June 6, 3013 - The Coffee Shop, Sylva, NC

The Coffee Shop is a typical small town diner. It has been in existence for numerous years, and commands quite a large following. 

"A diner is a prefabricated restaurant building characteristic of North America, especially in the Midwest, in New York City, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and in other areas of the Northeastern United States, although examples can be found throughout the United States, Canada and parts of Western Europe. Some people apply the term not only to the prefabricated structures, but also to restaurants that serve cuisine similar to traditional diner cuisine even if they are located in more traditional types of buildings. Diners are characterized by offering a wide range of foods, mostly American, a casual atmosphere, a counter, and late operating hours. "Classic American Diners" are often characterized by an exterior layer of stainless steel—a feature unique to diner architecture."

The first diner was created in 1872, by a man named Walter Scott. He worked at a printing press, and decided to sell food out of a horse-pulled wagon. He sold to night workers, and patrons of men's clubs.Scott then decided that his business was successful; he then quit his job and sold food full-time. Scott's diner can be considered the first diner with “walk up” windows that were located on each side of the wagon.The first recorded diner was a horse-drawn wagon equipped to serve hot food to employees of the Providence Journal, in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1872. Walter Scott, who ran the lunch wagon, had previously supplemented his income by selling sandwiches and coffee to his fellow pressmen at the Journal from baskets he prepared at home. Commercial production of lunch wagons began in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1887, by Thomas Buckley. Buckley was very successful and became known for his "White House Cafe" wagons. Charles Palmer received the first patent (1891) for the diner. He built his "fancy night cafes" and "night lunch wagons" in the Worcester area until 1901.

GREG TRYING TO ACT BASHFUL

It's hard to get in on the weekends, or in the evenings or mornings. The Coffee Shop is popular with the locals and the packed parking lot is testament to that. On this night, we had everyone in attendance. The Coffee Shop has tables and booths, both small and large. There is a large, round table in the far corner where we sat. This gave us plenty of elbow room. There is an extensive menu at The Coffee Shop. Everything from Burgers, Sandwiches, to dinner plates with Chicken Livers, Hamburger Steak, etc. We must have been in sync tonite as we all ordered Hamburger Steak with either onions, chili, or mushrooms. The sides everyone seemed to want was either Fried Okra, or Cornbread Salad.

FRIED CHICKEN LIVERS

The Cornbread Salad is a special dish here. I  make it at home, but mine does not have as much dressing in it. In other words, it is drier. The Fried Okra is of course frozen, but is OK. We ordered the Chicken Livers as a beginner, and they were OK also. Fried done for sure. How many folks out there prefer Chicken Livers vs. Chicken Gizzards? We had a lively discussion about our preferences.  Check in with us and give us your opinion.

HAMBURGER STEAK, CORNBREAD SALAD, FRIED OKRA

FRIED FISH, CORNBREAD SALAD, FRIED OKRA

HAMBURGER STEAK WITH CHILI, SLAW, FRIES

HAMBURGER STEAK, MASHED POTATOES, BEANS

HAMBURGER STEAK, BEANS, FRIED OKRA

We had a lively discussion tonite on a variety of topics. We had lots of laughs, giggles, and snorts. We stayed a very long time, but we were having so much fun, we engaged our waitress in our discussions too. It looks like it was Hamburger Steak night with us! How many ways can you have Hamburger Steak?

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We did find out some interesting information about The Coffee Shop tonite. Apparently it's haunted. According to the cashier and the waitress, there is an apparition in the restaurant that they have seen on occasion. They feel it is a man, and suspect it is a soldier.

SPECIALS

There is a large board behind the grill that spells out the specials, specialties, and local favorites. If you can't find something to eat here, then you just need to go home.

CASHIER

CASHIERS COOL SHOES

Small town diners are becoming a novelty like Drive In Theaters, Drive Ins, or other warm mementos of growing up in a time when folks knew their neighbors, went calling on Sunday's after church, and cooked casseroles for their ailing friends. There is a film devoted to small town diners (http://chicagofilmmakers.org/cf/content/american-diner). Check it out here. If  you love all things small town, then by all means, visit The Coffee Shop. Hang out awhile, meet some locals, and soak up some flavor of Sylva. And.. be sure to eat some good basic fare, and ask about the ghost. 

Robbie's Char Burger, Sylva, NC  - May 30, 2013

Robbie's is located in Sylva in the Quin Theater parking lot. It is a landmark in Sylva and is truly one place the locals frequent. Mostly men, and mostly those blue collar working men. They do love their Robbie's. Robbie's has been in Sylva for as long as I can remember.

GIANT HOTDOG WITH ONION RINGS

They  serve basic drive in diner fare. Hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings.... you get the picture. However, they do it very well. Their menu is extensive so there is something for everyone. The dining room is very little, so you are lucky if you get a seat. But don't let that stop you from putting Robbie's on your "go to " list. Go eat in your car if you have to. It will feel a bit like you are at a drive in.

CHILI CHEESE FRIES

We were all in attendance at Robbie's and took up one of their large tables. It was not too crowded when we got there, but it was steady  with folks  in and out all evening. You go to the window to order and they do bring your food to you. The folks taking the orders are not the most patient as they got work to do doubling as cooks. So, check out the menu carefully before you get up there so you can be ready to fire off  your order. They will get right to it. The orders all all "cooked to order" so the food is fresh, hot, and right off the grill.

FRIED PICKLES! YUM

We all tried to get something different so we could have a taste test. We did succumb to the Fried Pickles as they are one of mine, Greg's and Pam's favorite things. I will always be grateful and in debt to Pam for hooking my up on Fried Pickles. I had never tried them, and was always wary ( need I mention my food issues?). However, once I did.. I was hooked! I look for them now on menu's and compare when I find them. So far, Robbie's is near the top. I highly recommend you order them the next time you hit up Robbie's.

BBQ SANDWICH ALL THE WAY

I have to say, Robbie's food is good. It reminds me of the way Nabors food used to be, before they changed hands and their food. Robbie's is plain, do don't expect fancy digs. They serve their food on paper or Styrofoam ware, plastic utensils, paper napkins and paper cups. Just like you would expect in a diner. 

HOTDOG WITH TATER TOTS

 So, the next time you are in  Sylva, heading to a movie or just hanging with your buds, hit up Robbie's and chow down on some just down home good food.  And get the Fried Pickles. You'll be full and won't even want that overpriced, salty movie popcorn.

HOT FUDGE SUNDAE

Good eating! See  you all down the road 

May 23, 2013 - Colima's Mexican Restaurant, Sylva, NC

Colima's located in Quin Theater parking lot 

Well, as you can see, the blog has been neglected for a bit. What can I say? Summer and all that comes with it. This night everyone was gone except me, Lisa and Greg. We had a new supper member tonite, Jane Brown. It's always a nice change of pace when we have new faces around the table.

Chili Colorado with beans and rice

Jane is one hard working woman, and I'm glad she took time from her busy schedule to come eat supper with us. Her and Lisa were already in place and imbibing when Greg and I arrived. They probably deserved it. And who are we to deny them?

Enchiladas with beans and rice 

Colima's is located next to the Quin Theater in Sylva. It has been around for a number of years and was the first Mexican restaurant in the area. As the one and only, it enjoyed a long history of  popularity and attendance. BUT! that streak is no more. There are at least 4 Mexican restaurants in Sylva now. I have my favorite, I'm sure you have yours. The other three are the "same old, same old" that you find in every town in America. And you all KNOW my favorite! There is no comparison.

Fajitas 

In my opinion, Colima's used to be better than it is now. They do have a lunch buffet, which I don't think the others do. But it is nothing special and the food is often dried up, tasteless, or cold. The menu is large, but there is really nothing special about it either. You can probably guess what is on the menu, if you've been in any American town Mexican restaurant. And you would be right. The food is typical Tex Mex and not homemade or authentic. 

Sides with fajitas - beans and guacamole salad

It is typically hot and served promptly. The same family owns Colima's that opened the restaurant originally. So, if you like consistently, you will get it here. The wait staff is typically very pleasant, and will spend some time chatting with you if you are in the mood.

Chicken soup

 The meal we had tonite was really not memorable. We did have a good time catching up, chatting, and getting to know Jane a bit better. We spend a longer time there than necessary just because we enjoyed the evening and the company. Jane has such a  great sense of humor, she is a joy to be around.

Colima's is usually crowded and I do feel they get a large amount of their customers from movie goers. It's close and convenient to the theatre and if you want a quick bite before the movie, or have a limited time for lunch then you might want to give them a try. But, don't expect great food or anything different.

May 16, 2013 - Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company, Sapphire, NC 

The SMBC is located in Sapphire Valley just beyond Cashiers. It is at the Sapphire Golf Course, which I thought a little odd. You typically don't find brewing companies at Golf Courses. But, there it was.. hidden way back along a windy, branched off, long drive through the golf course and housing. Which, by the way, was not typical golf course housing either. It looked more like student apartments. Very un-chi chi.

The building, as you can see, is very unassuming, unpretentious (I was expecting very pretentious) and somewhat normal looking. It certainly doesn't scream money as most of Cashiers and Sapphire Valley does. SMBC is located in a one story long, ranch style building with some rock accents and very poorly done landscaping. Maybe folks been pouring their beers in the planters.. the plants were not helping the ambiance at all. You would think they would have better landscaping since they are located in Cashiers and at a country club.

Inside, the decor looked something like a cross between a Colorado ski lodge and a frat house. Not that I have ever been inside a frat house, but a look that I imagine when I think of frat house. Game room, t-shirts for sale, lit up "special" board, beer ad signs all around... maybe you get the picture. All set in among hide covered couches, bark board bar, rustic rough sawn tables and chairs, worn smooth plank floor. 

I, for one, was glad to see such a rustic interior. I have a fear of going anywhere near Cashiers to do business. I always think they are going to look me up and down and send me on my way like the poor relation I am. I don't know why I feel this way. My only experience is going to estate sales, yard sales and moving sales in the area. Its not often I can buy anything at them, as they are priced at retail level, which is too high for me to make any money on them. And, just let me say.. the stuff is really not any better than I would find in Asheville. I have never scored a great find in the Cashiers area. Now that I think of it, I don't know why I go.. maybe just the thrill of the hunt runs too deep in my blood. And, curiosity at how the other half lives. 

Inside dining area - note the bark sided bar on the right

It looked like a great place to just sit with your buds, have a brew and linger over some basic food. There were not many folks inside. The ones there were all older folks. Not really any young folks hanging out. Not sure what that was about. When Greg and I arrived, Lisa and Rosemary were already there. They picked a table way in the back of the room. Maybe they were trying to hide. There is also a nice patio outside that is available for dining. You can also sit at the bar if you wish or if the place is crowded. Once again, Pam was not with us. I can't remember where she was tonite. I always miss her when she doesn't come with us. 

Appetizer consisting of French Fries, Fried Mac and Cheese, and Fried Onion Straws.


Lisa and Rosemary had ordered an appetizer before we arrived ( we are always late.. it's always Greg's fault. LOL) so when we arrived, the appetizer was not long behind. The SMBC has a relaxed atmosphere with a very casual setting. There was a huge screen and small stage directly behind us, so not sure if they have music or entertainment on occasions. I would not have wanted to sit where we were if that was the case. We were so close, we would have been part of the entertainment. The appetizer was a trio selection. It consisted of Fries, Onion Straws, and Fried Mac and Cheese. I KNOW! Fried Mac and Cheese! Who would have thunk it?
The fries were OK.. the onions were OK, the Fried  Mac and Cheese was pretty good. Different....but still a frozen food. Although it was unusual, it was not homemade or unique to the SMBC. Also, it was all fried. Not a good thing for folks who are watching their weight or cholesterol. 

My salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing 

This salad was awesome!! The dressing was fantastic and made by the restaurant. There was a nice variety of items on the salad - onions, feta cheese, mixed greens, croutons, tomato.  Very fresh (not made that morning), filling and tasty. There is a choice in terms of salads if you order an item that comes with a side salad.

Garden Salad - look at those veggies! 

Lisa also had a side salad with her meal. This is one of the other choices. Garden salad - mixed greens, onions, cukes, tomato, carrots, pepperoncini. Nice.... any place that makes their salads fresh and with mixed greens has my vote. In this day and age, there is no reason to serve plain, old iceberg lettuce, which has no taste or nutritional value. So, hurrah to places that choose to serve mixed greens. 

Wood fired pizza with mushrooms, beef. 

The SMBC has a huge, extensive menu. If you can't find something to eat on it, then you are pickier than me. There are many appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees, pasta, chicken, steaks and wood fired pizza. Something for everyone. And, lets not forget the brewery.

Portobello mushroom sandwich with homemade chips

The wait after we ordered was pretty long, but we were not ignored. Our waitress kept us plied with drinks and kept checking on us. She did come and give us the status of our meals.

Monte Cristo with steamed veggies on the side

Everything we ordered was very fresh, tasty and filling. My pizza was fantastic. A nice size for one person (with left overs), not too much dough or too thin. Greg loved his Portobello sandwich. It looked great and he also enjoyed his homemade chips. I honestly don't think he took a breath while eating it. Rosemary ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich. I have never heard of that and she had to explain it to me. After the explanation, I was not inclined to order one. Apparently it is a ham sandwich which is deep fried and has raspberry sauce and powdered  sugar on top. I don't know about you.. but that sounds absolutely  nasty. However... to each his own. She enjoyed it and even had leftovers. It does look good though, huh? I like the name too.

Spaghetti with marinara sauce. 

Actually, she had leftovers because she was sick and had to leave the table. I hope it wasn't something I said! Just kidding. She was not feeling well and spent quite a bit of time in the restroom. We think she was just dehydrated and had low blood sugar. She had not eaten or drank anything that day. Lisa also was not feeling well. She had a bad headache. Probably from not drinking enough water during the day.

Side of grilled mushrooms

Lisa ordered the spaghetti and it came with two sides. I don't think she realized how much food was coming her way. She had the appetizer, the salad, the main meal of spaghetti and her two sides of grilled mushrooms, and steamed veggies. Too much food for three people, let alone one. Lisa was overwhelmed with the amount of food and had tons of leftovers.

Side of steamed veggies

We had a great time, in spite of Lisa and Rosemary not feeling well. We all enjoyed our food and agreed we would come back. The atmosphere was comfortable and even though we did have a small wait for our food, it was worth it.

The bar

The place is cozy and the patio is nice. I would like to sit out there and enjoy a drink and look at the view down the valley. While we were sitting there, the place sorts cleared out. We were there a long time, but that was in part due to the wait and then because it took Lisa and Rosemary a while to eat because they did not feel well. 

Doughnut hole with powdered sugar & chocolate

In spite of the huge amount of food we had for dinner, we wanted to check out the SMBC dessert selection. So, Lisa and Rosemary ordered the doughnut holes and Greg and I ordered a Raspberry filled Brownie. Both were nothing short of decadent and way too many calories. But! don't they look scrumptious? You know they do and you know you want a bite.....

Brownie with raspberry filling and drizzled chocolate

We had a great time and would definitely go back. We highly recommend the SMBC. Take some friends, go hang out, enjoy the view and have a great meal. And on your way out.. get you a t-shirt.
The drive is worth it. What a nice surprise in the midst of so much money. Simple, basic fare in a laid back, relaxed environment.

http://www.sapphiremountainbrewingcompany.com/index.html-

NEW HAPPY GARDEN, CHEROKEE, NC - MAY 9, 2013

Kinda makes you feel like you've walked right into down town China town, huh ? 

You can't miss this entrance

The NHG is located in Cherokee toward the park end of town, around Saunooke village. It has been in Cherokee for quite awhile and is very popular with locals. The same folks have owned it since it's opening and they are very nice folks.

I ordered off the menu. 

They have a buffet for lunch and dinner and it is very popular with working folks as they can get in and out very quickly. The food on the buffet is fresh, and does not sit for hours getting all dried out and gross. You know what I'm talking about. It is so fresh, that sometimes you have to wait for the pans to be refilled. But, when they are, you know the food is going to be hot and tasty.

Quite an extensive buffet

Tonite, we were missing Pam. I think she was off on one of her literary festivals, letting folks pick her creative brain and helping others become better writers. If you have not read one of her books, please do so. She is so funny and creative. She has three books out - "Plant Life," " The Big Beautiful." and "Moon Women." I have all three.. and no you can't borrow them. They are special to me as they are autographed. So.. sorry.. you'll have to go get your own. A good place to find them is at the City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, or maybe the Friend of the Library Stores in Bryson City and Sylva. You'll love them.. I promise.

Most items are the typical found in Chinese restaurants across the  country

So, there were only four of us on this night and I think we must have been tired or something. Some weird vibe was going on.. as we were all low key. The NHG was not busy when we got there, but as the night went on, the place filled up quickly. The restaurant is a smallish place, but cozy. We did see several folks we knew so "howdy's" were in order.

They did have Lemon Shrimp, which was really delicious!

The NGH is clean and has good food. There is a nice variety on the buffet with lots of veggies to pick from, a variety of soups and a salad bar. I am not a big fan of Chinese restaurants ( as you all know), but this is one of the best in the surrounding areas. For some reason, Chinese food kills my digestive track. I used to think it was the MSG, but I am just not sure. I do know I have an issue with the amount of sauce that is usually doused over the food.

Numerous items to pick from. Lots of veggies

While we were not lively this evening, we did linger over our supper. I think we all  got relaxed and just didn't want to move. I ordered off the menu just so I could see how quickly my order was served and how hot it was. My order did come in a timely fashion and was good. The others ordered off the buffet.

Good soup and several varieties

All three enjoyed their food and found many items that was to their liking. I feel comfortable saying this as they all went back for seconds. I made Greg get me some Lemon Shrimp off the buffet as it was really good. I think I could make a meal just from that. I don't remember seeing this particular dish on any other Chinese buffets, so that is a plus in my book.

Steamed rice, Fried, Rice, Lo Mein noodles

When we left, Greg was distracted by the giant carp in the fish tanks. They were huge and I wondered if they had enough room. The owner was happy to talk to us about his fish and he seemed quite proud of them.

Nice selection of salad items also

All in all we had an enjoyable evening with a good meal. We left full and happy.

And lets not forget the dessert selections

You like seafood?? We got seafood

Does this buffet ever end? 

These were not on the menu. ... maybe for the right price?