I was walking down Carter Avenue in Ashland last week and noticed Chef Paul Runnels at Chimney Corner Cafe is planning a big buffet to feed some of the thousands of people who will be flocking to downtown Ashland for Tuesday evening’s annual Christmas Parade.
Runnels said he and his staff will be offering a buffet including fried chicken, baked steak, whipped potatoes, dinner rolls and a salad bar for $10.95, as well as “real hot chocolate” available at the front door. The firepit on the patio will also be activated for those who want to gather around the flames as they wait for the parade. For more information, call (606) 324-7500.
Nice place
I have to admit there was a mistake in a recent note about the charm school being conducted at A Boutique, also on Carter Avenue, in downtown Ashland. It was a relatively minor mishap (I gave them a new employee who already has a good job elsewhere), but it was a good excuse to get out of the office and spend a little time with a local small business owner.
Owner Carolyn Runyon was waiting for me with a page of notes that mimicked my writing “style” to an eerie degree. I think she caught on quickly to the fact I was more fascinated by the features of the Victorian home that houses her shop than any of the many fashionable items she has for sale. The place has incredible figured-oak practically everywhere as well as some of the coolest fireplaces and mantles I’ve seen in a long time.
In addition to a couple of pages of notes about her diverse line of clothing and accessories (filling literally every square inch of the shop) Runyon beamed with pride as she talked about being in business with her daughter Julie Runyon and granddaughter Jennifer Runyon, who recently came aboard as a buyer for the boutique.
I am firmly in the category of “fashion ignorant,” although I believe people who know their clothes will enjoy what they find inside A Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (606) 324-1082.
15th year
I had a great plate of pork chops, fried potatoes and fried apples with a big chunk of cornbread during a recent visit to Rajah’s Family Restaurant on U.S. 60 to talk with Ron Elliott about the family operation’s anniversary.
“Friday starts our 15th year in business,” Elliott said as he recalled their Thanksgiving opening in 1995.
The restaurant has been blessed with many loyal employees through the years, according to Elliott and his wife, including server Debbie Maddix who started working there in 1996; Amanda Young; mother-and-daughter Jackie Benjamin and Mary McDowell; father-and-sons Rube Shannon and Quinn and Brandon Shannon; and Greg Thomas, who came to work there while in high school and continues to “does a bit of everything” despite having a full-time job at McSweeney’s in Ohio.
Elliott said the family restaurant has been hit hard by customer’s economic concerns, especially during evening hours in the past four to five months, and they are considering cutting back one hour during the winter months (watch their ad in this newspaper for any announcements).
I couldn’t help being a bit impressed by Elliott’s attention to their customers during my visit, and especially enjoyed hearing him say, “thank you, I appreciate you,” to practically everyone on their way out.
And, if you’re looking for an early Thanksgiving meal today, the folks at Rajah’s have turkey, dressing and all the trimmings as their special of the day. For more information, call (606) 928-3382.
Now open
There was a grand opening this weekend for Becca’s Place of Inspiration at the Kyova Mall in Cannonsburg.
Becca’s Place of Inspiration offers Christian books, CDs and gifts as well as providing deliveries to local funeral homes. The shop, across from Custom Metal Creations and EJ’s Guitar Shop, is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (606) 929-5377.
Drop by
I spent a couple of minutes on the phone last week with Pam White, owner/operator of the recently-opened Do Drop In at Trader Bill’s Flea Market along U.S. 23 in Catlettsburg.
White said they offer fast-food convenience with homemade taste. In addition to breakfast, Do Drop In offers hot dogs with homemade sauce, their “Famous Sister Burger” with an eight-ounce patty, chicken strips and salads as well as desserts including cheesecakes and apple dumplings with caramel topping.
With limited seating available at the moment, White said she gives Trader Bill’s visitors a chance to “dine while they browse.”
Do Drop In is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call (606) 739-9272.
Angie wins
If you like the idea of being served by the “Tri-State’s Hottest Bartender,” go see Angie Swimm at Frogtown USA in Ironton.
Swimm received the most votes in a poll conducted by 92.7 and 98.5 “The Planet” to earn the title. She and her employer will share a $3,000 prize package to celebrate the public’s selection.
On an unrelated note about Frogtown USA, I’m told they’ve had an outstanding lineup of local bands performing there in recent months.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.
