Alba's Italian Kitchen, Gladewater, TX

Thought we'd try something different in Gladewater, mostly just Mexican eating places but we saw this on the corner in part of the old down town and decided to try it. A total of five tables in the place and only four other people eating in there at noon on a Friday but what the heck. Well a little old Italian lady (Alba) comes to the table and waits on us, just as nice as she can be. The food was great, I had portabella mushroom ravioli with spinach. Don't know what the heck a cannoli is but I like it.

Here's an update, Alba now has a website, here's the link: Alba's website

East Texas Burger Co. Mineola, TX

I guess I should'a had a burger but I decided to try the plate lunch. Excellent chicken fried steak and vegetables. It's in downtown Mineola, advertised as best burgers in east Texas. We'll have to go back and try it again. Service was good and all-around cool place.

Pappa Joe's, Apalachicola, FL

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Papa Joe's was highly recommended as a place the locals go to eat. The food was very good and as described, it was extremely casual. Large bar (with fresh oysters) as you come in the door. The raw oysters were good and the steamed (with onions and parmesan cheese) were excellent. Only complaint would be that the oysters and scallops were tiny but I'd blame that more on the BP oil spill messing up the fishing.

Papa Joe's web site

FYI-The beer was cold.