I finally made it over to Ed’s Place on the site of the former Dining Room … eight ladies, my wife one of them, had been there for lunch and enjoyed the food. I ordered my usual, open face meatloaf sandwich with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable. Only God knows how many times I have had that meal in countless eateries; it is man food and was invented during the depression.

Ed Beardsley gave us the cook’s tour and spoke of upcoming plans to change the decor. Not too much where you first walk in … that still smacks enough of the recently closed Dining Room to make old customers feel comfortable. Ed has added a long countertop and stools to make Art’s Kitchen customers nostalgic. But it ends there. The big room on the right as you enter will eventually take on the looks of old and new Suffolk. On the

walls will be pictures of the way it used to be, the way it is, and maybe drawings of what it will look like when all the developers get into high gear.

The room off to the left will look more like Art’s Kitchen, with art in the nautical theme. Local artists will be allowed to display their nautical work again.

There are other, smaller, meeting rooms painted with bright colors. I noticed throughout there was new furniture.

But there was a lot of cross talk between tables as though the family at one table knew others at the next … the way it was in the former Dining Room.

For lunch, Ed had those same three buffet tables set up and it was swamped. At dinner, however, it appears that will be salad bar only. And good, fresh salad makings they were. He has rooms for booking parties and meetings for 50 and more.

Being open for dinner, until 9 p.m., is new, and there is an evening staff in training. Our waiter said &uot;Hi,&uot; instead of the usual silly restaurant expression, &uot;I will be your server.&uot; He apologized for the delay caused by the backed up kitchen and offered free dessert. I don’t guarantee that will happen every time.

Ed gave us a peek inside both men and women &uot;rest&uot; facilities, and they appear to be new or more elegantly restored. Ed said they would reopen the Bakery Shop again as soon as he finds a corner for it.

And, believe it or not, they intend to blacktop the entire parking lot. Sorry, no more potholes. Give Ed’s Place a try. It could be the friendliest spot in town. And there is no smoking.

Right out of National Geographic

Andy Damiani’s Round Table TV show was shot in Sam Glasscock’s back yard. The discussion centered on a half scale pagoda that took Sam and his boy four years to construct. It is often a religious place in some far-east countries. This one is surrounded by a large white stone terrace and three large stones. Quite a shock when you come around the corner of Sam’s house and see this page out of National Geographic.

Then we went across the street to shoot scenes in the smallest gift shop I’ve ever seen. With the camera crew in there, and the artist who makes most of the gifts, there was little room for Andy and me. I dared not sneeze for fear of shattering shelves of handmade pottery. She says she can handle art classes in that shop, but no more than five students at a time; and she is heavily booked. She is Nansi Strickland and the shop is called Nansi S.

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Rumor has it …

There is a very strong rumor circulating … that developers are backing certain candidates to run against three council members. I hear that the three targeted are Bobby Ralph, Calvin Jones, and Joe Barlow. When the crystal ball becomes a little clearer, I will give you the names of the candidates. Those three and one more could bust our UDO wide open. Be vigilant.

pocklington@suffolknewsherald.com