Like most of my discoveries for Off the Eaten Path, they are unplanned by design. That continues with my recent stop at The Country Post in Huntington. A friend who works for the government invited me to lunch, and he had only a few minutes to spare. He’s got it down to a science. 

The Country Post, 65 Commercial Road, is hidden away in an industrial area in a moderately new building, so it probably wouldn’t have caught my eye. These aren’t the type of places that grab the title of “country,” and more often aren’t country, it’s just marketing. 

However, at this tucked away spot, I was transported to what could be a John Mellencamp video. Just average, everyday folk doing what they do. They get it done.

Just as I start to smile, no lie, a Mellencamp song plays in the background. Next is Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” I hear another Mellencamp standard before I leave.

I didn’t go with any intent to write about the place with the ball caps, the blue jeans, the overalls, and the stories and the laughing. But this is where you learn about life and catch up on gossip and maybe find someone to buy hay from or even loan you their pickup. It’s a joint where you can talk politics, cuss at each other for being stupid, and still be friends. These patrons probably are regulars and have been there all day. 

That’s how you feel here.

It’s not specifically about farmers, but it is about everyday people. Those are the people with the best stories.

I chuckled at the menu. At the very top of the front page was a reference to their overachieving but underrated tenderloin. The “Not So Famous” pork tenderloin sandwich is arguably one of best in town. It’s sold more than 12,000 in the last year. 

This is the type of place you get pie even if you aren’t hungry for dessert. I didn’t. There’s always next time, and there will be a next time.

Oktoberfest in September

I know it doesn’t make sense to those of us with simple minds. 

But repeat after me: Oktoberfest is in September. 

Teds Beerhall is hosting their Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 24 in bustling downtown Royville —that would be the intersection of Union Chapel and Coldwater roads for non-Royvillians. 

According to their Facebook post, there will be plenty of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and 1-pound pretzels to consume while enjoying some live music. 

Chik-fil-A spices up its menu

Chick-fil-A has a couple new menu items on the menu, including the Autumn Spice Milkshake and reintroducing the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich. 

The milkshake has cinnamon and bits of brown sugar cookies. The sandwich features a grilled chicken breast, marinated in spicy seasoning on a brioche bun and topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. 

I’m told its a limited time offers continuing through mid-November.

Pizza Hut marks 50 years at East State

This milestone passed us by. 

Pizza Hut has been in Fort Wayne more than 50 years, and in July, they held an anniversary at the East State Boulevard location, and we are told they dealt out more than 1,200 free slices. 

The first Pizza Hut pizzas hit the oven at the spot on July 20, 1972. (What’s sad, I remember very clearly when this was the only Pizza Hut in town. Just when I was feeling good about my age.) 

The restaurant still features memories from those early days of the “good stuff.” They still use the red tumblers, red and white table cloths, the red-roof architecture, the hanging lights, and salad bar. They go one step further with authentic photos, memorabilia, and more than a few sightings of their beloved Pizza Pete mascot from the early days. 

It’s all part of a rarely promoted classic Pizza Hut style store around the nation.

Recent obsession

I’ve become very fond of the half-price pizza night at The Pub at 1802. 

Every Tuesday the pub serves its gourmet 12-inch pizzas, like the 1802 with sausage, pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, red onions and banana peppers, or Farmer’s, with spinach artichoke dip, shaved brussel sprouts, tomatoes, red peppers, scallions, mushrooms, feta, mozzarella/provolone blend, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, at discount. 

It’s one of Bill Bean’s stable of restaurants, so you can be sure it will be regal and upscale, but not uppity. The myriad of televisions almost give it a sports bar feel. That is, if a sports bar wore a really nice golf shirt and Dockers.