Looney’s Family Dining and Catering Mechanicsville, IA

I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT LOONEY’S IS NOW CLOSED

August 22, 2008

Jamie Looney and LeaAnn Cords took a chance in this small Iowa town, and it’s serving the community and them well. After working in the restaurant business for over 30 years, Jamie moved to Iowa to be nearer to famliy. He met LeaAnn and they immediately got to work to open up Looney’s. Brighton and I stopped in on a sunny Friday morning for breakfast, to try it out. I’m glad we did! Not only was the service friendly, the food was great. Jamie and LeaAnn signed the lease on July 2 and had the place up and running and opened the doors the first time to hundreds of Ragbrai riders on July 21. But these crowds didn’t scare off the one and only chef, Jamie. Jamie worked in the Colorado State Penitentiary cooking up food for over 3500 inmates three times a day. So he knows how to make people happy.

Looney’s is an American dining cafe. Complete with chocolate chip pancakes, friendly service, homemade pies, good coffee, and good down home cookin’. I had a breakfast burrito that made me feel like I’d stepped into the Arizona desert. Brighton had a chocolate chip pancake (funny face pancake) that filled his plate and his tummy for two meals.

We’re sure glad that Jamie and LeaAnn decided to take a chance in the small town of Mechanicsville. I sure hope they stay a while.

Looney’s is located on East First Street along the Old Lincoln Highway that intersects the town. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 7 AM to 8:30 PM. Sunday Brunch from 9-2 for $8.99. Friday night special is always surf and turf for $11.99. Thursday night special is BBQ chicken and Ribs for $11.99 and they also offer an all you can eat buffet for $8.99.

They will accommodate truckers and construction workers, so if you plan to stop and it’s before or after hours, just give them a ring. They are closed on Monday. They’re also available for parties during off hours.

Fuel Espresso Mount Vernon, Iowa

August 18 2008

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a fascination with Fuel. The place. I can often be seen with a fuel mug or to go cup in my hand on my way to work, on a lazy Sunday Afternoon, on a Saturday getting some work done. I admit it, Fuel is my weakness. The proprietor, Tommie, is one of the nicest people you would ever meet. And if you ever met her mom, (the one who’s great pastry recipes grace the food platters) you’ll know why. And the staff is just as sweet and considerate.

Mount Vernon was chosen as one of Iowa’s Main Street Communities. And Fuel is most definitely a tribute to the town.  Along with other eclectic shops and many antique stores, Mount Vernon is a nice day get away.

Fuel offers several different kinds of independently roasted coffee including: Grumpy Monkey, Organic Love, House, Rocket Fuel, and they make their special Black and Tan. They have a full menu of coffee drinks, hot and cold as well as a counter full of mom’s made from scratch homemade goodness. Which includes fruit cream scones, carrot bars topped with a cream cheese frosting, rice krispie treats, a variety of home made cookies and the occasional Texas Sheet Cake. They also carry an assortment of organic teas, caffeinated and decaf.

The gift part of the shop is just as wonderful. With everything from assorted antique wooden bread bowls to dia de muerto gifts to french soap. If you are looking for something unique, stop here. And have a great cup of joe with a carrot bar.

Kids are always welcome at Fuel, but it’s a little touch and go if you have an antsy toddler from a mom’s point of view. The first time I ever visited fuel, it was after a long walk around Mount Vernon with my then <1 year old child (I think) Anyway, he was in a stroller, a Jeep stroller, made to go on rough terrain. So it’s not small. Tommie, the owner, and her mom welcomed me in and even helped me carry the stroller into the shop. Since then, my son has grown and no longer needs a stroller, and really enjoys going to Fuel. That said, I still keep an eagle eye on him in the shop because he likes all the pretties just as much as mom does 🙂

However, don’t go driving to Mount Vernon expecting Fuel to be open into the wee hours in the morning.  Fuel is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 5 PM.  So get your java on early in the day.

Fran and Cherie’s Skillet Cafe and Bakery Mount Vernon Iowa

August 15, 2008

We were so pumped that there is a new breakfast place in our area!  The Skillet Cafe is located on the corner of the main intersection in Mount Vernon, Iowa.  Brighton and I decided to test the breakfast menu.  Just the right amount of choices made ordering a breeze.  I chose the “Build Your Own Omelet” which came with american fries and toast.   There is no ala carte menu, so of course I had to over order for Brighton from the “Kids Menu” that wasn’t on the board, but instead on a small paper menu beside the register.   I ordered a coffee, which was in carafe’s and made for the multiples (which is OK by me – I can get my own and don’t have to wait for someone to serve it to me) but it was a little weak for my taste.  All the condiments and silver were on a cart beside the self serve soda machine.  It was an interesting take on breakfast but a good one.

They take your order when you walk in, then when it’s ready, they bring it out to you, but you are responsible for getting your own napkins, silverware, coffee, condiments, etc., as well as bussing your own table.  Some people may not like this feature, but I rather enjoyed it.  The price wasn’t outrageous, you could do things at your own pace (which is important with a toddler in tow) and you didn’t get a lot of things that you didn’t need.  You certainly don’t go broke or hungry eating here, but your coffee buzz might be lacking a tad, that is if you drink the stuff.

Don’t skip it if you visit Mount Vernon.

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Brighton’s Pancake Review:  They were Good.

Mom’s Pancake Review:   Kinda big, and a lot for him, so I feel like I wasted $3 unnecessarily, but they tasted great.

UPDATE:  October 3, 2008

Brighton and I went back to Skillet Cafe this morning for breakfast.  I had a philly omelet that had steak, onion, green and red pepper, and swiss cheese.  It was great!  They’ve started giving kids only 1 pancake (which makes sense) though the price is the same.  The coffee was good.  And despite my earlier post, you do NOT have to bus your own table.  You CAN if you want to help out the staff, but they will come by and pick it up.  It was a nice morning experience and the cafe was full which was a great thing to see!!  Oh!  And they’ve added free Wi-Fi.  🙂  So bring your iPod or laptop!

Zoey’s Pizza Marion, Iowa

Chicago Style Zoey's Pizza

Zoey’s Pizza

Marion, Iowa

August 2, 2008

I am happy for the first post in my food blog to be from Zoey’s Pizza in Marion Iowa.  Zoey’s has been around for a long time and they are famous for their Chicago Style Pizza.  They opened their doors in 1991 and have been serving up great pizza ever since.  One of the best things about Zoey’s (aside from their pizza) is their location.  They are right on the “strip” in Marion and in a quaint building decorated with eclectic and retro wallpaper, pictures, and memorabilia that fits in with the antique shops and historical sites surrounding it.

Staff was well dressed, clean, fast and friendly.  Immediately bringing my 3 year old son crayons and a picture to color.   The restaurant is clean and inviting.  Menus are easy to read and simple though the options are great.  If you arrive after 5:30 or so, especially on the weekend, expect to wait at least 10-20 minutes.  The wait can be tedious because there is only a small area inside to stand in and no sheltered area outside.  The prices vary with Chicago style being the most expensive overall, but you will NOT leave hungry and can easily make 3 or more meals out of a large Chicago Style pizza.  Please visit their website to see the menu.

Garlic Cheese Bread from Zoey's Pizzaria