After our trip to see the Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive, we decided to stop for a late lunch/early dinner. What better place than The Whistle Stop – a train-themed tavern and grill in Lonsdale, Minnesota.
To my surprise and delight, the Whistle Stop has fried potato dumplings on the menu. First, however, I had to try the cheesy steak and potato soup – which was quite tasty. One must always try potato dishes. As kids, we grew up on many vegetables, but the potato (albiet a starchy vegetable) was one of the more predominant ones – cooked in many ways. I have brothers who still eat potatoes for dessert. However, we rarely had french fries. They were a luxury that you ate when you went to a restaurant (or in my case, when I started waitressing). And there is no rule that you can’t have two different forms of potatoes at a meal.
Next – I ordered broasted chicken with fried potato dumplings. They are similar to American fries (fried potatoes made from baked or boiled potatoes) – just a lot denser. They are quite good – but I wouldn’t recommend eating too many of them or you might not be able to move for quite some time. If I make them, I will add a little garlic seasoning. The chicken was also very good.
The meal was hot and tasty with very good service – and the restaurant is well maintained and clean. It doesn’t get much better. It’s not a fancy place; it’s just good home-style cooking in a friendly atmosphere.
(For more on my qwest to learn about potato dumplings, check one of my previous blogs found here: https://carolynlbraun.com/2019/05/06/potato-dumplings-by-many-names/)
“Pray for peace and grace and spiritual food,
For wisdom and guidance, for all these are good,
but don’t forget the potatoes.”
John Tyler Pettee, ‘Prayer and Potatoes’
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