Sunday morning is an ideal time for breakfast with friends. Sometimes we travel together and sometimes we all meet at a particular restaurant. Texts and phone messages and had been relayed and conveyed. I set out slightly early and arrived at the Pine Cone in University Place about a quarter to nine . . . fifteen minutes early. Judging from the parking lot it looked like there were quite a few people already there. I thought to myself, “Perhaps, I can still claim an open table for me and my friends.”
The second dining room was virtually full, but the big dining room by the entrance was completely empty. I looked around and chose a table that would accommodate six people, although Peg was still in bed and not joining me. We only needed five seats. The table was right in the middle of the dining room. I talked with one male waiter and two female waitresses. I explained that I was the lead scout. I wanted to claim a table before the “churchy people” arrived. “The churchy people, don’t come until after eleven,” was the reply. All three were friendly and helpful. Soon I was drinking coffee and waiting. No one showed up. I texted a query and a second later my friend Donn queried me asking if I was going to join the group. After a few more texts it became clear we had a little mis-communication. I had suggested Pacific Southern on Pine Street by the Tacoma Mall. When I got the official word from everyone I heard “Pine Cone.” I told my friends just to enjoy themselves. I would stay at the Pine Cone and then stop over at my daughter’s home and visit. She and my son-in-law only live about four blocks away.
I already knew what I wanted: Chicken Fried Steak with hash browns . . . burnt, burnt, burnt. I explained this carefully to Autumn. She said, “Well, I could ask for them to be spread out so they all get brown.” I said, “Sounds good . . . just so they’re about the color you hair. (brown with a little gold).
There were no trumpets and the heavens didn’t open, but Autumn the Angel brought me the best hash browns I have ever eaten. I’ve ordered hash browns at the Pine Cone before and had decent hash browns, but these were seasoned just right and brown and crispy with just a little white peeking out from beneath a ton of gravy covering both my chicken fried steam AND my hash browns. This was twice in one week that a waitress had done her best for me. I was sooooooo pleased. Autumn set my plate down in front of me.
Laid out before me was a veritable breakfast feast. I still had several glasses of water around me, empty creamer containers, and an excellent cup of coffee. The sourdough toast was perfectly toasted with enough butter to keep it interesting and two containers for jam (raspberry and marionberry). I sprinkled pepper over my eggs and the gravy. I took a deep breath and dived in.
I had asked about the gravy initially. I asked for it on top of both my chicken friend steak AND my hash browns. Everything was perfect. It was all more than I could eat. I left one egg and two toast halves. The hash browns underneath the gravy were in little clumps where they have been separated to brown. The steak was almost as good as the hash browns. Almost. I will return. Maybe really soon.
The Pine Cone has been there for a very long time. It is a great place to get good food at a good price. The “wait staff” have always been friendly to me.
Dear Mr. Doman,
I enjoy your reviews, however, you really need a proof reader. First you had Chicken Fried Steam, then Chicken Friend Steak! In the first paragraph you inserted a random “and” so the sentence reads “Texts and phone messages ‘and’ had been…” Just trying to be helpful.
B.J.
Thanks for your comments.
We use spell check and proof twice . . . then possible there are additions . . . and sometimes the computer keyboard has a mind of its own. Besides, maybe I like Chicken Fried Steam and I used to know an Amtrak Porter named Ann Random.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Don
I “chow down” with a group of fellow musicians once a month in the back banquet room at the Pine Cone. We enjoy an hour or so sharing past experiences on gigs we’ve played over the years, locally and on the road. Some of those in attendance have performed with well known bands throughout the country and always have some interesting and humorous anecdotes to tell. The waitress is efficient, friendly and usually has at least one joke to share with us after our lunch.
My favorite selection is the soup or chowder along with the “loaded” roast beef sandwich…..m-m-m-m good! This is also my favorite restaurant for liver & onions, which my wife tolerates while she enjoys a hamburger steak, Darn good eatery with reasonable prices.
Ken,
Thanks for writing.
Liver & Onions . . . you don’t that offered everywhere that’s for certain. Family style, mid-America food. Do they have Chick Livers?
Are you teasing me about your musical group or inviting me to visit? I was the honcho for a couple of years with Drumstick where we had dozens and dozens of drummers playing the same song at the same time for the Guinness Book of Records.
I’m always ready for a good joke . . . or hash browns.
Thanks for sharing.
Don
I go there quite often. There Veal Cutlet is my favorite. I also like the Veal Parmesan and Spaghetti. Homemade Soup is good too.
Dave,
Thanks for commenting.
I don’t ever recall dining at The Pine Cone except for breakfast. Truly, I must have missed excellent options. I’ve had breakfast and coffee meetings, plus I’m always happy to order breakfast items at lunch time. I will have to schedule a dinner there with my wife for a Veal deal or two.
Thanks, again for sharing.
Don