Look at those onions! Grilled, sweated, sauteed, caramelized, or fried; however you cook them, that’s the way I like them on my burger. A half pound of ground beef, three thick and crispy strips of bacon, American cheese, and fried onions on a toasted bun. This burger is a Cadillac!!!

Shipley’s Tavern is located at 322 West Street in historic downtown Madison, Indiana. There has been a tavern here since 1867. If you are walking from the river, you can’t miss the mural that spans the entire side of the building that depicts the history of Madison along the Ohio River.

The terms “Hole in the Wall” and “Dive Bar” come to mind. The Clermont Oyster Bar is nestled right next to the On/Off ramp along Highway 27 in Clermont, Florida. It started as the local electric company would open it up for their employees in Fridays. As more people started to visit, they had to build a new warehouse and opened up the bar as a separate business.

It is pretty simple. Fresh oysters and cold 🍺 beer. They shuck the oysters right in front of you as you sit at the bar.

The clam chowder was outstanding. As good as I had on Cape Cod. Generous amount of clams and creamy.

The Fried Oyster basket with hush puppies met every expectation!

They also have an outdoor seating area with televisions with March Madness games as well as corn hole boards. It is as far away from Disney as you can get.

Bahama Breeze is just off Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida.

When I first heard of shrimp and grits, I scoffed. Since then, I have become a fan. First at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama. (When I heard “The Chef” recommended the sauce, I decided to give it a try. Good move by me.)

Today’s feature is from Bahama Breeze and it was the 🥓 Bacon, 🍄 mushroom and 🍤 shrimp with 🧀 cheesy grits. With a side of green beans. It was superb!

We also had the 🥥 coconut shrimp 🍤 with an 🍊 orange marmalade dipping sauce. Incredible!

I only like two kinds of pie…. Hot and cold.

March 14…3-14…Pi…Pie…🥧 Let’s celebrate both kinds of pie today! 🥧

This is my Mom’s (Billie Mae Wintin) slice of Coconut Cream pie from The Town House last night. Not only did she get the last slice, but is was also a generous piece and Jade gave me permission to get it out of the cooler and serve it myself. How about that meringue!!!

What a glorious day. Pie Day! Pi Day! 3.14! March 14!

Liam and I had to take our Basset Hound, Molly, to get some shots before we go on spring break. Since the vet is in Salem, I usually take advantage of the opportunity to stop at the Dinner Bell.

I had driven past the Dinner Bell for years before deciding to 🛑 stop. I lovingly refer to this place as a “Dive” and it is totally worth a visit.

The faded Coca Cola sign, red and white tin awning, and the rusty “Short Orders” sign just add to the character for me.

The burgers 🍔 are a bit larger than a White Castle burger so you may need more than one.

I go for the the double cheese burger with 🥓 bacon.

The Dinner Bell is located at 305 South Main Street in Salem, Indiana and is open from 5:00a.m. To 2:00 p. m. Except Sunday when they close at 1:00.

I haven’t ordered breakfast yet, but the guy next to me today had a full order of biscuits and gravy and the cook laid an omelette right on top of it. The lady said it didn’t have a specific name but that he gets his like that all the time. I look forward to trying it some time soon.

Bruce and Mendy Stahl have accompanied Heidi and myself to Zwanzigz 🍕 Pizzeria on at least three occasions . The best experience was when we got the cubby hole booth right by the kitchen.

Zwanzigz is located in a neighborhood setting At 1038 Lafayette Avenue in Columbus, Indiana and they feature their own craft brew and 🍕 pizza.

I enjoyed a pint of the tasty blueberry and we all shared a flight on the Z board. Starting at top left: Blueberry , Honey Wheat 🍯 🌾 , Nut Brown, Chocolate 🍫, and Peanut 🥜 Butter. We liked them all.

I especially enjoyed the ham and pineapple 🍍 pizza with BBQ sauce.

In the warm months they have an outdoor seating area that 👀 looks to also be a good time..

The Oaken Barrel is located in Greenwood, Indiana at 50 Airport Parkway L. Their tag line is “We brew it. We drink it. We sell what’s left.” Just a mile or so west of I 65 at Exit 99.

For a warm-up we had the homemade potato chips and bacon dip. Cream cheese, melted cheddar on top with bits of bacon. I would get it again.

I met Lawyer and Kiley there for lunch and I had the Wisconsin Burger. Cheddar, bacon, BBQ sauce and mushroom burger on grilled sourdough bread. The perfectly toasted sourdough makes the sandwich for me. The crispy, cheesy edges don’t even need any burger for me to enjoy them. It has been outstanding every time! The seasoned waffle fries are plentiful and tasty.

Kiley had the breaded tenderloin dressed and with Swiss cheese while Lawyer had the Chubby Burger which was a bacon cheeseburger.

My “Go To” draft is the Razz Wheat. However, in the fall, they have an Apple Buzz beer that is incredible. I was there on a Saturday in November one year and the line was 25 people deep just to buy a case.

Lon’s Doughnuts 🍩 is located at 325 South Gardner Street in Scottsburg, Indiana.

The blueberry cake doughnut is my favorite item on the menu. 👀 Look how the icing drizzles over and puddles at the bottom of these tasty treats. There is this little crunch you get from the inner part and edges that just can’t be beat.

My former principal at Austin Middle School, David Deaton, would buy us Lon’s Doughnuts on two hour delays. This morning, the Muscatatuck River is flooded over my usual way to school so I went through Scottsburg just so I could share these Blueberry Flavor 💣 Bombs on Walt’s Diner.

Shawn Malone’s Brooklyn Pizza is a wonderful neighborhood establishment located at 753 West 2nd Street in Seymour, Indiana. Lots of married couples and old friends out for good food, entertainment, and a craft beer. This night I had a Wookin’ Pa Nub tart cherry beer🍒 and it was fantastic!!! ( Wookin’ Pa Nub is sung by Buckwheat of Our Gang in an old Saturday Night Live skit by Eddie Murphy. Looking For Love.)

I also tried the Oatmeal Cookie Brown and it tasted like an oatmeal 🍪 cookie. 👍

Mom and I both had The Italian sandwich.

This delicious sandwich consists of cappicola ham, salami, pepperoni, marinara and mozzarella cheese on an 8 inch hoagie bun and then toasted in the pizza oven. By the way, there is a dusting of Pizza Crack sprinkled on top. (Oregano, parmesan and other secret ingredients) Tasty and Tangy!!!

I enjoy the Jackson County and Seymour themed pictures in the bar and the clever names of the craft beers. For instance, The Hustler, named after local wrestler Rip Rogers.

Also, Shawn brings in musical talent for entertainment. Harmony Park is his outdoor venue where you can bring your own lawn chair and enjoy live 🎵 music.

The food is great, entertainment is quality, Shawn is always there and you will usually find an old friend to share a brew with. Or, you can pay it forward and buy a beer for a friend the next time they visit.

The Key West Shrimp House is located at 117 Ferry Street in Madison, Indiana. On Saturday they were open 11:00-2:00. Closed. And then open again from 5:00-9:00. So plan accordingly. Heidi and I started with the Sweet Chili Fried Shrimp with a horseradish sauce for dipping. They were excellent. For my entree, I had the Coconut Shrimp with steamed veggies. They shrimp breading had shreds of coconut as well as slivers of almonds with a sweet marmalade to dip them in. Fried to perfection and very good.

Heidi had the Mahi Mahi and steamed veggies. Her fish had wonderful flavor. We both added a cup of Seafood Chowder for an extra $1.75. It included whole shrimp, scallops, bits of fish and diced potatoes and was sprinkled with paprika and parsley. Very rich and creamy!

And don’t forget the salad bar that accompanies the entree.

We had no room for dessert, however, I bet the Key Lime Pie would be great.