For some background let me take you back 13 years ago to an Ireland family camping trip we did through central California. On our way out to beautiful Sequoia NP we stopped in this fertile crescent of land to indulge ourselves in some of the biggest and best artichokes in the entire world. Having been a fan of the artichoke ever since our family friends, the Jackson's, introduced them to me as a younger
fellow I was excited to take this relationship to the next level.
Throwing caution to the wind I went deep on fried artichoke hearts for the first time and from there on out was hooked for life. Crunchy, buttery, vegetably, everything your [artichoke] heart could desire. I remember we had dozens just between my cousin Chris, AI (known as just Andy back then), and Richy (AKA Dad). We ordered and reordered and then took some more out for the road. Life was good.
No, life was great.
But unfortunatley because noone makes this tasty snack as scrumptious as the Giant Artichoke Restaurant in Castroville I haven't eaten one deep fried since. Subsequently, life hasn't been as great. Until tonight when I revisited heaven on Earth.
In the photo below you will see some artichokes along with the Mexican dish I had as an entrée. I refuse to write about the rest of my meal as I don't want to mislead you into thinking that anything served could be on par with the almighty deep fried artichoke.
I leave you with the words directly taken off the menu describing this establishment and the food it serves.
"One of Central California's famous tourist spots is the Giant Artichoke Restaurant. Located in Castroville, in North Monterey County, this unique restaurant is a favorite stopping point for people from all parts of the world. Thousands of people visit us each year
to enjoy the wonderful food and friendly service. The Giant Artichoke Restaurant prepares the finest specialty artichoke entree selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is the uniqueness of it's menu
selection that reigns the Giant Artichoke Restaurant as the only one
of its kind.
Surrounded by the ideal combination of soil, sun and fog, the 'Golden Thistle', as the artichoke is sometimes called, grown in Castroville
reigns as the finest in quality in both taste and size in the world.
The Castroville Legacy, has reigned the artichoke as king of the village that bills itself as the "Artichoke Capio of World".
4 comments:
you are so wise
I wonder if Chris remembers it as fondly? I think Castroville was his intro to this delectable delight.
Chris had only had marinated artichokes, because his mother avoids fried foods,even though, as a child she consumed many fried artichokes prepared by your grandfather.
our grandfather was wise
Post a Comment