900!

I decided that since I was just six places away from getting to milestone number 900, I decided to go to Cleveland Ohio, since I there were 6 there I had yet to try.

I arrived in Cleveland on a snowy morning.  I got to my first place, “Fat Cats”.  This is a true neighborhood bar and restaurant, the only business in the quaint neighborhood.  I took at a seat at the bar, which is the focal point of the place.  I decided to try something I haven’t had since my trip to Macau, Sardines. After a short wait my meal came out.  Two large sardine tails with a spicy red sauce and a dollop of garlic aioli.  Sardines smell very fishy but tasted great.  As I finished, I got to meet Chef Ricardo.  We spoke for a few minutes about my travels and Guy’s visit.

Fat Cat's - Cleveland. OH

Fat Cat's Bar

My Sardine Lunch - Very Good

I headed into the center of Cleveland for my second stop.  On the way I passed by Progressive Field home of the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians).  “Mabel’s BBQ” is in a rebuilt area of the downtown with office buildings and a lot of restaurants.  Mabel’s is run by Celebrity Chef Michael Symon, and he has a unique take on barbecue, he calls it Cleveland barbecue. The sauce he uses has a mustard base using Bertman’s Cleveland mustard that is used at Progressive Field. I took a seat at the bar and was served by the best bartender/server I have ever had! I chose the Pork Belly platter that came with Cleveland slaw, a slice of rye bread, and Tony Packo’s pickles.  Packo's became world famous on the show MASH, Jamie Farr's character Klinger always talked about Packo’s from Toledo. My meal quickly came, and it was delicious.  The pork belly had a nice peppery bark, and the pickles were really good, the slaw was really spicy, too much for me.  My server surprised me with a complimentary dessert, Pecan Pie tart ala mode with vanilla ice cream, a very delicious gift! As I finished, I got to meet the executive chef.  I also got a picture taken with my server in front of the big lighted sign that said, “EAT MORE MEAT”. I had a great time at Mabel’s! 

Downtown Cleveland Alley filled with great places to eat

Mabel's BBQ, Chef Michael Symon's joint - Cleveland, OH

Mabel's Bar area

Mabel's Sauces - Bertman's based Mustard BBQ sauce on the left, Traditional Tomato Based on the right

1/2 Pound Pork Belly Platter

Delicious Pork Belly

Tony Packo's Pickels and Mable's very spicy slaw

They comped me a Pecan Pie ala Mode Tart

Mabel's BBQ mantra

My wonderful Bar Tender/Server with the "Guy Ate Here" pan

My third stop was at a place that for most of the year is an ice cream stand. “Mason’s Creamery” during the winter months transitions to a Korean based eatery featuring Ramen.  The place has temporary walls and space heaters.  I chose the Korean Potstickers and a Grapefruits Iced Tea,  the pot stickers were tasty and came with a ginger dipping sauce, which was delicious.  The tea was awesome with a ruby red grapefruit flavor.  Before leaving I met the chef and owner as he signed my book. 

Mason's Creamery - Cleveland, OH

Mason's Creamery - Ice Cream place in the warm months, Ramen and Korean hot food in the winter

Pot Stickers

Grapefruit Infused Iced Tea - DELICIOUS!

  

My second day in Cleveland started with lunch at a neighborhood place called “Astoria Cafe and Market”.  This place is part restaurant and part gourmet market.  On the market side they sell meats, cheeses, wines, beer and other gourmet foods.  I was given a high-top table and decided to try the Rosemary Ham and Gruyère Cheese sandwich.  The sandwich had ham piled high on thick rustic bread with cheese and spicy mustard.  They also baked cheese on the top which I didn’t care for.  On the side was a simple micro green salad with a light vinaigrette.  Before I left, I met one of the co-owners.  He told me that the chef who cooked on their episode, so impressed Guy that he went out to Santa Rosa to compete on Guy’s Grocery Games.

Astoria Cafe and Market - Cleveland, OH

Dinng area

Market area

Rosmary and Gruyere Cheese Sandwich with a light salad

I had dinner with Melanie, a good friend that I met in 2018 while working on the United Consistency Team, she has retired and lives in the Cleveland area.  We went to a neighborhood place called “Good Company”.  It’s built into an apartment building and was really busy when we arrived.  The menu looked great, they specialize in wings and sandwiches.  They take 72 hours of prep for their wings.  When the waiter asked if this was out first time, he told us that first timers get to sample the Garlic Pecorino wings and they were great.  The menu featured the dishes that they made on Guy’s visit.  I decided to try the Surf and Turf sandwich, a French Dip style sandwich with thinly sliced roast beef and topped with Crabmeat and a cup of au jus on the side.  Mel got the Sweet Chile wings, and we shared a side of fries and fried chicken skins.  All the food was really good, I would have preferred my sandwich to be just beef, I love crab, but it really didn’t add anything to the sandwich.  The chicken skins were awesome, probably bad for you, oh so tasty! The staff was amazed at the number of places I had visited, and I was able to get a few of the staff to sign my book.  I had a great visit with Mel and as we left, I now had 899 Triple D visits.  My last day in Cleveland would be a big milestone visit!

Good Company - A neighborhood place - Cleveland, OH

YEP!

First timers get to sample Pecorino Wings

Surf and Turf Dip Sandwich

A side of Fried Chicken Skins

Melanie's Sweet Chile Wings

Melanie and I headed out for the big #900 visit.  My favorite Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story”. The classic 1983 film was shot on Rowley Avenue in suburban Cleveland and the house used for some indoor shots and all exterior shots was across the street from the place I chose as my milestone place. “The Rowley Inn” was built and opened in 1906 as a pub for the workers at the nearby steel mill.  The upper level of the Inn was used during filming as a makeup prep office.  The place was packed when we arrived with people getting ready to tour the house.  We were seated at a small table in the back room.  I decided to try the BLT.  The sandwich was huge, eight slices of bacon piled high with micro greens and tomatoes on crusty sourdough toast served with fries.  Very tasty and filling.  Jim, the manager came over to sign my book before leaving.  I am so glad to have made The Rowley Inn my milestone visit.

The Rowley Inn, #900 for me across from the "A Christmas Story" House - Cleveland, OH

Inside the small neighborhood restaurant

My BLT, stacked with 8 slices of bacon!

I have been on this journey since Memorial Day, 2008 and I am hoping to get the next 100 in the near future.  I’m almost there 1000 will be a big deal, but now I’m at 900!

The "Land of Enchantment" FINALLY!

 "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" has featured places in New Mexico since the show debuted and I had wanted to get there ever since.  I had planned trips at least four times but each time something came up from full flights to expensive rental car rates, to me getting COVID.  Finally, everything came together, and I was off to Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

After arriving I got a car and headed out.  My first stop was not too far from the Albuquerque airport, "Franks Famous Chicken and Waffles" is a place that features soul and southern cuisine.  The building looked a bit like an old Stuckey's that I used to see on our family road trips to Florida (minus the blue roof). The place is decorated with posters and memorabilia from soul and rock artists.  They even have the shoes from Run DMC! I was seated at a small table and I found the staff to be very helpful and friendly. I chose the Franks Jr. plate which featured a waffle and three chicken wings.  After a short wait my meal came.  The waffle was a regular style not Belgian style and served with syrup and a cinnamon topped butter spread.  The butter spread really made the waffle standout.  The wings were big and meaty and really good, with a tasty and slightly spicy batter.  I met Frank's daughter who signed my book.  Don't let the name fool you, Frank's features a large menu of Southern specialties.

Frank's Famous Chicken and Waffles - Albuquerque, NM

Inside Franks - Music Themed

Chicken Wings and Waffles

From Frank's I headed out for the hour drive to Santa Fe, where I would stay for two nights. The drive was fast and scenic, pretty mountain scenery.  My first stop in Santa Fa was a small sandwich place; "Dr. Field Good Kitchen and Butcher Shop", prides itself on featuring locally grown and sourced products.  I chose the sandwich that they made for Guy, the "Bas Ass BLT" sandwich; a 9 oz. ground pork belly patty topped with lettuce, mayo and locally grown purple heirloom tomatoes. The sandwich was delicious, the highlight was the rustic potato roll.  The manager told me that they had moved locations since the show aired becoming more of a take-out and butcher shop.

Dr. Field Goods Butcher and Kitchen - Santa Fe, NM

Dr. Field Good huge kitchen and prep area

My "Bad Ass BLT"

 My next stop was a few miles out of town on the road to Las Vegas (New Mexico!).  "Arable" had just reopened after a lengthy closure due to the pandemic.  It's kind of hidden on the backside of a small strip mall courtyard.  Arable serves mostly small plates and cocktails.  I took a seat at the bar and decided to try something I hadn't tried since I visited Scully's Tavern in Miami in 2008, Escargot!  As I waited, I noticed the background music was very jazzy old TV theme songs!  I had never heard a jazzy version of the "I Love Lucy", "That Girl" and "The Fishin' Hole aka The Andy Griffith Show" theme.  The Escargot came and it as not served as I have had it in the past with garlic and butter topping but they were cooked and topped with Mediterranean spices, they were served with toast points. It was very good.   

Arable - Santa Fe, NM

Escargot with Mediterranean Spices and Toast Points

My last stop on what had been a long and tiring day was a place that in an old home that had been converted to a restaurant, they had small rooms rather than a large dining area.  "Casa Chmayo" is a family run place; they make authentic New Mexican cuisine with everything made from scratch.  I noticed a very popular item is the made at table side Guacamole.  I was told that a lot of the menu is from family recipes.  I chose the Elote Salad, mixed greens, tomatoes topped with a Citrus Vinaigrette and Elote, which is corn topped with Cotilla cheese, spices and fired roasted on the cob, then cut and topped on the salad.  As I waited, I noticed tht rooms are decorated with family photos, local arts and strings of the different peppers that are used in their cooking.  The salad was very good, the Elote was delicious, but the dressing had a powerful spice kick.  

Casa Chimayo - Santa Fe, NM

Insde one of small dining rooms at Casa Chimayo

Elote Salad

It had been a long day, but I was happy that I had finally made it to New Mexico and my adventure had just begun.

My second day started with a couple of places that are pen for breakfast.  My first stop was out of town on the Old Las Vegas Highway.  "Harry's Roadhouse" is in an old adobe building.  I arrived at 8a, the opening time and the parking lot was already full and there was a line! After a wait of a couple of minutes. Harry's is like Casa Chimayo with several small rooms for seating, with local artwork on display.  I noticed that they have a lot of regular customers.  I chose to get the "Guys Favorite", a blue cornmeal waffle with bacon strips cooked into the waffle. It was served with butter and freshly sliced bananas.  I have never had anything made from blue corn meal and was taken aback at the blueish-green color of the waffle.  It was not served with any syrup which was different, but I did enjoy it, to me I was more of a savory waffle.  On the table was house made apricot preserves which I used to sweeten the waffle. After I finished, I met the manager, who signed my book.  He told me he was from the Baltimore area, and we chatted about some the Triple D places there.  As I left there was a pretty large line of people waiting, a real popular place!

Harry's Roadhouse - Santa Fe, NM

Local artwork in one of the smaller dining rooms

Guy's Favorite Waffle - Blue Cornmeal Waffle with fresh bananas

From Harry's I headed back into Santa Fe to my next stop. "Tune-Up Cafe" is a neighborhood restaurant in what looked like a home.  As I entered, I was given a menu and when I was ready to go up to the counter to make my order.  I chose a Breakfast Burrito loaded with Chorizo sausage, as I waited, I saw that they also feature house made cakes and pies and they looked really good.  My burrito came it was huge with a big portion of ground chorizo.  It was very filling.  Although I didn't get to meet the owner, they took my book back to his office to get it signed.

Tune-Up Cafe - Santa Fe, NM

Order area and kitchen

House made Cakes and Pies

My Breakfast Burrito

Inside the burrito 

My next stop was an unusual one. "Back Road Pizza" was still operating under COVID restrictions.  They were open for carry-out but had just reopened a small outdoor courtyard adjacent to the restaurant.   I decided to try their lunch special which included a one topping slice, small side salad and a can of soda.  I chose a slice of Canadian Bacon pizza with a beet salad.  The pizza slice was pretty large with a crispy crust and was very good.  The star of the meal was the salad; microgreens topped with beet chunks, pine nuts, feta cheese with a dill vinaigrette. It was delicious! Back Road does a good job, I hope they can go back to full service as soon.

Back Road Pizza - Santa Fe, NM 

Temporary Eat-in Courtyard

Beet Salad

Slice topped with Canadian Bacon

I then headed a few miles away to a very unique Triple D place, a microbrewery.  "Rowley Farmhouse Ales" makes over a dozen different beers and ales. I sat at the outdoor covered patio and decided to try one of their unique brews.  I chose a Berliner style which they called "Germanophile", it was an amber colored beer, which was well described as sour.  I also tried a wheat baguette which was made by using the spent wheat grains, used in the brewing of their beers. I'm not a beer drinker so I can't really judge fairly.  The others at Rowley were really enjoying their food and drink and I noticed the sample flight was very popular.

Rowley Farmhouse Ales - Santa Fe, NM

Beer Vat

Outdoor seating area

Germophile Sour Berliner style beer

After a short break I headed to my last stop of the day.  The restaurants website showed it opened at 5p and that's when I got there and just like Harry's Roadhouse earlier in the day the parking lot and dining room were pretty full, I guess people in Santa Fe get to restaurants early!  I was seated at one of the last seats at the bar at "Paper Dosa".  This is an East Indian restaurant.  I have been to Indian restaurants, but I am not familiar with a lot of food served.  The busy but friendly bar tender told me about the different types of food.  I decided to try at Lamb Marsala Dosa.  The meal came out very quickly.  A Dosa is a large flat crispy crepe.  On the side there was a vegetable soup, the lamb marsala, ground lamb with peas and spices, on the side was a tomato sauce and green coconut chutney.  The Dosa was very tasty and was nice to dip into the sides and also served as a cooling aid for the very spicy lamb dish.  It was a huge meal, I couldn't even finish it, but it was good, definitely worth a visit if you want something different when visiting Santa Fe.  After having my sever sign my book I headed back to the hotel for the night.

Paper Dosa - Santa Fe, NM

Bar Area

Dining Area

My Lamb Dosa meal, the Dosa is the cone shaped crispy Crepe

My third day on the trip also happened to be my 60th birthday, just another number but this was one where both numbers changed!  I would be leaving Santa Fe and heading down to Albuquerque.  I had one more stop before heading south.  "Jambo Cafe" is an African and Caribbean cuisine restaurant.  It's in a strip mall and really doesn't look like much from the outside but you can feel the African theme as soon as you enter. The menu has dishes from all over Africa and many of the Caribbean islands.  I looked over the menu and decided to try the dish that Guy had on his visit, Mahi Mahi.  The fish is steamed in a banana leaf and served with a dark rice, a sweet mango-pineapple sauce with tomatoes and Bok joy greens.  As I waited for my meal I strolled around the restaurant, Chef-Owner Chef Obo has won numerous awards and has been featured in several local magazines and newspapers.  They also have a small area called the "Jambo Bazaar", this is a small shop where you can buy some of the spices and drinks that they serve along with African clothes and trinkets.  As I waited, I was able to meet Chef Obo, who signed my book, he told me that Guy had been back a few weeks before my visit to feature Jambo on the "Triple D Nation" show. The meal was awesome, the fish was tasty and very mildly flavored.  The sauce and vegetables were really good.  I highly recommend Jambo Cafe, it's a unique experience!

Jambo Cafe - Santa Fe, NM

Inside the dining area

Jambo Bazaar - Where you can get spices and other African items to bring home

Jambo's "Guy Ate Here" pan

Mahi Mahi, the meal Guy Had

After about an hour drive south I arrived at my first stop in Albuquerque.  I made it there safely, so I guess I did make that "Left in Albuquerque"! "Nexus Brewery and Restaurant" in a small microbrewery on the north side of the city.  It's in a small industrial park with a small seating area.  I'm not a beer drinker so I decided to try one of their appetizers. I chose the Catfish Nuggets.  The meal came pretty fast and huge basket was served with lemon and tartar sauce.  They were really good.  

Nexus Brewery and Restaurant - Albuquerque, NM

Inside Nexus

Words many beer aficionados live by!

Catfish Nuggets basket

My last stop of the day was a place that had changed names since Guy visited in one of the early seasons.  "Range Cafe'" was known as the "Standard Diner" and although the name was changed, the service and food is the same.  The place had been a Standard Oil gas station and it has an art deco look.  My server told me that Guy had had the DDD meatloaf, so I figured, eat what Guy ate. He told me that DDD Meatloaf is unique to the Standard Diner location only, other locations have their own unique special items. I really liked decorations, the coolest was an old cigarette machine that had been refurbished to vend small local pieces of artwork.  The meatloaf came and it was an homage to the classic diners of the past.  A big slice of meatloaf with a bacon crust along with mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans, the All-American diner dinner! It was delicious!  I cleaned the plate!  Even though I was stuffed I had to try one of the house-made desserts, and took it back to the hotel.  I can't turn down good slice of Key Lime Pie and it was better than good!  It was a great way to end the day!

Range Cafe - Albuquerque, NM

Dining area in an old Standard Gas Station

Very cool Old Fashioned Cigarette machine refurbished to sell artwork

DDD Meatloaf Plate

Key Lime Pie

My next stop was a small family run place.  "Cecillia's Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch.  Inside it's like you're dining in Cecillia's home.  Cecillia greeted me upon entering and she told me everything is made from scratch.  I chose the Bacon Breakfast Burrito, and it was probably the best breakfast burrito I have ever eaten.  She gave me a small cup of both red and green sauce, the red was way too spicy for me but the green, that had bits of peppers in it was great.  Every bite had chunks of bacon.  It was fantastic.  After getting Cecillia to sign my book I headed out.

Cecilia's Cafe - Albuquerque, NM

Cecilia's Dining Room

Bacon Breakfast Burrito

The spicy Red Chilie Sauce

The less spicy and very tasty Green Chile Sauce

My next stop was a last-minute addition.  Guy had featured a place called Bocadillo's.  As I was planning the trip the Google site showed that it had closed, so I figured that it was gone.  While in Santa Fe I got a text from fellow Triple D super fan, Jane Holm telling me that it had changed names and relocated with the same Owner and Chef.  The new restaurant called "My Mom's Kitchen".  It's owned and operated by Chef Marie Yniguez.  The restaurant is bright, open and very nicely appointed.  I ordered the Avocado Breakfast Tostada.  The tostada was very good, refried beans, eggs, cheese, with microgreens and tomatoes on top of a crispy tostada.  As I was enjoying my meal, Chef Marie came over and we had a nice discussion about the restaurants, working with Guy, getting to know many of other Triple D owners from New Mexico.  She is good friends with Chef Obo from Jambo Cafe.  Chef and her daughter also won an episode of "Guy's Grocery Games"!  Chef Marie even gave me one of her Bocadillo's ballcaps, so nice! "My Mom's" is a must when in the area and meeting Chef Marie is a must, a highlight of my trip! I have to also thank Jane for giving me this info!

My Mom's Kitchen - Albuquerque, NM

Me and Chef Marie

My Mom's Kitchen's open kitchen

Avocado Tostada

My last stop of the day was a place I had wanted to go to from the time I saw their episode back in about 2008. "Monte Carlo Steakhouse" was one of the very first places Guy visited and was memorable because originally you had to go through a liquor store to get to the dining room.  They have changed it since and now the entrance is via a side door.  The place is a throwback to the days of old Steakhouses of the past with circular red Naugahyde booths, cool decorations on the walls and a dark ambiance (thank goodness for cell phone flashlights!).  I was seated in a circular booth, and the 2 Triple D posters on the wall behind! This was the place I was looking forward to, so I decided to go all out and get the Ribeye, my favorite cut.  The meal came with a huge salad, baked potato and Texas Toast.  The salad came out with Bleu Cheese dressing, a huge portion.  I had just finished when my meal arrived.  The steak was very well cooked, and the potato was very big. I was full, but it was a good full! After meeting the owner, whose father and mother had opened the Monte Carlo many years ago, he signed my book. As I was leaving, I had to walk down the famous to the liquor store. This was a great way to end my second day in Albuquerque!

Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Liquors - Albuquerque, NM

The side door to the Steakhouse

Monte Carlo Dining Room

The Two Triple D posters right over my table!

Large Salad

Perfectly cooked Rib Eye

Baked Potato and Texas Toast

The hallway between the Liquor store and restaurant

I got up early and headed out to what turned out to be one of the best places I visited on my Triple D journey, that's saying a lot, because I have been blessed visiting and meeting so many great people on my journey. "Golden Crown Panaderia" is a bakery that features New Mexico baking.  As I entered the small bakery, I passed a cookie vending machine, which was very cool.  I was warmly greeted by the father and son team make the magic happen. Golden Crown Panaderia was started by Pratt Morales in the early 1970s and he has been joined by his son, Chris.  Pratt took me back to the baking area as he was finishing up Mexican Wedding Cookies and at least 4 different types of fruit filled Empanadas.  I have never met anyone like Pratt, he is so full of life and is not slowing down at age 85, he wants to do a TED Talk about longevity of life and plans to live to 130, and I have no reason think he won't!  He let me sample a just finished Mexican Wedding cookie; it was awesome.  When he takes the hot cookies, they are put into a cooler for a few minutes so the powdered sugar will adhere to the cookies.  I then tried a Cherry filled Empanada.  The pastry crust was brown in color with an awesome taste.  The filling was coming out of the seams, Pratt told me he fills the pastries as much as he can, it's a fruit fille empanada not a crust empanada! Meeting people like Pratt, Chris and Chef Marie of My Mom's is what makes this journey so rewarding, I feel so fortunate to have met all of the great people that Guy has showcased on Triple D. Before leaving I got some Wedding Cookies and the very unique Blue Corn Biscochitos cookies to take with me. If you are in Albuquerque, Golden Crown is an absolute must!

Golden Crown Panaderia - Albuquerque, NM

Probably the coolest vending machine ever; Fresh baked cookies!

Golden Crown's prep area

Empanada dough being prepped for baking

Chef Pratt pulling baked Mexican Wedding cookie out of the oven

Fresh Breads

Delicious freshly finished Mexican Wedding Cookie

Cherry Empanada

Inside the empanada

Dining area

Lemon, Cherry, Blueberry and Apple Empanada's being prepared

Chef Pratt and Chris Morales the magic behind Golden Crown Panaderia

As I was driving back to the hotel, I passed the sports area of Albuquerque.  The University of New Mexico's football stadium, The Pit, UNMs basketball arena, and Isotopes Park, home to the Albuquerque Isotopes; the Colorado Rockies AAA affiliate.  The Pit is where in 1983 NC State University won the NCAA basketball championship under legendary coach Jim Valvano.  I saw that the Isotopes had a souvenir shop, so I had to stop in and check it out.  The name comes from the Sandia Labs where during World War 2, the Manhattan Project developed the atomic bombs.  They let me explore the stadium and what was interesting is that before there was an Isotopes team in Albuquerque there was an Isotopes baseball team on the show "The Simpsons" so there are statues of the characters around the stadium.  Another interesting side item is the team plays one game a season called the Albuquerque Geen Chile Cheeseburgers and once a month are called the Mariachis de Neuvo Mexico.

Isotopes Park home of the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes

Homer is in the house

The ball field being resodded 

Mariachi's De Nuevo Mexico symbol

Marge enjoying a huge Pepsi

Bart being Bart

Lisa enjoying the stadium

For dinner I headed into the Old Albuquerque area of the city.  There are shops and restaurants and is like an old western town.  "Kitsune" is a Southwester-Asian fusion restaurant.  You order at a counter and then your food is brought to your table.  I chose the Pork Belly Rice dish that they prepared during Guy's visit. The main focus is the bar which features a huge menu of drinks.  My meal came and it was delicious, three large pieces of Pork Belly with a sweet sauce and white rice and microgreens on the side.  Tony, the main cook came out and we were able to talk about Guy's visit and he signed my book.  I had a really nice conversation with the two bartenders, too.  The end of another great day!

Kitsune - Albuquerque, NM

Kitsune's large bar area

Order area

Pork Belly Rice

My last day in Albuquerque started with a short dive to a Vietnamese bakery. "Coda Bakery" is a small takeout place that specializes in pastries both sweet and savory.  The guys at Kitsune had recommended the Green Chille Chicken Turnover so I wanted to try that, I also chose a Pork filled pastry bun.  Since there was no seating area, I decided to take it back to the hotel to enjoy it.  The turnover was delicious and had just a slight spice bite, the pastry bun was just as good.  Both had a crispy crunchy pastry crust. New Mexico is known for its chiles, so much so that they have it on their car license plates!

Coda Bakery - Albuquerque, NM

Pork Bun Pastry on top, Green Chilie Chicken Turnover

Inside the turnover

Inside the Pastry Bun

I headed out for my last stop on the trip. "Guava Tree Cafe" is a Cuban themed sandwich and salad shop.  The building is pretty cool, it's in the Southwest adobe style and they have indoor and patio seating.  I ordered the small version of a Cuban sandwich.  It was really good, thick slices of pork and ham with Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on a sub roll and pressed on the grill.  I have mixed feelings about Guava Tree, the food was really good, but the staff was not very friendly, I hate to say it but that's the vibe I got.  

I headed home after a wonderful trip to the Land of Enchantment, I ate at some wonderful places and met some incredible people, I feel so blessed to o be able to be on this journey and as I head home my Triple D count is 894 and I will soon be getting to my 900th!  1000 is not too far off!