They just keep coming....

Oh boy, we’re getting another!  Hard on the heels of the opening of the Cracker Barrel (still parked full every morning), we’re now seeing the final installment of "restaurant row", as the last (?)occupant is rising out of the ground.

 

It will be another option for red meat, associated with Texas, The LongHorn Steakhouse.  It is a little north on Route 235 than it’s brother the Texas Roadhouse (access and parking may be interesting).  They have a “passion for grilling” and tell you all their meats are fresh, never frozen.  According to them, their (never frozen) steaks are legendary, in their own minds, at least.  One little twist I noticed is that they offer a degree of doneness called “medium well” which is described as having “some pink in center”.

So, just as soon as the “coming soon” signs at CB were replaced with “now hiring”, we’ll have yet another cycle.  Wonder where all these feet on the floor come from.  “Hi I’m…. I’ll be taking care of you tonight and I’m glad to have a job…what can I get you guys?”  Arggghhhhh…

So lemme think, between Rolling Road/Shady Mile and Route Four, we have (as you go north) on your left a Panera, a Chick-fil-a, Bob Evans, Ruby Tuesday, and depending on how you classify it, a starbucks (and we crossed Quizno's off the list).  On your right, Cracker Barrel, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and the burgeoning LongHorn.   That’s uh, ten places to put your money that leaves the county.  I’m sure they will do good business.  The precedent is there.  I won’t bore you with another tirade about chain vs. independent; it’s your money and your choice.  If you want to go get food from a chain, fine (I’ve already had a note about the wonderful pecan pancakes at CB).  But maybe just once in a while seek out an independent and give them a shot.. you might be surprised.

Did you do something fun over the weekend?  I had a good day Saturday at the Chapel, met several interesting people, and yesterday we attended the lecture at Sotterley.  It was a very interesting speech about the war of 1812 and Sotterley Plantation.  Kind of featured stories of slaves that escaped and went over to the British.

Tonight down to St. Francis Xavier to hear Silas Hurry (7pm).  Not sure if we’ll have time to

DFD