Cedar Key Lunch January 21, 2023

[Bernie]

This years Cedar Key Lunch will be on Saturday, January 21, 2022 at a restaurant too be announced Steamers Clam Bar & Grill.

@Calvin (no socks) has volunteered to check out the place, that used to be the original restaurant (Frog Landings?) for the Cedar Key Lunch.

Their website claims they open at 11:00 AM and if the place gets "No-socks" approval, we should be meeting at 11:30 AM for lunch.

Historical @tallman and @Kinsley used to organize this event, but both are absent from the forum. Several members and I think it is a great event that should continue in future.

So join me (Bernie) and others for lunch at the sea side.

And don't forget to check back for the restaurant announcement.

 

Update: 

A restaurant has been located by @Calvin (no socks)

Steamers Clam Bar & Grill

420 Dock St,

Cedar Key, FL 32625

1-352-543-5142

PS: if you and your friends think you can make it , leave me a post here, so I can warn the restaurant about the invasion. 

As for local motels for over night stays, check the postings from @tallman and @Kinsley, in the calendar section for more information.

 

Cedar Key XVI 2020 Post with lots of information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2022 by Bernie
Added restaurant location

[Lowndes]

It was the depths of a cold January in '22 and we all desparately needed a ride.

 

I remember that resturant from last year, Bernie.  Would't let us put the tables together, and vvvveeeeeeerrrrrryyyyy sssssssllllllllllooooooowwwww service.   But, they did have plenty of 'tude.  Really acted like they wished we hadn't come in.   There's a reason it was empty (see pics) and the big place couple of doors down (AND upstairs, too) was WEDGED.  Just my 2¢.  New management doesn't necessarily mean good management UNLESS.........., it's new from last year's management.

 

Other than that, I'M IN.  Now I really have to get somethin' runnin'.

 

Last year wbw and I rode down on Friday (to be sure we'd be on time for lunch), stayed at the Beach Front Hotel.  Best rates I could find, walking distance from "the strip", and on the water, the "beach" was maybe 2 feet wide there.  See Map below..  Might want to make sure it's still there after the hurricane.  Rooms were huge and management very accommodating (moved THEIR car so we could park under the roof).  But the whole town is like that.  Laid back in a proactive way.  "THE ONLY working fishing community left in Florida" say the pamphlets.  We rented a golfcart (THE local mode of trans, plenty of rentals), drove the whole island, every street, saw the museum and the airport.  Saw the tree Nikki had planted.  And all the little restuarants we thought about but didn't go to.  Spent Sat nite there, too, and had breakfast at Annie's Cafe on the way out Sun morning, a small, rustic cafe for locals mostly, great service and very reasonable $. Then I-75 all the way home.  Doing it again, don't care if it snows all the way down and rains the whole time til we ge back.

 

 

 

The locals sit at the big table, tourists at the two tops.  Really 0.5 tops.  But the food and coffee were good!!

 

We we actually bought breakfast for some homeless guy hanging around there and got the good deed for the day over with early.  Said he street name was "stickyfingers" or something thereabout.

 

 

This is clearly a political statement and I saw right thru it.

 

 

 

All the pics here:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y84zefAJXuJ7VZwx6

[Bernie]

Well, Lowdens we are not going back to that place from last year.

If @Calvin (no socks)scouting trip works out, we be going to the place next door upstairs.

Oh, bring the homeless guy along, it will be fun to catch up with him. 

[Lowndes]

10 hours ago, Bernie said:

 

Oh, bring the homeless guy along, it will be fun to catch up with him. 

 

I'll check the park bench where he usually sleeps.

[Calvin (no socks)]

So, braving a 71 degree starting temperature,  I departed at 10:15 on a recon mission.to Cedar Key. First I hit Steamers at noon time.  After climbing the 31 stairs I was greeted at the hostess station and seated.  A clean establishment was immediately apparent. Also in play was the professional attitudes and quick service combined with electronic check payment.  The food was excellent and dining relaxed. Upon leaving Steamers and visiting the Tipsy Cow I was provided with a well defined contrast. No change in staff or attitude, as I remembered them and they me. The only management change I noted was electronic payment. The next day when checking my debit charges I noted Steamers had taken over the  Tipsy Cow billing process. I visited several other establishments during the recon mission but overall Steamers was worth the ride. 

[Bernie]

On 12/10/2022 at 9:01 AM, Calvin (no socks) said:

So, braving a 71 degree starting temperature,  I departed at 10:15 on a recon mission.to Cedar Key. First I hit Steamers at noon time.  After climbing the 31 stairs I was greeted at the hostess station and seated.  A clean establishment was immediately apparent. Also in play was the professional attitudes and quick service combined with electronic check payment.  The food was excellent and dining relaxed. Upon leaving Steamers and visiting the Tipsy Cow I was provided with a well defined contrast. No change in staff or attitude, as I remembered them and they me. The only management change I noted was electronic payment. The next day when checking my debit charges I noted Steamers had taken over the  Tipsy Cow billing process. I visited several other establishments during the recon mission but overall Steamers was worth the ride. 

Thank you @Calvin (no socks) for braving the brutal elements and exploring and finding a lunch restaurant for our January 21, 2023 Cedar Key Lunch.

I think everyone will be excited to try out  Steamers at 11:30 AM on 1/21/2023.

As we get closer to the actual date, we (Calvin and I) will need a head count, so please reply here or send me a PM.

 

[RandyShields]

Calculating.  For my first (and only) Cedar Key event (Dec 2006), on my then new-to me GS, Tim presented me with a BMW tee from his dealership for making the longest trek.  Sadly, that tee was worn too much and has since found its way to the rag bin before finally succumbing to the fate of ultimate rag disposal.  That trip was also memorable as RightSpin and I traveled out to a nearby swamp to stash the Geocache that was making its way around the country.  Seems like high time I got back down there for this great event.

[Bernie]

1 hour ago, RandyShields said:

Calculating.  For my first (and only) Cedar Key event (Dec 2006), on my then new-to me GS, Tim presented me with a BMW tee from his dealership for making the longest trek.  Sadly, that tee was worn too much and has since found its way to the rag bin before finally succumbing to the fate of ultimate rag disposal.  That trip was also memorable as RightSpin and I traveled out to a nearby swamp to stash the Geocache that was making its way around the country.  Seems like high time I got back down there for this great event.

Enough time has past since your last visit, so legally. You should be safe. 

I can’t promise you a new t-shirt, but I try to find a rag for you to wipe your windshield or to clean your dipstick.

Maybe you can get @RightSpin and @lawnchairboy to run shotgun for you. 

 

[Calvin (no socks)]

On 12/17/2022 at 2:53 PM, RandyShields said:

Calculating.  For my first (and only) Cedar Key event (Dec 2006), on my then new-to me GS, Tim presented me with a BMW tee from his dealership for making the longest trek.  Sadly, that tee was worn too much and has since found its way to the rag bin before finally succumbing to the fate of ultimate rag disposal.  That trip was also memorable as RightSpin and I traveled out to a nearby swamp to stash the Geocache that was making its way around the country.  Seems like high time I got back down there for this great event.

I  was going nuts the day after Geocache picture was posted.....so.... two days after we left Cedar Key, I rode back.... skipped out of work to go get it ...

[RandyShields]

1 hour ago, Calvin (no socks) said:

I was going nuts the day after Geocache picture was posted.....so.... two days after we left Cedar Key, I rode back.... skipped out of work to go get it ...

Thanks for the reminder of who got it!  Congrats.

[RandyShields]

FYI, most of the local motels are full on that Saturday night.  Anyone have a room that they are giving up or want to share?

[Bernie]

18 hours ago, RandyShields said:

FYI, most of the local motels are full on that Saturday night.  Anyone have a room that they are giving up or want to share?

Bummer. I hope you can find a solution.

[RandyShields]

Just talked to a very friendly Shelly at the Beach Front motel, a few blocks away from the festivities.  She had one room left that I got -- and it's a ground floor room too!  Even more surprising, she still had me in her system from my stay there in 2006!  Pretty amazing.  Now, fingers crossed for good weather.

[BamaJohn]

I'm IN......see ya soon!

[F16Viper68]

On 12/27/2022 at 10:47 AM, RandyShields said:

Just talked to a very friendly Shelly at the Beach Front motel, a few blocks away from the festivities.  She had one room left that I got -- and it's a ground floor room too!  Even more surprising, she still had me in her system from my stay there in 2006!  Pretty amazing.  Now, fingers crossed for good weather.

 

Glad to see you found a room!  It will be great seeing you again.  Hopefully our meal together will not at the blazing speed of breakfast on the last day of FART 2022.  :)

[Indy Dave]

Mrs. Indy Dave (Shawn) and will be there. We'll be in Cedar Key Fri & Sat night.

[Bernie]

On 1/14/2023 at 7:29 AM, Indy Dave said:

Mrs. Indy Dave (Shawn) and will be there. We'll be in Cedar Key Fri & Sat night.

Great time to escape the frozen tundra. Looking forward to seeing you and all the other guys and gals. I be meeting @BamaJohn at 7 am at the Spring Park Café in Green Cove Springs, FL for the ride to Cedar Key. Anyone wanting to join us, show up or send me a PM for more details. The weather forecast calls for changing FL winter style. 

[Indy Dave]

This will be the 19th annual Cedar Key Lunch! The Hoosier Contingent will arrange for a Sunset Cruise for Sat afternoon for any interested parties. Please advise.

 

A few more photos from our first visit to Cedar Key in 2019:

 

@DaveCinNO, @tallman

 

 

Ken Insley

 

 

@Marty Hill

 

 

@Jake & Peanut

 

Sunset from the Faraway

 

 

[RandyShields]

19 hours ago, Indy Dave said:

The Hoosier Contingent will arrange for a Sunset Cruise for Sat afternoon for any interested parties. Please advise.

 

I would like to join you if there is still room.

[Bernie]

I just called the restaurant and gave them a rough headcount for the 11:30 am lunch. So if you and your riding friends decide to join us for lunch,, please reply to this message. 
Thank you. 
list: 

BamaJohn

RandyShields

IndyDave

IndyDaves Better Half (Shawn)

Calvin NoSocks

Bernie

Jim Beyerl 

F16Viper68

@60Aviator

@Kenikki

@Joel

@Chris K

@Lowndes

@RonM@wahorn

[Lowndes]

Bernie - I can't make it.  Work conflict.  Sorry.  I hate it.

 

 

Lowndes

 

 

 

[60Aviator]

I won't know until Friday if I can make it. I will let you know then. Thanks

[Ron-M]

Unless something changes last minute, I am out as well.  Family commitment.  

[Bernie]

36 minutes ago, 60Aviator said:

I won't know until Friday if I can make it. I will let you know then. Thanks

no problem, thanks 

[Chris K]

I am unable to make it this year.

[wbw6cos]

Golly

[Indy Dave]

On 1/16/2023 at 6:37 AM, RandyShields said:

I would like to join you if there is still room.

Randy, working on it.

[Bernie]

2 hours ago, Chris K said:

I am unable to make it this year.

Oh bummer. I guess it will be a small crowd this year. Hopefully we will see you at the SECFF lunch in February. 

[Calvin (no socks)]

I found a shorter route, its only 78 miles from my farm house. All gassed up and ready to roll. I'm at 1/4 tank... that should be enough... 

[Bernie]

1 hour ago, Calvin (no socks) said:

I found a shorter route, its only 78 miles from my farm house. All gassed up and ready to roll. I'm at 1/4 tank... that should be enough... 

of course you should have enough, it’s all downhill from where you live. And what ever gas you don’t use, you can use to come to the February SECFF lunch. 🤣

[Bernie]

Updated list:

RandyShields

IndyDave

IndyDaves Better Half (Shawn)

Calvin NoSocks

Bernie

Jim Beyerl 

F16Viper68?

 

 

[Indy Dave]

Cocktail hour in Cedar Key

 

[Indy Dave]

Down on Dock Street...

 

[Bernie]

Where’s the beef?

[Indy Dave]

We're had a small enthusiastic group who braved the rain to make lunch in Cedar Key. Thanks so much to Bernie and Calvin for putting this together and for scouting a great restaurant!

 

 

 

 

 

[Bernie]

Thank you all that made it for the 19th edition of the Cedar Key lunch.

Hopefully all that missed out on this years lunch can join us next January 20, 2024 at 11:30 AM at the same place.

So mark your calendars and inform your spouses, dog sitters and SO's that you won't be home that day/weekend or bring them along.

On a more serious note, the research effort by @Calvin (no socks) has proven to be excellent. 

A big Thank You goes out to Steamers Calm Bar & Grill and there staff. The food and service was great and friendly and welcoming.

View from our table.

 

 

Edited January 22, 2023 by Bernie
Wrong info. Next Year will be the 20th Cedar Key Lunch.

[wbw6cos]

Lowndes and I had dinner at that restaurant while staying in Cedar Key for the '22 lunch.   It had pretty decent food and a good selection of draft beer.   I hope to make the one for '24.  Thanks for posting!!

[Indy Dave]

Shawn and I are doing our best to represent BMWST on Dock Street tonight. Freebird is was being played by a couple of musicians we've come to know well over the last couple of nights. Feeling free as a bird, soon we'll head back to our room across from the sea and take in the majestic dark and starry sky that we're not privileged to have in Indiana. There's reruns of David Letterman on TV, my wife has ordered me a water to go along with my vodka on the rocks and the band is now playing stairway to heaven. And it makes me wonder....

 

 

 

[Indy Dave]

Ha! Ironically, they are playing Fleetwood Mac's you can go your own way, (My preference would have been the classic Oh Well) but beggers can't be choosers, and having closed down the bar, I suppose it's time to tuck our tail between our legs and head back to the Fairway Inn and check out the majestic stars and galaxies.

 

Still waiting for some Alice in Chains, but that may have to wait for our next visit. 

[Bernie]

If there are any other pictures from the event, please add them to the gallery I started.

Thank you!

Cedar Key 2023 Album

[RandyShields]

After I attended our rainy gathering in Cedar Key, FL, my plan on Sunday was to ride around the gulf coast to Port St. Joe capturing five lighthouses as part of my IBA lighthouse challenge. I was a bit nervous because it looked like I was heading directly into the southerly tail of the lengthy band of severe thunderstorms stretching across the country.  Surprisingly, as I turned south after St. Marks, the weather cleared up and I got sun and blue sky!  The nasty weather was sliding by north of me.  The mild temps let me experience the delightful coastal scenery from St. Teresa through Carrabelle and along the Apalachicola Bay.  Of special interest was St. George Island following a blustery ride over the dramatic 5-mile long Bryant Patton Memorial Bridge.  I include a photo of the historic St. George Island lighthouse, along with the very impressive Tybee Island lighthouse from a few days prior.  With the last lighthouse captured in Port St. Joe, I turned northeast to spend the night in Tallahassee before riding home to Charlotte.  The sky to the northwest grew darker and more threatening as I rode.  At my last gas stop, my thought of grabbing a quick bite was deferred when the radar revealed red and yellow thunderstorms closing in.  I hightailed it to the hotel, staying just ahead of the storm.  Sure enough, within 45 minutes of checking in, the area was slammed with torrential rain and wind, and a tornado warning.  Boy was I lucky.  It had been a much nicer riding day than the 500-mile shot north on Monday to get home.

[Indy Dave]

Great photos Randy. Sounds like a great adventure, staying just one step ahead. Clean Living! Thanks for making Cedar Key a part of it. 

 

 

[RandyShields]

Thanks Dave.  You had a much longer trek.  Nice to see you so far south and it was great to meet your better half, Shawn!