On my recent trip to Canada, I was dispatched to Cargil in High River, Alberta to pick up a meat…read moreload. The trailer I brought in was in need of a washout. Fortunately, there was a facility just across the street where I could have this taken care of. While paying for the service, I was politely greeted by a woman named Jan. "We're opening the Channel 19 Café tomorrow.", she said. I was told the types of food they would be serving and was shown a menu. She also mentioned that breakfast was available all day. The
selections were both decent and appetizing. "I'd love to visit!", I responded, "But, unfortunately, I won't be here. As soon as my load is ready, I'll be heading back to the U.S. but I do wish you much success."
Upon returning to Cargil, I learned that my load wasn't ready to go yet. So, I waited... and waited... and waited. I kept waiting until the next morning and upon inquiring about my load, was again told, as I was consistently the previous night, "No. The load is not ready yet.". It was about 6:30 in the morning so I decided to go have breakfast at the Channel 19 Café. The first thing I noticed was that the sign said they didn't open until 7:00 o'clock. However, the door was wide open so I walked in anyway. "Oh! It's John!", I heard Jan say from the other side of the room while I was being greeted with a warm smile and a hand shake by Jason, Linda and Joska. In spite of it not being 7am, Jan seated me and I was presented with a menu. I told them that I didn't mind waiting until 7 but things were ready to go ahead of schedule. I ordered eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast along with a glass of water. While I waited (and the wait wasn't long at all) Jan kept me company with polite conversation. I learned about some of the local happenings in Alberta like "The Stampede". An event which takes place in June and sounds like a Canadian version of "The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo" down south in Texas complete with parades, chuck wagon races, country & western music, food and fun. There is even a picture on the far wall of Jan's husband Jack participating in the parade. It wasn't long when the bell rang letting Jan know my meal was ready. She brought it to me and I found a nice surprise in seeing a small stalk of grapes on the plate along with the other items I
ordered. I love grapes.
Channel 19 Café is located at 466 Avenue & 82nd in High River, AB in the same building as the CDI Truck Wash. Their phone number is 403-652-4333. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great meal and to meet some of the nicest people in the entire world. The breakfast was delicious and while eating it, Jan and Jason frequently checked on me (each time addressing me by name) to ensure everything was okay and to see if I was enjoying the meal he had prepared. I was doing great, finished the meal and paid them with the Canadian currency I had. Also, since I was their first customer and, at least in the US, I notice businesses always post their first dollar on the wall, I left them an American $1 bill.
Breaker One Nine, Good Buddy! For some of the best food in all of Canada, be sure to roll your rig to the
Channel 19 Café. Tell 'em John sent you. You won't regret it!
