MADE FROM SCRATCH: Blueberry pie a la mode at Shangri-La. (Grav Weldon) |
And I did, thanks to a reader’s suggestion that I go check out the pies at the Shangri-La Resort. And I’m glad I did. But I wasn’t going out all that way without a decent lunch. Nope. I was going to try a burger, too. I mean, after all, maybe they have the best burger in the world.
The Shangri-La Resort is a step out of time. (Grav Weldon) |
The inside of the restaurant itself is still spick and span but honestly, it’s a time warp, which means I love it. There are short bar stools for counter service and tables and chairs set out across the place to take the best views of the lake into account with large plate glass windows. On the inside wall there are taxidermied fish and of course a grand pie case — which is what we were there for.
There’s a top glass layer that holds slices of apple, peach, cherry and blueberry pies, and below that there’s a refrigerated case for the meringues and the cream pies. From what I understand, the same woman (I’m told her name is Mrs. Carr) comes in every single day and bakes those pies — an average of 30 each day. That’s the sort of thing I’m looking for.
We sat down, looked through our menus and ordered quick food — a cheeseburger with chips for me and a grilled cheese with hash browns for my dining companion. I also asked to sample some cornbread… there’s a reason for this.
Others came in and received the same old fashioned Southern diner-style attention we did. Our drinks were delivered — iced tea for me and Coke in a bottle for my companion. If it had been in a glass bottle we really would have been transported, but I’m not complaining.
Shangri-La grilled cheese and hashbrowns. (Kat Robinson) |
Classic burger. (Grav Weldon) |
My burger? Classic Americana. The Cheeseburger ($5.85) came with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and mustard — a lot of mustard, actually. I think there was an error. I asked for mayo to be added and the “m” might have been misinterpreted. One bite and my eyes watered a bit.
A little heavy on the mustard. (Kat Robinson) |
Cornbread. (Kat Robinson) |
Still, what needs to be talked about are the pies. Blueberry is what jumped out at me instantly, and it was just the right way to go, a la mode. That big scoop of premium vanilla was just right for the salty-crusted pie with its sweet filling. The filling itself wasn’t too sweet but there were plenty of blueberries within.
Blueberry pie a la mode. (Grav Weldon) |
Now, if you want to try some of Mrs. Carr’s fabulous pies, you’re going to have to drive a bit. The Shangri-La Resort is more than 20 miles on the other side of Hot Springs and it’s out on a secluded peninsula. But if you’re truly a pie lover, this place needs to go on your map. The official address (for the folks who are going to use their electronic maps) is 987 Shangri-La Drive in Mt. Ida. I bet if you get lost you can call them at (870) 867-2011 and they’ll lead you straight. The restaurant is open every day throughout the summer but is closed November 15th through February 1st. And yes, there’s a website for the resort.
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