Have you Hurd... Forget taco Tuesday, it's WIENER WEDNESDAY!!!

I know it has been awhile since
you all have seen the Kimmie sad
face, but you know what it means.

It has definitely been too long since your intrepid Dining Scout has taken the time to post anything to the blog.  I suppose I could trot out a basket full of lame excuses reminiscent of that pivotal scene in the movie The Blues Brothers as they are making their escape near the end of the movie.  I won't, though.  I'll just say I am sorry, show you the puppy dog face, and resolve to post more frequently.  One thing I would like to encourage my small, but dedicated band of followers is to please post some comments about what you read.  I hoped that this form of communication would be a bit more interactive than it has been so far.  Need your help to fix that.  Just look at that sad little Pug to the left.  Don't make her any sadder...  Post some comments.  If this post doesn't spur you at the keyboard, go back and re-read earlier posts and comment on them.  Pretty please.  
-earnest grin-

Tonight, my wife and I joined a good friend and former co-worker for a catch up dinner.  Don't be alarmed.  I am not suggesting anyone missed a meal.  We just hadn't seen each other in awhile and prefer to catch up over a meal and some adult beverages.  I spotted our destination about a week ago while out to lunch.  It's a relatively new (I think) establishment on North High Street  close to Weber Road.  I was intrigued by the name - OldSkool - and had to check it out.  After all, I consider myself to be fairly old school on more than a few personality dimensions.  My wife likes to tell me I was born in the wrong century, but that is a post all its own... I will save that for another day.  I found the OldSkool website, checked out the menu, and found some rather exciting news in there.  They had a good selection of hot dogs and on Wednesdays they are only $3 (Three Dog Night).  JACKPOT!!!  

-big smile-

Thankfully, Wednesday evening was good on our collective calendars and we convened at 6:00, ready to be Skooled.  We parked around back and I detected a pleasant aroma of smoking meat.  I won't say I raced to the front door, but I definitely put on some speed.  Our timing was good.  There was plenty of seating available both inside and outside.  Since the weather was pleasant, they opened up the large garage-type doors on the front and you could feel the breeze even sitting inside.  I love the first weeks of summer. -contented sigh-  We elected to take a table inside, as the tables on the patio were all high-top tables.  I am also larger than the average bear and I wasn't too sure about the tall chairs.  Atmosphere inside was pleasant, although the music was a bit loud for me.  Not uncommon for an establishment of this type.  More a struggle for me as my hearing loss is more noticeable with substantial background noise.  

Our waitress stopped by immediately to take our drink orders and tell us about the daily feature (mentioned above).  All three of us ordered a beverage from the tap.  They had a couple of different beers, I tried a Hard Pear Cider.  All were excellent.  The drinks arrive promptly and the waitress helped us work through the menu to order our meals.  She made some good suggestions and I always appreciate that on my first visit.  Around the table, we sampled a few of the different specialty hot dogs, a sandwich, some tater tots and the house poutine recipe.  I am sure all my dedicated readers know that I am very particular when it comes to hot dogs.  All-beef is a must and bonus if they are jumbo.  Old Skool didn't let me down.  The Def Leppard was rockin' thanks to our waitress suggesting the sloppy joe sauce on it instead of the brisket chili.  How did she know I like things a little sweeter?   YUM!   I also devoured the Breakfast Club and a plate of house poutine.  Not necessarily traditional poutine, but we don't live in Canada either... OldSkool's variation is a winner in my book.  My wife enjoyed every bite of the Fleetwood Mac and tater tots with cheese.  Jim opted for the smoked chicken sandwich with honey chipotle bbq sauce and a side of tots.  Since we all emptied our plates and even polished off a shared dessert, I think it is safe to say we look forward to summer Skool.  If you try their deep-fried twinkie dessert, I expect you too will refuse to even consider eating one anywhere else ever again.  My apologies to the plethora of vendors at the Ohio State Fair.  

-sly grin-

I know you all are probably crushed I don't have any pictures of the food or the restaurant.  Please feel free to use your imagination.  I am slowly getting back into form.  If browsing this post has you hankering for a good wiener, just head on over to OldSkool and tell them Big Mike sent you.  If it is Wednesday, take a look around.  I may be there already.  

Your Dining Scout and Shade Tree Chef,

Michael Hurd, aka Big Mike

www.oldskool614.com

2941 North High Street (Clintonville)