Category Archives: breakfast

Breakfast is Back

Posted on January 15, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was delighted when I saw that the Lady Elks were again offering Sunday Breakfasts in January. Last year I went all four Sundays and wrote a blog post about each one. This year Steven had to work the first Sunday, but he had the second Sunday off, so we made a definite plan to attend.

They begin serving at eight. We arrived shortly after nine and were fortunate enough to find a parking space right in front of the Elks Lodge. I paid for breakfast ($8 for adults), bought ten 50/50 tickets for $5 and put $4 in the tip basket, knowing we were assured of excellent service.

Steven ordered eggs sunny side up, wheat toast, pancakes, bacon and home fries. When he hesitated over with or without onions, I said, “You might as well get with, because I’m getting onions and you’re going to kiss me regardless.” I got scrambled eggs, wheat toast, bacon, beans and, as I said, home fries with onions. I think I mentioned last year how I had never had or heard of beans for breakfast before the Elks. I find they are a yummy addition to the meal.

We got our numbers and found a seat. They were doing a booming business, but a small table was free. Steven borrowed a pen from me to write our name and number on the 50/50 tickets. Two gentlemen brought us coffee and orange juice (we could also have chosen tomato or cranberry, I believe).

Ladies were bringing out breakfasts and calling numbers. I had a moment of panic when I thought I heard 5. We were 52 and 53! It was actually 45. Phew! We did not have long to wait.

A wide variety of people were also enjoying breakfast. I saw at least two family groups with three generations represented. A couple of people were taking pictures with their phones. Note to self: Try not to do anything embarrassing in public. Somebody might take a picture.

It was a very enjoyable breakfast. As we left several people said, “Thank you.” No, no, thank you, Elks Club. The breakfasts continue Sundays, January 20 and 27 at the Elks Lodge, 24 Mary St., Herkimer, NY. I may be there next week.

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Overheard at the Diner

Posted on January 3, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

“New Hampshire is a made up state.”

I overheard that statement in Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, Herkimer, NY, on Monday, when Steven and I went out for breakfast. I think the guy was teasing the young boy he was talking to. He went on to say that he had never met anybody from New Hampshire and was sure the young boy hadn’t either.

The conversation may have stemmed from one of the many license plates that decorate the diner. Our own Georgia plate resides on the ceiling at the opposite end from where we sat Monday.

I did not hear the rest of the conversation, so I don’t know what, if anything, was proved or disproved. I lead with it because it was the most unusual thing that happened during our breakfast out. I know I’ve devoted a few posts to Crazy Otto’s. I have to shake things up when I can.

It’s not so easy for Steven and me to go out for breakfast together as it used to be. Our work hours work against us. New Year’s Eve, however, I didn’t work and Steven went in at 1:30. We had errands to run. A bite of breakfast at Otto’s was the way to go.

I love looking around at the decor. In addition to the license plates, there are movie posters, retro ads and more. I was especially taken with an old ad for chocolate covered Twinkies. Why would they stop making such a thing? Oh, I know, Hostess is bankrupt, Twinkies are dead. But I don’t remember seeing chocolate covered Twinkies in the decadent ’80s or ’90s either. Good chance I would have bought them, especially in the ’80s when I was young and skinny (I bet you thought I was going to say “young and foolish.” Well, I was that, too). I later heard a young voice behind me saying, “Two for ten cents,” in an impressed tone, so I was not the only one noticing the Twinkies.

Our breakfast, to get back to the real food, was very tasty. I ordered a sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon on an English muffin. It came with homemade chips and a little carrot and raisin salad. Steven had French toast, fried eggs and a very large sausage patty. And, of course, plenty of hot coffee.

The next day, we found out our friends Phyllis and Jim had eaten at Crazy Otto’s. It seems Crazy Otto’s has a gluten free menu featuring a variety of choices. Phyllis was especially delighted with the gluten free pancakes. I said, “I’m going to mention that in my blog post!” Hi, Phyllis!

Crazy Otto’s is located on Albany Street in Herkimer. For more information call 314-866-8801. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.

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Breakfast at the Bakery

Posted on October 23, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

About halfway through last week, I decided that since Steven had Saturday off we would have breakfast at the Heidelberg Bakery and Cafe, 3056 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY. I spent the rest of the week upheld by a vision of sourdough toast.

We got up early on Saturday, so I knew we would beat the crowd. I admired once again the larger tables with benches that look like church pews, but we sat at the same table for two we had sat at last time.

“It can be Our Table,” I said. It was our anniversary. I was allowed to be sentimental.

Of course we got coffee. I had been looking forward to the coffee from Utica Coffee Roasting Company as well. I don’t know why they don’t sell Utica Roasting at Hannaford, seeing as they love to carry local. I’ll have to ask.

I ordered fried eggs with sourdough toast. Steven ordered French toast, which is made with raisin walnut bread, and sausage. When I told the waitress how I had been looking forward to sourdough toast, she told me they don’t always have it. Well, I’m sure there are other good choices as well. I love Heidelberg bread.

We decided to get a treat before we left. After pondering cookies, brownies and strudel, we settled on a small apple cake. We ate most of it on Sunday. I may go back soon and get another.

Heidelberg Bakery and Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone number is 315-866-0999. You can like them as well as Utica Coffee Roasting Company on Facebook. Utica Coffee Roasting Company (which probably rates a blog post all its own) is located at 92 Genessee St., Utica, NY, phone 315-269-8898.

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A Great Spot for Breakfast

Posted on September 5, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

To celebrate our day off together on Monday, Steven and I went to breakfast at The Knight Spot on Frankfort, NY.

I know I have written about The Knight Spot before. It is a favorite of ours for breakfast, lunch, dinner or the occasional afternoon ice cream sundae. As we waited for our breakfast menus I read the desserts on the board on the wall near us and considered ordering pie for breakfast. Or possibly deep fried cheesecake. And of course they have all those wonderful flavors of Gifford hard ice cream. No, no, we were there for breakfast.

I ordered my favorite breakfast sandwich of sausage, egg and cheese on a hard roll. Steven ordered fried eggs with bacon and Italian toast.

“I only ever get bacon when we go out for breakfast,” he observed.

It’s true. We used to almost always have bacon in our refrigerator. We stopped buying it so often when Steven was diagnosed with high cholesterol. Now it’s a special treat. I don’t mean to say we eat healthily all the time or even most of the time. But we eat less egregiously unhealthily than we used to. That said, Steven enjoyed his bacon.

The whole breakfast was enjoyable. The Knight Spot has that hometown atmosphere that many area restaurants share. You get the feeling that many of your fellow diners are Regulars, that some of them probably went to high school with the waitress and everybody is ready to be friends. Of course none of that may be true, but it doesn’t matter. The place feels friendly, and the food tastes good.

The Knight Spot is located at 264 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone 315-894-5054. They are open seven days from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can “Like” them on Facebook. I did.

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Local Breakfast Before Independence Day

Posted on July 4, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was starting to write a regular post, but then I thought, it’s the 4th of July. Should I not be waxing eloquent with patriotic thoughts on independence?

I guess I don’t wax eloquent in the best of times (I don’t wax my floors or my car either, but you knew I was going to make that joke). The question is: do I have anything useful to add to the 4th of July commentary? Perhaps not, but I do have a plug for a local business. And isn’t entrepreneurship part of what makes this country great? I think so.

So Steven and I went out for breakfast at the Heidelberg Bakery and Cafe, 3056 State Rt. 28N, Herkimer, NY. We’ve gone out there to buy their delicious bread on many occasions. We finally had a chance to try their breakfast.

The cafe has a warm, welcoming decor, all brown and soft orange with wooden furniture. Two of the booths have benches that look like church pews. We’ll have to sit at one of those if we ever go in with a group of people. Tuesday we sat at a cozy table for two.

A cheerful young lady brought us menus and offered coffee, which of course we wanted. We both ordered fried eggs with sourdough toast. I absolutely love Heidelberg Sourdough Bread. The slices were large, and they put on lots of butter, just the way I like it.

We especially enjoyed the coffee, rich and strong. The waitress told us it was Kubal Coffee from Utica, NY.

“Ooh, local,” I said. “We’re all about local.”

“So is our manager,” she said. “Even our flour is local.”

I told her I thought I’d found a new favorite place for breakfast. Of course, I won’t abandon my old favorite places; there are a lot of good places to eat around here.

Heidelberg Cafe also serves lunch and dinner. We’ll have to check those out and report back. They are also open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can call for take out at 315-866-0999. You can also “like” them on Facebook.

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Fun at the Country Kitchen

Posted on April 4, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had mentioned briefly that I went out to breakfast Sunday morning. I thought I’d talk a little more about that and give another shout out to Liz’s Country Kitchen on South Main Street in Herkimer, NY.

Liz’s Country Kitchen is run by our friends Liz and Donna, who previously operated the Neighborhood Diner on North Washington Street. Steven and I went there for a previous blog post and were delighted to find that the same delicious food and hometown atmosphere prevailed.

Steven was industriously at work when I set out Sunday morning. I luckily found a parking space right in front of the diner. Both Donna and Liz greeted me and were sorry not to see Steven as well. I ordered my favorite of a breakfast sandwich on a hard roll and started writing a letter to my sister (I hope she doesn’t read this post and wonder why I haven’t finished it yet; I’ve been busy). I overheard snatches of conversation as I ate.

“…a millionaire with one foot in the grave,” a lady said.

“And the other on a banana peel,” I added, quoting my grandmother.

Liz was looking for a way to hang some wind chimes on the door. Several people told her to cut out the racket, so of course she jingled them some more.

“Maybe you could have them made into earrings,” I suggested. Liz and I often admire each others’ earrings.

“You could use them to take up belly dancing,” said another diner. He seemed rather taken with the idea of Liz as a belly dancer.

Some neighbors of Donna’s came in. They were talking about some obnoxious partiers who had disturbed the peace in their neighborhood. I’m not sure where that neighborhood is, but I hope things settle down. There’s nothing wrong with having a good time on a Saturday night, but there’s no reason to wake the neighbors.

I greatly enjoyed my breakfast. I told Liz and Donna I’d do my best to bring Steven next time (I think people prefer us as a couple). I left refreshed and ready to take on the rest of my day.

Liz’s Country Kitchen is open seven days for breakfast and lunch. Check it out!

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Pre-Superbowl Errands

Posted on February 8, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Superbowl Sunday, I perceive, is a good day to avoid certain retail establishments. Accordingly, I made sure I had all the foodstuffs I wanted ahead of time (Hannaford), and, well, I just decided I could wait to purchase more yarn (Wal-Mart). Still, I had a couple of errands to run, and that forms the subject of today’s post.

My first stop was Hummel’s Office Plus in Herkimer, NY (of course NY, I’ve pondered the necessity of including that and still have not decided) to purchase a sympathy card. Of course I like to walk to Hummel’s with my dog, but that’s more for a short stop to say hello, not standing for any length of time pondering sympathy cards (does everybody have as hard a time deciding as I do?).

I had a nice conversation with the girl working upstairs. My blog came up in the conversation (OK, I bring it up whenever possible; you never know who might like to read a blog). She offered to show me how to download pictures from a smart phone. If I ever get a smart phone.

I wanted to use a card rather than cash, so I went downstairs to add some office supplies to my purchase. Much more fun to look at. I have a definite thing for office supplies. I found a clip board such as I have been wanting and a black gel pen with a comfort grip.

Next I went to Ilion to gas up my truck. I’d heard that gas in Ilion was eight cents cheaper than in Herkimer, although I confess I did not look particularly to make sure that was true. I thought I might go out to breakfast in Ilion or Mohawk to write the day’s blog post. I love writing in restaurants.

I could see from Citgo that the OPEN sign at Farm House Restaurant was not lit, so I drove past Remington Arms and on into Mohawk. Mohawk Diner did not look open. The Family Fun Center was open, but I was well beyond it before I saw a parking space. On into Herkimer and my old stand by, Philly’s Breakfast House.

Philly’s was crowded, as usual for a Sunday morning. I sat at a wobbly table by the window. It shook quite a bit when I cut my Eggs Benedict, but I managed not to spill my coffee. I warned the fellow that cashed me out that the table needed a screwdriver or something. He promised to take care of it.

I headed for home to look for something more useful to do before it was time for the Superbowl. Like take my dog for another walk or watch more crime shows on cable television. And of course prepare some Superbowl-worthy snacks. Could that be the subject of the next blog post? Stay tuned.

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One Last Breakfast

Posted on February 3, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was a tad bit concerned my posts about the Lady Elks’ Sunday Breakfasts would become repetitious, but yet I must write one last time.

Last Sunday was the final breakfast offered by the Lady Elks this year. I was quite pleased that we were able to attend each one. In previous years work schedules interfered, and that could easily have been the case this year. However, good fortune was with us, and we enjoyed four yummy Sunday breakfasts.

Not much different happened this past Sunday from what I have previously reported. The food was yummy, the service was great, and we supported the Lady Elks’ projects for the year. Once again Steven got his food first. I accused the server of liking him better (can’t blame her, really).

“I don’t cook the food,” the lady defended herself. “And you probably should be just as glad about that!”

Our coffee guy was very attentive. I don’t think I went lower than half a cup the whole time.

Everybody we talked to was as sorry as we were to see the breakfasts end. The Lady Elks promised they’d be back again next year. I’ll be sure to watch the newspapers. Or maybe I’ll hear about it at a Friday night fish fry. Those are still going on, and I intend to go again.

This has been a short post, but I think that’s OK. I’ll make up for it on another day. Maybe one of the times I get silly.

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Breakfast with Liz and Donna

Posted on February 2, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven and I used to go to this fun diner on North Washington Street in Herkimer run by two nice ladies named Liz and Donna. Alas, it closed. However, last week Steven was delighted to report that he had noticed on South Main Street an establishment called Liz’s Country Kitchen.

“We’ll go there Saturday,” I said.

Liz and Donna have actually been at that location for over a year. Which just goes to show how often we are on South Main Street. Let that be a lesson to me.

Liz’s Country Kitchen is a cozy eatery decorated with a rooster theme. Liz loves roosters. Donna told us it caused a misunderstanding one day. Some young guys saw the rooster on the sign and thought it was a place that specialized in fried chicken. She did not say if they stayed and ate anyways, but I hope they did. Liz is a great cook.

Both Liz and Donna were happy to see us again (we were definitely regulars at their other place). They both looked well and happy, and the diner was doing a booming business. We found a table and perused the menu. I got my favorite of an egg sandwich on a hard roll with egg, cheese and bacon. Steven got eggs, pancakes and sausage. It was a delicious breakfast.

The place has a great hometown atmosphere. The customers were making jokes with Liz and Donna and with each other. I got into a whole conversation with a gentleman who, it turns out, retired from the place where I currently work. We left with plans to return for future breakfasts and/or lunches.

Liz’s Country Kitchen is located at 220 S. Main St., Herkimer, NY. They are open 7 days from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for fresh haddock Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. (Goody! Another Fishy Friday!) For more information call 941-8025

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Third Breakfast’s the Charm?

Posted on January 24, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I threatened to write another blog post about the Lady Elks Sunday Breakfast if we went again, and naturally we went again.

Once again, the Lady Elks put on a breakfast on Sundays in January to support various projects for the year. Since I love community events and I love food, it is not surprising I would be there every week, schedule permitting, which it has so far.

I decided to mix things up a little: I got my eggs over medium instead of scrambled and said yes to pancakes. I also got whole wheat toast, bacon, baked beans and potatoes with onion, as I previously did. So Steven and I had identical breakfasts this week, aside from our juice (orange and tomato, respectively). Do I even have to mention we also had coffee? I thought not.

Once again Steven got his breakfast first. The ladies delivering the meals were not calling out the numbers this week, so I did not get the chance to laugh heartily as every number surrounding mine was called first. It wasn’t that long of a wait in any case.

I hadn’t had pancakes and eggs in a long time. It used to be a big favorite. Steven would even fix it for dinner sometimes. Too late I realized I should have asked them to bring me only one pancake. I felt bad to not eat everything I had asked for, but you can only stuff yourself so full.

“Are you not gong to finish that?” Steven asked.

“Do you want it?” Now I did not have to feel guilty. I only left some of the beans. I got up to search for some water to take ibuprofen, and when I got back to the table our plates were gone.

“The lady said if you weren’t finished, it was my fault,” Steven told me.

I made like I was going to pound on the table and holler, just to be silly. I guess they just would have told me it was Steven’s fault, or maybe gotten a big Elk to throw me out.

We left the breakfast and headed to the grocery store, for once doing what the magazine articles advise you to do and not shop on an empty stomach. Just to prove my contrary nature, it was not a successful trip. If I don’t shop at least a little hungry, I don’t buy enough food. But that’s a subject for another post.

In the meantime, local readers have one more Sunday to enjoy breakfast with the Lady Elks: January 29, 8 to 11 am, on Mary Street in Herkimer, NY. Hope to see you there.

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