The 1,000th Post

This is the 1,000th post here at Walking the Berkshires.  From September 30th, 2005 to the present has been a marvelous journey, and one which has frequently surprised me with its twists and turns, though perhaps not quite as often as it may have puzzled you.  You certainly cannot predict much from the name of this blog, though I do from time to time get out walking the Berkshires, the Litchifield Hills, the shores of Buzzards bay and the rocky coast of Maine.

I managed to post practically daily for a considerable spell, though I no longer feel compelled to churn out fresh content on that schedule.  Some of my writing has found new form in regular newspaper columns, the ocassional magazine article, and my on again, off again spurts of novel writing.  The focus of my posts seems to be distributed across various historical, ecological, genealogical and cultural commentary, though just which muse may descend with a fresh though is beyond my control to predict.  To the very great credit of those of you who make this a regular stop, it seems that a bit of unpredictability is acceptible, and it certainly suits my style.

So rather than dwell on an unexpected anniversary of sorts, let's get down to something of greater import and substance.  I mean, of course, what's for eats?    I've just polished off a nicely grilled pork tenderloin, so it is not hunger that compells me, but rather the very act of cooking outdoors on a gorgeous afternoon has set my tastebuds a-tingling and my mind is bent toward thoughts of memorable meals past and hopefully future.

So I ask you, dear readers, if I were passing through your neighborhood, city, outpost or county; where's the best place to get some green chili burritos?  Who makes the best pie?  What greasy spoon served the best Reuben?  What dining experience is absolutely not to be missed?

To get the ball running, let me suggest a pair of crab shacks on the Delmara Peninsula, and the best barbeque within 200 miles of Boston.

Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic, DE

The Taproom Crabhouse, Chesepeake City, MD 

Redbones BBQ, Somerville, MA

And one of the best meals and dining experiences I have ever had was at the Hansa Hotel is Swakopmund, Namibia.  One night, while we were staying in a local guesthouse, our host Manfred called up the Hansa and told them we were in the mood for prawns.  While they were not on the menu, the chef did have some Mozambique langousines, nearly as big as lobsters, and he came out to our table and asked us how we would like them prepared. It was simply exquisite.

So where should I eat when I'm in your town?  Or where should I plan to visit just because the food is that good?

Comments

[Louisiana Genealogy Blog]

Congratulations on your 1,000th post! Have you backed up your blog? Just curious :)

[Sheri Fenley]

1000 posts! After 1 1/2 years I have almost reached 200. 1000 seems like an eternity away.

I never miss reading your blog Tim, it is always mind-expanding and entertaining. Thanks for the education!

[Greenman Tim]

I have drooled over Sissy's posts regarding pies and lard and am willing to concede, still untasted, that the best pies could well come from Chelsea-by-the-Sea!

[Myrt :)]

CONGRATS Tim, on 1,000 posts. Keep up the great work.

When in my hometown, Seattle, Ol' Myrt here recommends going to IVAR'S. There are several locations, including some 27 Ivar's fast food outlets, but here are two of my favorites:

IVAR'S ACRES OF CLAMS
"Keep CLAM" was one of Ivar's sayings. He began his work in the late 1930s, so it is easy to see that Ivar's musical and gastronomical entertaining has impacted Seattlites for decades. Though Ivar passed away, his legacy lives on -- and his restaurants still enjoy great popularity among the tourists and locals alike.

Ivar really came into his heyday during the same time as my father, when singing 4-part harmony songs and having great times also meant sharing the Pacfic Northwest's bountiful seafood delights.

Ivar's Acres of Clams is located down on Pier 54 on the Seattle waterfront. Dine alfresco or inside near the windows overlooking Seattle's busy Elliot Bay. Go here for the chowder -- simply the best. My Dad liked the fried clams, but you can order just about any sort of seafood imaginable.

IVAR'S SALMON HOUSE
You'll find this tucked away on on Lake Union, south of the sprawling University of Washington campus. You've simply GOT to go there for Sunday Brunch for a smattering of all things good.

You can even get there by boat -- a fun thing to do on a Saturday evening, made all the more magical by the lights of the city reflecting on this small inland waterway between Lake Washington and the locks to Shilshole Bay. You'll probably spot a sea plane taking off for Orcas Island from the pier across on the SW side of the lake. The ambiance of Ivar's Salmon House includes native carved wooden totems and canoes. The Salmon (yes, I used a capital "S") is cooked NW style -- on cedar planks.

Ivar's has a website (this IS the 21st century no less!) See:
http://www.ivars.net

GOSH, just writing about all this great seafood makes my mouth water.

Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)

[Sissy Willis]

Who makes the best pie? Why Sissy, of course:

http://sisu.typepad.com/sisu/2007/09/a-portrait-gall.html

Come on down!

[Bill West]

Happy 1000th, Tim!