Undeterred by the threat of an overnight elevational snow warning, a Karnes pick led to Shell Inn, a few miles north of Rensselaerville on SR 85.

A long-time fixture on the R’ville scene, Shell Inn has long had a reputation as a local hangout bar, skirting on the edges of good-enough. However, several years ago, new owners not only renovated the modest bar area into a semi-sports bar (and keeping the pool table), they also added a 30x30 shell/cavern that easily sports twenty tables holding at least one hundred diners. And it is clean and pleasant.

The menu is easy American casual. About 20 appetizers start, among them are tenders, dip, rings, poppers, fries, nachos, crostini, and even ahi tuna skewers and mussels in red sauce.

            A soup, seven salads, half dozen wraps, four sandwiches, five burgers, three pizzas with a range of toppings, two specialty pizzas, and eight dinners were complemented with three specials. And prices looked reasonable (today’s reasonable), and made more so when the behemoth entrées begged for take-home boxes.

Starting were a couple soups – hamburger-noodle that was tasty and filling along with regular salads, which filled a six inch plate and everyone enjoyed. And there was one ahi skewer.

            The half dozen salads, all on faux glass, six inch plates were substantial in amount and variety. And the dressings drew praise also.

For entrées, three at the table tried the calzone, it nearly filling an eight inch plate. A salmon special, a five inch high crowd pleaser club sandwich which tested Kriss’ mental powers how to start eating it, a steak, a ahi skewer, and a couple other menu selections filled our order. All were deemed worthy.

Drink orders were beers on tap, wine, gin and tonic (followers of these write-ups know who), soda, and water.

A chocolaty cake snagged a share from Don and Kriss.

Service from Rhiannon was efficient, smooth, attentive at the same time it felt casual. Training or natural? And she was quick with Ken’s coffee.

Ambiance was casually comfortable. A light brown wood wainscoting topped with a pastel green paint felt airy. The ceiling followed the roof line. Twenty recessed lights shone a bit brightly. Only four tables were occupied so we experienced one of the quietest DP8 evenings ever, without background music besides. We luxuriated in it, knowing how rare it is. Windows ringed the room, not particularly visually useful at night but a reminder to come back in daylight sometime, lunch perhaps. It was a comfortable evening.

Bill per couple could have ranged from $50 to $100, depending on alcohol. Shell Inn is a note to tuck away for an affordable evening.

Topics: Between the car ride with the Karnes, and good listening ambiance at the table for two hours, lots was discussed AND heard, a good change of pace.

            The important topic, of course, was Ken. It appears tests and results are progressing but more news should be available in a few days. We are all optimistic but fret anyway. And we think of Kriss hanging in also.

            Other topics: the Quinn wedding; the snowy forecast with a wide range of snow to fall (Shell Inn got six inches later this evening; Freehold – almost nothing); rain finally breaking a two month drought causing places to dry up that have not dried up in a long time; the wildfires in NY & NJ that will need this rain to get under control; the Notar trip to FL and a cruise; the Notar flip possibly becoming unflipped; the Sweeter Side; Chay’s trip to Kentucky and brother; deer and turkey behavior; Gray Willow opening; Freehold House not opening yet; DP8 adopting a family from Community Action replacing our gift exchange in December; friend Phil coping without Bunny; no talk of elections; other friends with illnesses and health scares; the doings of our kids; plans for Florida; anticipation of Christmas at Karnes; Shutterfly; and more that has seeped away from my synapses.