Saturday, October 20, 2007

The Coot



Most art enthusiasts travel all over the world and spend thousands of dollars to look at great works of art. Not me. I only drive about 7 miles and spend 22 bucks (dinner for two) to look at the finest piece of art I've ever seen. As a matter of fact, I would give my left arm to add this piece to my collection. It's called, Pennsylvania Game Birds and it hangs on a wall in the former smoking section of a Cracker Barrel restaurant located at 2701 Crittenden Dr in Louisville, KY. There's all sorts of birds, turkeys, and ducks flying, swimming and standing... just waiting to be shot and served at the dinner table. It's been years since I had me some duck.

Unfortunately, stealing the picture would be impossible, because out of all the Cracker Barrels in the world the one on Crittenden Dr is the busiest! True. I know this because a very pregnant waitress told me and Allyson when Allyson was pregnant with Max. Have you ever tried to get a table at a Cracker Barrel on Sunday morning after church has let out? This place is like that on a Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

I also like the picture of the African American pilot dressed like snoopy underneath the bottom left of the PA Game Bird poster but I wouldn't steal that one. They've got all sorts of cool shit on the walls at Cracker Barrel. Old cigarette brands, tools, spears etc. The works! And all would make great additions to my collection, but my heart and soul will always belong to Pennsylvania Game Birds.

Here's a picture of a Coot. One of the many game birds of Pennsylvania.

70 comments:

marykay said...

Good morning,love Cracker Barrel.When I visited Ky Tim's Mom would drive the 1 1/2 with Tim to take me to airport so she could eat there after I was dropped off for my flight.Pretty duck reminds me we should go feed ducks at park.Thanks for not lifting the print but it would look nice in dining room.

Nancy said...

Cracker Barrel ... I have only been to one once. Hummm.

Jodi said...

I know where that Cracker Barrel is. I'll go there tomorrow and steal it for you.

Very interesting of you to write a whole post about birds and Cracker Barrel. But where's the required picture of Max?

J.

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Oh, that is so sweet! It reminds me of a time I saw an old book on a shelf (the whole restaraunt was lined from floor to ceiling with them). It was one of the earliest I'd seen on how to operate a treadmill sewing machine. I asked if I could buy it. The chef/owner said "No, bloody cheek!"then presented it, signed by him, just as we were leaving! (I won't tell you what he wrote, but I still laugh every time I look at it.)

Peggy said...

I suggest trawling second hand stores and antique fairs for stuff like that.

BTW a coot is water fowl but not a game bird. Nobody would ever eat a coot. They'd taste fishy.

Debs said...

I love Cracker Barrel! :D

Drizel said...

Fantabilistic Al capitan....
I had like a bite of duck when I came to London, I was disgusted how can one eat Donald Duck its horrible....hihihih
Have a good weekend.
HUGZ

Jay said...

Man I love Cracker Barrel! I go there for lunch or dinner and have their meat loaf and mashed potatoes meal. BIG servings of each, and a roll or two and a couple of glasses of Pepsi and I'm set for the day!

Have you ever been to a Bass Pro Shops or Cabellas? Both of those places have lots of wildlife prints and lots of stuffed wildlife all over the place. Along with some bird prints you could find some animal heads to hang on the wall. Or a full sized stuffed deer to put in Max's room!

Jay said...

P.S. I also love roasted duck. It has to be roasted until it's skin is nice and crispy though. That's when it's best!

fiwa said...

Man, now I'm gonna have to roust my husband out of bed and get him to take me to breakfast. The horror is, we have NO CRACKERBARREL here! And no one serves grits. *sob*

Big Pissy said...

Nothing like a Cracker Barrel....yum!

I think that particular Cracker Barrel should have a picture of Max on the wall.

Just sayin'.....

katy said...

miss all the great places to eat, we got no crackerbarrel :-(

Biddie said...

I have never been to a Cracker Barrel, either. I am no a big fan of duck. Too...too something. Not sure sure what I don't like about it. Too cute, maybe. I can only eat ugly animals.
I'm weird like that.

I love restaurants with old photos and crap on the walls. (well, not CRAP) I always look to see if they are nailed down.
Just LOOKING, mind you :)

Rick Rockhill said...

that place scares me at times..not sure why, but its a great place to kill an hour while waiting for a table.

whimsical brainpan said...

That is a great pic! Is there any way that they'd let you buy it?

I like duck too.

M said...

Hey, Guess what? We have Cracker Barrels in PA too and probably framed art work of the state birds of Kentucky! HA....I'll look next time I feel like starving to death before I get a table! If only it wasn't so yummy!

Molly said...

Cracker Barrels tend to notoriously busy. I have been to the Shephardsville Cracker Barrel, but I do not know if we have eaten at the one on Crittenden Drive. Coots are funny birds...something like grebes and loons.

Michael Colvin said...

I wanna go to Cracker Barrel so I can check out that print for myself and then run out screaming, "my eyes, my eyes!"

MrRyanO said...

Whats in it for me if I snag it for you?

I've never been to the barrel...is it like IHOP, but with cheese and ducks?

Cheryl said...

I always want to go to Cracker Barrel when I travel, but there's always a line, and it takes a while to get your food after you order. Before you know it, 90 minutes have gone by. We don't have Cracker Barrel where I live. I love their pancakes with peaches. I'd like some right now, as a matter of fact!

Burfica said...

the pics don't do them justice. My grandpa had this HUGE bird cage, like almost as big as his house. He would take injured game birds, and re habilitate them and turn them loose again.

Only a couple stayed cuz they were to injured. There was a Pheasant names Stinky and a Quail named Dirty Bird, They even stayed nights in the house in a roosting box, with a nice blanket.

nikki said...

I've never been to a cracker barrel.

eric1313 said...

Good old Cracker Barrel. A lot better than Denny's, that's for sure.

Then again, a dumpster is better than Denny's.

Come to Michigan and shoot all kinds of birds. This place is hunter's paradise.

Casdok said...

I've never been to a cracker barrel. Or even heard of it!!!

? said...

Have you ever tried to get a table at a Cracker Barrel on Sunday morning after church has let out?

YES, and it's a fuckin' madhouse! But I loves me some Cracker Barrel. I lovingly attribute some of my back fat to that restaurant.

Why not steal the African American pilot pic, too? You got somethin' against African American pilots who resemble Snoopy? ;-)

magickat said...

Holy shit theres like 17,000 birds in that picture!!! When you go there do you request to be seated near the painting?

Why do you need enthusiasm for next week? What's up with that?

neroli said...

Resembling Snoopy!
*laughing*!
I'm glad for the insight into the Cracker Barrel popularity.
Having spent much time in the south, albeit a very small portion of it---I found my one visit there to be some bizarre translation of the kitchens that I knew.
Usually I'm good for bizarre translations :)!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, dear Captain!

Guilty Secret said...

I have no idea what a Cracker Barrel is.

I wish I did, but I don't :(

Cynnie said...

I love cracker barrels..
I know they were sued a few eons back for discriminating against blacks..and I should boycott or somethin..
but damn..how's a girl gonna give up the chicken pot pie and the apple dumpling thingy?

The Lone Beader® said...

Cracker Barrel! I haven't been there in a long time...

Heidi the Hick said...

Old stuff is cool hanging on a wall, no matter what!

I've only been to a Cracker Barrel once, on the way home from Florider in January 2005. Can't remember wehre exactly...it might have been yours, because it was about 10 pm and pretty busy. I like the cool old stuff but the place kind of scared me. Maybe I was just overtired and highway hypnotized and cranking up a full blown depression/anxiety disorder thing...in any case, I'm afraid that place has some avoidance issues for me!

Love the duck pictures, by the way.

Oswegan said...

I think you should go for it. Just slide it up under your shirt during dessert.

~Oswegan

Keshi said...

coot? never heard of it b4.

where's today's Max pic? awww...


Keshi.

captain corky said...

Marykay: I think I would be willing to drive an hour and half to eat there if it wasn't around the corner, but then again I drive to NJ form KY every three or four months to eat at a diner. I also check in on my friends and family when I'm there too. ;)

Nancy: Millions will never have the opportunely you had. I hope you cherished every second of it. ;)

Hoosiergirl5: J I could devote an entire blog to eating. that would be fun. ;)

Shrink Wrapped Scream: Welcome. New friends are always welcome here! If I asked the manager for the picture she would probably look at me like I had 3 heads. LOL

Peggy: You'd be surprised what people would and do eat. Remember, this world can be a crazy place. That's why I come to Corky's log. Ya know, shelter from the storm etc. ;)

captain corky said...

Debs: So do we! ;)

Etain: I had duck a long time ago and I remember liking it a little. I bet it would go great with some rice, but then again what doesn't go great with rice. I heart rice.

Jay: "Or a full sized stuffed deer to put in Max's room!"

That one had tears pouring out of my eyes. LOL!!!

Fiwa: You can get grits almost everywhere here in Louisville. It's one of the reasons why I moved here. ;)

captain corky said...

Pissy: That's a great idea! I'll run it by the manager and see what they think.

Her Indoors: With places like Cracker Barrel we'll never learn how to cook. LOL

Biddie: Don't worry, it'll be our little secret. I only "look" too. ;)

Palm Springs Savant: It's only flaw is that it doesn't serve alchohol, but coffee works just as good over at that place.

Whim: I doubt it. They would probably just laugh at me if I asked. ;)

captain corky said...

M: Let me know about the State birds of Kentucky. I'm dying to know. LOL

MJD: The food is so cheap and it's really good country food. I love country food!

Tod: LOL!!!

Rockdog: It's like IHOP only they use good quality ingredients and the food is cooked all the way through. LOL

Cheryl: Best pancakes in the world Cheryl. No doubt about it. They single handedly restored my faith in the pancake. ;)

captain corky said...

Burfica: He wouldn't fatten them up and then eat them?!? LOL

Nikki: If you ever go I highly recommend the Catfish or Pancakes.

Eric: I wanna go up there some day and do some Ice fishing for real. That seems like it would be a lot of fun.

Casdok: It's pretty good country food. It's pretty cheap too. If you ever decide to move to Louisville, KY you should check it out. LOL

BottleBlonde: LOL!!! Don't they serve a side of Lard with every meal

captain corky said...

Kat: No, but somehow they always put us back there. I kind of like sitting in the former smoking section seeing that I'm an ex-smoker/chewer.

I could always use some of your enthusiasm, that's all. ;)

Neroli: Thanks. It was pretty good, but too short as always.

Guilty: It's just serves Country food and it's pretty cheap. Biscuits, pancakes, Turkey Sausage, Eggs, pancakes, catfish etc.

Cynnie: That chicken pot pie gets my wife every time. LOL

furiousBall said...

I love da Barrell although that peg game keeps calling me a plain eg-no-ra-moose

katy said...

a little biddie birdie tells us it is your birthday so happy birthday to you x

Biddie said...

Happy Birthday to you.....:)

Metal Mark said...

It's cool, but no "Dogs playing poker".

Ms. Tuesday said...

Corky... did you know that there is no link to my blog on your page???? There's a link to my profile under featured players... but no link to the blog. I see how it is...




;)

Unknown said...

Damn, now I'm thinking about hash brown casserole....mmmm.....

Canadian flake said...

we don't have Cracker Barrel restaurants up this way....I thought that was only cheese..lmao.

I had never heard of a coot...but it sorta reminds me of a loon...it is cute..

Princess Pointful said...

Us poor Canadians have no Cracker Barrel. Or Pennsylvania Game Birds, believe it or not!

Alekx said...

Maybe if you wear a really really big trench coat you can get it tucked away under it and saunter out the door. Not that I of all people would ever condone stealing however I'm just saying that's what the people I deal with would do.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I am going to be the 51st friggin comment on this silly post!!

Anyway, I think you might be able to buy it right off the wall. I heard everything in those places is for sale. Did you ever ask anyone?

captain corky said...

Furious: Cracker Barrel is what separates North Jersey from South Jersey. They do have a Cracker Barrel at Caesars right?

Her Indoors: Thanks. ;)

Biddie: Thanks. It was Biddie. ;)

Metal Mark: True Dat.

Tuesday: I think I remember you. Did you date the Birdman back in the 1970's? ;)

captain corky said...

Heather: My wife loves that stuff. I love catfish. Yum!

Flake: It's not bad looking for a bird/duck. I'm better looking though.

Princess: Yeah but you guys have lots of trout and Salmon and that makes up for things. ;)

QofD: Next time you go make sure to order Mama's Pancake Breakfast. It's two meals in one and very scrumptious.

Alekx: I'll try it, and if that doesn't work I'll bring a shotgun in next time I go. ;)

captain corky said...

Birdman: Yeah, I'm shocked it took you this long to comment on this post. I think you need to reexamine what you're doing with your online time. 1. Sign on. 2. Check Corky's log 3. Laugh out Loud and then comment on current post. 4 Look at some porn. 5. Check back to see if Corky has responded to your comment.

Ms. Tuesday said...

har-d-har corky...

NOW GET MY NAME BACK ON THE ROLL CALL!!

Or do you need the Technical Advisor for that?

=)Missed you too!

Rosana said...

Captain, go to my blog, there is something to you. Kisses to Max

Blancodeviosa said...

they are such beautiful creatures!

eric1313 said...

Ice fishing does rule. Wear high altitude bomber boots, otherwise called mickey mouse boots at the surplus stores. That's a must.

And in Michigan, if the ice breaks of and you foat away, everyone is entitled to one free helicopter rescue from the coast gaurd. It happens all the time.

Buit they keep track of your name, and if you have to be rescued again, I guess the fine is pretty steep. But it is a helicopter rescue, after all...

eric1313 said...

And bring liquor. Beer don't cut it--vodka or whiskey helps.

Plus, there's always somebody who's ice shanty is a "smoke house".

Always.

Gina said...

Hey, I'm really good at copying drawings. Not tracing, but copying. Get me a good picture of that and I can draw the whole thing for you! I won't even charge you full price. For you, ten percent off. Because Max is so cute.

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

I wonder if that's the same Cracker Barrel the bigdogg, two kids and I with #3 in belly stopped at while on route to florida early one GOOD FRIDAY morning..the place was packed. I had driven thru the night, and all I wanted was some good ass decaf coffee and delicious awesome eggs that only the cracker barrel can provide...but I had to spend a few moments waiting in the shopping area which was fine by me as I was tempted to steal one of their little mini rocking chairs they had sitting outside the store/lobby..
Great memory..!! :)
Always,
Crusty~

tripleZmom said...

I've been to Cracker Barrel exactly once but I'm sure they'd sell you the picture, what with the gift shop and all the other stuff they sell. Or maybe you could find the artist?

Anonymous said...

I'm missing from the links too.

!!!!

What the frig?

Tink said...

Here's what you do...

Dress Max in a really adorable costume. Then have Allyson parade him around at the front of the store. While everyone is mesmerized by his unbelievable cuteness, you steal the picture. Voila! See, what would you do without me around to corrupt you?

Ms. Tuesday said...

no birdy, you can get to your blog cuz ur under the "known associates" part... you know, the COOL people...

I may be under "featured players" but by blog itself is nowhere to be found...

=(

Anonymous said...

Been trying to find you a print of this poster. Found four on e-bay. Close, but no cigar.

Unknown said...

Man, did that make me hungry! I am so excited to be back to Corky's Log after a week away. Life seems worth living again. ;)

captain corky said...

Tuesday: If I do Does it mean that you're going to be a lot more regular? ;)

Nauma: Thank you very much! I'm very flattered. :)

Blancodeviosa. Not as pretty as you or me. Hope you're doing alright. ;)

Eric: I never go anywhere without liquor except to work and that's only sometime. ;)

Gina: I may take you up on that offer. ;)

captain corky said...

Crustybeef: They chain those rocking chairs up now. LOL

Birdman: I'll see what I can do. Make sure to leave lots of comments this week so I don't forget.

Tink: That's not a bad idea! I think I'll try it at a couple of banks too.

Tuesday: Everyone knows where your blog is, but I will add your a link to the Roll Call as well.

Gawilli: Thank you for your efforts. I truly appreciate it. ;)

captain corky said...

Ashley: LOL! We missed you too. ;)

Ms. Tuesday said...

I promise to take some fiber sure this week...

thetwins said...

So i think you should go to Indonesia coz we have a great and funy paints also. :)