It was a clear summer night in the Seventies that a revelation was visited upon the then Head Lizard, John. As he rose up in his sleeping bag, he exclaimed, "How come we eat garbage?" Such wisdom disturbed the sleeping Lizards... especially at 2:00 AM. Head Lizard John's revelation continued amidst cries of "shut up" and "you idiot" from the now awake Lizards. "We are not very selective in our eating habits," John continued. "And," he added, "We could spend more time preparing our food and it would probably taste better! AND we could stop at good restaurants instead of those *$#!y burger places!"
Further "shut up" comments and threats of a rock beating ended John's revelation, but the seed had been planted. The Lizards would become the food connoisseurs of the woods and the Unknown Lizard (food critic) was born...
Now, nearly two decades later the Unknown Lizard still prowls the slopes of the Eastern Sierras looking for way cool places to eat, and free food. Just a few discoveries are listed below:
- Wheel Inn Restaurant... This is THE truck stop! Breakfast, chicken fried steak, and anything in between are real country treats. We have been stopping at the Wheel Inn for years and have always come away happy... and, yes, this is the scene of Peewee's dinosaur adventure. On the way to Palm Springs from LA (Interstate 10), take the Main street exit at Cabazon, and head for the dinosaurs.
- Tom's Place... Great food, moderate prices. If you are looking for the "real thing," this is it... It doesn't get more country. North out of Bishop look for the second turnoff for Rock Creek (to the left). There is a sign for Tom's Place but it is easy to miss. As soon as you turn off to the left, take the first road to the right (not 395 going the wrong way... you idiot). Tom's Place is on the right next to the creek.
- Jack's... Since 1946 a Bishop, CA stopping place for breakfast or steaks. In Bishop, on 395, left side going north.
- Mono Village Cafe... Need a place to get a "honest" burger in the middle of fishing your brains out?... this is it! From Bridgeport (on 395) head toward Upper Twin Lakes (13 miles). Rub elbows with the locals and RVers from the camp, and you may get to see the "almost" tame deer that also frequent the place. The prices are right and the atmosphere is pure country.
- The Shuttle... This a "must stop" on a hot summer's day. For a buck you get a great soft cream cone and for a few cents extra, a chocolate dip. The place has a way cool juke box and looks like one of those Fifties drive-up diners. At Krammer Junction... Cal Hwy 395 and 58, about 40 mile north of the Interstate 15 turnoff.
- Hamburger Mary's... For the best burgers in San Diego this is the place! This indoor / outdoor garden of delights can be found at: 308 University... From Interstate 8, take Highway 163 south and get off at University. Turn right and follow your nose.
Note: If you would like the Unknown Lizard to visit your eatery just let him know... Offers of free food are accepted.
