El Meson, W Carrollton, Ohio exit 47W: www.elmeson.net
I have a confession to make–I’m not terribly keen on Mexican food so when a review of this restaurant was suggested by a reader, I tried to dodge it. Boy, was I wrong! First, El Meson is more than a restaurant, it’s a destination! And second, the menu ranges across the entire Hispanic epicurean landscape–Spain, the Caribbean, South & Central America, and of course, Mexico. OK, I admit it...I loved it!
The restaurant is a Castro family tradition. Started 30 years ago by Herman and Gloria Castro, son Bill and daughter Marie quickly became involved and now run the day-to-day operations. When you arrive, you will probably be greeted by Bill, Herman will be busy setting tables and Gloria will be out front, or back in the kitchen. Marie can be found in her favorite place, her gift shop, surrounded by colorful and exotic pieces gathered on her annual buying trips.
Since I had already expressed my food concerns, Herman and Gloria decided to take me in hand (no secret review here) and introduced me to Spanish Tapas (tiny bites of flavorful morsels–delicious), Pozole Blanco (chicken soup garnished with onion, radish, avocado and lime), sweet and tangy Coconut Shrimp with Dijon sauce, Sea Scallops poached with parsley and wrapped in smoked salmon. Wonderful!
I know you will also enjoy El Meson, its people, its food, its Hispanic decor and architecture. You will find it just west of I-75 at exit 47. [Hrs: Lunch, M-F, 11-2p, Dinner, M-Th, 5-9p, F-Sa, 5-10p; Phone: 937-859-8229]
Incidentally, El Meson is closed for the first 2 weeks of January, as the family heads off to Hispanic parts of the world to buy beautiful items for the gift shop. ¡Hola!
Simple Times, Walton, Kentucky exit 171E: www.simpletimesgeneralstore.com/
Our good friend Jeff, manager of the Kentucky Welcome Center at mile 177 tipped us off about this tiny cafe nestled on the Walton main road just east of I-75.
Although just a few tables, owners Cheryl, Bud and Yvonne serve locally baked foods from the village and make their own soup on the premises. When you have finished eating and checking your email (free wireless internet), wander around the surrounding "olde tyme" gift store before heading back on to the interstate.
Java Jo'z, Dry Ridge, Kentucky exit 159E: (no website - phone: 859-824-9999)
A reader wrote and suggested that if we wanted a "Starbucks style" coffee with two quick drive-through service lanes, we should try Java Jo'z just to the east of the interstate here. Once off I-75 and heading east towards Dry Ridge, it's a few yards up the first road on your left.
It's also everything our reader promised. Owners Linda and Jeff have a huge selection of just about every hot or iced coffee you can imagine, plus much more. No inside seating but plenty of parking space so you can sit in your car.
Oh yes, and they even have free wireless internet access in the parking area.
Pit Stop Bar-B-Que, Tifton, Georgia exit 63B W: (no website - phone: 229-387-0888)
By now you know that my two loves when I travel are history & eating. Some people have even subtitled my book, “Dave eats his way to Florida!”
For years now, I've been telling all my readers about the Pit Stop, and that these are the best ribs on I-75. Sadly, owner Don Davis passed away a while ago but his wife Carole and daughter, Denise, stepped in and with the help and support of the Pit Stop's long time staff, have not only kept the restaurant running but continued to maintain the standards of food quality for which Don was famous. He would be proud of them.
The hours are Su-Th, 11a-9p; F-Sa, 11a-10p. Go in and tell them I sent you. I know they will look after you well.
