Summerside Vineyards and Winery, right on Route 66 in Vinita, Okla., won the coveted Double Gold award at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York earlier this month, reports the High Plains Journal. Summerside's big winner was its cream sherry. "We've always known this was a special wine," said Marsha Butler, Summerside Vineyards … Continue reading Route 66 winery wins top award
Category: Food
POPS will launch soda-buying kiosk on Tuesday
In case the 500 or so brands of soft drinks in the coolers at POPS in Arcadia, Oka., aren't enough, the Route 66 business is set to launch a kiosk that will allow customers to ship 700 brands of soda anywhere nationwide. The ceremonial first order will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday by Oklahoma first … Continue reading POPS will launch soda-buying kiosk on Tuesday
Wine country
No, I'm not talking about California. I'm talking about the Missouri Ozarks. And Appellation America has a nice rundown about its wineries, including those along the Mother Road: Historic Route 66 runs through the area, and much of the appellation seems unchanged from the highway’s heyday. The famous Wagon Wheel Motel and Finn’s Motel (“Vacancy!” … Continue reading Wine country
A taste of summer
Here's a video tribute to a Route 66 legend in St. Louis -- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. It's the best place for frozen treats on the Mother Road, and maybe anywhere. Music is "The Sweetest Thing" by U2.
La Posada chef will publish a cookbook
John Sharpe, chef and owner of the Turquoise Room restaurant housed in La Posada in Winslow, Ariz., announced Monday that he will be publishing a cookbook in October. According to the news release: The book will be available exclusively through the restaurant or on our website. This book will be more than a cookbook. The … Continue reading La Posada chef will publish a cookbook
Big Texan’s 72-ounce speed record is broken
For 21 years, former big-league pitcher Frank Pastore held the speed record for finishing the Big Texan Steak Ranch's 72-ounce steak meal in an eye-popping (and stomach-churning) time of 9 1/2 minutes. On Monday, his record was broken. By a professional eater, no less. Those unfamiliar with the 72-Ounce Challenge think you have to eat … Continue reading Big Texan’s 72-ounce speed record is broken
The no-name brand behind POPS burgers
The Daily Oklahoman has a fascinating article about NoName Ranch in Wynnewood, Okla., which supplies beef to a number of Oklahoma City-area restaurants, including POPS on Route 66 in Arcadia. Bruce and June Buechner own NoName Ranch (yes, that's its name). They raise Pinzgauer cattle from Austria, and they raise them organically. That means no … Continue reading The no-name brand behind POPS burgers
The story behind Ugly Crust Pies
The Midland (Texas) Reporter-Telegram explains how the world-famous Ugly Crust Pies at the Midpoint Cafe on Route 66 in Adrian, Texas, got their name. The newspaper went straight to the source -- pie baker Jo Anne Harwell: "My grandmother could make a crust that was absolutely a piece of art. Mine are definitely not of … Continue reading The story behind Ugly Crust Pies
Buy a candy bar, help preserve Cuba’s murals
A new business, Route 66 Fudge Shop in Cuba, Mo., has just introduced a new line of candy bars that will help maintain that town's picturesque murals. A signature line of Route 66 candy bars (see above) sell for $2 apiece and come in 12 flavors: Rocky Road, Viva Cuba Mural City Bar, Cruisin' Nut … Continue reading Buy a candy bar, help preserve Cuba’s murals
Booming business for Missouri winery
Tucked into this business story from The Missourian about the St. James Winery in St. James, Mo., are startling facts about its growth: Distributed in only five states four years ago, St. James Winery vintages may now be found in 14 states with further expansion efforts for 2008 in place. With over 2,700-plus awards to … Continue reading Booming business for Missouri winery