My apologies for the December issue. I DID want to wish you all a very happy holiday season, however you celebrate. Now I can wish you the very best in 2008. Sincerely.
Those who live here year round probably know about the Legion Grill, though you may need some updating, but for the snowbirds maybe you haven't heard where it is, what it is, or about the food.
Some will have heard the exceptionally good news that the Post just restored the employees' fund which disappeared during a previous Commander's regime. Most of this was earned by the Grill and the hard work on fund raisers of the Ladies Auxiliary. There's a new Commander. Dan Williams brings excitement and a fresh approach to the Post with many plans that should bring even more success to this most deserving locale. The fund raisers have been a success, but the Grill remains their day-to-day income. The Grill and bar are under the management of the Auxiliary and what a job they do! Their profits can now go to several local charities as they did in the past, so when you eat there you can feel good in more than one way.
I did manage to "borrow" a menu to pass on some samplings. Breakfast is served Monday through Saturday from 9 to 11:30. Orange or tomato juice for a starter, then perhaps hotcakes. For 30 pesos you can have two hotcakes with ham, bacon, or sausage, and coffee. Fresh-brewed decaf is available. Two hotcakes are yours for $16 or how about French toast or two biscuits with gravy. Speaking of biscuits: the Grill has the largest, fluffiest biscuits in Lakeside. Not since my mother's biscuits have I enjoyed any like these! Consider smothering them in gravy!
"Eggs and Things" offers one egg any style for $20, two for $25. Also at $25 are eggs rancheros or a la Mexicana. Two eggs with ham, bacon, sausage (patty or links) $30. A cheese, ham, bacon or western omelette is also $30. Southerners will appreciate chicken fried steak and eggs for only $40 - and there's not need to show proof of your previous residence. All of these plates come with hash brown or home frieds, beans, biscuit or toast or one hotcake.
There are side orders of ham, bacon, sausage, hash browns, home fries, and more, so you can design your own breakfast. There are quesadillas, with or without bacon, ham or chorizo. There's even good old-fashioned oatmeal with toast, or biscuit, for $16. A sandwich of ham or bacon and egg or just plain ham is there, too.
Lunch at the Grill is served Monday through Friday (note: NOT on Saturday) from 11:30 to 3. Salads offered are chef, green or chicken. Soup of the day in a cup or bowl ($15, $20). "From the Grill" includes the Legion burger or cheeseburger ($25 and $28) and SO good. A grilled cheese, and grilled cheese and ham sandwich are listed. There's club sandwich, a roast beef and, of course, a chicken fried steak sandwich, too.
Moving on to "Entrees", Ground beef steak with onions, gravy, potato and a cup of green salad is $50. For the same price you can choose the chicken fried steak or a hot roast beef sandwich with the same sides as the ground steak.
Before ordering, be sure to check the day's Specials on the board in the serving area. Most outstanding in my opinion is Tuesday's special. Choice of a filet mignon sandwich on a crusty bun (grilled to your preference) with choice of baked, mashed or French fries and a serving of salad is only $50. If you are hungrier, for only $75 you can have the dinner. The filet is larger and comes with your potato choice and a cup of salad. I personally think this is a super delicious, super bargain.
Then there are the pies!
Well, other than the bar, that about covers it. There are happy hours there, bargain drink prices, arguably the best Margaritas in town and, YES, a very large inexpensive wine serving! Keep an eye out for their special occasions, which always include food. Maybe even enquire about becoming a member, or volunteer.
The American Legion Lake Chapala Post #7 is located at Morelos #114, corner of Guererro in Chapala. If you are coming in from west of Chapala, go straight through the stoplight and watch for the blue wall.
