How do you feel about the word "retarded?" Frankly, I use it far too often but sometimes it is such an apt description of my social behavior, that another adjective just doesn't cut the mustard. During my recent foray into performing in front of huge crowds of people, a friend paid me a great compliment by saying that she couldn't detect an ounce of fear or awkwardness in my countenance...that is because I save it all for interpersonal interaction. I am shy, and meeting people or engaging in small talk is much more nerve wracking than public speaking - or singing for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I'm not all sweaty-palmed and tongue tied; I try to be cool. I don't think I embarrass myself too much but it is definitely an area in my life that could endure a good measure of improvement. I figure the only way to improve is to practice. So, I skipped what I learned about "baby steps" from Bill Murray in What About Bob? and, taking a huge leap, I did something that I, under normal circumstances, would never do; I went out to eat - by myself! Having heard great things about the Silver Dollar Pancake House, I decided to make may way out to Corona, CA.
Dining alone, in and of itself, took me a great distance outside of my comfort zone. A true masochist at heart (I guess I love testing my tolerance for misery), I took things a step further by changing barstools and inviting people to sit next to me AND striking up a conversation with the couple to my left. I was a MADMAN!!! I couldn't help being Mr. Congeniality at Silver Dollar; the Cheers theme song has spoiled the sentiment, but sometimes you do want to go where everybody knows your name.
Cheers Theme Song
I tell you I stuck out like a sore thumb when I first sat down at the horseshoe-shaped counter because everyone there was a regular and on familiar terms with the whole staff. It didn't take long for me to feel welcomed and included in the pancake house community.
The Silver Dollar Pancake House is a bit of comeback kid. Opened in 1922 and operating under a few different names over the years, SDPH has faced two devastating fires in the last twenty years. Committed to keeping the landmark restaurant open for the people of Corona, the current ownership rebuilt each time and continues to serve breakfast all day (among other coffee shop favorites).
On my quest to expand my capacity for the unusual, I did something else that was highly unusual for me - I ordered breakfast. Luncheon food is my bag but I figured it would only be appropriate to order pancakes (not my favorite food by a long shot) while supping at Silver Dollar. I decided to order the house special (the Silver Dollar Special) and I tell you, it continued the pattern of "firsts." That meal was my first meal in a very long time where there was just too much food. My sausage fingers just tremble at the mere typing of those words "too much food;" who's ever heard of such a thing? Even I, Honorary Co-President of the West Coast Chapter of the Clean Plate Club, couldn't finish all the food they brought me.YIKES!!!
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| Eggs, salsa, bacon AND sausage. My new pal, Doug, asked me if I was taking pictures to show the doctor why my heart had stopped. |
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| I got the pineapple pancakes. (Kind of weird that the "Silver Dollar Special" at the Silver Dollar Pancake House does NOT come with silver dollar pancakes, right?) They were about as huge as my face and not too dissimilar in complexion. Can you believe that they wanted to put a mountain of whipped cream on top of this?!!! Except for lactose intolerance in the extreme, I probably would have taken them up on the kind offer! |
My adventure into breakfast was a success; the food was delicious and the people were cool. In spite of the fires and subsequent contemporary/country decorating missteps, there is plenty of old-timey fixturing and finishes to earn Silver Dollar Pancake House the wacky tacky seal of approval. Most of that honor is due to the friendly atmosphere and small town nature of the little Pancake House that could.
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| If there is one thing that wacky tacky loves more than decorative block , it is decorative block painted sea green! |
If you're driving through Corona and you need a bite to eat, just belly up to the old horseshoe and grab yourself a seat!!!
Silver Dollar Pancake House
710 6th St
Corona, CA
(951)737-5977
www.silverdollarpancakehouse.com
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
