The Happy Apple Kitschen

Our pal Irene is famous among her friends for finding great places to eat, so when she suggested the Happy Apple Kitchen in Chicago Park, California, we went along happily with that idea. We headed off in tandem along the twisty back country roads toward lunch.

The decor inside the restaurant is pure country kitsch, with checked tablecloths and wooden paper napkin holders hand decorated with apples. A local artist's pretty paintings of orchards in bloom adorn the walls with discreet price tags announcing their availability for purchase. A counter by the cash register offers whole pies for sale as well as an assortment of jams and sauces. The service is direct, friendly and leisurely.

It was another feather in Irene's cap. I chose fried chicken, which had a thin, crisp coating on the outside, juicy on the inside - just as fried chicken should be. It came with forgettable fries and a green salad but there was so much chicken that it was probably a good thing I wasn't tempted to finish the fries. I needed to save room for dessert because the Happy Apple Kitchen is famous for their fresh fruit pies.

They make pies seasonally when the fruit is perfect. The day we were there, looking out at the peach orchard where some of their pies originate, the menu offered apple, French apple, peach and blackberry pies. My Beloved ordered French apple and Irene and I shared a slice of blackberry.

All I can say, is the Happy Apple Kitchen is justly famous for their pies. The berry flavor was so rich as to be almost like Concord grapes and the crust was flaky and tender. My Beloved ate his French apple down to the very last bite.

I doubt we will ever be back that way at mealtime but, if we are, we know just where to stop for a good country meal and a fat slice of delicious pie to top it off. Irene always knows.