During high school, I was in Dallas for a convention of some sort ... after all those years, I really don't remember! Someone in our group thought it would be a good idea to walk completely across downtown Dallas to the Southland Life Building...so walk we did...country come to town feeling very Cosmopolitan and looking every bit the country bumpkins we were.
Sitting atop the Southland Life was a very famous restaurant of the day. Ports 'O Call it was named and to everyone who knew of it considered this place very posh. We were seated with an awe inspiring view of the Dallas skyline. This was a major part of the overall ambiance I now realize as an adult.
With eyes popping out of our heads, we read the menu. We did not recognize a single food item as anything we could possibly eat, and if we did, the cost of each item was way beyond anyone's budget. I still don't remember who thought this place would be a good idea for lunch. Anyway, our server was patient and realized we were a bunch of unschooled kids. She took us under her wing and told us that Ports 'O Call was famous for its cheeseburger and fries. Finally, something we could relate to as 'real' food!
Everyone ordered their favorite drink, mouth's watering in anticipation. When the burgers arrived...oh my. What a beautiful sight...really too pretty to eat. All the dressings were on the side, so we each had THE perfect burger. The buns were amazing, soft and crunchy at the same time -- toasted with real butter and yes, you really can tell the difference. Fries...homefries cooked in butter as well. Heaven! We all ate and ate and did very little talking until only crumbs remained on our plates.
The check came...wish I could remember the total. Anyway, it was within everyone's budget, but more than any of use had ever paid for a cheeseburger, fries, and a Coke. Whatever the cost, it was damned well worth it!
I visited Ports 'O Call a few more times as a young adult...wishing for that perfect cheeseburger, but knowing it would never be the same. Also, knowing I had to be the adult and choose a more refined taste from the menu.
Several years ago, another conference and surprise...the old Southland Life Building was then the Adam's Mark Hotel. No Ports 'O Call on the top floor. Had the restaurant been there, I KNOW I would have gotten that cheeseburger again!
Always I wish you peace, joy and happines, but most of all I wish you LOVE. Especially love a good food and the continued hunt for that perfect cheeseburger!
As Ever, Annie
Sitting atop the Southland Life was a very famous restaurant of the day. Ports 'O Call it was named and to everyone who knew of it considered this place very posh. We were seated with an awe inspiring view of the Dallas skyline. This was a major part of the overall ambiance I now realize as an adult.
With eyes popping out of our heads, we read the menu. We did not recognize a single food item as anything we could possibly eat, and if we did, the cost of each item was way beyond anyone's budget. I still don't remember who thought this place would be a good idea for lunch. Anyway, our server was patient and realized we were a bunch of unschooled kids. She took us under her wing and told us that Ports 'O Call was famous for its cheeseburger and fries. Finally, something we could relate to as 'real' food!
Everyone ordered their favorite drink, mouth's watering in anticipation. When the burgers arrived...oh my. What a beautiful sight...really too pretty to eat. All the dressings were on the side, so we each had THE perfect burger. The buns were amazing, soft and crunchy at the same time -- toasted with real butter and yes, you really can tell the difference. Fries...homefries cooked in butter as well. Heaven! We all ate and ate and did very little talking until only crumbs remained on our plates.
The check came...wish I could remember the total. Anyway, it was within everyone's budget, but more than any of use had ever paid for a cheeseburger, fries, and a Coke. Whatever the cost, it was damned well worth it!
I visited Ports 'O Call a few more times as a young adult...wishing for that perfect cheeseburger, but knowing it would never be the same. Also, knowing I had to be the adult and choose a more refined taste from the menu.
Several years ago, another conference and surprise...the old Southland Life Building was then the Adam's Mark Hotel. No Ports 'O Call on the top floor. Had the restaurant been there, I KNOW I would have gotten that cheeseburger again!
Always I wish you peace, joy and happines, but most of all I wish you LOVE. Especially love a good food and the continued hunt for that perfect cheeseburger!
As Ever, Annie
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