The unobvious food memories
#1
Posted 16 January 2007 - 11:16 PM
Also, this isn't meant to be a listing of GREAT food, just GREAT food memories and the year(s) you enjoyed them.
Some of mine from the 1970's-80
The Chocolate Butter Spritz Cookies made at any of the old Buddies (and what ever other name they have used).
A little cafe on Jacksboro Highway just west of the river, made the BEST Apple Pie using cream to help cook the apples.
A bakery, I think on Vickery that made Meringue shells for tarts. My mom used to make meringue shells, but the closest I ever got was buying them from this bakery.
A German resturant very near the Weatherford traffic circle.
And I have to mention, a little hamburger stand in downtown Dallas somewhere in the area of Commerce and Akard? I think it may have been west of where the Baker Hotel used to be. It was a little hole in the wall stand, un-airconditioned with VERY minimum seating. People would call in their order and walk to pick it up, never expecting to sit down and eat there. This shop probably had a great deal to adding to my cholestrol levels.
#2
Posted 17 January 2007 - 03:33 PM
#3
Posted 17 January 2007 - 05:03 PM
I like this topic! I remember a German restaurant on Jacksboro Hwy just outside of downtown called the Heidelberg Hof, they had really good authentic German food, which at the time was a real rarity in Ft. Worth. I also remember getting cherry cokes at Carlsons on University and the Merry-Go_Round drive in on W. Berry
This great. But would you mind putting the year or decade? I lived in the Fort Worth area for almost 10 70s-80s years and never knew of the Merry-Go_Round Drive In, or cherry cokes at Carlsons. I want to be able to figure out if it is something I missed because I didn't get to Fort Worth quick enough, or if I missed it because I was oblivious.
Thanks,
GenE
#4
Posted 17 January 2007 - 05:40 PM
#5
Posted 17 January 2007 - 07:46 PM
I like this topic! I remember a German restaurant on Jacksboro Hwy just outside of downtown called the Heidelberg Hof, they had really good authentic German food, which at the time was a real rarity in Ft. Worth. I also remember getting cherry cokes at Carlsons on University and the Merry-Go_Round drive in on W. Berry
This great. But would you mind putting the year or decade? I lived in the Fort Worth area for almost 10 70s-80s years and never knew of the Merry-Go_Round Drive In, or cherry cokes at Carlsons. I want to be able to figure out if it is something I missed because I didn't get to Fort Worth quick enough, or if I missed it because I was oblivious.
Thanks,
GenE
The Merry Go Round was located on the south side of W. Berry just about three blocks from University and was opened about 1957. They had great hamburgers and were about the first drive in to have Icee's. I went there about every night just for the Icee's. It was part of the Chuck Wagon chain and later was purchased by the Mr. Beef chain. I worked at the Chuck Wagon as a lad at 1716 W. Berry. It was shaped like a wagon with a tarp roof. I remember one year someone came by after closing and set the tarp on fire. When I came in the next morning it looked like the Indians had been there.
Carlson's was a drive in on University just past the Trinity River. They had great frosty root beers. It was also built in the middle 50's.
#7
Posted 17 January 2007 - 08:08 PM
I know it was there in 1972, don't know exactly when it closed.
GenE
#8
Posted 17 January 2007 - 08:24 PM
#9
Posted 18 January 2007 - 02:29 AM
#10
Posted 18 January 2007 - 08:14 AM
The ice cream parlor was O'Leary's.
That place, as well as the 1849 Village, was soooo cool in it's time. And what a nice theater the Opera House was; one of the first with plush, rocking seats. Went there to see Earthquake with surround sound; paid some ungodly amount for tix $4 or some such at the time. Was really sorry to see it all go.
#11
Posted 18 January 2007 - 08:18 AM
I like this topic! I remember a German restaurant on Jacksboro Hwy just outside of downtown called the Heidelberg Hof, they had really good authentic German food, which at the time was a real rarity in Ft. Worth. I also remember getting cherry cokes at Carlsons on University and the Merry-Go_Round drive in on W. Berry
This great. But would you mind putting the year or decade? I lived in the Fort Worth area for almost 10 70s-80s years and never knew of the Merry-Go_Round Drive In, or cherry cokes at Carlsons. I want to be able to figure out if it is something I missed because I didn't get to Fort Worth quick enough, or if I missed it because I was oblivious.
Thanks,
GenE
The Merry Go Round was located on the south side of W. Berry just about three blocks from University and was opened about 1957. They had great hamburgers and were about the first drive in to have Icee's. I went there about every night just for the Icee's. It was part of the Chuck Wagon chain and later was purchased by the Mr. Beef chain. I worked at the Chuck Wagon as a lad at 1716 W. Berry. It was shaped like a wagon with a tarp roof. I remember one year someone came by after closing and set the tarp on fire. When I came in the next morning it looked like the Indians had been there.
Carlson's was a drive in on University just past the Trinity River. They had great frosty root beers. It was also built in the middle 50's.
I know these were the major places for PHS kids to hang. Especially Carlson's. And when the Heights kids showed up, things happened. Unfortunately, while they were both still around when I was going to Paschal, they were well past all of that. Carlson's tore down the drive in and made a real restaurant, that only lasted a short time. Merry-Go-Round was torn down for a Domino's. But the stories I heard - again, especially from the 1960s alum at PHS.
#12
Posted 18 January 2007 - 09:04 AM
#13
Posted 18 January 2007 - 09:59 AM
Austin's(I believe thats the full name) a BBQ joint in Oak Cliff on Illinois in the 80's.
And Arlington Steakhouse in Arlington since the 80's and just a couple of weeks ago.The best Chicken Fried Steak anywhere.
#14 guest
Posted 18 January 2007 - 03:33 PM
#15
Posted 18 January 2007 - 11:57 PM
The London House -- On Camp Bowie between Clover Lane and Hulen, IIRC.
Papa's Pizza (yes, Papa's) on Highway 80 near Tandy Leather
Swensen's -- next to the Ridglea Theater (yeah, a chain, but still...)
Under the Tower, back when the Arlington Heights water tower was still there
Hell, I miss the early days of the Black Eyed Pea where Lucile's is now, before Gene Street sold it and the food quality plummeted.
#16
Posted 19 January 2007 - 08:16 AM
Swenson's was good, especially after losing O'Leary's.
And Blossom's on Camp Bowie across from the Carriage House, very yummy.
And Mr. Beef!
#17
Posted 04 February 2007 - 08:53 PM
I want to hear of your food memories...this is not the obvious places/things that have been mentioned in other threads (like the mexican resturant downtown that has been demolished, nor the Hardies mentioned elswhere earlier today).
Also, this isn't meant to be a listing of GREAT food, just GREAT food memories and the year(s) you enjoyed them.
Some of mine from the 1970's-80
edited.
A little cafe on Jacksboro Highway just west of the river, made the BEST Apple Pie using cream to help cook the apples.
A German resturant very near the Weatherford traffic circle.
In Fort Worth on Saturday. I may have passed Atomic Glee (sp) if I had known what (Fedora) to look for. Man it was cold on the main street corridor.
Found the cafe on Jacksboro Hwy just west of the West Fork of the Trinity. Didn't slow down to get the name, but it sure looks like it could be the same place.
My sister and I drove on out Jacksboro to ride around the lake past the old Casino Beach area. She has lived in Dallas and spent a lot of time in Fort Worth since the late 60's and had never driven around Lake Worth. She has degrees in clothing design and interior design so was facinated in the old lake homes (especially the ones that are near on to being shanty's). Found and showed her the castle all fenced off with signage saying there was video surveilance. Shame to see so many of the windows borded up. Will someone update me on the recent history of the castle? I think there used to be some speculation that it might have been a speakeasy in the '20's?
Took a picture on Las Vegas trail of a barbecue joint. Still had furniture inside as if it was only closed for the winter. Any knowledge of this? When I upload the pic, I will try and post it.
Finally, we went to the german resturant for supper.
It was a nice stroll down memory lane.
GenE
#18
Posted 04 February 2007 - 10:34 PM
I still think Mama's has some of the best pizza in the world.
I was downtown Saturday night and was pleased to see that Picchi Pacchi on Main Street is still in business.
A restaurant becomes a local icon if it can make a go of 10+ years. How about Cattlemen's on N. Main. I think it still retains its 1960s interior.
To out of town guests I always recommend Pulido's Mexican restaurant, over by the UP railyard.
Unfortunately, my memories of Fort Worth only go back to 1993 -- but I have good ones, such as me sitting on the patio of Sardines, when it was on Camp Bowie in that funky old house across from the Kimball, drinking a glass of red wine and watching a spectacular sunset.
History is but the record of the public and official acts of human beings. It is our object, therefore, to humanize our history and deal with people past and present; people who ate and possibly drank; people who were born, flourished and died; not grave tragedians, posing perpetually for their photographs. ~Bill Nye, History of the United States
For me there is no greater subject than history. How a man can study it and not be forced to become a philosopher, I cannot tell. ~George E. Wilson
*What Would Susan Pringle Frost Do?
#19
Posted 05 February 2007 - 03:20 AM
Took a picture on Las Vegas trail of a barbecue joint. Still had furniture inside as if it was only closed for the winter. Any knowledge of this?
Oak Acres BBQ -- it has been there as long as I can remember (back to the late 60's at least). For all of my adult life it has been owned by James Quave (a family friend), but whatever it was that forced the Hip Pocket from that location also pushed James out, IIRC. I may be wrong about this, but for some reason that's how I remember it.
Back in the days before Loop 820, growing up on Heron Drive where nobody had fenced yards, my dog used to make the two-mile trip to Oak Acres to get good bones and scraps. She'd bring those bones back and protect them like they were her puppies. Seems impossible that it was ever so, now.
#20
Posted 05 February 2007 - 07:21 PM
A bit later, I remember Pappa's Pizza (I think) with their barbershop quartets. Sweet Adelaide. Bicycle Built For Two.
Also remember several trips to Williams Ranch House for special occassions. Same waitress pretty much every time. Beulah? Something like that.
#21
Posted 05 February 2007 - 09:55 PM
Perhaps my earliest memory of a restaurant was Zuider Zee. Was fascinated by the windmill. Not sure I ever actually ate there; just remember the fascination.
A bit later, I remember Pappa's Pizza (I think) with their barbershop quartets. Sweet Adelaide. Bicycle Built For Two.
Also remember several trips to Williams Ranch House for special occassions. Same waitress pretty much every time. Beulah? Something like that.
I loved Zuider Zee. When I was 6 I went there with my family and was given a 1/2 meal portion of You Peel Em Shrimp, finished that off and asked for more. This was a meal portion, not an appetizer portion.
Passed Williams Steak House this weekend. This resturant was my 27yo daughters first outing except for leaving the hospital. Went there to eat when she was just a week old. The sign on top of the building is in poor shape, but the rest of the property looks in fairly good shape. Is it still in business?
#22
Posted 05 February 2007 - 10:26 PM
A little cafe on Jacksboro Highway just west of the river, made the BEST Apple Pie using cream to help cook the apples.
A German resturant very near the Weatherford traffic circle.
In Fort Worth on Saturday. I may have passed Atomic Glee (sp) if I had known what (Fedora) to look for. Man it was cold on the main street corridor.
Found the cafe on Jacksboro Hwy just west of the West Fork of the Trinity. Didn't slow down to get the name, but it sure looks like it could be the same place.
GenE
Don't know if this is the same place y'all are talking about, but my sis, bro-in-law and nieces and I have been eating Sunday breakfast at Summer's; I think it's in the same area y'all are talking about. Was an old house that has been renovated (a zillion years ago) into a restaurant/cafe type place. So nice to be able to walk in, sit down and get a good breakfast without the line at Ol' South. The rub, however, is that Summer's is fixing to close and be demolished for (drum roll please) a Wal-Mart. There is a furniture store and some other shops in the same boat. They are on the downtown (? east) side of University & JB Hwy (I'm terrible about directions once I get outside my own yard). Anyway, they are closing down 2/15; waitress said they were gonna be fixing all their favorite dishes that day; I think we're gonna try and go by.
There was a Colonial Cafeteria on Berry that is now Administrative offices for TCU if that's the one you're thinking about.
My parents loved Zuider Zee and Bill Martin's 2nd Edition (they were huge seafood people). We've had some other threads about the Spanish Galleon, the Wharf and a few other places like that. I think we hit them all when I was a kid. And me, just about all I do is catfish.
#23
Posted 06 February 2007 - 06:23 PM
Don't know if this is the same place y'all are talking about, but my sis, bro-in-law and nieces and I have been eating Sunday breakfast at Summer's; I think it's in the same area y'all are talking about. Was an old house that has been renovated (a zillion years ago) into a restaurant/cafe type place. So nice to be able to walk in, sit down and get a good breakfast without the line at Ol' South. The rub, however, is that Summer's is fixing to close and be demolished for (drum roll please) a Wal-Mart. There is a furniture store and some other shops in the same boat. They are on the downtown (? east) side of University & JB Hwy (I'm terrible about directions once I get outside my own yard). Anyway, they are closing down 2/15; waitress said they were gonna be fixing all their favorite dishes that day; I think we're gonna try and go by.
There was a Colonial Cafeteria on Berry that is now Administrative offices for TCU if that's the one you're thinking about.
My parents loved Zuider Zee and Bill Martin's 2nd Edition (they were huge seafood people). We've had some other threads about the Spanish Galleon, the Wharf and a few other places like that. I think we hit them all when I was a kid. And me, just about all I do is catfish.
[/quote]
If we are indeed talking about the same place, don't those businesses sit on a rather low, narrow bluff of the Trinity river? What sort of engineering is going to be necessary to prevent a huge store and parking lot from getting flooded. (Granted, I understand that there is majore flood prevention work going on around that part of the river, but still.....)
gbs
#24
Posted 04 May 2007 - 02:57 PM
Smokeys Ribs on E.Lancaster in the 90's.Awesome everthing.
Austin's(I believe thats the full name) a BBQ joint in Oak Cliff on Illinois in the 80's.
And Arlington Steakhouse in Arlington since the 80's and just a couple of weeks ago.The best Chicken Fried Steak anywhere.
Just read that Smokeys Ribs on Lancaster is gonna attempt a comeback.
#25
Posted 25 May 2007 - 09:38 PM
#26
Posted 26 May 2007 - 05:08 AM
The first Whataburger I ever went to was the one on Camp Bowie where Red Carpet Car Wash is now. Traditional A Frame building with the long metal carport canopy. Not sure when it shut down but I'm guessing early 90's. Oh, why are Whataburgers fries better? It's the really fine salt and their ketchup which only tastes good with their fries (kind of a yin and yang thing).
#27
Posted 26 May 2007 - 05:36 AM
Hell, I miss the early days of the Black Eyed Pea where Lucile's is now, before Gene Street sold it and the food quality plummeted.
When I tell people a Black Eyed Pea was in the same building Lucilles is in now they don't believe me. A buddy of mine was a busboy/dishwasher there while I was working as a barback at Endicotts Ore House (approx '82) which is now of course New Orleans Nights. I am still mind boggled over the 4-1 happy hours when you ordered 1 whiskey sour and they brought you 4.
#28
Posted 29 May 2007 - 10:55 AM
#30
Posted 29 May 2007 - 12:17 PM
#32
Posted 29 May 2007 - 03:36 PM
I thought it was Hubba Hubba's? Seems like they used to run a lot of commercials on the local channels back in the late '80's.
Maybe you're right. My memory is getting pretty slack in my middle age. :-/
That's it, Hubba Hubba's!!! That place was cheeeezy and awesome!!! From what I remember, Hwy 80 was kind of a restuarant row back then. That place was packed all the time....they made a good cheesesteak too.
#33
Posted 29 May 2007 - 05:54 PM
Oh, regardless of that, I still enjoy the old Riscky's!
There was also a hamburger place in River Oaks that had curb service and sold "FireBurgers" (ie, hamburgers with jalapenos). They were great.
I just recalled the Picadilly Cafe that was downtown that my grandparents liked to frequent back in the late 50's. I remember they had humongous slices of strawberry pie that I always wanted as dessert - but could never finish.
There was also a Rockefeller's Cafe back behind the Isis! And there was a real Nathan's Hot Dogs for a while located in the old 1849 village area.
And, lest we not forget the veritable institution of Leta's Grill that was on N W 25th Street. As a kid, I must have walked by that place a hundred and one times and never even know it was there. Years later, a friend from work suggested going there for lunch! She made burgers the old-fashioned way, and you dare NOT ask for fries to go with it.
I also remember Underwoods Pit BBQ at several locations.
Maybe I'll come up with other thoughts later about one of my favorite subjects of all time, food!
...Rick
#34
Posted 05 June 2007 - 05:07 PM
Also, anyone remember when the bbq shrimp enchiladas at Reata were original (and only $12.99)? I miss those 2 pre-tornado restaurants. Reata isn't the same without Grady's unpredictable behavior and random rounds of free drinks late at night.
#35
Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:17 AM
#36
Posted 06 June 2007 - 12:37 PM
...Rick
Does anyone remember Jimenez,a mexican food restraunt in Northside?Maybe even off of Northside Dr.I also remember there was one of the same name,but some of the interior was rock and looked like caves throughout.Anyone?Anyone at all?
#37
Posted 06 June 2007 - 03:15 PM
#38
Posted 06 June 2007 - 04:15 PM
There was a Jimenez in the old Casa Bonita over by Hulen Mall for a while, too. Man, it was good!!
We went to one in what I thought was westside back in 85 or 86.....is this around when you remember going?
Oh,and what about it's interior?Caves?Rocks?Waterfalls?
#39
Posted 06 June 2007 - 09:53 PM
There was a Jimenez in the old Casa Bonita over by Hulen Mall for a while, too. Man, it was good!!
We went to one in what I thought was westside back in 85 or 86.....is this around when you remember going?
Oh,and what about it's interior?Caves?Rocks?Waterfalls?
That's probably about the right time frame. And, yes, it had the caves and rocks and stuff. All that was left over from when the building was Casa Bonita. Now, I never went to Casa Bonita, but heard all about it. It was a way cool place even as Jimenez, and the best fresh flour tortillas - yummmy. There's a humorous "South Park" about going to Casa Bonita in Denver.
#40
Posted 03 January 2008 - 09:21 PM
Swenson's was good, especially after losing O'Leary's.
And Blossom's on Camp Bowie across from the Carriage House, very yummy.
And Mr. Beef!
I grew up in the TCU area. When I was in elementary school, the big deal was when school started, after you bought your school supplies, you would get a free"Big Shake" at Skillerens Drug Store on Berry Street. The shakes were not very good, but it was a big deal. They had a soda fountain, with spinning stools, and booths on the east side of the store. Their real milk shakes were great. You got a big glass full of shake, plus what was left over in the stainless steel mixing container.
I was a big fan of the Merry Go Round Resturant. The Dr. Pepper Icees were the best and the cheeseburgers had a special flavor I never tasted anywhere else. It was also the "drop" for the morning addition of the Fort Worth Star Telegram that I used to throw as a high school junior back in 67. I would finish my route about 4:30am, and go to the Toddle House on University drive across from the old TCU Theater. The cheeseburgers and hash browns were great. The cook used to cook the hash browns in a small stainless steel ring he placed on the grill. The pies were special as well.
Across the street was Servalls Drug Store on the corner. In the summer time after the special hour of cartoons at the TCU Theater, and a monster movie, I would stop in at the drug store and get a banana bar, or go to the lower level of the store where the cafeteria was, and get a chocolate milk shake. The resturant had hard wooden booths and tables. There used to be an Orange Julius Store a couple of doors down towards the theater, but it closed in the late 50's. There was also a 5 and 10 store called Arnolds. I would buy army men. balsa gliders, and sling shots, and pea shooters. Oh yeah, a Whamo Superball was cool as well. When I got older, I would stop at Record Town (The original sign is still there) and pick up the latest 45 for 98 cents. It was a great place to grow up. All those flavors are gone now, but I will never forget them.
I also loved the flavor of Youngbloods fried chicken form the Wedgewood resturarant. No other fried chichen ever tasted like it as well. Remember "Speedy Chick" You could call from your house, and they would bring you a plate full of chicken or ribbs. It was a precurser to pizza home delivery. The chicken was ok, but when you were starving, and no one to cook for you, it was pretty neat to have someone bring the food to you by picking up the phone.
#41
Posted 03 January 2008 - 11:38 PM
Another great sandwich was the Pig Sandwich at the Pig Stand on Park Hill drive off 8th ave. And the greasiest BBQ sandwich was the chopped sandwich you got at Fords BBQ off 8th ave. on Stanley -I think. What memories..............
#42
Posted 06 January 2008 - 09:07 PM
Swenson's was good, especially after losing O'Leary's.
And Blossom's on Camp Bowie across from the Carriage House, very yummy.
And Mr. Beef!
#43
Posted 06 January 2008 - 09:16 PM
Another great sandwich was the Pig Sandwich at the Pig Stand on Park Hill drive off 8th ave. And the greasiest BBQ sandwich was the chopped sandwich you got at Fords BBQ off 8th ave. on Stanley -I think. What memories..............
I think Blackwells was further south, the A & P was next to Skillerns. They used to have this big vat of water mellons with big blocks of ice floating in the water with the water mellons. I used to see how long I could hold my hand in the ice cold water. I don't recall the drive in across from Paschal. There used to be a Dairy Queen south of Paschal on Berry Street. The House of Pizza was on Berry, had the best hamberger pizzas I ever tasted.
#44
Posted 07 January 2008 - 05:13 PM
I am glad I still have my long term memory still.......so much for the short term.
#45
Posted 07 January 2008 - 06:08 PM
I also slightly remember going to a place that had soda fountains but don't remember where it was, I think it was close to the cafeteria.
The Merry-Go-Round is my first real memory of a hamburger place and always loved going there.
What about King's Table? We use to go on friday nights when they had all you can eat shrimp.
#46
Posted 29 January 2008 - 09:40 PM
#47
Posted 11 February 2008 - 05:39 PM
#48
Posted 11 February 2008 - 08:14 PM
Loved Crystal's. That's where the Travis Avenue Baptist youth group met after Sunday evening service back then (alternated with Mama's Pizza on W. Berry, which amazingly is still around.) How 'bout the Hayloft on Forest Park Blvd. for chicken fried steak and Brittany's on Altamesa where you phoned in your order from a telephone on the table? Site of my first date. Their specialty? Chili burgers... Does anyone know what that building is now? It's been many years ago for me...
Oh! And Mr. Quick in Wedgwood Village. Meat and bread, nothing else. Delicious...! Caddy corner to the Fotomat.
#49
Posted 28 February 2008 - 02:57 PM
Jimenez was on Central, one block over from North Side Drive, it burned many years ago, and the scorched building is still standing there today!!
#50
Posted 03 June 2008 - 07:04 PM
Caudles
Clover drive-inns
Lone Star drive-inns
Carlson's drive-inn
Sandy's on Seminary Dr
Zuider Zee on 7th St and Seminary Dr
Mr. Quick Burgers
Griff's Burgers
Colonial Cafeteria on Berry st
Massey's on 8th Ave...still there
The love of my life, friend and companion for 45 years passed away in March 2008. Terry...Oh how I miss her, and all the memories of being together in Ft Worth. Every time I drive around town and pass a place where one of these great memories took place it grabs my heart and I break down in tears. Oh..to bring back the days when a song meant something. The music that young ones fell in love to is long gone.and the kids nowadays will never know what real clean fun really is. I'm just glad I had that chance and made the best of it in good old Ft Worth, Texas.
Thanks for sharing my memories....Herb Jones.......herbajones@yahoo.com
My 1st car 56 Chevy BelAir
My car when I met Terry at the Rosedale St. Clover Drive-In. 1964
Terry and Sue Ann in 1964 when we met.
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