OPINION —
According to AI on Google, “based on academic calendars from that era, Auburn University students began classes for the Fall Quarter of 1983 on Monday, Sept. 19, 1983.”
That year, I was 20 at the time, and I was one of those Auburn students. I was a junior college transfer student, having spent my freshman and sophomore years at Alexander City State Junior College, aka ACJC, in my hometown.
Back in my “era,” as AI called it, students at Auburn walked, bicycled or drove their cars to class; there were no trams or electric scooters to transport you to school. Therefore, I chose to walk to class. As I walked to class, I had to watch out for some aggressive bicyclists who seemed to want to run me over. Thankfully, I resisted the urge to “clothesline” these students by sticking out my left arm to knock them off their bikes. After all, God and my parents expected better behavior from me.
Also, according to AI Google, from my off-campus apartment to Haley Center, where I had about 99.9% of my classes, I walked 0.3 to 0.5 miles, depending on which door I entered at Haley Center; therefore, I walked over a mile a day, round trip, and going up and downstairs.
Also, since I didn’t know how to cook much and had no desire to learn, I ate a lot of Lean Cuisines. The result? I lost 40 lbs. and earned $100 from my Grandma Patton for doing so.
Unfortunately, I gained back the 40 and added many more pounds.
Grandma told me,“I should get my money back.” However, she was just kidding; she would never demand a refund from her youngest grandchild and only granddaughter. But I digress.
Also, back in those days, Auburn University had very few places to eat on campus. That’s why I scarfed down a lot of Lean Cuisines. Boy, has that changed.
Now Auburn University students have many restaurants in which to dine on campus. Recently, Mike and I traveled to downtown Auburn with our friend Jack, (William had another engagement), to dine at The Plains Taproom and Grill at 200 W. Glenn Ave., Suite 200.
The Plains Taproom and Grill has a pleasant, casual atmosphere. Also, televisions lined the walls so that diners could watch sports.
Lori, our cashier, was really sweet, helpful and patient. She said that local owners Dock and Crit opened the restaurant about three years ago; they also own Eddie’s Calzones.
Mike, Jack and I split a shareable: bacon n’ cheddar kegs, which were supersized tater tots stuffed with bacon, chives, cream cheese and cheddar cheese with a side of ranch. They were slap your grandma three times good. In fact, my mouth is watering now just thinking about them.
For his entrée, Mike chose three chicken tenders with teriyaki glaze and ranch dressing.
The chicken tenders are “all-white meat chicken, breaded and cooked to a golden crisp. Then, they are tossed in one of the 17 house made sauces or dry rubs.” Mike’s choice, teriyaki glaze, is the least spicy of the sauces. However, if you like your chicken tenders fiery hot, try Fear the Reaper. Since I’m a wimp when it comes to spicy foods, I will have to pass on that one. Mike selected sweet potato fries as his side.
I ordered the War D*** Burger with French fries as my side. My burger was “oozing with American cheese and was served with my choice of toppings,” lettuce, tomato, pickles, grilled onions, ketchup and mustard.
Jack selected the Gouda burger, which was “served on a warm pretzel bun and topped with beer cheese, grilled onions and bacon.” He chose sweet potato fries for his side.
Everything was really amazing. Trust me, give The Plains Taproom and Grill a try. You’ll be glad you did.
Besides our delectable dishes, The Plains Taproom and Grill offers diners a large variety of shareables, signature wings, smash burgers, sliders, sandwiches and wraps.
The Plains Taproom and Grill is open seven days a week. The restaurant is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday –Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Plains Taproom and Grill makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.
Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com.
