The Happy Accident…Smiley’s

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Okay travelers, here is a little gem to add to your knowledge. Some of the best places to eat happen by accident. The other morning, I was running late because of traffic and other reasons, so I stopped at Smiley’s in Madill Okla. for gas and to grab breakfast on the go. WOW! The breakfast was wonderful. Big fluffy biscuits, country gravy just right, eggs cooked to order and it did not leave me hungry afterwards.

I thought this little place must have been a happy accident or I was just that hungry. To test that theory, I decided to go by at lunch and see what was really happening in this station grill. I started with the fried jalapenos. These were fresh and served with house made ranch dressing. Our meal consisted of a chicken fried chicken that was plump, hand cut and battered with the delicious cream gravy, and a rich velvety mac n cheese to accompany it.

We also had the bacon mushroom swiss burger. A burger so juicy the flavor dribbled down my chin – by the way, that’s the sign of a good burger ¬– crisp lettuce and tomatoes, with hand cut fries.

As a bonus, the kids menu had an assortment of choices, and was laminated so my granddaughter was able to draw on it and erase. We had the grilled cheese and fries with a scoop of ice cream for dessert – keep in mind that all my granddaughter did was ask if they had ice cream, and the employee was all too eager to oblige a four-year-old’s request. That makes it a plus in my book.

Overall, this a was a fantastic meal, and I’m glad breakfast was surpassed by lunch. My only regret was I did not try the BBQ after a small tour of the kitchen. I had a conversation with Chef Jacob Resendez about his mesquite blend smoker and how all the meat is prepared and slow cooked in house.

It is amazing the amount of love these fine folks put into their food. Please go by and see them at Smiley’s, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll be back by there to get the BBQ, and I’ll save ya a seat. Until then here’s a small BBQ sauce that quick and goes well with any meat choice.

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 1/2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 1/2 tablespoons dry mustard

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

2 dashes hot pepper sauce

In a blender, combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, water, honey and Worcestershire sauce. Season with mustard, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Blend until smooth. Place on stove and simmer until thickened about 10 to 14 mins. serve warm or chilled or baste your favorite meat.