The Culinary Works

No really, sometimes its something more important than that.

Mid trip on our way to Mendocino/Fort Bragg last weekend, my stomach rudely interrupted my plans for a nice sea-side snack upon arrival.  In spite of my desire for a bite to eat that was  decidedly 'coastal', the 'low- blood-sugar-cranky-monster' raised its ugly head and demanded attention. I had almost convinced my stomach that it would be just fine if we pressed on, but the Mt. Dew pressing urgently against my bladder called my bluff.

Clear Lake, California.  Friday night, in the quiet little lake side town of Lucerne.   First available stop: Fosters Freeze.

"I haven't been in a Fosters since I was in high school," I told Jen.  

That was in Fresno, in 1982.  There was a Fosters diagonally across the street from the school.  As I remember, it was just regular-old burgers, fries, shakes and nothing special.  Your only other choice for an  off campus lunch at that time was Primo's Deli, in the same parking lot.  Primo's was better, but you had a much better chance of getting back on campus in time if you went with the burgers:  Adults avoided Fosters Freeze like the plague at lunch time.

I slowed the car and noted that I had not seen any other open eateries for the last mile and looking a bit further down the road, there was nothing else within eye sight.  I quickly hit the turn signal and pulled into the lot.

Once inside, it was as I expected:  the walls were covered with faded posters depicting combinations of the burgers, fries, onion rings and shakes available at the front counter.  Due to being situated a stones through from the lake itself, I wasn't even shocked to find two game fishing posters, each flanking the entrance. 

We place our orders, waited only a few minutes and then took our meal outside to enjoy in the evening air. Cheese burger, fries and a coke.  All hot, fresh and served on a red plastic tray with an extra side order of notstalgia. 

All enjoyed sitting at an aged picnic table with my best friend at sunset.

Beat that, seafood!