Slim Pickins:Milkshakes and futbol

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

By Tyler Alford

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-My dad introduced me to the ‘black-and-white’ milkshake. He used to order them on hot Mississippi afternoons from the Crystal in Greenwood, Miss.  The black-and-white is one of those special culinary items that you think believe won’t be as good as you remember it.

On a chill summer afternoon, I invited a friend to join me at Betty Rock Cafe to celebrate his birthday with a quick lunch. We sat at the soda-fountain style bar among a throng of individuals glued to the TV for the France vs. Mexico World Cup match.

Betty Rock’s menu is wholesome and simple with salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and wraps. There are no French fries on the menu, no over-the-top fried foods or unnecessary amounts of truffle oil and cheese poured over everything, and you can get two different sizes of Coke in a bottle. Betty Rock is also the first place in town that I have seen to serve cream soda.

Soon, I was served what I had really come for: a black-and-white milkshake. It came in a tall cold pint glass. I let my friend have the “extra” milkshake that came in the metal mixing cup, and dove into the shake, expecting to be mildly disappointed; I was not.

The milkshake was every bit as good as I remember from my youth. Made with rich vanilla ice cream, two-percent milk and Monin chocolate sauce, it was thick and creamy, while still thin enough to get through a straw. My friend, who had never had a black-and-white before, was also impressed, saying later that it cured the effects of too many other beverages he had had the night before.

Shortly after, our lunch arrived. I had the tuna melt, stacked high with tomato, cheddar cheese and house-made tuna salad, light by design on mayo and seasoning, so that I could enjoy the full flavor of the albacore, complimented by pickle and whole grain mustard. My friend ordered a Greek salad that was large and fresh with healthy portions of feta cheese.

We sat there at the bar surrounded by the owners, adults and kids all very enthralled in the soccer game on the television screen. As the second half of the game crept along, the busy and energetic restaurant thinned out, leaving a core group of soccer fans finishing their lunches – missing their mouths, that is, as they tried to keep both eyes on the game.

When Mexico scored its first goal, the entire restaurant erupted with cheers. I had been pulling for France up to this point, but was happy to join the underdog’s side. Mexico scored again and everyone around the bar high-fived each other, including the dishwasher who had been invited to come out for his lunch break to watch his home-country’s team play.

Betty Rock’s service is quick and and the food is no-frills delicious. It also specializes in vegetarian and gluten-free options, and will now be open for dinner Monday through Saturday.  JHW

Betty Rock is located at 325 W. Pearl Ave. $6-$10. 733-0747.

photo by MARY GROSSMAN
Sammy Walls (left), Aislinn Field and a black-and-white.

PERMALINK:
Slim Pickins:Milkshakes and futbol | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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