"You know how you just get
bored and take a drive...," a friend said to us one day. We laughed, though not in his face. No, we had no idea what it was like to have
the kind of time on our hands that allowed us to just take off for a random
ride.
Years later,
we are still laughing, but for a different reason. Now we are the ones picking a place that is
one, two, even three hours away to go to for breakfast or lunch. Though the trip is more about the ride on the
motorcycle, the cafe or restaurant at the end contributes significantly to the
memories of the day.
Of course, you don't have to be a
motorcycle driver or pillion (polite term for the backseat rider) to take off
on a whim to try a new eating spot. The
places we visit cater to anyone. Some,
like the Toymakers Cafe attract locals, people passing through,
including Appalachian Trail hikers, and on Sundays - bikers.
When I first heard the name
Toymakers Cafe, I envisioned a place decorated with old children's toys. Why a bunch of bikers would be attracted to
such a place alluded me. At the same
time, the mental image of bikers in leather jackets surrounded by old dolls and
toy trucks entertained me. Had I taken
the time before our trip to scan the article my husband had been reading, I
would have realized the toymaker is Greg Bidou, a Triumph enthusiast, who
rebuilds motorcycles and deals in British motorcycle parts. His wife, Anne Bidou, co-owns the cafe.
While there are a few toys, they are
more modern ones set out to entertain the younger customers. The cafe, housed in an old farmhouse complete
with a barn in back, mixes a country atmosphere with motorcycle memorabilia. Anne once expressed to Dan Shaw, a regular
customer, her desire to "create a community gathering place." She and Greg are doing just that through
their dining arrangements and hospitality.
There are few tables, none meant for just two. That means, if you are not a regular, there's
a good chance you will be given an opportunity to make new acquaintances. Given the popularity of the cafe, we did not
eat alone. Once the place cleared out,
Greg came over and joined us. He and my
husband enjoyed chatting about motorcycles and trips they've taken. Greg and Anne's hospitality, however, goes
beyond making their guests feel welcome.
They have been known to open their property to Appalachian Trail hikers
in need of a place to pitch a tent for a night.
In addition to creating a family
style atmosphere, Greg and Anne provide home-made food and an assortment of beverages. Although they serve both breakfast and lunch,
Greg and Anne are probably best known for their delectable waffles. While I will occasionally make home-made
waffles, including chocolate chip, I have to admit I never considered making a
peanut butter and chocolate waffle. My
justification for such a breakfast treat - the peanut butter provides the
protein with which I like to start my day, and the chocolate, well that puts a
smile on my face at any hour. Though maybe
not traditional comfort food - any dish that rich and delicious constitutes
comfort food to me.
Whether your goal is the ride or the
destination, a stop at the Toymaker Cafe will make the trip more
memorable. The Toymaker Cafe, located at
85 Main Street, Falls Village, Connecticut, is open Thursdays - Sundays. Hours are 7:00 am - 2:00 pm on Thursdays and
Fridays, and 7:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
References
Wilkinson, Bud. "Destinations: Toymakers Café, Falls Village,
Connecticut." Motorcycle Classics.
March/April 2009. Ogden
Publications, Inc. 17 June 2013. < http://www. motorcycleclassics.com/classic-motorcycle-touring/toymakers-cafe-falls-village-connecticut.aspx#ixzz2WVx2rBbc>
Shaw, Dan. "Toymakers Cafe - Falls Village, Connecticut."
Rural Intelligence. 30 January 2008.
Rural Intelligence LLC. 17 June 2013.
<http://www.ruralintelligence.com/index.php/food_
section/food_restaurant_listing/toymakers_cafe/>
Shaw, Dan. "Happy Anniversary, Toymakers." The
Falls Village Blog. 24 May
2007. Garth Kobal and Dan Shaw. 17 June 2013.
"Falls Village CT." Appalachian
Trail - Bear Meat's 2004 Hiking Log.
27 April 2004. 17 June 2013. < http://morningbird.typepad.com/appalachiantrail/2004/04/falls_village_c.html>
Pardee, Sean.
"Toymakers Cafe - Yahoo! Reviews." Yahoo!
31 August 2011. 17 June 2013. <
http://local.yahoo.com/info-34891072-toymakers-cafe-falls-village>
"T100 Toymakers Inc." Corporation Wiki. 17 March
2013. Sagewire Research LLC. 17 June
2013. < http://www.corporationwiki.com/Connecticut/Falls-Village/t100-toymakers-inc/54299427.aspx>
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