Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => 2017 and before: SW & WF => SpeedWeek 2014 => Topic started by: bboatman on June 13, 2014, 12:45:47 PM
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Hello all! My name is Brian Boatman and I live in West Wendover, NV. I wanted to give you a locals take on the restaurants in town. By now, I'm sure that you've heard about "The Metro", aka The Salt Flats Cafe, but I'll share the info for any newbies to Speedweek and our little town. The Metro is a mexican restaurant located inside of a gas station. I know, it sounds weird, but it's the best place to eat...period/anywhere! It's located on the road leading to the Speedway. You can't miss it.
If you fancy Italian food, you really should hit up "Romanza". The Romanza is located inside of the Montego Bay Casino. The average meal, per plate, is approximately $14.00. The atmosphere is top-notch, very classy. The food is to die for. You will be provided unlimited artisan bread upon being seated. The bread is enough reason to go.
We also have the standard casino buffets. They are good, but I find that the casino cafes are the best way to go.
Anyways, there you have it...my two cents on food. Good luck and be safe at the races.
If you have questions about town, give me a call.
Brian Boatman
775-385-4749
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Oh yeah, we also have some fast food.
1. McDonalds
2. Arby's
3. Pizza Hut
4. Burger King
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Okay, Brian -- it's good to see you're still alive and kicking. Howdy for 2014.
So - the Salt Flats Cafe now goes by the name of "The Metro"? Is that something new? Or has Marcello decided to move the place upstream with a fancy new name? Or has Marcello and his family moved on and someone else is running the place?
I agree with most of what you've said here. I have one "secret" method of eating inexpensively in the greater Wendover metropolis, but I won't share that on line but rather when I'm person to person with anyone that asks. I don't want to shoot dead the golden goose, so to speak.
Next question - will you be renting the basement this year?
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"The Metro" is actually called "The Salt Flats Cafe", but all the locals still call it the Metro.
Yes, we will be renting out the basement again next year. I'm gonna give first shot at it though to the nice folks from Tennessee that came last year. They will be staying again this year. They seem to like the place and I think it would be nice to give them first grabs at it.
Seldom Seen Slim,
When do you roll into town? On the "cheap food front", there is a $2.99 breakfast special at the Peppermill. It includes Bacon, sausage or ham with hashbrowns, two eggs and toast. Pretty sweet deal!
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Could I ask what Arby's serve never heard of that one ? we have all the others in the UK :cheers:
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$2.99 for breakfast WOW :-o that's LESS THAN two Quid :cheers:
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Arby's specializes in thinly-sliced roast beef sandwiches. They also have other sandwiches, but they are known for the roast beef. It's a pretty good place to eat if you're on the run.
Brian
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Thank you Brian
Regards Phil 8-)
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"Arby's" stood for - may still stand for "America's Best Roast Beef - Yes Sir!" and ergo the name Arby's.
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That's news to me!
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"Arby's" stood for - may still stand for "America's Best Roast Beef - Yes Sir!" and ergo the name Arby's.
Nice try!
From Arby's website:
Q. Does the name Arby’s stand for "RB," as in "roast beef?"
A. Close, but not quite. It comes from our founders, Leroy and Forrest Raffel, the Raffel Brothers, or "RB."
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Well, so much for the "common knowledge". I heard the story from someone - perhaps someone that ate there or worked there or had driven past one of 'em.
I still like my story better. Speaking of stories like that -- when I was going to Michigan Tech there were only two radio stations in the area. WMPL (where I worked) stood for W Miller Paulson Locatelli, the three guys that founded the station. We happy re-interpreted that to be "We Make People Laugh", etc. and over the river was WHDF. I don't know if the call stood for anything for real, but we all knew it as "We Hire Da Finns" (big Finnish component of the locals), or "We Have Definitely Failed" or "Where Hope Dies Fast".
Over to you.
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:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Regardless of the origin of the name, it's a pretty good roast beef sandwich they make! :-o
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Did somebody say Arby's?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vxQqdFOeoM
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It's still not as good as the Arby's Monkey commercial. :wink: Wayno
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Arby's used to cook a round of roast beef on a vertical spit up front.
it was real roast beef then, not the processed stuff they serve now.
McDonalds tried selling roast beef. back in the summer of '66 or '67
in this area. anyone remember that ?
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Just wish the Salt Flats Café would serve ice cold beer instead of sorta chilled beer. My favorite meal there is pancakes after a fast run in the morning when you have just put your bike in impound. :cheers: Great food and prices.
The Pizza Hut had frozen salads when we were there, plus a bit of an attitude.
McDonalds is fast in the morning and Burger King told me it would be about ten minutes until biscuit's were ready.
I liked the Italian place at the casino and thought the steak place at the other casino was very good too.
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Please, it's not beer it's apple juice.
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Brian, I must disagree.
Maybe I'm too fussy - but last year was a total bust for me with food in Wendover.
Usually, I try to avoid the buffets - I just don't eat so much as to make it a very good value.
The Romanza left me feeling queasy after a simple Alfredo dish.
The buffet at the Rainbow was just too much of a lot of stuff I wouldn't eat, and I certainly felt ill used for paying a premium on a Saturday because, hey, it's Saturday, you know, eh?
The Mexican concession at the Nugget was out of guacamole, ( :-o ) leaving my vegetarian wife with the option of a taco that included lettuce, tomato, cheese and cilantro - which sent us trying to find something she could eat elsewhere.
The ice cream concession at the Nugget was out of Butter Brickle and Butter Pecan - come on - these are staples - that's like having an Italian restaurant run out of spaghetti.
The Garter was so bad, I hit the vending machines at the KOA camp. To the folks who run the concession at the Garter, I have three words for you . . . hot soapy water. You know it's bad when you're losing customers to the check-in office of a campground.
The best meal I think I had in a restaurant last year was the taco stand on the Utah side. Freud turned me on to that one. I hope they're still open.
I'm thinking it's primarily going to be a hibachi, paper plates and tailgating this year.
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I'd like to put in a good word for Ruben's Bakery next to the pawn shop. Really nice folks and the BEST macaroons! A bag of his cookies comes in handy out on the salt when you are miles from Arby's!
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But I miss Taco-Burger. It was just classic Wendover. Same for the Hideaway. Went there last year. No food. I didn't really like the Mexican food trailer.
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There's a taco & ice cream shop next door to the Motel 6. It shares a building with a gas station or is it a repair shop? The food isn't bad, and the ice cream is real hand-scooped stuff. Three bucks for a milkshake that has three or four scoops of ice cream? That's a fine deal.
And then there's the restaurant down the street from the "main" intersection in Wendover, Utah. Down the street and over the tracks, and when the road bends to the left - go straight and you'll be in the parking lot. I'd give you the name but it most likely has changed again. Let's see -- it was Mildred's, and then something else, then Garlic and Onions, and when we were there last summer it was being run under a different name by the folks that had run it before and who had run the taco shop across from Motel 6. That shop, by the way, appears to be under renovation (Maybe something has changed since last October, but then it was being cleared of stuff). The renovation has been ongoing since 2 years ago, so don't think about eating there 'til you see the "Open" sign displayed.
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Maybe Mike Crawford has a few secret spots to let us in on........
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I miss the OLD Hideaway. In the later 60s and early 70s when I would be in the airport in Seattle
on my way to Wendover I would call and order a steak. Beef was scarce there during that time.
That was when Vesco and others would be running on private time. As many as 5 trips per year.
When I would walk in the lady owner would greet me, "Hi Seattle, it will go on the grill now."
They stayed open very late because the railroaders would stop in after work.
In the early 60's we stayed at the Patio. Six to ten people per room. That required sleeping bags
and only one bed. Our meat order was done before we left Portland and the butcher at Smith's Market
would keep the meat in his freezer. We would go in each evening and pick up what we needed and the
two grills on the concrete slab would be smokin. Wendover has changed SO MUCH.
To insure the room for the following year required a deposit when we left. The only problem was the
change of ownership during the year. When we called to verify our room the new management would inform
us that they didn't have any reservations. The prior owner left with the deposits but when we sent a new
deposit they always had a room for us..............sorta like the NO REFUND policy of now days.
FREUD
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The SUBWAY is good as well. :cheers:
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The SUBWAY is good as well. :cheers:
and air conditioned !!
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I'm really glad Glen brought up Subway.
I chatted with the manager about 3 weeks back, when I carried a large box of The Rat's pictures for Mike and the museum.
She said they had stayed open early and late last S/W, and apparently that move paid off.
This year she has approval for a 24/7 stint while the racers are in town.
I found the steak bkfst sandwich on flat bread something that can be eaten with one hand art 70 mph.
We'll see what happens during T & T in July.
I've had my share of stomach cramps and urgent need for relief from about all of the casinos at one time or another.
Nugget has to the worst of the so-called "name" joints
The Mexican place by the tracks was awful last year.
One can also try and find a fresh ready made sandwich at Smith's with potato salad.
If you really don't get enough salt; The Burger King puts abundant amounts on everything.
Regards, and good luck,
Jim
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as SSS says, the Taco and icecream shop besides Motel6, :-), yes, and the SUBWAY is good also, :cheers:,,
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Our lunches on the freeway are usually out of the cooler and include fun sandwiches, fruit, chips etc. Why pay for gas station stuff? We reload at the grocery in Wendover and that is pretty much our lunch on the salt, heavy on turkey, cheese and grapes, unless we are lucky enough to make it to impound and then it is off for pancakes at the Salt Flat Café. Are there any other Mex places that are sorta safe?
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I miss the OLD Hideaway. In the later 60s and early 70s when I would be in the airport in Seattle
on my way to Wendover I would call and order a steak. Beef was scarce there during that time.
That was when Vesco and others would be running on private time. As many as 5 trips per year.
When I would walk in the lady owner would greet me, "Hi Seattle, it will go on the grill now."
They stayed open very late because the railroaders would stop in after work.
In the early 60's we stayed at the Patio. Six to ten people per room. That required sleeping bags
and only one bed. Our meat order was done before we left Portland and the butcher at Smith's Market
would keep the meat in his freezer. We would go in each evening and pick up what we needed and the
two grills on the concrete slab would be smokin. Wendover has changed SO MUCH.
To insure the room for the following year required a deposit when we left. The only problem was the
change of ownership during the year. When we called to verify our room the new management would inform
us that they didn't have any reservations. The prior owner left with the deposits but when we sent a new
deposit they always had a room for us..............sorta like the NO REFUND policy of now days.
FREUD
The Patio was the best.A fun place with no frills attached :-D
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Are there any other Mex places that are sorta safe?
as SSS says, the Taco and icecream shop besides Motel6, :-),
The best meal I think I had in a restaurant last year was the taco stand on the Utah side. Freud turned me on to that one. I hope they're still open.
But it does say something about the local cuisine when the highest recommendations go to a mom-and-pop shop on the wrong side of the tracks and a Subway that receives an enthusiastic response because it's air conditioned.
I know, I know - first world problems . . . but even the two events I attended that were locally catered seemed only so-so in the food department.
Suffice to say that you're not likely to starve in Wendover, but it certainly isn't a culinary destination in the Michelin guide.
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I never stayed at the Patio. I had a regular job so I could afford to go a little more upscale. i stayed at Lewis Bros. the best part was sitting around the pool at night and watching the bats fly down to catch whatever it was that could live in that swamp.
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. . . the best part was sitting around the pool at night and watching the bats fly down to catch whatever it was that could live in that swamp.
Fresh food? :-o
Lucky bats . . .
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I don't go to Wendover for the food but it's hard to go 10-12 days without eating so it's Tongue tacos at night and McD breakfast burritos in the morning. Carmen's for beers. :cheers:
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You are sure right about Carmen's.
Check out the pictures; no telling who or what you might find.
She also has a great selection of barley soups. Most contain hops, rice and wheat.
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. I know for sure that we got plenty sick of those sausage breakfast burritos and McD's, but what else is there at 0430??
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We stayed with Brian and him family last year. Plan to stay there again this year and as long as they will put up with us. He and his wife and kids are FIRST CLASS. They want everybody to have the best speed week you can. Counting the days. Still a lot to finish on the car but we have days and nights. May be working in Brian's garage when we get there. See ya'll on the salt. It's all fun Don
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Thanks for the suggestions guys. I know for sure that we got plenty sick of those sausage breakfast burritos and McD's, but what else is there at 0430??
All casinos have 24 hr food.
Just take your chances that the servers are familiar with proper hand washing procedures.
Many are fresh from the back country and have not developed a kinship with running water.
You can also get snacks at Pilot all hrs and heat it in their micker.
Red Garter used to have a bargain bkfst of some sort, but I'm not sure now.
I'll try and stick my nose in during "T&T" as I expect I'll be doing some cooking, and will need to go to Smith's on a daily basis for vittles.
I'll also let ya'll know if Subway will do extended hrs during T&T.
Stay safe and go FAST!
Jim
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with our early-early morning starts,, breakfast has always been at the gas station near Subway (cant remember its name), coffees hot and the takeouts ok,,,
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The proper name is "R place", and the product is Shell.
It could possibly be owned by the Nugget cartel, along with the RV park.
You are correct; they carry the standard truck stop/C store fare, and the fwy on ramp is close.
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Mmmmmm........Carmens........Cold beer at the end of a long hot day.......with no slot machines ringing in your ears......Great place !!
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I don't like to whine and complain... so I'll take a more "positive" approach to adding my two cents. I never expect too much in small towns, so I don't really find things as bleak as this thread may seem...
However, I can say without constraint that, barring new ownership - a total remodel - and the department of health actually going there - your trip will be much more enjoyable, and you will spend significantly less time keeping Honey Bucket in business, if you were to eat at places which are not the Pizza Slut at the end of town. Several adjectives come to mind... and I will avoid all of them ;)
Kix
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Kix;
A couple of years ago I stopped there and it was closed. A sign on the door said it was closed due to a raw sewage leak. Eeuuwww............
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Yes, I also developed a raw sewage leak after eating there!
Kix
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Since we only get to spectate for a few days fri-sun we bring a propane stove and a cooler.
Eggs+ in the morning, cold sandwiches for lunch and what ever we find at a casino etc at night.
Might stop at the SMITHS grocery store for adult refreshment and something different for breakfast.
A little cheaper this way.
Thanks for the suggestions for local food and the warnings. LOL
Nick
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Nick;
Smith's is a great resource. You can tell how many racers patronize the store by the salt on the parking lot. Fixing your own chow is economical and not a bad idea at all.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Nick;
Smith's is a great resource. You can tell how many racers patronize the store by the salt on the parking lot. Fixing your own chow is economical and not a bad idea at all.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
True, that, AND they usually have a truckload of ice available early in the week.
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Nick;
Smith's is a great resource. You can tell how many racers patronize the store by the salt on the parking lot. Fixing your own chow is economical and not a bad idea at all.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
Yeah...Smith's is great, Coffee and donuts real early and mostly the daily beer and ice buy for the guzzlers on our crew. Sometimes breakfast special and dinner at Red Garter
Well we stay there. Also several nights one of our crew's wife cooks a great tri-tip barbeque or a taco bake in a crock pot slow cooker at the KOA. And man is it good :-D
We use the same tri-tip grill for hotdogs during the day,
Salt Talks got rained out a few yrs ago and Slim donated the buns and patties to us, the word spread and the pits all around gave the grill a workout :cheers: Slim.
JL222
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I miss the 99c Ham and Egg Breakfast at the Old Red Garter.....Ate that for years, even though it was a very dodgy establishment. Best sight in the morning had to be the sleeping young man in his Honda with the engine idling, A/C on, seat reclined and last nights party evidence hurled onto the pavement outside the drivers door....
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Just couldn't resist a comment regarding {stomach epizudick} or what we called in the service; "GI'S)".
I thought a hot turkey sandwich might assist sleep after a long, hot , day onthe salt.
My big mistake was getting it at some place called a nugget.
My friend Ray and I had camped in tents up above all the thrash and what-not associated with 'the bend'.
Around 03:30; the old alimentary canal said "what in the flying hyundai have you done to me THIS timE?
That happened to be the day that Johnco's employee decided to have a serious case of "Tavern house blues", or whatever; there was a serious chance of making real mess.
Fortunately for myself and anybody nearby, there was a very nice family from Corona area, and they allowed me to stink up the facilities in their very nice motor home. (Had a giant vent fan).
I still feel like I owe big favor to the white GMC crew.Point being:
I'm very careful where and what I consume.
Anybody offers to buy dinner at NUGGet; sorry, can't afford it.
Regards,
Jim
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Here's the latest sad story about Wendover and Casino chow.
I always link up with a pair of good buddies from Glenwood Springs.
Friday, we attended the sit down restaurant at Rainbow.
Senior specials, just the right amount. Hot beef sandwich for myself.
Saturday, big mistake; "Let's go to Montego Bay and have a steak", said he; because I didn't want to drive very far after having an adult beverage.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Tried the Rib eye and that turned into a Wrestling match.
Tough, loaded with gristle, an all around poor piece of meat to start with, then partly overdone, varying thickness; only a small section 2" diameter was as requested-medium rare.
Long story short, finally got that portion 'comped'.
Use your best judgement; buyer beware.
They'll never see this old Texan again.
Jim
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Just couldn't resist a comment regarding {stomach epizudick} or what we called in the service; "GI'S)".
I thought a hot turkey sandwich might assist sleep after a long, hot , day onthe salt.
My big mistake was getting it at some place called a nugget.
My friend Ray and I had camped in tents up above all the thrash and what-not associated with 'the bend'.
Around 03:30; the old alimentary canal said "what in the flying hyundai have you done to me THIS timE?
That happened to be the day that Johnco's employee decided to have a serious case of "Tavern house blues", or whatever; there was a serious chance of making real mess.
Fortunately for myself and anybody nearby, there was a very nice family from Corona area, and they allowed me to stink up the facilities in their very nice motor home. (Had a giant vent fan).
I still feel like I owe big favor to the white GMC crew.Point being:
I'm very careful where and what I consume.
Anybody offers to buy dinner at NUGGet; sorry, can't afford it.
Regards,
Jim
Jim, I think the only place to eat at in the Nugget, is Tito's Tacos. I think that's what it is called. A little place back on the left rear when you come in the front. Of course a cold draft goes good to. Mark.
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Just couldn't resist a comment regarding {stomach epizudick} or what we called in the service; "GI'S)".
We called it "the drizzlin' sh**s" :-D
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ