Dinner with the Family

Well, it's that time again. The WubQueen needs a day off (relaxing her brain from all that Wordle?) and I am filling in with filler. Today is the blog for Wed March 30th, so do the usual and leave comments below. Also, I am doing a very informal poll. You "might" have to be of a certain age to participate. So, here it goes...

When you were younger, did you:

Now, I am going to try my best to do this without looking up on the internet. We grew up with a Sizzler and a Ground Round in the neighborhood. Although, I have been to a Ponderosa. It seemed like NJ had Sizzlers and PA had Ponderosas. Family would go out on a Saturday night about once a month. I remember Sizzler having one of the first salad bars I ever saw in a restaurant and wanted none of it. I believe there was a big light-up board with photos of the menu and you just picked what picture you wanted and they gave you a cafeteria tray with a plastic table tent with a number corresponding with your meal and it was color coded based on how well-done you wanted your steak. Then they brought your meal to your table. 

I was too young to understand or appreciate a salad bar.
What I wouldn't give to be around one now!

I preferred the Ground Round. Karen remembers there was free peanuts and throwing shells on the floor. Mine had popcorn. Really over-salted popcorn. For those of you too young to remember, there was a time when they didnt have free refills on drinks. (We lived in tragic times). So you went out and had to ration your soda. But the popcorn was super salty to get people to buy more drinks. My mom used to tell me to watch my soda or else get a water, which a 10 yr old in the 70s didn't want.

I always got the Ground Rounder Platter. I cant remember what was on it, but I remember the name. I think it was a hamburger without the bun or something like that and fries. Something basic. 

These restaurants are still around. Few and far between. Was this a family go-to place when you were younger? Do any still exist in your neighborhood?

(Sizzler has 107 locations in 10 states)

(Ponderosa has 75 locations)

(Ground Round has 15 locations)

Karen CHIMING IN!! Yes, I loved Ground Round. My Dad and Mom would take us to Buffalo (100 miles, nearest city to our tiny town) and we'd catch a movie then eat there. LOVED the peanuts. FREE!! I do remember the salad bar at the Ponderosa and the thrill of getting a steak "out".  Almost every place had a giant salad bar if it was 'upscale' -- even local joints. That's where my love of Blue Cheese dressing developed.  PS I have never been to a Sizzler!! Now I must find one. 

I'll mention one more: Howard Johnson's. This was our "vacation" eatery. Seemed wherever you traveled to, there was a HoJo's just off the turnpike or interstate.  Fried Clam Strips. OMG. SO GOOD!!