This, That, and The Other Thing

To celebrate this milestone, I am going to reminisce about my experience. My first trip on Route 66 was with my brother and my dog Charlie in 2015. We drove the first half – from the Santa Monica Pier to Tucumcari, New Mexico. No photos because I didn’t start blogging until 2016. This recap is really for my own pleasure but you are welcome to come along and share my memories.

Since we live in Southern California, we started at the end, which is the Santa Monica Pier. Highlights of the first half are as follows:

Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles is an icon. It was closed when we arrived there, and the manager wouldn’t let me in to take a picture until they opened for lunch. I tried to swipe a couple as I walked out. The Summit Inn was built in 1928 and we got what turned out to be a last look because it burned down on August 16, 2016. One of my favorite stops was the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs. It contains lots of memorabilia and souvenirs. Their buffalo burger was delicious, and they welcomed Charlie with hugs and treats. It’s in California, and I’m still telling myself that I am going back there to have another burger.

Oatman, Arizona is where burros run wild, and Charlie thought they were the biggest dogs he had ever seen. They all had a fine time smelling each other. Eagles’ fans know Winslow Arizona. We were standing on the corner, and maybe my brother had seven women on his mind. The monument there is quiet elaborate and a fun photo opportunity.

El Rancho Hotel/Motel in Gallup, New Mexico is like stepping into the old west. Built in the 1940s, it hosted many Hollywood celebrities of the day – Robert Mitchem, Willian Holden, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, and Lon Chaney, and many more. The Route 66 Diner in Albuquerque has an authentic 50s atmosphere and food.

Last stop on the first half of the trip was in Tucumcari. Their Route 66 sign is very contemporary and mounted on a concrete block in front of their convention center. The town looks as old as the road. There were lots of abandoned buildings and old rusted neon signs.

The last half of Route 66 took place in September of 2023 with my friend Debbie. She lives in New Mexico now so the perfect plan to continue on from there. (See Blog Post dated October 9, 2023).

Our first stop was Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas. It is exactly 1,139 miles from the Santa Monica Pier and 1,139 miles from Chicago. Lots of cars stopping to take photos. Their Outrageous BLT was the best I ever had and loaded with crispy bacon. Pies yummy!!

In Springfield Missouri, we walked a mile and a half on the Trail of Tears. That was a vey emotional experience. Munger Moss Motel was built in 1936. Their restaurant closed in the 1970s but the motel is still in operation to this day. I’ve seen the Gateway Arch in St. Louis many times in photos and on television, but to see it in person is mind boggling. It is huge, and there is a tram you can ride to the top. But with my acrophobia, I passed on that option.

The Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois is celebrating 100 years in business this year. It is a lovely upscale restaurant with white linen tablecloths and silver service. Now — Chicago at last!

The Willis (Sears) Tower has a glass-enclosed Skydeck with a gorgeous view of Chicago, the river, and beyond. $32 for the experience but worth it.

We had breakfast at Lou Michell’s at the end of the road (actually the beginning of Route 66). Of course, we couldn’t leave Chicago without going to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play. The Cubs won, and not one person cast aspersions at my Angel’s shirt.

The Other Thing – With no photos, I probably lost most of my readers by the end of this epistle. But, I enjoyed myself.

A beautiful day in Newport Beach – cold but lots of sunshine and blue water. It was a great place to meet my friend Kathy for lunch.

Malibu Farm has been in the Village for about 3 years, and is a perfect place for a casual meal with a great view. You can eat sitting out on the boardwalk or inside (which feels like outside). They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a full bar.

Our server delivered our hot beverages in a teapot to keep them warm – nice touch. Impossible burger with roasted potatoes for Kathy. Mustard-crusted chicken sandwich with broccoli mashed potatoes for me. Menu a little pricey, but you don’t mind when the food and service are good. That was the case today.

Down the street on Via Lido is a 4-story building with an attached 2-story. Very contemporary, lots of open office space and houses Blue Bottle Coffee. The importance of this building is that I worked there in the sixties when it was Newport Balboa Savings and Loan. The architect had preserved parts of the old building because of its historic significance to early life on Lido Isle. The receptionist took us on a brief tour to show us a mural of the old building and the original safe (in the area where I once worked).

We strolled down the boardwalk, listened to a little guitar music in the open area by Nobu. Lovely afternoon with a friend I hadn’t seen since Thanksgiving. It’s always good to catch up.

The Other Thing - New year’s resolution – Engage in more blog-worthy activities!

Bistro St. Germaine is a little bit of Paris is so many ways. We had a cozy table by the window looking out on people walking by. If they had been sipping coffee and munching on croissants, all the better.

The menu was so very French. What could be more French than beef bourguignon. We ordered the appetizer size because we already had our eyes on dessert. Add a little bubbly and some crusty bread, and we were pretty much in heaven.

Crepe Citron with fresh lemon juice, sugar and butter……..it was amazing how something so simple could taste so delicious. But it is bad form to lick the plate!

A new addition to Bistro St. Germaine is their Gourmet Market in a space adjoining the restaurant. It was like walking into another world filled with everything French – fine wines, champagnes, cheeses, biscuits, butters, chocolates, candies, honey and kitchen gadgets galore! We spent in here almost what we spent for lunch (not really, but that sounds good).

The Other Thing – I love food, and it is always fun to discover some place new to enjoy. Thanks Julie for suggesting Bistro St. Germaine.

I rode this route backwards – beginning in Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Pier and ending in Tucumcari, New Mexico in 2017. That was almost half way, but my brother and I were tired, so we stopped there. Halfway is actually in Adrian, Texas. My friend Debbie (who has moved to New Mexico) was the prefect choice to finish Route 66 with me – the best part being that she actually was excited to do this. She prepared a daily road agenda for us, and it was right on the button as to our historic stops on the way, and in which city we would spend the night.

If I explained every stop, this post would be a novel, so I am posting some pictures, and my followers can maybe look up anything that looks interesting to them. In Texas, there was Cadillac Ranch and the The Big Texan in Amarillo, Leaning Tower in Groom. The U-Drop In and Tower Service Station was in Shamrock where we stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express.

Second day in Oklahoma, Route 66 Museum, Milk Bottle Grocery, Pops (thousands of soda bottles in every flavor imaginable), Arcadia Round Barn. We ate at Rock Cafe in Stroud, where we spent the night. All these stops were actually on the old route 66.

On day 3, we took the Turner Turnpike from Stroud to Catoosa on 66. $2.50 per day. The Blue Whale, Totem Pole Park, Route 66 walkable sidewalk highway, Hole in the Wall Conoco Station in Commerce, (Mickey Mantle’s hometown). Highlight was the Cherokee Cultural and Welcome Center in Vinita, Oklahoma. Debbie’s great grandmother was half Cherokee, and the lovely Cherokee lady volunteers gave her info on tracing her roots.

Brush Creek Bridge in Galena, Kansas and the 66 Drive-In in Carthage Missouri. We spent the night in Carthage at Boots Court (our favorite sleep night stop). 50s decor, art deco bathroom. Dinner at Bam-Boo Garden.

The beginning of the fourth day was historically interesting and heartbreaking. We walked about 3/4 of a mile on the Trail of Tears in Springfield, Missouri. This part was about 133 miles from the end in Westville, Oklahoma.

Gillioz Theater in Springfield opened in 1926. Munger Moss Motel is still in operation in Lebanon, Missouri. Then Devils Elbow Bridge, Mural City in Cuba. Meramec Caverns (Jesse James hideout) was a no-no for my claustrophobia, but Debbie said it was awesome. Stayed overnight in Eureka.

Day 5 first stop was Ted Drewers Frozen Yogurt in St. Louis. It was closed – probably a good thing. The Gateway Arch is a landmark everyone recognizes.

Day 5 and we’re in Illinois. At the Chain of Rock Bridge in Granite City, we got a view of the Mississippi River. Then Weezy’s Route 66 Bar and Grill in Hamel for a patty melt and apple pie! Soulsby Service Station, Ariston Cafe (celebrating 100 years in 2024), Auburn Brick Road original Route 66, Cozy Dog Drive-In for the original corn dog (had to have one). Overnight in Springfield.

Day 6 and last stops before arriving in Chicago. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup in McLean was closed and internet said no sirup until March. As we were taking pictures, the owner came by and unlocked the door. He sold us all he had left – 4 3-0z jugs. Route 66 Memory Lane where we could walk the original road, Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum and Old Log Cabin Restaurant in Pontiac, Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad, and Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket for some fried chicken.

CHICAGO at last – the end (or to most, the beginning) of the road!! Three days of getting reacquainted with a city I had not seen since the 80s. The Magnificent Mile, Willis (Sears) Tower sky walk, breakfast at Lou MItchell’s, a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and ribeye with all the trimmings at Remington’s. The popular sculpture The Bean was fenced off due to some construction, but I managed to get a shot or 2.

The Other Thing – I guess it turned out to be a novel after all. Thank you Debbie for driving and being a great traveling companion — and the best sport!!

This is how we start our day with breakfast at Morning Glory in Little Italy. We go to Morning Glory and stand in line for a half hour to walk up the stairs to make a reservation. Then we go down the stairs and across the street to the Parakeet Cafe for coffee until we get paged (about one half hour later). Then we go back across the street and up the stairs again to be seated for breakfast.

Morning Glory is the coolest place ever – beginning with the sign on the window and the hilarious menu.

It was so worth the wait. There is everything on this menu that you could possibly want to eat. You have to read the entire 3-fold menu because it is very entertaining. The decision was so difficult that Kaitlynn and I ended up choosing something pretty simple. American Breakfast for me and Steak and Eggs for her (steak being waghu beef).

This was the first time I was charged the talked-about 4% service charge. It didn’t matter, though, because this dining experience was well worth it. Then, it was on to our art afternoon and a visit with our friend at the Sculpture’s Guild in Spanish Village.

I had forgotten just how large Balboa Park is and what attractions it holds. Silly me – I thought the Old Globe Theater would actually be open.

The Other Thing – The afternoon passed so quickly, but it is always a good day when I am spending time with my granddaughter.

This restaurant in South Coat Plaza is the newest venture by the owners of Terrace by Mix Mix. The atmosphere is contemporary, the ambience a little retro. The piped in music from the eighties, a bust of Elvis is on a shelf, and photos on the walls bring back some memories.

The lunch menu is small but intriguing with a few cultural references.

The menu was also a little pricey, so my foodie friend Sandy and I decided to share. After a glass of sparkling rose, we shared the “Ladies Who Lunch” chopped salad with radish, Persian cucumbers, snap peas, avocado, herbs, roasted chicken ,with buttermilk dressing. Then “Send Gnudis” – fromage blanc, brown butter, pistachio, coco beans, and mint coriander.

The “Onion Soup Toast” on the menu is described as – Comte cheese, potato bread, onion soup, crispy onions. That does not do it justice.

Our friendly and helpful server surprised us with a special “on the house” dessert. We never pass up dessert. A chocolate perfection aptly named “Chocolat”, it was chocolat cremeux, devil’s chocolate cake, cocoa nib tuile, salted creme fraiche, olive oil.

The Other Thing – expensive or not, this place is a keeper. We’ll be back to savor what other creations Chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nick Weber have up their crisp white sleeves.

My granddaughter and I are finally here, in the land of our ancestors. Our Charles Bridge Palace Hotel is in the heart of Old Town along the Vltava River. It was a short Walk to the Charles Bridge tower and a longer walk up 200 stone steps to :Lesser Town and Prague Castle and St. Vitas Cathedral.

Alfonse Mucha Museum (Czech art nouveau artist similar to Erte), Frank Gehrey’s “Dancing House”, my favorite door (my photo passion when traveling) and “Hanging Man” (some say that’s Sigmund Freud).

So many things to see – Astronomical Clock at Old Town Hall, Labrynth at Vysehrad, (Czech for upper castle) an historic fort on the east bank of the Vltava, the best cheeseburger EVER at Rio on castle grounds, Shakespeare in the Alchemy Museum (he was into it they say).

Have to talk about food. I was told by many that you don’t travel to the Czech Republic for the food. I beg to differ. Eating adventure was not our goal, but we found the food pretty good. Our first meal was a vegan dinner at Lehka Hlwa (Clean Head), delicious beverages at Super Tramp followed then many days of goulash soup, goulash with dumplings, Schnitzel, great breakfast buffets at our hotels (one even had an omelet bar). Cafe Savoy (in Petrin area above left bank of Vltava River) had hot chocolate to end all hot chocolate.

The Other Thing – The adventure has just begun. See “Part 2 – Bohemia” and “Final Stop – Vienna”. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I spent it with the love of my life!

Karlovy Vary (Czech for Carlsbad) is the sister city to Carlsbad, California. Our Hotel Romance was on the side of a hill – lots of those just getting to our hotel. Its a pretty little town. In our travels, we learned that this is a famous spa town. Inside the Mill Colonnade (see below) are several hot springs.

12th century Gothic Castle in Loket (about 22 miles from Karlovy Vary) was a real travel back in time.

On to Pilsen (Plzen) – our favorite breakfast coffee place Le Frenchie), a brewery tour and cold one. On to Stupno where we discovered where my grandparents were married 9-23-05, and my daddy was baptized in October of 1907 – the lot #90 where my grandparents probably lived, then Radnice where my grandmother was born, and then Pisek where my great grandfather was born. We didn’t know all the exact places, but it was wonderful just to be there in those towns.

Museum of Czech Folk Costumes in Ostrov was a special place for Kaitlynn to see, and it was a visual delight. The costumes were beautifully displayed, but being behind glass, it was difficult to get really good photos (at least with my phone).

Cesky Krumlov – No elevator at Hotel Grand, so they moved us to the first floor with a nice view of the town center (an example of a small Central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact). Monastery Museum of Interactive Exhibits, blacksmith shop and leather tanning worker.

In Kutna Hora was St. Barbara Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church located beneath the Cemetary Church of All Saints – part of the former Sedlec Abbey. About an hour and a half from Prague.

The Other Thing – Part1 Prague coming up in a day of two.

PART 3 – A little disappointed in Vienna as a city in that at first glance it looks like a huge open-air mall filled with high-end shops and restaurants. But after a subway ride from our hotel (and maybe a tram as well), we discover what the “old’ town has to offer. Belvedere Castle houses Vienna’s hometown native, Gustav Klimt’s original “The Kiss”. It is huge and magnificent. Up close it seems you can almost reach out and touch the gold leaf. Is that bullet-proof glass?

Of course, the Vienna Opera House is not to be missed. Every square inch is beautiful. “Madame Butterfly” was sold out on my birthday, but we had an amazing tour.

An unexpected treat was the State Hall of the Austrian National Library. This space is something you see in the movies but never in person – because you don’t think there is such a place!

Another surprise that my travel partner (granddaughter Kaitlynn) discovered online — a greenhouse like no other.

On my birthday, Kaitlynn treated me to Vienna’s national treat – sachertote at Sacher Cafe. It’s a yummy delight that almost puts you in a chocolate coma.

The Other Thing – My faithful followers know I couldn’t end a post without showing at least one photo of food. Stay tune for Part 2 Bohemia and Part 1 Prague.