way, be sure and visit this phenomenon, a cafe/pub without a microwave!    

Scenery along the road to Polebridge.

 

Angler's Grill & Pub

April 30th, 2014

                                 Angler's Grill & Pub
                                          Eureka Springs, AR
                            http://www.anglersgrillandpub.com/

 
  Another great accidental find.  We had had a pretty exhausting 
day visiting a museum in Bentonville, AR.  Driving east toward Eureka Springs on Hwy 62, we spotted the Angler Grill & Pub.  
Almost dusk, the glowing lights of the place looked pretty inviting.  We opted to give it a try. 

 Sometimes you just feel at home the minute you step into a place and that was the case here.  The decor provided great atmosphere with all sorts of interesting things to look at.  

We checked out the menu, but after listening to our friendly server describe the specials of the day, we decided on the Walleye.  Not often you get a chance for Walleye!

Lightly breaded, then grilled, the Walleye was delicious.  A baked potato, slaw, and Hush
Puppies (and they were very good, I might add) completed the meal.  We enjoyed chatting with owner Stephen Jesanis.  Afterwards,our server brought two of their featured desserts to our table, compliments of the house.  A very pleasant surprise, we found both to be excellent.  

Although too chilly to enjoy on this particular evening, the Angler has a nice outside seating area that overlooks the beautiful hills and valleys of the area.  The light from the setting sun was lovely on the treetops, my photo doesn't do it justice.  

Chases On The Beach, New Smyrna Beach, FL

February 11th, 2014

Chases On The Beach
New Smyrna Beach, FL

After a fun morning sightseeing along State Hwy A1A on Florida's northeastern coastline, we were ready for some seafood.  We fell into a dandy place quite by chance.  Chases was right on the beach with seating with a view.  It was a perfect spot for a perfect day.   

We chose the Jumbo Fish Sandwich from the menu and it was a good choice.  Crispy on the outside, flaky and flavorful
on the inside.  And it was jumbo indeed.  Fries were excellent too.  It really hit the spot. Check out their website to view
the full menu.  http://www.chasesonthebeach.com/

This was the view from our table looking north up the beach.  Note there is access for vehicles along this stretch of  beach with
designated driving lanes and parking.  

Bates Turkey House

Bate's Turkey House Restaurant, December 

29th, 2013

Unfortunately I have not been getting my Restaurant Reviews posted correctly so it is catch up time.  Will do better in the future.

                                                                                                  

Bate's Turkey House Restaurant

I 65 Exit 130, Greenville, AL

334-386-6123
                                                                                                    

Did not have my camera along when visiting Bate's Turkey House on December 29th, 2013. But here goes anyway.  Anytime is turkey time at this casual eat-in or carry-out restaurant.  We had the Old Fashioned Roast Turkey Dinner ($7.95)- turkey with gravy over cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, choice of 2 veggies and rolls. Good ole' home cookin' for sure, and there are 9 other ways on the menu to get your turkey fix.  

Their turkeys are free range birds fed only whole grains with no added drugs.   So good we left with a small hickory smoked turkey breast and homemade Coconut Cream Pie.  Be sure and check out their website http://www.batesturkey.com/restaurant.aspx for more info and interesting history on the Bates Turkey Farm and Restaurant.