Friday, February 13

Shakin' it up

Yesterday, during the warm before tonight's predicted snowstorm, there was a hint of spring in the air and I found myself craving a milk shake from Peach City. The quaint burger joint has never made my top ten list of great local places to dine, still it occupies a place in my heart.

Years ago my grandparents lived a few houses north of the establishment. When I was in grade school my grandmother and I would walk up the sidewalk in the shade of Main Street's towering sycamore trees, and then take our regular seats at the counter. It was great fun for grandma—she joked that the well-dressed elderly gent who dined there at lunchtime was her boyfriend (he really wasn't!)—and for me. I loved to spin circles on the old silver bar stools.

Grandma ordered the same thing every time: one burger with fries for us to split. If I was very good, I got a root beer all to myself. It didn't matter to me that the fries were greasy, or the burger buns a bit stale. Listening to the oldies blare from the juke box, watching Grandma smile, and spinning on my stool, I just knew I was the luckiest kid alive.

Years later I frequented the place with friends—at the time it was the only hot spot in town. Everyone I went with knew that a visit to Peach City wasn't complete without a visit to my grandparents. After parking and ordering at the drive-in, we'd all pile out of the car and head down the street. Grandma would welcome us with open arms, all my friends all loved her.

Good memories.

In truth before yesterday I hadn't visited Peach City in a long time. Inside the old eatery decades of deep frying and burger flipping added what seemed to be a permanent deep greasy sheen to the walls, counter, and booths. The whole place was in disrepair, and the service had tapered to less than dependable. Last year, however, it was purchased by new owners who went through and made a decent effort to restore its original luster. I'd been meaning to give it a try, but this winter has been too long and too cold for me to think milkshakes—until yesterday’s sunny afternoon.

Sitting at the drive-in with my daughter, I savored a mint chocolate shake (think Andes mints thrown in the blender with some really good vanilla ice cream) and I started to crave those greasy fries I so long ago abandoned in hopes of stabilizing my cholesterol level. I'd actually ordered a mint crisp shake--mint flavored ice cream with little peppermint chips blended in--but, steeped in memories as I was, I didn't mind they got the order wrong.

It gives me a reason to go back...

4 comments:

The Peach City said...

We purchased the Peach City last year and now that I have read your blog my new goal is to make Peach City brake into your top ten places to eat. We are in the process of painting now so hope the shine will soon be off the walls. Next time you come in ask for Nate I would like to meet you. and make sure we are keeping your memories alive. Thanks for the incurageing words.

Lori said...

Nate, I would love to meet you. I'm due for a mint crisp shake so I'll be in soon. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Best,

Lori

The Peach City said...

Lori:
We now offer a turkey burger on the menu, and have a two different options of fries; hand cut and the new arrive is seasoned waffle fries. So don't just limit yourself to the mint chocolate chip shake (that is my favor flavor a well).

See ya soon
Nate
ps do you live in Brigham

The Peach City said...

Lori:
We now offer a turkey burger on the menu, and have a two different options of fries; hand cut and the new arrive is seasoned waffle fries. So don't just limit yourself to the mint chocolate chip shake (that is my favor flavor a well).

See ya soon
Nate
Ps My sister is Betty Ann Loveland and I know Brian And Delbert quite well

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