From my paper journal…
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Written 25 Sep 2009
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Downtown Potterville – all two blocks of it – literally sits in the shadow of three giant silos. I’d seen this referenced online as I’d sorted through search results about “Gizzard City.” The world’s only one, mind you. The first time I’d driven through, on a day that was overcast and spotting rain, the whole place was ominous. I’d seen Joe’s Gizzard City, downtown’s solitary bar, and the Gizzard City Cafe next door, but I opted to try Charlotte instead. I had ended up at a KFC, which my stomach later regretted.
Today, with a brisk breeze and the sun shining, the silos don’t seem to loom as much. They’ve retreated into the background, allowing themselves to be glossed over in favor of homes and yards and signs letting me know that the gizzards are, in fact, next door.
I’ve stopped at the Gizzard City Cafe, which has teased my Diner addiction all week. My co-workers, who got breakfast here this morning, pointed out that not only is there a web page with a copy of the menu, but DIners, Drive-Ins, and Dives had the bar next door on their show. Now that I think about it, Nikki may have pointed that out to me a while back. Anyway, the co-workers also pointed out that both places had the same owner.
Hence, the “gizzards next door” signs.
I’ve come on my lunch break, starting a bit before noon, and it’s gone from two other tables sat to just me. With the size of the town and the economy being the way that it is. I can’t say that I’m surprised. Though, on the other hand, it wouldn’t take much to fill this place up.
This place feels as welcoming as Theio’s does, but far more relaxed and, honestly, clean. I have no doubt that I could sit here for several hours, sipping coffee and writing. Of course, I might have a hard time staying focused, as they advertise free Wi-fi. While the clientele screams small-town diner, it’s surprisingly geek friendly. I’ll have to test that out during a future visit.
I ordered the olive burger, well done. It’s advertised as 1/3 lb, and comes in a basket with a side of fries. The olive sauce is standard with the exception of huge chunks of olives and pimentos instead of the usual diced. The burger was cooked all the way through without being dry, and the fries were right out of the fryer basket. I do wonder if a non-standard bun might be better, but I have zero complaints. My pop was kept full, and the waitress was pleasant and attentive.
Yeah, I’ll be back.
There’s a striking similarity between this version of the Edo (?) time period in Japan’s history, and the futuristic setting of Cowboy Bebop – lack of food. Not that there’s a general lack of food being grown or being available, just that the main characters can’t get to it. I’m wondering if that empty stomach gurgle noise is the director’s cell phone ring tone.
