Doug's Dinner Bucket

 Bryan and I discovered our new favorite weekend breakfast spot - Doug's Dinner Bucket.  We have driven past this place on old Route 8 in Peninsula, too many times to count.  We've both have been curious about this tiny, simple building, and the type of food they serve.  I will admit, I was afraid to try it.  I assumed this was one of those local places, where any non-local wasn't really welcome, and they would make it known.  Sad to say, years ago I had been to one of those type of places, and was extremely uncomfortable the entire time.  How wrong was I, as before we left, we felt like part of the family.

 

Doug's is small, has about 4 booths, 2 tables, and additional counter seating.  There are two staff members, our server (and owner), and her son the chef.  Everything is cooked to order, as the proof lies in seeing the kitchen through the window visible from the small dining area.  A variety of food is served (breakfast & lunch), at a great value.   Breakfast is served until closing, which is a bonus for us, as we like brunch. 

 

Coffee is brewed fresh, at one pot at a time.  I don't mind waiting a few minutes for fresh coffee.  Everything is served on disposable products, utensils, plates, and even coffee. 

 

 

 I can't remember the last time I saw disposable coffee cups like this.  This place seems to be stuck in time, in a good way.

 

There is something to be said about having fresh, cooked to order food.  You might wait a little longer, but you know it's fresh.  I orders eggs, bacon & toast.  Bryan ordered the breakfast burrito.  We both split an order of homefries.  Our food was . . . perfect.

 

The service was amazing.  Our server was not only warm and friendly, she engaged in conversation with us and the regulars.  We learned about the history of the restaurant, and some local news. You didn't feel like a stranger here.  This casual, friendly, "mom and pop" place, is a nice break from the chains.  It makes me happy to know places like this still exist, you just have to look a little hardier, and not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

Ray's Place

 While in the Kent area today, we stopped at Ray's Place for lunch. We ordered burgers, of course, as that is was Ray's is known for, and what was featured on the Food Network.  My burger came with pepper jack cheese and jalapeno peppers, and Bryan's Mexican burger included guacamole and salsa.  I ordered "the works" with mine, which included all the fixins, and made one huge burger.  We both ordered single patties, and shared an order of fries.  We left stuffed.  The juicy burgers must be cooked on an open flame, as they taste as if you are at someone's backyard BBQ cookout.  Yum!  Decent price and great service.

 

 

Writing on the brick walls (and benches) add character to this place, and reminds one this is a college town territory.  Family place by day, college bar by night.  I can remember coming here back in my college days, and it wasn't for the food.

Happy Fat Tuesday

Happy Fat Tuesday! I love this time of year when New Orleans's cuisine can be found at various places through out the area. Takes me back to our NOLA trip a few years back.  This past Saturday, we purchased a king cake from Westside Bakery in Akron. Decorated in the traditional colors of purple, yellow and green, along with beads, and the baby on the side. The baby goes inside the cake, and whoever receives the piece with the baby, provides the cake for next year. 

 

Nothing like a cafe a lait and beignet. Reminds me of  the time sitting at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, having a fresh, steaming hot beignet. I must admit, they are best when fresh.  This is from yesterday, when I stopped at Westside Bakery before work.

 

 

Here is the real deal - Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans from our trip a few years back. . . all that powdered sugar! 

 

Ah . . .reminiscing about my favorite NOLA treat - the  muffuletta sandwich.  Below is the muffuletta sandwich Bryan and I shared tonight at Ido's in Akron. 

 

 Again, here is the real deal from Central Grocery Store in New Orleans.  Funny to think the best muffuletta comes from a grocery store. Central Grocery store sells out of these sandwiches daily - Bryan and I were lucky to grab one of the last sammies of the day

 

Note, although the above muffuletta served warm is a great variation, the original is served cold.