Vivian and Don went to Athens, Texas, to witness and applaud the “graduation ceremonies at Trinity Valley Community College” of Katie Themer (Weston’s wife) as she makes ready her professional move into the world of “cosmetology.” She has since also passed her State Licensing Exam, too.
After the ceremonies were complete and hugs and photos and congratulations were all said, Katie and Weston had pre-made plans, so that left Mom and Dad Themer with just each other and quite a bit of daylight left and a fair amount of hunger, since it was well past lunch time but not quite time for supper. So, where to eat became the next business at hand.
How did we decide? We thought, drove around and looked for interesting “places,” checked “on-line” ads, and almost decided to drive on back to Forney! But, with stomachs growling and not really wanting to return home so early, we took another look at the “on-line” ads for “local eating places” and found that Ole West BEAN & BURGER had great reviews and was considered a local favorite.
When we drove to the location to have a look, we decided it was in the converted building where years ago we several times had eaten at Mazzio’s Pizza (Corsicana Street)—so, with just a “tad” of trepidation, we entered the “restaurant” and scanned a place filled, literally, with folks from all walks of life, and maybe some from some “runnings.” As we walked past the salad bar, we were almost “hooked,” and were completely convinced when one of the waitresses greeted and talked to us just like at the old City Café in Forney. Her name was “BRI,” and she was one of those “instant friends” you sometimes meet!
After studying the menu quite diligently, Vivian opted for the “all-you-can-eat salad bar,” which included the additional “bean bar” and Blue Bell ice cream (serve yourself) for just one total (not very expensive) price—and you should see what all was available!
I, being quite an “eater” in my younger days and still pretty good at “getting my money’s worth,” chose the “fish and shrimp platter,” which included the salad and bean bar and maybe the ice cream. We never were quite clear on that, but by the time I had cleaned all my plates and drunk my soda drinks/ refills, I would have had to “waddle” over to the ice cream stand anyway!
And, the waitress did not hover, but she was attentive to our refills and extra napkins and other needs. We also decided that this was really a local favorite, as all the staff regularly called by name about half the people who walked in and “made themselves at home!”
When we left, the waitresses grinned and said to “come back,” and we vowed to go back, even if it meant driving all the way there, and even if there were no special occasions! They gave us a menu to take home with us, and I have put it onto/into the pile of notes and papers that my wife likes for me to keep on the dining room table near the computer station!
We want to try the appetizer combo plate, the “handmade burgers—¼ or ½ pounders with much fixin’s,” the stuffed potato supreme (onepounder with all the works), several sandwiches (come with bean bar free), and the pork chops and country fried steak (salad bar and choice of potato). We probably will need to return more than once to try all these! Maybe we will see you there!
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