Andy's Country Kitchen: Corpus Christi

On this raining Sunday morning, I decided to try out Andy’s Country Kitchen.  Reading up on it, it has a sweet history spanning over 50 years.  The restaurant is known for their motorized train that runs above the diner counter not to mention their famous muffins that they serve.

It is packed this morning, so I take my place at the counter below the train.  I’m amazed at the fast pace of this diner- churning orders out without hesitation and with pure ease.  The famous muffins arrive- they look like blueberry with streusel on top.  They are warm, and in a matter of minutes, they disappear.

Today, I decide on the French Toast on recommendation of my waiter.  Two pieces of plain white bread dipped in an egg wash arrive with powder sugar gracing it.  A side of thick sliced bacon accompanied the lack luster French toast.  The bacon was sweet, and it could have used more cooking and a paper towel to wipe off some of the grease- I didn’t care for it.  Although the appearance missed the mark, the French Toast was quite tasty, and it took me back to the days when my mom used to make it for me.

Overall, Andy’s Country Kitchen is a nice local place.  The food is pretty good, but not the best.  It is a place where you can sit next to the locals and strike up a conversation.  The coffee is constantly flowing and you never have to worry about an empty cup.  If you want comfort food with a smile, then this is the place to be.

Andy’s Kitchen

5802 S Staples

Corpus Christi, TX  78413

361/993-0251

www.andyskitchen.com

Walton's Fancy and Staple: Austin

Have you ever been to one of those places where you walk in and feel at home?  Walton’s is one of those places.  It is the sister restaurant to Bess Bistro.  Walton’s has a Parisian air about- whether it is the quaint bistro tables, the fresh flowers from the in house florist, or the fresh baked breads and croissants- not to mention the cupcakes, cookies, and other tasty morsels.

I have been to Walton’s a few times.  This morning, I tried a moist blueberry muffin with a streusel top.  It was quite good and filled with some of the freshest and biggest blueberries that I have ever seen.  My counter part tried the white cheddar ham croissant, and said, “It was out of this world.”

In addition, I got a strawberry Danish, a chocolate chunk cookie, and a carrot cupcake.  Everything has not disappointed.  On previous visits, I have tried the Tiramisu Cupcake that was quite moist and surprising with an Italian Cream center.  The cinnamon bun is to die for.  It is pure bliss with just enough sugar- definitely worth a try. 

Walton’s is open for breakfast and lunch.  Their lunch menu consists of salads, soups, and sandwiches.  Thursday and Friday nights they are open until 8.  Walton’s has created a loyal follower.  Definitely stop on by, I promise you will want to linger.

Walton’s Fancy and Staple

609 East 6^th Street

Austin, Texas 78701

512/542-3380

http://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/

Hester's Cafe: Corpus Christi

Every once in awhile you find a place, and it just feels like home.  In Corpus, that place is Hester's Cafe.  Park on the backside and next to the Blue Frog Emporium, enter Corpus Christi's coolest, funky little cafe.  I have come for breakfast on another dreary morning, but once inside Hester's, it is pure sunshine.  The atmosphere is bright and cheery.  The staff is super nice and patient.  The place is packed like a local neighborhood joint.

When you don't eat eggs, breakfast is sometimes a challenge.  Today, I order the Blueberry Belgian Waffles with fresh roasted coffee poured into a really large coffee mug just like at home.

These waffles ROCK!  They were so yummy.  Served with fresh fruit, these super light, fluffy, and filled with FRESH blueberries made this little girl very happy.  My only complaint is that a place Hester's should have REAL whipped butter not little packets from Land of Lakes!  But, I will let them slide since I have found a great new place!

If you have a chance, make sure you go to Hester's Cafe.  The food is yummy.  The coffee is large.  And, it will put a smile on your face!  I could have hung out all day here- it's just one of those kind of places!  Don't miss it!

Hester's Cafe
361/885-0558
1710 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
www.hesterscafe.com

The Home Cafe at Bronco Billy's Casino: Cripple Creek, CO

View of Cripple Creek

OK, the guys managed to throw me off of “The Plan.”  When they heard about the $0.49 breakfast at the Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino, democracy ruled, and our plans changed.

First of all, the Home Café is a no frills place- just like a truck stop diner.  At least Colorado has implemented a smoke free environment in their Casinos.  The Home Café sits in the back of the Casino.  And, it is true; you can get full breakfast with eggs, pancakes, biscuits, and gravy for just $0.49.  If you really want to splurge, you can get the steak and eggs for just $2.99.

OK, service is just fair.  The coffee tasted like a dirty ashtray, and that’s scary because I like truck stop coffee.  I wasn’t happy about being here because the thought of a $0.49 breakfast just turned my stomach.  I ordered Pancakes that were recommended over the Texas Style French Toast since they are homemade. 

Drum rolls please…….these pancakes were some of the best pancakes that I have ever had.  The two pancakes were so light and fluffy.  I usually eat just a few bites of my pancakes, but today, I ate all of them.  They were super good, and the best part is that they were ONLY $0.49. 

In fact, our table of five ate for under $10- how can you beat that?  If you are in Cripple Creek, and you are craving pancakes or a really cheap breakfast, try the Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino.  You can’t be disappointed.  And, if you are, stop your whining!  You just spent less than a $1!

The Home Café at Bronco Billy’s Casino

Cripple Creek, Colorado

www.broncobillyscasino.com

King's Chef Diner: Colorado Springs, CO

Located on the corner of Nevada and Bijou, this location of King’s Chef Diner could be easy to pass up, but DON’T!  On this Saturday morning, we walk in to find the place packed, so we take our seats at the counter- the best place in the diner.  Here you can watch the magic in the kitchen, and trust me, you will be amazed and fascinated.

Thanks to those PCBC Streamliners, coffee is definitely in order on this cool crisp morning.  Sitting at the counter, we are just in awe of the food that is coming out.  No wonder why the Food Network Magazine named them the “Tastiest Breakfast in Colorado!”  This morning, I opt for the MINI breakfast burrito with potatoes, cheese, sausage, and green chili salsa! 

Oh my, these counter seats provide so much entertainment.  The guys behind it keep you laughing with their off kiltered wit and grief to the locals.  I don’t think I would be calling that hunk of a muscle next to us “Princess-” especially since he is from Texas too! 

Anyways, the burrito comes out and the MINI is HUGE.  The green chili salsa rocks, and I am definitely taking some of it home with me.  It is available online too!  This is just what the doctor ordered!

If you find yourself in Colorado Springs, take a seat at the counter at King’s Chef Diner.  Breakfast and lunch are served all day at their two locations. I really want to come back for a burger because they looked awesome.  I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.

King’s Chef Diner

131 E Bijou Street                                      OR                                                   110 E  Castilla Street

Colorado Springs, CO 80903                                                                Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719/636-5010                                                                                                              719/634-9135

                                                    www.kingschefdiner.com

Funky Art Cafe: Brenham

Funky Art Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat in Brenham.  It sits in back of The Pomegranate shop.  It has a seasonal menu.  It is just funky, and in a good way.

Today we started with a Curried Chicken Artichoke Spread.  The spread was actually a non-event. The curry was overwhelming for someone who likes curry, the artichokes were non-existent just like the almonds that were supposed to be on top it.  The Pita triangles were cold, and they should have been toasted.  This Spread just sounded better than it tasted, and it should be passed on.

This was true for the Texas Wildflower tea.  The tea was pale yellow that looked more like lemonade than ice tea.  And, it tasted more like water than tea.  Skip it if its offered. 

My sister decided to have the Tri-Salad Plate: pimento cheese salad, fruit salad, and FAC chicken salad.  The fruit and lettuce looked old and unappealing.  The pimento cheese was dry.  She said overall, it was just mediocre.

I had the Sound of Music Salad.  Two pieces of baked goat cheese placed on top of mixed greens with dried cranberries, purple onion, and toasted walnuts.  This salad is served with their Black Forest Maple Vinaigrette.  Though my lettuce seemed old, the maple vinaigrette rocked just like the goat cheese. 

I know we all have off days, and I hope this is true with the Funky Art Cafe.  I will give it another try in the future since I have had many more good lunches than today's lunch. 

Funky Art Cafe
979-836-5220
202 W Commerce St
Brenham, TX 77833
www.funkyartcafe.com

Moose Market: Longview, Texas

It was a dreary Monday morning when I drove past Moose Market.  I made a quick U-Turn, and decided to give it a try.  I found it peculiar that there was a trash dumpster in the middle of their driveway.  Was this a sign?  Plus, it looked like the place wasn’t open, and my elderly eyes couldn’t read the hours of operation.  I entered to find a dimly lit place that I didn’t know if it wanted to be open for breakfast or not.  I finally yelled for help.

A very nice woman entered and began accommodating my wishes.  Breakfast is VERY limited.  Today, it was a choice of Quiche or Biscuits and Gravy.  I chose the blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee.  Just to get my order to the $5 minimum for a credit card, I got a piece of Moose Cake to go. 

They didn’t even have coffee made, so she made a fresh pot for me.  The blueberry muffins were placed into the microwave in a Styrofoam container to warm them.  It became very obvious that lunch was the meal to come here for- specializing in comfort food from chicken and dumplings to tortilla soup.

The blueberry muffins were just average.  They tasted like they were made from the Duncan Hines muffin mix.  And, to know that they were nuked in the Styrofoam container topped it off.  I couldn't even bear to picture the blueberry muffins.

The Moose cake is a chocolate cake with layers of pecans, toasted coconut, and marshmallow cream- I think that’s what it was.  It was similar to an Upside Down German Chocolate Cake.  The cake was moist, but it was not sweet- more along the lines of a bittersweet style.  I wasn’t overly impressed with the creation.

I think the real gem to Moose Market is their lunch.  They should just skip breakfast because it was a total non-event.  Their lunch menu featured wraps, soups, salads,  and other daily comfort food specials.  If you go to Moose Market, just make it for lunch because breakfast will disappoint you.

Moose Market

1403 Clearwood -@ Gilmer Road (Hwy 300)
Longview, TX 75604

(903) 753-8300