Smokin’ Jacks is located at 505 West 17th Street in Bloomington, Indiana. My nephew-in-law, Frank Guthrie brought me a pork sandwich from Smokin’ Jacks while I was at the Bloomington North track regional a few years back. After one bite, I had to go there myself.

The ribs are delicious and the side dishes add character as well. Mac & cheese, greens and the cornbread with butter, as Sophie says, “It’s like cake.”

When we went to bring Sophie home fro Indiana University, we had a cozy booth across from the warm fireplace.

The brisket is also worthy of your attention as well as the brownie and fruit cobbler.

After walking 18 holes at Cascades golf course, (Unfortunately, watching Liam and not playing.) Heidi and I had worked up an appetite. After picking Liam up a golf cart at Dick’s Sporting Goods, we went to the Red Robin at The College Mall.

We started with the Pretzel Bites with cheese dipping sauce because we were starving.

I had the Southern Charm burger. 1/2 pound of brown sugar glazed Black Angus beef patty, candied bacon, Whiskey River BBQ sauce, caramelized onions and American cheese. As a side, I went with the garlic parmesan fries. The burger was superb and it was only 1,220 calories.

The Willard is located at 99 North Main Street in Franklin, Indiana. The building was built in 1860 as a residence and later  was a hotel. Right next door is The Historic Artcraft Theater.

Heidi started us out with the Deluxe Nachos that were over the top. There must have been half a tub of sour cream on top of this masterpiece. My burger came and there was still a mound of nachos that we didn’t get to.

The curly bacon atop my cheeseburger made the sandwich and the onion rings were very good. Lawyer had the tenderloin with cheese and bacon. It was so large that he cut off a hunk for me to try and still had more than enough.

I look forward to visiting in warmer weather and trying the outdoor seating area.

It says Blue Moon but it was actually my go to, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.

After a day in the educational trenches of Austin Middle School and another couple of hours at the 21st Century Austin Learning Center, what a delight it was to walk into the house and smell this garlicky aroma in the kitchen of Heidi Wintin!

A bed of linguini covered by the buttery garlic seasoned 🍤 shrimp and a fresh Caesar 🥗 Salad on the side was an excellent meal at home.

Big Butt BBQ 🐽 started with Walt Wintin and Bruce Stahl grilling for their families on Sunday afternoons. When the Jackson County Fair had a competition, it only seemed natural to enter. The first year, Bruce’s wife Mendy won first place in the sauce category with her Tequila 🌄 Sunrise sauce. The next year, Walt’s wife Heidi won first place in the Free Choice category wii her Smoked Apple 🍏 Dumplings.

Poor old Bruce and Walt keep smoking and grilling, but have never equaled the blue ribbon status of their wonderful women.

This weekend you can enjoy a Big Butt pulled pork sandwich at the Stuckwish Farm Market south of Vallonia on state road 135.

Phyllis Turner of Crothersville said it is “the best pork I have ever had.” Her son, Brett, told me, “Let me put that in perspective for you…That is like Richard Petty saying “That car is fast.””

Miller’s Ale House has several locations, however, during spring break, we are regulars at the 8123 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway location which is just outside our resort, The Orange Lake Country Club. {Irlo Bronson was a rancher/politician in the area.}

The potstickers are an excellent choice as an appetizer. Pan fried dumplings filled with pork, cabbage and scallions with a sweet Thai chili dipping sauce.

My entree was the shrimp scampi linguini. Fantastic! One of the best things about the linguini is that the leftovers heat up nicely and I had them for breakfast the next day.

We also ordered dinner to go, as they get very busy. It has been a wonderful experience every time we have visited there.

Btw, they must have 50 beers on tap. 🍻

I would like to welcome Brandon Stagnolia this week as a guest contributor to Walt’s Diner! Brandon recently traveled to Destin, Florida over Easter weekend and enjoyed a delightful dinner on the beach.

Back Porch is located at 1740 Scenic Highway 98 in Destin. Brandon’s entree was the Sunset Chicken. Herb marinated grilled chicken topped with cheese and bacon. Brandon ranks it as “a shade better than Alice Springs chicken from Outback.” He adds “The pineapple rice was unique and the hushpuppies were amazing. Not to mention , honey spice dipping sauce was the best part.”

Brandon  recommends The Back Porch when visiting Destin and points out that the view of the sun setting on the Emerald Coast from his table makes anything a little better.

The first Sonny’s BBQ started up in Gainesville in 1968. It has spread throughout The South and the 3635 SW Archer Road location has bees a stop for us the past two spring breaks. It is a neat building and serves craft beer as well as some great BBQ.

As an appetizer we enjoyed the Red Neck Egg Rolls. Pulled pork, homemade coleslaw, Pepper Jack cheese in the egg roll and some awesome Smokey Ranch dip. They were outstanding and I am a fan of the Smokey Ranch dipping sauce.

To feed our party of six it was the Family Feast coming on strong. Pulled pork, brisket, Smokey ribs, crinkle-cut fries, slaw and I love the cornbread! Did I mention craft brew? My plans are to get off at Exit #384 each year on spring break, check into the Holiday Inn Express, eat at Sonny’s and watch the NCAA basketball 🏀 tournament.

 

One trip to Shapiro’s and Brandon Stagnolia is a believer! The guy in front of me ordered every coconut 🥥 macaroon. They said it would be 30 minutes before the next batch would be out so Brandon and Rae said we could have a slice of pie 🥧 and wait since they knew I really wanted them.

Enter then, this beautiful slice of 🍋 lemon meringue pie. Have you ever heard of pie being “beautiful “? Well, this one was! The creamy meringue, lemon filling and a flaky crust was all exceptional.

While waiting to pay for the pie, we were admiring the corned beef. The guy behind the counter heard us and gave us a sample. Brandon said, “The next time the family ones to Indy, we are eating here.”

Then came the macaroons. A crunchy, yet chewy outside brings you to a soft and elegant center that leaves a little residual coconut in your teeth. I highly recommend Shapiro’s. You can be expecting a future corned beef and 🧀 Swiss article the next time I’m doodling it up in Indianapolis.

Magic Morning Bakery is located on Highway 50 in Bedford, Indiana.

The first item Heidi and I tried was the 🍁 Maple, Bacon 🥓 cream filled Long John. It had the aroma of a syrupy pancake as I took a bite. It was worth the try.

Next up was the Glazed Croissant. It kind of unwound as I bit into it. Very good!

Magic Morning is also known for its 🍪 cookies.

They were fresh and happy. 😊 These are just a few of the options available at Magic Morning. They have tables and chairs if you would like to sit down and enjoy your sweet treats.