Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program

The Cozy Dog Drive-In, a fixture along Route 66 in Springfield, Ill., for six decades, soon will host a camera crew from the Food Channel to show how the restaurant's cozy dogs are prepared, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register in a story about tourism in the city. According to the newspaper, filming will take place on … Continue reading Cozy Dog will be subject of Food Network program

Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary

https://youtu.be/6xFn2iktFiw The historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, Calif., is marking its 75th anniversary with a blues and jazz concert Saturday and another celebration in September, reported The Press-Enterprise newspaper. The key to its longevity has been the family atmosphere and a menu that is largely the same as when Lucia Rodriquez started the restaurant, … Continue reading Mitla Cafe marking 75th anniversary

Route 66 News, catch-up edition

I've been out of town for about 10 days traveling Route 66 and more. Here are the stories from the Mother Road that broke while I was away ... --- The biggest news was the announcement that the historic Aztec Hotel in Monrovia, Calif., would undergo extensive renovations with its new owners, reported the Monrovia … Continue reading Route 66 News, catch-up edition

Monroe’s Diner reopens as a Cajun restaurant

The old Monroe's Diner building, a landmark on Route 66 in Pacific, Mo., that was shuttered for years, recently reopened as the Down South Cafe. Monroe's is known for its stone facade, attached to a Quonset hut structure (photo here). It was built in the 1940s, and closed a few years ago. Its location is … Continue reading Monroe’s Diner reopens as a Cajun restaurant

A visit to the Mitla Cafe

Taco Maven and a few of her pals spent Cinco de Mayo last weekend dining at the historic Mitla Cafe in San Bernardino, Calif., located right off Route 66. https://vimeo.com/41674695 The Mitla has receive a lot of attention lately, thanks to the recently published book "Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America." The Mitla was … Continue reading A visit to the Mitla Cafe

Super smoked

Here's a television commercial about Super Smokers BBQ, located along Route 66 in Eureka, Mo. https://youtu.be/RJq_d9R-OBc I'm glad to see Super Smokers still going in some fashion in the St. Louis area. Some years ago, Super Smokers boasted several restaurants -- including a booth at the stadium where the St. Louis Rams played -- in … Continue reading Super smoked

Mount Olive restaurant adds a big challenge to its menu

The historic Crossroads Diner, on a newer alignment of Route 66 in Mount Olive, Ill., is offering the Crossroads Burger challenge to prospective competitive eaters, starting today. The Crossroads Burger challenge consists of a 60-ounce burger and fries. If you eat everything in an hour, you get it all for free and win a T-shirt. If … Continue reading Mount Olive restaurant adds a big challenge to its menu

Microbrewery coming to Staunton

The East Wind Brewing Co. is establishing a microbrewery on Route 66 in Staunton, Ill., reported the Riverfront Times in St. Louis. The newspaper talked to owners Eric and Keva Lee. A few excerpts from the article: We will be producing roughly 100 gallons per batch. This allows us to get creative with our beers. … Continue reading Microbrewery coming to Staunton

What will become of Ernie Edwards’ secret sauce?

Ernie Edwards, the longtime proprietor of the Pig Hip Restaurant along Route 66 in Broadwell, Ill., had long claimed that the sauce he used for his Pig Hip ham sandwiches would go with him to the grave. With Edwards' death last week, that appeared to be the case. Or does it? Phil Luciano, a columnist … Continue reading What will become of Ernie Edwards’ secret sauce?

Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food

The Mitla Cafe, marking its 75th anniversary on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif., played a crucial role in the rise of Mexican cuisine in the United States and the Taco Bell restaurant chain, according to a new book by Gustavo Arellano. Arellano's book is titled "Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America." It will … Continue reading Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food