There I was driving down Highway
114, just minding my own business when I looked up and to my
surprise, I had become lost in Roanoke Texas. While trying to find
my bearings, I happened onto a main thoroughfare by the name of Oak
street. I noticed someone had decided that an old abandoned
warehouse from the turn of the century was actually worth the land
it was built on. I couldn't imagine what type of person would spend
their hard working time renovating that old building. Little did I
know that it is the same type of person that would name their
restaurant Babe's.
As I pulled over to get a better look, I
noticed in big neon lights were the words "BABE'S CHICKEN DINNER
HOUSE". At that very moment, those neon lights shined hope to my
hungry stomach (besides, everyone knows you think better after a
solid home cooked meal). After making my way between an older couple
squabbling over his "oh-too-cute" comments to a young waitress, I
noticed the colorful chairs they were sitting in. The front porch
reminded me of my grandma's house, lots of old timey metal lawn
chairs for folks to just sit and chat.
When the Hostess sat me
at my table, visions of garage sales past came into my head. Then,
as if on cue, the old juke box began to play "Killin' Time," one of
my favorites from good old Clint. I asked the waitress for the menu,
she smiled and said "you can have anything your heart desires, as
along as its fried chicken." Not being one to argue, I smiled and
said "I'll take the chicken."
My foot had barely finished
tapping out my favorite tune when she appeared loaded to the hilt
with my dinner; fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, grandma's
corn, and luscious biscuits to follow my salad. This was not just
alot of food, this was alot of good, wonderful, melt-in-your mouth
home cookin'. I was in hog heaven.
I will refrain from
describing in detail the mess I made, but sorghum, butter and the
above mentioned delicacies figured into it heavily. Even when I
tried to hand the cashier my ticket, I was embarrassed, as she had
to pull it from my sticky fingers.
My mind now clear and my
hunger satisfied, I found the highway in no time flat. As the neon
lights reflected on my rearview mirror, I couldn't help thinking
that if fate ever smiles on me again, I will surely spend another
night, lost in Roanoke Texas.