Low Gap Cafe

[Terrierman]

I'd heard and read about this place. Buffalo River country, close to Ponca. Lovey and I took the day to drive down there, walk a couple of trails and have a good meal.

It was better than good. We were too early for the Prime Rib which my MC riding buddy says is the best he's ever had. Settled on a Calimari with Spicy Marinara appetizer, - super good. Calimari was fresh, termpura style light batter, fried with batter done and crispy but the calamari still tender. The Marinara was among the best. Tomato taste out of this world, chunky and spicy enough to break a little bit of sweat but not overpower the caliimari, served hot. Highly recommended.

Lovey had chicken fried steak. I figured it would probably be OK when we heard them pounding it out in the kitchen. I had Chicken Marsala. Both came with salad or soup. We got salads with the house mandarin orange vinaigrette. Not a huge salad, just enough and good fresh greens. The dressing was a real treat with chunks of mandarin orange to set off the bite of the vinegar. Really nice.

Lovey's Chicken Fried Steak was perfect. Not one of those joke sized platters of previously breaded and frozen round steak tossed in the deep fryer and then covered with gravy from a mix. A plenty nice piece of steak, freshly breaded and pan friend like a proper chicken fried steak is, homemade mashed potatoes with plenty of tasty lumps and some really good tasting fresh cream gravy. Like my grandmother used to make. Sauteed mixed vegetables alongside. Good portions of all, but like I said, not stupid.

The Chicken Marsala was as good as any I've had. Fresh mushrooms, yellow, red and green bell peppers in the Marsala, Not one Chicken breast, but two. Not breaded, just sautéed until tender done in the Marsala and then plated. My side was saffron rice and the sautéed mixed vegetables. I especially liked the veggies, they were tender crisp and seasoned with some oregano. Simple and super good.

Dessert was a piece of homemade coconut cream pie. That crust surely had to be made with lard, tasty and flaky. There was a drizzle of mango reduction on the plate that you could smear your bite of pie through if you were so inclined. Glad we ordered it.

Another highly recommended place, a little out of the way but really quality food served by locals who know food and care about getting it cooked right and served to you in a really nice and friendly atmosphere.

The getting there and back is a bonus. One of the prettiest areas around. Worth the drive if you have the time. And definitely do not pass it up if you are in the area.