Natick's Hot Dog Institution

That headline sounds a bit convoluted doesn’t it? How can a hidden gem be famous? When it is small, off the beaten path and in a very specific niche, narrowing its focus away from the general population. Casey’s Diner in Natick, Massachusetts sells hot dogs. Not fancy hot dogs. Not gimmicky hot dogs. Just good hot dogs. Out of a local institution – a tiny old diner car on the historic registry list. They don’t place ads or even have a sign. Their business is sustained by word of mouth. And the world of hot dog lovers have big mouths. They shout Casey’s name loud and clear whenever a “best place for a hot dog” list pops up online. I wanted to find out for myself what all the fuss was about. If only I could find Casey’s!

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Pancakes!

At Pancakes! in Amsterdam, they serve pancakes and crepes, which is not altogether that surprising. The ‘!’ at the end of the name is due to the fact that at this eatery they are excited about breakfast foods.
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Since 2002, Malone’s Clubhouse Grill has become a favorite Arvada restaurant of many locals.   Located in a strip mall in west metro Denver, Malone’s is an Arvada casual dining option. Malone’s serves a wide variety of menu items ranging from bar favorites like pizza, burgers and wings to sandwiches and steaks.

Malone's Grill serves up popular pub-style burgers

For a more private Arvada dining experience, choose the family-friendly dining room to the right, divided into two areas.

Or get in on the action by taking a stool at Malone’s bar and/or dining at the booths on the left. Malone’s bar atmosphere is a Cheers-type experience where the locals gather for happy hour and the local business people have lunch.

I’m a regular for lunch, and I almost always order my go-to favorite, the Cashew Salad:  Mixed greens topped with grilled chicken or blackened tuna steak (I prefer Chicken!), cashews, Mandarin oranges, rice noodles and green onions, and I love their oriental dressing. Read More »

This is not a meal.

If there’s one thing that gets overlooked on Halloween it’s food. No, I’m not talking about cupcakes with pumpkin faces piped onto them or fistfuls of bite-sized candy bars that somehow pass for dinner. Because what usually happens in the frenzy to don costumes, put up decorations and set out candy is that everyone – at least in my house – forgets to eat an actual meal. By the end of the night I’m feeling faint and weak and I realize it’s because the only thing I’ve had since lunch is a handful of candy corn and a piece of chocolate shaped like a spider. At least I think it was chocolate.

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