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Artemis Mediterranean Grill in Bee Cave, Texas

/ Roadtirementvintage / 3 Comments

It was definitely time for lunch, actually past time. We were in Bee Cave, Texas, a few miles due west of the center of Austin. Our map search “food near me” led us to the Artemis Mediterranean Grill. We are glad it did.

A lovely entrance to this establishment

Gotta have a Grecian Urn at a Greek Grill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked in and at the door we were told to sit wherever we wanted. A soon as we sat down our server Chloe came to our table to take our order, and answer questions about anything. I had a couple, and she explained what Falafel was (meatless, so no thanks) and if she liked the Greek Burger (1/2 lb house-ground lamb burger). She said she did.

Sher’s Artemis salad

Maj’s Greek Lamb Burger and fries

We both had the Mediterranean Mule

Sher went with the Artemis salad, complete with onions, walnuts, sliced pears, figs and other good stuff. My Greek Burger came with feta and caramelized onions with garlic-mint aioli. Oh, the Artemis seasoned fries with their special sauce were great as well, and deserved the “highly addictive” menu label.  The adjectives “delicious” and “filling”  did not do our meals justice.

Bar, TV’s, it doesn’t get any better

Well, maybe outside patio dining is better?

 

 

 

 

 

We had a delightful, relaxed and satisfying dining experience. Chloe went above and beyond in her attentiveness to our every need. The food was marvelous, served quickly and prepared perfectly. If you are anywhere in central Texas, do yourself a favor and head to Artemis Mediterranean Grill. This is the website. It has all you need to know. Oh, by the way,  you west coast folks will find another similar establishment at Lake Tahoe.

 

 

Chill’s on the Creek in Wimberley Texas

/ Roadtirementvintage / 4 Comments

Wimberley, Texas is a a small community in the Hill Country outside of Austin. Our son and his family suggested that we go to Wimberley for a day trip. While there, we found a delightful and unique restaurant known as Chill’s On The Creek.

Out side wall mural

Sign behind the stage

 

 

 

 

 

As we had a group of five, we were led to a table indoors. There was also plenty of outside seating too. Sher and I started with a frozen margarita. There seems to be something especially good about margaritas in Texas.

Fried fish and chili

Chicken fried chicken and loaded mashed

Veggie Tacos and salad

The menu at Chill’s has something for everyone. Our granddaughter had grilled cheese and fries. Our daughter-in-law ordered the chicken fried chicken and a salad. Our son had fried fish with a side of chili. Sher had veggie tacos and salad, and I went with the chicken fired chicken with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and gravy.

With Rebecca, center

Shelby, our bartender

 

 

 

 

 

Our meals were quite delicious. This place was hopping for sure, and we witnessed a lot of meals coming out of the kitchen. Our service was very good, Rebecca made sure we had everything we needed.  And like I mentioned, Shelby made a mean margarita! We both said we’d definitely come back for a return visit. I want to try the Brunch offerings! This is the Chill’s website.

Indiana claims more Carnegie libraries than any other state

/ Roadtirementvintage / 8 Comments

Famous 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated over 40 million dollars that was used to build over 1650 libraries in large and small towns across America. Indiana received a total of over $2.6 million from the Carnegie Corporation. A total of 164 library buildings were built in the Hoosier State from 1901 to 1922, more than any other state in the Union.

The original structure, the plaque structure in the center of steps was added later

Shelbyville’s Carnegie Library was constructed early in the building program and held its grand opening on June 2, 1902. It was like most all of the other structures, including massive columns over the front entrance and a large ceiling/roof dome. Of course they were made with Indiana limestone.

The dome of the original structure is visible, with later additions in the foreground.

Over the years the Shelbyville Library has had several additions and renovations. One addition more than doubled the size of the original library. Most recently an adjacent former furniture store was obtained and after remodeling it now houses the library’s Genealogy and History Departments, instruction rooms and computer labs. This library and branches are a valuable part of Shelbyville and Shelby County’s community.

Grain elevator turned restaurant

/ Roadtirementvintage / 7 Comments

The Depot grain elevator building was first built in 1906 adjacent to the Pennsylvania RR tracks about a block south of the National Road. Throughout the decades the site changed hands, sat empty, and was finally bought by a group of Greenfield business men in order to stop impending destruction.

Hand hewed beams used in remodeling

Old conveyor belt bins from the elevator

Bar made from section of old grain bin

The reconstruction of the exterior and interior repurposed as much of the original building as possible. Look around, you will see marvelous examples of early 1900’s architectural details including hand hewed beams, wood planking and material handling conveyors and screens.

Main bar and beverage station

Looking at the basement machinery

1940’s CO-OP sign

Outdoor patio seating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today The Depot is a full service family restaurant with an adjacent “bar seating” area. The menu is quite extensive, and offers many types of cuisine and drink options. In addition there is a second floor seating area and bar suitable for special events. There is, on the main floor, a glass floor observation deck exposing some original machinery in the basement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sher enjoyed the Vegetarian Flat Bread and I ordered the Philly Cheese Steak with a side of Tater Tots. Both were most delicious with farm fresh ingredients. The iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened was more tasty than most teas you find. All in all, this was a fun experience. The service was great, all the staff made you feel welcomed. The food and drinks were exceptional. The mantra of Food. Drinks. History. is perfect for the Depot.

Home town café

/ Roadtirementvintage / 10 Comments

You always hear that the local, non-chain eateries are the best. The Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana proves that theory is correct! Located a couple of blocks from the downtown square, this landmark is known for its all day breakfast and “the best breaded tenderloin” around.

Local history in photos

A sincere personal welcome

Bigger than your head!

You barely see the bun peeking out

Cut in half, still too big for the bun!

I had a wonderful lunch Friday. I met one of my sons there, and as a bonus he had my 2 year old grandson with him. A special treat for this PaPaw! I had wanted to visit the Chaperral for quite sometime as their breaded tenderloin has become legendary. (Breaded tenderloins are a Hoosier favorite!) Well, this sandwich absolutely exceeded my expectations. The tenderloin was just the right thickness, the breading was not overpowering and the “crunch” was perfect! I cut mine in half, ate part in the bun, the other with knife and fork. Gonna have to go back and try biscuits and gravy sometime soon!

Los Reyes Mexican restaurant

/ Roadtirementvintage / 6 Comments

On a day trip recently we stopped in Martinsville, Indiana for a bite to eat. We spotted Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant right on the downtown square. We lucked out and got a parking space right across from the restaurant. We appreciate it when we don’t have to walk very far! We enjoy Mexican cuisine, so we thought we’d give this place a try.

Entrance w/Court House across the street

Fancy sun dial

Colorful furnishings

 

 

 

 

 

Wall to wall decor

 

 

 

 

 

After the host escorted us to our table, it became apparent that this was going to be a treat for the eyes as well as the palate! We have been to a lot of Mexican restaurants, but this one had every square inch of the walls, tables, chairs and support columns completely covered with those colorful 3D raised decoration/pictures.

Good chips/salsa

Margarita!

Both our meals pictured

Sher ordered a vegetarian plate with enchilada, quesadilla and tostada served with frijoles. She also had a margarita. As I was driving, I had water with my beef chimichanga served up with frijoles and rice. We enjoyed the meal, served hot and of course we also enjoyed the chips and salsa. Seems as most Mexican restaurants have pretty much the same fare, but it still makes for a decent meal.

Chewbacca and Zorro

/ Roadtirementvintage / 12 Comments

These are our grand dogs living with our Columbus Ohio family.

Zorro looks dapper with his bowtie

Chewy loves laying on your feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chewy really looks like Chewbacca of Star Wars fame when his hair is grown out each winter. Zorro is a real sweetie and is convinced he’s a lapdog. “Hey, if Chewy can sit on your lap why can’t I?”