Down Da 66-- Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Goes to Route 66

Yesterday, while visiting friends at the local American Legion, I noticed one TV on the Food Channel that kept showing Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives." Turns out, it was a marathon.

I've been meaning to watch his show since I was in Springfield for the Route 66 Festival back in September. He was filming a bit on one of our favorite places to eat in town, Charlie Parker's. It will show sometime in January or February.

Went home and watched it. One episode featured Clanton's in Venita, Oklahoma. We ate there after seeing that great "Eat" sign outside, but DID NOT eat one of their specialties, their calf fries after learning what they were. The restaurant dates back to 1927, but the present building was built in 1999 after the original burned down. Great food here.

Then, Fieri did a whole thirty minute episode on Route 66 eateries. Happy to report that we had eaten at every one of them. He started in Victorville, Ca, at Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe dating to the 1940s. I had that great Brian Burger, one of the best burgers I've ever eaten.

Then, on to Stroud, Oklahoma, for a meal at the Rock Cafe (1939). He talked a lot with the owner Dawn Welch, who was the inspiration for Sally the Porsche in the movie "Cars."

Last stop was at a place we ended up at by accident, the Cafe on the Route in Baxter Springs, Kansas (1998). It is in the building where a bank was robbed by Jesse James and Cole Younger in 1876. We had originally wanted to eat at Bill Murphey's place across the street, but it was closed. This was one of the best meals we've ever had and prepared by an executive chef. I doubt that we will ever get around to eating at Murphey's now, as we're going to the Cafe.

Looks like I will be making an effort to watch Fieri's show from now on.

Sure Made Me Hungry. --RoadDog