The Cliff House here in the Ozarks is one place to eat, Route 71 is another



Right on Route 71 one can find a truck stop restaurant that will give the taste palette pause.  Like other places along the roadways of America, this is a place where everyone knows good eats are likely.  Pass along the Highway in Prescott, Arkansas and sidle up with the truckers for eating that is pure joy.

It's long been said by people who drive around the country that truck stops are the places people should stop at and eat.  That's because truckers, who travel a lot, are likely particular folk because they have to stop and eat in different places.  They have learned where to go, and the lineup of trucks in front of a restaurant is indication that the food inside is good.

Don't worry about the look inside; often  truck stops are connected with small convenience stores or stand-alones that are part of that old-fashioned service and presentation.  The menu may be typed on an old Smith Corona or a computer ten years old, but it's readable; and that's what counts.  Usually the menu is wrapped around with plastic with little or no special images.  Nothing special in the print, just good, old-fashioned menu reading that tells you about good old-fashioned food.

Truckers sit in small and large groups, bearded, muscular, and enjoying the ambience of simplicity and down home good talk.  Those who enter are apt to hear the vernacular of whatever part of the country the truckstop may be in.   So you may see beer, depending on the location of the truck stop, or hear a swear word or two, but not much.  There is still that simple way that says greet ladies with courtesy, hold doors open and watch the kiddies to see that they don't stumble when they run across the floor.  On a recent trip, my husband I found the food at the truck stopo on Route 71 well worth the wait and the understated style and interior architecture.  We ordered small salads with reuben sandwiches on rye with homemade soup, and were satisfied the rest of the day, having eaten at 2:00 pm.  The meal was that substantial.

Truck stops have been part of American legend, with almost the same interesting patterns and ideas as the old Burma Shave signs along the road with witty sayings.  Those Burma Shave signs may be gone, but truck stops and those good eats linger.  This may be one of the most flavored form of culture combined with eats that represents the United States and should be part of the stop for anyone on the road.