Sunday, December 13, 2009

I Will Return!

A block northeast of Spring Street on Adams Street (1420 N.E. Adams, I think) there is a new restaurant that opened recently. In fact the "First Dollar" on the wall is dated November 9th. Several restaurants have opened in that location over the years. I remember when it was Art's and they had a good "down home" breakfast buffet. Usually, a new place would be closed by the time I decided to stop in. Not so, this time. Mel's Cafe was my breakfast spot today. I must say that I was delighted! Good food, reasonable prices and decent coffee. Coffee was even included in the cost of the meal. That alone is pretty rare anymore.

A very large pancake, 2 eggs (cooked as I requested), two sausage patties and the never empty cup of coffee - $5.45 including tax. Mel's is clean and fresh. Diners have their choice of table, booth or counter dining. The staff is the friendliest that I have come across in a long time and certainly added to the enjoyment. Open from 6 AM to 2 PM seven days a week, Mel's Cafe is a great addition to the Near Northside. It is close enough that I may even have to try it for lunch soon.

If supporting a local business is important to you, then Mel's Cafe deserves a visit if you are in the neighborhood. I know, I will return!

UPDATE: Several friends were going to meet at Mel's Cafe for breakfast, but the snowfall of Dec. 26th & 27th had people snowed in. The streets were in pretty bad shape, but since I live fairly close, I decided to go anyway. Again breakfast was very good. I tried a half order of biscuits & gravy. Probably not the best I have ever had, but it was good. Just like last time, there was a copy of the newspaper available to read over breakfast & coffee. Even though the streets were in bad shape and it was still snowing, there was a steady stream of customers. This is one local business I will continue to support.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Just took a trip down memory lane. Revisiting posts that were made over a year ago. It is interesting how things change, but yet how much they remain the same. I still want to retire, but can't for awhile. The house is still old, but with new siding and windows not as drafty. I am still a Grandma, but now I have two wonderful grandchildren. I still say "Bah Humbug" to this whole season and look forward to January 2, 2010 so things can get back to normal.

Still have the same two dogs from December 2007 and 8 of the 9 cats. I still miss Skyler and Smokey as those cats were a part of my life for so long. The remaining 8 seem healthy and happy. I am still not making any New Year resolutions nor have I gotten back in control to take off the 20 pounds that I have gained over the last several years. Not near where I was at one time, but certainly not where I want to be.

We saved a neighborhood grade school, but lost a high school. The flowers were beautiful this past spring and summer and I hope the black hollyhocks come up next year. We had a National election and the earth still turns on its axis. The economy has gone south over the last two years, but the most recent unemployment numbers are a little better. I am still pretty much a hermit, but really enjoy the forum and blogger friendships that have deepened over the last two years.

I am still looking for the perfect Sunday breakfast. Next stop, Oscar's on Farmington Road!