Curtis Davis in the saddle of his black 950 (truly a marvelous Yamaha build) and I mounted on the stable mate of the Red Mare started north on 540. As we left Bella Vista, we encountered a light rain that stayed with us to Neosho. In Joplin, we turned east on I44 to our first stop. Just off exit 33 in Sarcoxie is the "Hungry House Cafe" 417-548-2604. Here we met with Joplin #490. A select group of bikers, this motley band included their Road Captain, Ron and his lady, Perry and Miss Linda, Dick and Melvin, all with appetites. It was here that Perry fulfilled a need of my 1900. He's been nameless since I bought him and I had to see what fit. Perry christened him and I now ride "The Redliner". Thanks Buddy. We entered a large wood framed structure adorned with western memorabilia. I took a seat facing a movie poster of one of my favorite 40s /50s cowboy stars. Tim Holt had the charm and athleticism of Gary Cooper and Dick Powell and wore his twin Colts with a style matched by very few movie stars. I settled in with a multi-page menu to peruse specials, platters, all sorts of taste sensations including one of my absolute favorites. I didn't need to see anymore. The king of all meats when handled correctly is the much maligned and admittedly ugly pig, with the face only a near sighted mother could love and the bodily habits and table manners of a barbarian, when placed in the capable hands of a master can sing grand opera. Two 4 oz boneless pork chops cooked medium to the shade of pink found in a dove's wing, accompanied by a mound of hashbrowns and 2 eggs over easy waiting to spill their golden deliciousness filled one plate while what I will declare to be the best biscuit and gravy I have tasted in the past 20 years occupied another. Splashed with a little "Cholula" hot sauce on the eggs and my meal was ready. A sharp knife cut off the first morsel and elevated it to my critical inspection. Mottled brown and pink with a little grill crust, delightful aroma-good so far. I tasted it with trepidation, having been deceived before. "Delicately rendered bliss on a fork" I could hear a choir singing in my head as I did justice to the cooks creation. The whole meal set me back a mere $7.00 and change as I drank only cold water. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner that if they equal what I had for breakfast would satisfy any person who enjoys food without being a New York snob. All kinds of sandwiches, fish and chicken call out from the menu to the road hungry rider who's savvy enough to know where to pull off. "The Hungry House" joins Tipton Ford's "UnderCliff", Alba's "Filling Station", and Mt.Vernon's "Red Barn Cafe" as road trip worthy, how many more delights will my motorcycle excursions reveal. today.
When we mounted up after a spectacular breakfast, we ran parallel to I-44 to 97 where we headed south. Since I've started riding again, I've seen more great sights and today was no exception. I took the time to look around as we hit curves and straightaways through farmland and cities. As we pulled into Pierce City, I had one thought, if I had a lot of disposal income and no reason to work, this would be the place for me. I felt at home in this small town. We tooled further south until Seligman where we met up with Sparky and 2 of his friends to go to Roaring River for a short break and meeting before the final outbound leg. Eureka Springs was ahead and a place Curtis knew of. "The Roadhouse Restaurant" 6837 Highway 62, 479-363-0001. You have to wonder about a place that boasts on its menu "Many have eaten here-few have died". This place is geared to motorheads and foodies alike with its unusual combinations. With names of items like knucklehead, handlebars etc, the foodie part comes out with ingredients. I never found a place that serves Ahi Tuna and Salmon along side hamburgers, where the vegetable of the days isn't canned corn but sauteed squash with bell peppers and onions along with chicken fried steak. When I smelled the aroma of the squash I had to order some to go with my beer battered fish. I don't care for beer battered items but this is was one time I went for it. Paired with a huge side of seasoned fries, 3 hush puppies and a very crisp and not overwhelmingly tangy cold slaw was good indeed. The vegetables smelled better than they tasted as they needed to have the oil heated and seasoned first then cooked perhaps one minute longer for tenderness but I didn't leave any on the plate. I saw a couple of cheese burgers hit the table in front of Perry and Sparky and believe me, these monsters are huge and dripping for less than $8.00.
appetizers, eat inside or one the patio. They also offer steaks in the ribeye and strip persuasion. I swear I'm like Alice in Wonderland as I go deeper in the menu.
At last we saddled up and ran a few hundred yards down the road to where an old bike shop sits. I met a couple from Alpena on stars and told them about Star Riding. This shop is loaded with old scoots and parts of every variety. to wander through when you have time.
Till next time, kiddies, The Redliner is hauling The Traveling Diner from one adventure to another.
