Atlanta etc.: Marilyn Wolf's Food Blog and Restaurant Blog

I needed a late morning stop for some food and a chance to work on my laptop. Mom's Cafe appeared magically to perfectly meet my needs. This is a classic and well-known spot. I can see why given the excellent food and welcoming staff. My brunch satisfied my protein and carbohydrate needs perfectly. As I paid, I spied a rack of perfect pies. I took a slice with me to eat on the road---wow! Thanks, folks!

The landscdape at Capitol Reef National Park is spectacular. The campground is a gentle oasis in the middle of this rugged beauty. Mormon settlers made their lives here growing fruit and produce. Their harvest continues to this day. And what a place to have dinner! I watched for deer as I enjoyed my meal. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular peacefulness.

A Mexican breakfast sounded like a great way to start my driving day. Mi Mexico's salsa was superb, a great morning pickup. > My breakfast was hearty and flavorful. Service was sunny and welcoming. Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, folks!

I was ready to for a sit-down dinner after driving across the Continental Divide. I was very pleased to find Ristorante Pantuso in Grand Junction. This is a classic Italian-American restaurant and a mainstay of the Grand Junction restaurant landscape. Service was wonderful and the food excellent, reminding me of New Jersey. My dinner started, of course, with comforting Italian bread. My salad featured a creamy Italian dressing and excellent croutons. My eggplant parmesan was hearty. The tomato sauce was cooked for a long time, giving that rich flavor that I associate with homey Italian restaurants. I couldn't resist a cannoli but I took it with me for breakfast. It was delicious. Thank you to Pantuso's for a wonderful meal! This will be a regular on my occasional visits to the Western slope.

My friends and I wanted a fun dessert after dinner. The miracle of the Internet pointed us to Sherry's Ice Cream in Five Points, the perfect way to satisfy our sweet tooth. Sherry's is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. The proprietor explained that it is named after her ice cream-loving mother. I went all the way with this sumptuous ice cream sundae. Everything was wonderful: ice cream, chocolate, toppings. Thanks, folks!

I took the opportunity given by a long drive to enjoy dinner with friends in Denver. They suggested the Reservery, an excellent choice with great food and a welcoming staff. The building is in what used to be an industrial part of Denver, now being rejuvinated. The large, airy space makes for a great experience. I went with a salad topped with roasted chicken. My meal was the perfect balance of lightness and protein. The greens and dressing gave lots of flavor. Thanks, folks!

Noodle soup and good conversation---who could ask for anything more?

After a day of travel I decided to enjoy a nice dinner out. My dinner at Villa Amore was graciously welcoming, just what I needed My meal started with a salad and, of course, Italian bread. I haven't had veal marsala in a long time and I really enjoyed my dinner. Thanks, folks!

The United terminal at O'Hare offers a lot of great Chicago food. Vosges Chocolates has become a favorite. I took a minute to pick up a few treats for me to enjoy at home. Thanks, folks!

My flight left out of the T concourse at ATL, a perfect opportunity to enjoy a Grind House burger. As always, meaty wonderfulness and hearty cheese wrapped in a bun and served with love. Thanks, folks!

Royal Spice in Dunwoody has become a handy source for takeout. I decided to try their dine-in service and was very pleased with the food and service. My dinner started with this excellent soup. My curry was flavorful and hearty. Thanks so much, folks!

It was good to have a chance to return to La Fonda with friends. We sat outside and enjoyed our delicious food, in my case the traditional veggie burrito. The black beans were savory with a satisfying texture, the rice comforting. Our service was, as always, gracious and welcoming. Thanks, folks!

Eating options around Georgia Tech are not as plentiful as they once were. I was very happy to see an old favorite, Bento Box, parked near Clough. Hearty, healthy, satisfying. Thanks, folks!

A visit to Georgia Tech allowed me to revisit a breakfast, J. Christopher's. My food was perfect and the staff was friendly, as always. Thanks, folks!

I've said it before and will say it again---the Chicago dog is the highest espression of the hot dog form. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy one on my Chicago layover. America's Dog was the right dog at the right time. Vienna beef sausage, mustard, sweet green pickle relish, onion, tomato wedges, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, all encased in a soft bun. Thanks, folks!

I stopped on I-80 in the middle of Nebraska. I needed a meal as well as a place to work for a few minutes. Apple Barrel provided me both with old-fashioned sit-down service and some great food. My burger was great---superb Nebraska beef and tangy cheese. Thank you so much!

I spent several wonderful days at Many Glacier in Glacier National Park. The park was busy but not jammed for the most part. Food at all the venues consisted of take-out. I picked up this satisfying lunch at Heidi's at Many Glacier Lodge. Nell's at the Swiftcurrent Inn was my mainstay. These are just a few of the many meals I enjoyed. Thank you to all of the staff for making this wonderful summer of summers possible!

Tracy's in downtown Great Falls has a long tradition going back to cowboy days. The place was hopping at breakfast and for good reason: great food, huge plates, welcoming service. This photo does not do justice to the size of my Nutella french toast. The Nutella was sandwiched between two pieces of bread, dipped in egg batter, fried (!), then topped with blueberries and strawberries. This was truly excellent and decadent. I couldn't come close to finishing it. I guess I will have to come back to try again. Thanks, folks!

A hearty dinner after a day of driving was called for. The Celtic Cowboy in downtown Great Falls was what I needed. Service was great and the atmosphere was fun. My stew was made with beer, hearty and full of flavor. Thanks, folks!

Road trips in this summer of summers are fueled by both caffeine and gasoline. I stopped at Wild Pony Coffee on I-25 in Wyoming for a little of each. Very refreshing---thanks!

My hotel proprietor in Wyoming suggested the local truck stop for breakfast. Any truck stop with this selection of pies is OK with me. Hearty, healthy, tasty. Thanks, folks! And back on the road...

Scottsbluff is a long drive from Lincoln. I was ready for a good dinner. The nice folks at Ole were there to welcome me. I started with excellent, crunchy chips and salsa. The green salsa was my favorite---lush flavors. I haven't had fajitas for awhile and these hit the spot. That fine Nebraska beef is hard to beat. Thanks, folks!

Rutabagas has moved to a bigger, nicer location. The space is large and bright. The proprietor and staff are very helpful and friendly. My vegetarian mac and cheese was creamy and hearty, a great lunch. I suspect it will be a particularly comforting meal on a cold winter day. Thanks, folks!