If you find yourself, passing through Lexington, on your way through the Blue Mountain Scenic Highway, stop at Broken Spoke for lunch or a beverage. I am from Heppner (which is 9 miles up the road) , and left three decades ago. Many people have owned this small town establishment over the years; I'm so pleased that the newest owners have retained a much needed watering hole, the entire family can enjoy, in this community.
First, the service; friendly, genuine, welcoming, engaging and appreciative. My mother was in town last week, so we decided to come here for dinner. That was the first time for me, after many years of being away from the area. The restaurant was busy, two unexpected birthdays that night and it was remarkably hot for the weather, so many didn't want to cook in their homes. Molly, our waitress and wearer of many hats it appears, was fantastic! She's from the area, so she knew probably everyone in the building, with exception to me. My mother, not being a local anymore, but still is a local... I am not. Molly, truly was so great, I knew I would be back. Second, my meal, so good. I ordered Cajun chicken breast, mashed potatoes and PBR with lime (because it's classy). The chicken was moist, and packed full of flavor. Gravy for the potatoes, lovely. I appreciate when a chef, will season their food. The gravy was lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. (Love that!)
So, last night, second time into the restaurant/bar. One table with a couple people seated at it, when I walked in. I sat at the bar, this time I asked my regular bar question; can you make a Manhattan? Since, the Heppner bar disappointed me to a whole new level (see that review), I ask "can you" make... due to Heppner. Molly, "it's been a while, but we will figure it out". 1) the fact she was willing to figure it out, big gold star on her side. 2) I offered to teach her, just the way a bartender explained to me.. "area code for Manhattan, 212... 2 whiskey, 1 sweet vermouth, 2 dashes bitters", (brilliant!) She was receptive. No arrogance. No bullshit ego. (Second big gold star for her). 3) the bar was out of sweet vermouth, she put it on the order for the bar (third big gold star). 4) and here he biggest of gold stars, She suggested, "I can make you an Old Fashioned?". Helz Yess! Manhattan is my drink to sort of test a bar/bartender. Followed by an Old Fashioned (Heppner can't/won't make/learn either drink). My beverage was delicious. She and I talked about the drink, I explained my version I make the sample syrup with a combo of dark brown sugar and pure cane sugar sample syrup.
I was hungry; Molly told me special, before I could and was about to ask... "Pork tenderloin, loaded baked potato, and corn on the cob". I was like... get out of my brain! DONE, decision made... PERFECT. It was so exactly what I wanted, without knowing what I wanted. My meal; delicious! The pork, juicy and flavorful. Cooked perfectly. The corn on the cob; sweet and so easy to eat because however it was cooked was perfect. Everything was fantastic. The one table of people, happen to be the newest owners of the establishment; I met them and thanked them for being there and not giving up on this community.
LONG STORY SHORT; do yourself and this community a favor; STOP. EAT. Experience the charm and beauty of community. And have an Old Fashioned, their simple syrup is made with pure cane sugar; delicious! Say hi to Molly. read more
