CAFE and THEN SOME

Due to some hard economic times, we haven't been able to go to The Cafe and Then Some for several years, but FINALLY this year things turned around some and we had the extra cash to go to one of our favorite Christmas productions. I might add, any show put on by Cafe and Then Some is well worth attending.

We got there early enough to enjoy some great appetizers. We started with a couple of cups of Brunswick stew, which I really liked, but Peggy thought was a little too spicy. Above is our shared plate of fried green tomatoes -  dusted in corn meal, deep-fried, and served with home-made pimiento cheese and a roasted red pepper coulis. Below is our other shared plate of  duck burritos - Slow-roasted duck mixed with onions, peppers and cheese, then seasoned and rolled up in a warm flour tortilla. Served with corn relish and sour cream. Both of these were great and I would have a hard time choosing which one was better, but the duck burritos might slightly edge out the fried green tomatoes.

 I would also like to mention, how good the service was (as good as many high end restaurants), add that with the Good Food and Good Entertainment and there's not much more you can ask for in an evening out.

KOOKY RECORD TUESDAY

Exciting Christmas Stories on Peter Pan Records featuring Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman

MANICAL RECORD MONDAY

Its A Waffle House Christmas

SWELL RECORD SUNDAY

What I like about this album cover is the little tree and the GIANT presents and as a bonus it contains one of my favorite Christmas tunes - "To Heck With Old Santa Claus"

SWINGING RECORD SATURDAY

The Golddiggers began on  Dean Martin's TV show and had their own show as the summer replacement for Dino.

FREAKY RECORD FRIDAY

I bought this album just for the cover, which was a good thing since it didn't have a record. The Rhodes Kids were a family group like The Cowsills and if you look on you-tube there are several songs from this LP. The Rhodes Kids have an interesting connection to The Mob (unbeknownst to them, I'm sure) , you can read it HERE.

ZANY RECORD THURSDAY

When Chanukah and Christmas collide you get Hanukkah Harry and a Christmas Tree with a Star of David on top.

WACKY RECORD WEDNESDAY

 Heino - Deutsche Weihnacht und Festliche Lieder

 (German Christmas and Festive Songs)

FREAKY RECORD FRIDAY

 

James Brown released two Christmas Albums in the 1960's, the first one above was released in 1968 and it contains my favorite James Brown Christmas song "Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto". Unfortunately, I no longer own that LP on vinyl. I do own the bottom LP (last two photos - front and back of LP), which was released in 1966. 

OJ'S DINER

OJ's Diner, 907 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC. 

I've eaten a lot of meat and 2 or 3 vegetables, one look at me would tell you that. OJ's Diner is the absolutely best I've ever had. Served cafeteria style, you choose your meal as you go down the line and at the register you get your drink. Once you are seated, one of the friendly staff will bring napkins to your table and ask if there is anything you need.

Everything I have eaten at OJ's has been great, but I'm particularly fond of the fried chicken, there's something in that crispy skin that keeps me coming back week after week. Above is my plate today - fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and potato salad with a biscuit (please note biscuit is not always available but a roll or corn muffin will be available). The macaroni is tops and the potato salad is just like my Aunt Betty used to make. Just barely shown is the banana pudding, which is NOT to be missed, I repeat, DO NOT miss the banana pudding, or on second thought, miss it and there will be more left for me! My wife drinks the sweet tea, I'm partial to the homemade lemonade. OJ's is currently running a special - meat and 2 with dessert and drink for $6.99, so do some running of your own and run over to OJ's and get some great food at a great price.

FREAKY RECORD FRIDAY

Rudy Ray Moore (aka Dolemite) - This Ain't No White Christmas - above are two versions of the same LP, the bottom photo is the original issue, the top photo is the reissued version. Rudy only sings one song on the LP - "Merry Christmas Baby", the rest of the LP is Moore's stand-up comedy routine including his take on "Night Before Christmas".