Strange Days: In Memoriam

 The last two years have taken their toll.  Hundreds of thousands of lives gone.  Jobs that were filled for decades disappeared.  Mom and Pop eateries closing for good.  The global pandemic known as Covid-19 has done irreparable damage to the food industry.  Grocery stores saw food shortages on a daily basis the likes we have never seen in the modern era.  Cases of bottled water gone in seconds.  Eateries were pick up and drive thru only.  In San Antonio, some of our favorite restaurants closed their doors for good.  

In Memoriam

 LuLu's Bakery and Cafe

 

For 20 years, LuLu's was the home of large chicken fried steak and the 3 pound cinnamon rolls.  Open 24 hours, LuLu's had a loyal following partly since it was a spin off of the legendary Jailhouse Cafe.  It was the perfect place to go grab a bite after a concert.  I would buy my grandmother the monster cinnamon roll weekly to munch on with her coffee.  This closing broke my heart.  It was the quintessential neighborhood cafe. 

The Mexican Manhattan

An Alamo City institution for 62 years, The Mexican Manhattan was know for its Tex-Mex cuisine.  Having some of the best tacos and tamales in Texas, the Manhattan would become a popular place for prom dates, family celebrations, and especially for Valentine's Day.  They closed their doors on October of 2020.  My friend Rich was a busboy there.  He told me that the day they closed was emotional.  Man....those tamales were good.

The Spaghetti Warehouse

The eclectic eatery on Houston Street was a sight to behold.  Not only did the warehouse have some of the best Italian food in San Antonio; it also was the most unique looking restaurant in town.  Relics of a bygone era adorned it's walls.  Some of its tables were in an old train car in the building.  It was a fun place for families to enjoy Italian fare.  They had the best meat sauce I have ever tasted.  The sauce inspired the sauce I use in my lasagna.  I loved this place, and get bummed out knowing it is gone.  Luckily, I was able to score a menu.  So many memories.  

Madhatters Tea House and Cafe

Recently my ex-girlfriend JoAnn passed away from breast cancer.  Madhatters was our favorite place to eat.  We loved their burritos, drank wine while listening to jazz, and usually stopped for a smoothie.  It was a really hip place that you could relax in a Bohemian like atmosphere.  JoAnn loved this place.  She loved the wine selection they had.  It was her JAM as she would say.  I will forever miss this place as I will miss Beautiful JoAnn.  Rest in Peace Sunshine.

Though some of our favorite restaurants did not survive the pandemic, one legendary eatery stayed open thanks to it's loyal patrons.  

San Antonio Pig Stand

Dubbed THE WORLD'S FIRST DRIVE IN RESTAURANT,  The Pig Stand beat the odds to stay open.  Loved by San Antonians, this legendary diner celebrated it's 100th anniversary.  With menu items like THE KING BURGER, PICNIC CHICKEN, & the popular PIG SANDWICH, the Pig Stand still brought in hungry customers.  Police officers would come in droves to have lunch to help keep it open.  I love this place.  I always get the chicken fried steak because it is a big helping for the money.  I remember as a kid car clubs would meet up here and have impromptu car shows.  I usually got a burger out of it.  LONG LIVE THE PIG STAND.

Sorry it took so long to get the blog going again.  These are strange days, and we must stay safe.  Support your local eateries, and be good to each other.  This too shall pass.