Posted on by kimhaynesjohnson

Coconut Cream Pie at The Midpoint Cafe

I’ve been reflecting on the Route 66 trip we took with my husband’s brother and sister-in-law in June 2023 and all the amazing memories. So much of it was food-related, and the relaxed-paced time we spent with each other around tables telling stories and sharing life is what I enjoy so much about travel without a strict itinerary. John Steinbeck got it right in Travels With Charley – “we don’t take a trip; a trip takes us.” At my favorite little cafe in Adrian, Texas, I had a piece of pie that I think I’d pay a hundred dollars for if I were offered one right now. The Midpoint Cafe is one of those places with a distinct authentic cultural flair and retro furniture that awakens a back-in-the-day vibe. Our server, whose aunt makes all the pies from scratch, told us stories of growing up right there on that land with its windmills and vastness. I wrote a reverse nonet poem today in reflecting – nine lines, with syllables of the line number on each line counting down to one.

I love hearing others’ stories of slow-paced travel, memorable moments, and food. Please share a favorite in the comments if you’re reading today.

Coconut Pie Reverse Nonet

for the record: I don’t even like

coconut, but the best piece of

pie in the world is at the

Midpoint Cafe out in

Adrian, Texas

but my fork won’t

reach that far

so I

dream…….

9 Replies to “Coconut Cream Pie at The Midpoint Cafe”

  1. Kim, thanks for your slice. My Mom loved coconut cream pie so your slice reminded me of her and all the times she traveled with us. My children were youngsters at the time. They loved sitting in the backseat with my mother. When driving long distances they would snuggle on Grandma’s lap. It happened every time. My mother did not mind at all and often fell asleep herself. It’s amazing how the custard cream pie brought back a memory that I had forgotten.

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  3. My husband and I went to Boston, primarily to see the Boston Symphony. An Uber driver told us about Limoncello, an Italian restaurant that he liked. We went, we loved it and went back a second time. Great food, nice atmosphere, friendly service. This sounds like a review, but it really was a good experience altogether.

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  4. Kim, what fun to reminisce about slow road trips with good food. I may not have any of those I can put my memory on right now. Usually, I have a destination in mind and tend to be a little mileage crazy, but I have had many memorable meals–Philly cheese steak and Thai food in Philadelphia, Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh, Hatch chile rellenos in New Mexico, and Pakistani food in Sacramento are ones that came right to mind.

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  5. Kim,

    You know I’m dreaming of travel, especially in these frigid temps, especially as an escape from the FOTUS. Of course, I’m always dreaming of travel. Not so much a memory, but a news item Ken stumbled upon. Researchers recently found a mile long tunnel under the city of Cuzco, Peru. We visited there in September and toured both endpoints of the tunnel.

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  7. This poem was such a treat (get it?) to read! I love the lines “my fork won’t reach that far” and how you start the poem with the “for the record”. You’ve made me want to visit that cafe!

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  8. haha, I love how you dont like coconut but…

    Very clever nonet, as well as such a fun challenge thrown out. And the bigger theme of travel, and slowing down. Brings to mind two memories from a cross-country road trip- seeing billboards for ‘foot-high pie’ and stopping for it (it was the mereingue that got it to 12 inches) and chancing across Metropolis, Illinois, the actual home of Superman (with a small museum of course.)

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