Today I was scheduled for both morning and afternoon meetings at the Tower Mall offices. So, I decided to visit Ballew's for lunch. I can't remember the last time I was there, but I always enjoyed the little restaurant at 612 N Devine Rd.
I arrived promptly at 10:59 AM so I could meet my second deadline only to find that they "weren't quite open yet." I was anxious to wash my hands after using a public computer key board, and they were willing to let me use the restroom and take a seat to wait out resolution of last-minute preparation glitches.
Imagine my surprise when a lady came up to my booth with a camera, introduced herself as the restaurant's webmaster, and asked if she could take my picture to post as their "first customer." I had not noticed the banner outside announcing the grand opening of Duck Tales Kitchen by Steven & Jane Waddle, offering "Food, Drinks, and Catering." After a big smile and the click of a shutter, she made sure she got my name, spelled correctly.
While I was there, several folks from the neighborhood stopped by to chat and inquire if happy hour was still going to be an all-day Monday affair. It is. And I was glad for the warm reception the restaurant seemed to be getting. It is a gutsy thing to start a new business in this economy, but these are no amateurs when it comes to offering good food and a yummy atmosphere.
You may remember the Waddle name. This couple is related to Waddle's at Jantzen beach, which closed a few years ago to be replaced by Hooters. And, no, I've never been to the latter. But I would recommend that you try out the Waddle's new, smaller, culinary venture with a name that is equally ducky. I had the spinach shrimp salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, and it was wonderful. The salad was well presented, the shrimp was grilled to perfection, and the dressing was a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. Jane stopped by to ask how my meal was, and I was pleased to tell her it was very good!
You can check out them out at http://www.ducktaleskitchen.com/. (You'll find a picture of me and my salad.) Or, better yet, drop by for lunch.
