Iconic Pie!
OMG … once in a while … make that a great while, perfection happens. It happened today. Emma and I stopped for a late lunch at our second choice of a restaurant (mentioned in one of our books). I have to say that when I walked in, I was a bit put off. A large room with many tables .. nothing personal… a very tired buffet line. Oh geese.. we’ve been steered wrong.. but we’re here; let’s make the best of it.
One thing I’ve learned from my husband is to ask: what do you do best? “Fried chicken!” I ordered the fried chicken and Emma ordered the fried catfish (truth to tell, that’s what I wanted… but I played sacrificial mom and demurred with the chicken).
Coffee came and it was typical Midwestern weak darkened water. Midwesterners do NOT do coffee. 10 minutes later our meals came out. Hmmm… what can you do in 10 minutes? (I was not hopeful.) My mashed potatoes were ersatz.. the gravy luke warm. The broccoli heading from a once green to gray, and way overcooked.
But… the rolls were moist and chewy, and the chicken was perfect! Emma’s catfish was divine: meaty, and a thin, crackly cornmeal crust. Cutlery went by the wayside. I used my fingers, and then licked them.
OK… very good. Time to think about leaving. Our wait-woman came by and asked the ubiquitous “did you save room for dessert?” Ahhhh.. no.. we need to be on our way. “Oh” she said, and then added, “the peach pie is really good, and I just made some fresh whipped cream.”
Tipping point! Fresh peaches, OK… but fresh peaches and just whipped cream? “Can you put it in a to-go box?” When Emma and I got into the car, we dug into the one piece of fresh peach pie with freshly whipped cream on top.
It was THE most amazing, wonderful, perfect piece of peach pie I’ve ever had. The peaches were freshly pealed and prepared for this pie. Their flavor was at its optimum. Nothing ooey-gooey about this pie: just fresh peach goodness, wrapped in a bottom layer of flakey goodness, and topped with a barely sweetened cloud.
Emma and I talked about it for a good two hours!
Wonderful to take this trip with you! Thanks for your fun posts! But I do get mighty hungry when I read. Had a great time with Brian and Britta.... Tomorrow we head to Short Sands. Will miss you. But the blogs will keep us busy traveling with you. If there is internet connection at the house...no telling who will respond next!!! Hugs to you both. God speed!
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