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.

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..