Fried Chicken Po' Boy at Merichka's

Okay, here's one that I don't think is right on Route 66, but close to it.  And, here the fried chicken comes in a po' boy.

MERICHKA'S 604 Theodore Street, Crest Hill, Illinois.

In Crest Hill, near Joliet and a very popular local site.  They have been in business since 1933 and are known for their po' boys which also are made with chicken.  They are family-owned-and-operated and take great pride in using Chicago USDA and quality hand-cut meats, from the famed chicken to the freshly hand ground hamburger.

Merichka's is incredibly authentic and has an interior of the quintessential supper club, boasting dark rich paneling, red-checkered tablecloths and a generously-sized bar where you can order a libation or two before your meal.

Menu items include great steak and chops, as well as an extensive seafood selection.  And, then there is the fan-favorite Garlic Butterine that can be added to just about every item on the menu, enhancing the flavor of nearly any classic dish.

A 6 ounce Poor boy steak costs $13.95 and 6 ounce poor boy chicken $12.55.

Stop in and try some exciting fried chicken at this icon of Old Route 66.  They also have a neat old sign.

--RoadChicken

More White Fence Farm-- Part 2

White Fence Farm was built by multimillionaire coal executive Stuyvesant Peabody  in the 1920s so he could entertain his Chicago friends in a country setting.  The building has now grown to 11 dining rooms and can seat over 1,200 hungry chicken eaters at a time.

Kids of all ages will be entertained by the White Fence Farm's on-site petting zoo, as well as the restaurant's Car and Antique Museum.

Be sure to commemorate your fried chicken road trip by snapping a picture with the larger-than-life chicken mascot near the main doors.

A half chicken with all the afore mentioned goodies:  kidney bean salad, cole slaw, cottage cheese, pickled beets and corn fritters will set you back $21.58.  Fritters and relishes will be replenished on request.

--Gettin' Hungry.  --RoadDog

Fried Chicken at White Fence Farm on Route 66 in Illinois-- Part 1

WHITE FENCE FARM

1376 Joliet Road, Romeoville

When you see the giant water tower with the letters "WWF" on it, you'll know you're at one of the earliest and most famous dining establishments along Route 66.  They are celebrating their 65th year in business and is an actual farm.

They have been serving up, as they brag, "The World's Greatest Chicken" to several generations of hungry travelers.  Fried chicken fans from all over the country are drawn by their twice cooked process, which involves baking and then frying the chicken to produce that distinctly thin yet crispy crust.

In keeping with the  authentic  farm theme, every meal comes with a selection of sides that have become as famous as the chicken:  cole slaw, cottage cheese, bean salad, pickled beets and mashed, baked or French-fried potatoes.

--RoadChicken

Fried Chicken at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook

DELL RHEA'S CHICKEN BASKET

645 Joliet Road (I-55 & Route 83)

Willowbrook, Illinois

Fried chicken lovers have been going to this venerable spot since it first opened its doors to Route 66 travelers in the early 1940sThis restaurant is a part of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and has been serving its chicken, cocktails and farmhouse recipes in a traditional supper club setting for more than 60 years.

Originally it was founded as part of a gas station.

Today's fried chicken is made the same way as it was in the heyday of Route 66.  And, they have other home-style classics like corn fritters, baby back ribs, homemade mashed potatoes and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

It is a throw-back restaurant and located just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago.

You can find out why they boast:  "Get Your Chicks on Route 66."

They also have a daily lunch buffet for $17.99 (which, of course, includes that chicken stiff).

Salivating All the Way.  --RoadHungry

Eatin' Famous Fried Chicken on 66 in Illinois

From the Feb. 15, 2024, Northwest Herald "Famous Fried Chicken temps along Route 66" by Ryan Searl.

"Want a taste of real Americana on your Route 66 road trip?  This trio of fan-favorite dried chicken restaurants are must-stop destinations for foodies looking for a hot home-style meal.  

"As you travel along the Mother Road, you'll encounter some of the Midwest's most iconic eateries specializing in fried chicken, some of which have been serving up delicious golden-battered goodness for more that a half century.

"Be sure to start your journey hungry, you'll want to sample the food at each one of these time-tested locations."

Actually, it would be quite difficult to eat at each one as these three are all located near each other.  Liz and I ate at the first two places.

Wonder what their names are?  I'll be writing about them this week.

Greasy Fingers.  --Roadcheep

Garrett Morgan-- Part 2: Invented the Three Position Stoplight

From Wikipedia.

In 1923, after witnessing a horrible traffic accident at an intersection, he invented the traffic light that included a new signal that worked as a warning light besides just the traditional options of "go" or "stop."  We call it the yellow light today.

He acquired three patents for this invention in the United States, Great Britain and Canada.  

He eventually sold the rights to General Electric. for $40,000.

Thanks Mr. Morgan.  --RoadDog

Black History: Have You Ever Heard of Garrett Morgan?-- Part 1

I have been doing a lot of blog entries this month on Blacks in U.S. history in honor of Black History Month.  (From 2021)  For too long, their contributions have been overlooked and I am glad that is being addressed now.

From the Bowling Green (Kentucky) Daily News "Black History Month:  Garrett Morgan" by Ron Whitlock Sr.

Did you run a traffic light today or get mad because a bunch of them conspired against you to keep you waiting and waiting.  Well, you can than a Kentuckian for that privilege.  Just kidding because I'd be very afraid to drive if we didn't have those.

Kentuckian Garrett Morgan, a black man, received the patent for the stop light.  And that is very important to us old time roaders.

He was born in Harrison County in 1877 and Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. was  a black inventor.  His father, Sydney Morgan,  was the son and freed slave of Confederate  Col. John H. Morgan, known for the famed Morgan's Raid, the only Confederate attack on Ohio.

At age 14, he moved to Cincinnati looking for work.  There he got a job as a handyman and hired a tutor to continue his education.

--RoadDog

Illinois Grants $3.3 Million for Route 66!!

Always good news to hear something like this.  Route 66 in Illinois can always use anything that furthers its name with the people of Illinois.  It is to attract visitors to 66 and boost local tourism.

And, I am not a big Gov. Pritzker fan, but I can sure agree with him here.  As he said: "These investments will enhance the visitor experiences and build on existing attractions to ensure Illinois and Route 66 remain vibrant elements of American culture and tradition for many years to come."

Good News.  --Road66

Back Again After Being Back Again Earlier

Back in December, I was so happy to be posting again.  A buddy with technology knowledge came over and got me back on line after being off since May.  I was a happy lad, but then it went down again and I decided I needed a new pc for upstairs.

I somehow got the new one hooked up and working (and believe me I am still amazed).  I now am trying to remember how to get back on my blogs and two e-mails sites.  Those passwords and verification codes are driving me to go to a bar tonight.  

But, I finally have gotten to this four blog site and have posted to day to all eight blogs.  However, today's posts was the last time for one of them.  Now, I only have one e-mail site to get back and I'll be somewhat set for the most part.

Just Loving All This Technology Stuff.  --RoadDog