Cowboy Gelato
Following a high scoring game of bowling this afternoon, Ben and I needed something for lunch before we passed out. Amarillo is not known for local restaurants that are open on Sundays and Mondays. I was not thrilled about the idea of getting something at McDonalds or Taco Bell, so we tried to eat at a local burger place on 6th street (historic Route 66), but as expected, they were closed. So we kept driving and saw a place I hadn’t seen on 6th before boasting fresh made gelato and tasty sandwiches. We decided to take our chances and try it out.
The restaurant is called Cowboy Gelato and has been open since the 1st of August. The owner was there, her daughter took our order and I think her son was making the gelato. The owner was such a sweet woman. She came and talked to us a few times, complimenting me on my lunch decision, the Leone, which I will describe shortly. Everyone there checked on us more than once to make sure we were enjoying our food, and offering to refill our drinks. I love Texas hospitality.
The name of this place seems like quite an odd combination. Cowboy food and Italian gelato are not a match made in culinary heaven, but it works people…it really works. The inspiration for the place is film “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. Most menu items are named for Spaghetti Western movies, directors and actors. The walls are hung with Spaghetti Western movie posters.
The sandwiches are called The Eastwood, Van Cleef, Wallach, Bronson, Leone, and Hill. Salads choices include The Ferzetti, and Volonte. Kids meals are the Django, Red Sun, Sabata and Campaneros.
Are you lost? I was. I knew Eastwood meant Clint Eastwood and that Van Cleef referred to Lee Van Cleef who starred alongside Eastwood in “For a Few Dollars More”. I also knew that Sergio Leone was a direcor. I did not know that he directed “For a Few Dollars More” and “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. Other than that I was pretty clueless about who the other food items on the menu were named for. I found the answer to all my questions here! I never thought a restaurant would lead me to a wiki article devoted to the Spaghetti Western.
Ok, to the food!