HOT 'LANTA Post #1

Judy and I waited until after the Labor Day rush to head to Atlanta to visit my family. I plan to devote this post primarily to our splendid meals while there. I'll post again about the other activities of our trip.

Tuesday evening, Sept. 2: The Varsity
The Varsity is the world's largest drive-in, with room for 600 cars and 800 diners. It is as much an icon of Atlanta as any thing else you could name. Click here for some of the fascinating history of this place. Nowadays, we almost always go to the Varsity Jr., pictured below, where the food is just as good, but you avoid the crowds and the downtown traffic.

Just a few of their specialties are their Varsity orange drink, onion rings, hot apple or peach pies, chili slaw dogs, chili cheese steak (with melted pimiento cheese), and plain old hamburgers and fries. In fact most patrons would say everything on the menu is to die for. One other special note, The Varsity was the first place Mama and Daddy ever had a meal together after meeting at a YWCA dance back in 1947. They married in 1948.

Wednesday evening, Sept. 3: The Colonnade

I don't have a picture to post, but here is another Atlanta standard that dates back to 1927. It is traditional in the best sense. Outstanding food, both entrees and veggies (list of at least 20), exemplary service, and comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. They don't need to advertise to attract a cross-section of Atlantans. Judy and I had never eaten there, and Mama and Daddy had not been there for at least 10 years. This evening we had a late celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary, which was back on May 15 (when I was still in school). We also celebrated Jennifer's 29th birthday and Amanda and Stephen's 3rd wedding anniversary, even though, sadly, they were still in Moore County, NC. Have no fear, we'll get together soon.

Thursday evening, Sept. 4: The Longhorn Steak House

Daddy had been hankering for a steak at this place for a long while, and steak is what he, Judy, and I all ordered. It was the best any of us had ever had, and Buddy surprised us by treating me and Judy for our 32nd anniversary. Us Loyds can always find an occasion to celebrate, and we're also skilled at getting someone else to pay the bill!

Friday evening, Sept. 5: Judy's Kitchen

We made it home by late afternoon Friday. I offered to take Judy out one last time to top off our trip, but with the rain from Hurricane Hanna already moving in, she opted for homemade pizza. What a treat it was! Pepperoni, onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. YUMMY! There was one piece left, but don't even think about it! It'll be gone before you could get here.

Next post will be the rest of the Atlanta story.