So we on our way to Madsen's in Geneva on the Lake for the Cream filled Chocolate eclairs that I haven't had for 60 years. But unfortunately the place was closed. Web site said open Fri Sat Sun. Guess I should have called.
Come to the rescue was Mary's Diner in Geneva. We had just heard about the place from a friend so we decided to make the trip worthwhile. Mary's did not disappoint!
Place was a really cool nostalgic 50s style diner with the front of a 50's style car (sorry can't remember what kind) as part of the counter. With records, posters and pictures of that era along with the music playing from the jukebox , it definitely transports you back in time.
The first thing that caught my eye on the menu was "Mary's Big Egg Bowl" , done! I'm having a hard time trying to describe it but picture a open omelette with tons of gooey goodness and vegetables inside topped with cheese and sausage, served with a side of toast. Are you kidding me?
Both my wife and I ordered it and decided it was one of the best breakfast we've had.
Place was clean and the service excellent. So if you find yourself in Geneva , which is cool little town in itself, and your hungry, Mary's for sure! You will not be disappointed!

So being from Pennsylvania we are limited ---- very limited to the seafood we can buy. I have never seeked out seafood at restaurants because they never were any good. One, Off The Hook , promised to change that. Short story, $120.00 bill later and I'm really not sure what I had. Grouper red onions and risotto just didn't cut it.

Come to the rescue was Sanibel ,Captiva , Upper Captiva, Cabbage Key, and last Matlacha and Pine Island. After a friend invited me to Captiva I was starting to understand what fresh seafood was all about.

So after several trips to North Captiva and Matlacha I felt we found our place.

Blue Dog is fairly new as new owners recently took it over. Ok , nothing fancy here, just great service and food. The staff has always been friendly. If you happen to be sitting outside you will notice several fishing boats pulling up. Fisherman love to eat and drink here. That should say something. (Hint ,if your having wine just order a bottle, it's worth the price )plus it's served in this cool white fishing boot.

Recently had the Smoked Fish Dip App. that uses mullet that was great. Pine Island Clams , (they do have a taste of their own )with linguine was my wife's choice and I could not pass up the Mullet Tacos with mango slaw. Finished with a piece of Key-lime Pie that was perfect.

This has been our go to place for dinner and after you try it, I think it will be yours!

On my way to Columbus I decided to stop in Lancaster to visit the newest member to the hamburger phenomenon that has generated quite a few places. Tasty Made, Chipotle's new venture which in my opinion was a little late , but this being the testing place ......they'll let the people of Lancaster to decide.

Being from Pittsburgh, we have seen a huge influx of gourmet burger joints, one of which is in my home town of Zelienople, 35 miles north. Growing up here in the 70's we had our choice of Mac Donald's, Burger King, Burger Chef, Eat n Park (Big Boy) and Pittsburgh based Winky's, the one that most reminded me of Tasty Made.

Stepping through the door you are transported back in time with subway tile and a cheery bright red decor. Huge windows keep things bright and the music reinforces the feeling that this place is different.

I was immediately welcomed and after several minutes going through the menu
I decided on the Mighty Made Combo (7.95), 3 patties, 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of bacon, grilled onions, pickles and the Tasty Made burger sauce. The combo comes with fries and I decided to upgrade to the shake ( what was I thinking) for 1.05 more.

The food here is made to order and I thought that it may take awhile since it was lunch time. I sat at a booth and in record time the tray was delivered to my table.
How do they do that? The hamburger comes in a little box as do the huge amount of fries. Both were hot and steamy and my mouth went into drool stage. I chose the Black Forest Shake which comes with whipped cream and a cherry, and that point
I started to question my hunger instincts!

The burger was great and little more than the bun (or me) could handle but plenty of napkins took care of the problem. Keep in mind that I had my experience with The Big Mac ( developed here in W. Pa) and the Double Wopper W/ Cheese, well this was just a little speed bump. The twice cooked fries were probably the best I've ever had ,sea salt is all that's needed. The shake was creamy with large chunks of Back Forest Cake was perfect. ( time for a nap). Plenty of sauces which are made in house are available for your fries. The Tasty Made Bacon Sauce was a little disappointing but not a game changer.

I don't think you can compare other burger places with Tasty Made but again I've not ever had an In-n-Out, Smash Burger or Five Guys, and it would never compete with a gourmet burger place , but with a new chef at the helm, Chef Richard Blais, you can expect only good things to happen. Give it a second try if you were disappointed. If I'm ever in Lancaster again , I will .

Dinner there last night , after following on Facebook for several months and seeing pictures we where anxious to try. A quick message to Andrew to see what's on the menu and we were set.

Got there around 5:30 to a very busy place but were seated immediately. Our wine was brought quickly and recommended appetizer soon after. The Crunchy Tuna Roll was what I've been watching for a while, and it did not disappoint. Picture a large foot long California Roll dredged in Panko crumbs and flashed deep fried. Never had anything like it, outstanding!

An order of med. rare Prime Rib with loaded mashed potatoes followed which was perfectly done. Served with horseradish sauce and Au Jus sauce finished the dish.

My wife ordered a plate of smoked bbq wings with fries. The smoke in the chicken was perfect with the fries hot and crispy.
Service was excellent with the manager checking on us twice.

If you find yourself on Pine Island do not hesitate to give this little place a try.