"Where in North America?" -- Section II

[CalOldBlue]

Quick work!

Ever eat at The Mad Greek's (almost directly behind me when I took this shot)? I almost did last time through, then saw it covered on the Food Channel's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" about a week later. Looked like a blast.

Next time I guess.

[Mark Sedenquist]

The first Mad Greek was in Corona, then the one in Baker (which is very good by the way) and then the latest one in Las Vegas -- check out Megan's photos of her meal!

Mark

[CalOldBlue]

I was sitting down, drinking a single malt and smoking a cigar when I took this shot with my "stealth" camera.

Where was I?

(photo: Don Casey)

[Mark Sedenquist]

Well, was it a "stealth" camera because you weren't supposed to take photos?

(and a big thanks for sizing your photo!)

I've never seen this place -- so.... as for me, I would need a hint or two....

...but the real question is... what form of single malt do you hanker to?

Mark

[PNW Judy]

Memories...The Mad Greek in Honolulu, 1980, ouzo...lots and lots of ouzo. :)

I have no idea. But, then again, I never do. Even if I've been there. :(

Maybe the ouzo is still effecting my memory.

[CalOldBlue]

Hmmm. Don't want to give this away too soon, so how about this:

This location hosts an annual weekend for fans of a particular movie shot here. They've been holding this event for almost 20 years (in concert with the fan club).

If this doesn't work, I'll dole out some "better" clues tomorrow.

Libations:
Our "house" scotch floats between Glenmorangie, MacCallan, and Glenlivet (whichever one Costco has in stock when we run out).

Right now, however, we're experimenting with a single-barrel Kentucky Rye that's not half bad.

We do open our doors to other options of course. We have collected a wicked selection of Charbay (Napa) and Hangar One (Alameda) infused vodkas. Just picked up a bottle of the Hangar One spiced pear.

For the Vodka crowd (and Mark may already know this); the bar at The Claremont in the Oakland hills has not only a great view of SF, but an insane collection of Vodkas. .... but I digress.

Oh what the heck; here's another shot (may be too good a clue):

photo: Don Casey

OK, I think I got it now.... insert photo, line break, THEN attribution.....

{By golly, methinks you've got it -- yeah, photo on the left margin at 600-650 pixels wide tends to work well}

[Mark Sedenquist]

I have a special hankering for a 1970 Glenmorangie -- I've had a couple of shots over the years -- and it is still my favorite libation -- although there are some small batch bourbons that I'll go out of my way for.

Back to the clues -- I first thought of the Goonies, (20-years +/-) and the town of Astoria -- but the foilage looks too lush.... and the veranda is too large.

So, still looking.

Mark

[PNW Judy]

I was just in Astoria last weekend and it's definitely much smaller than that.

Could it be the location of Rainman? (Very wild guess and some cheating by looking at top-grossing movies from around 20 years ago)

[CalOldBlue]

At least the fan club is not for Rain Man, and the IMDB does not show this location for Rain Man (although it's hard to prove a negative, I don't believe they shot any of Rain Man here).

Note: the fan club in question did not form immediately, and given that the event has been going on ALMOST 20 years the movie in question is therefore MORE than 20 years old. It won no Academy awards, and was nominated for only one. Didn't make that much money, but obviously has generated a cult following and the IMDB voters rate it a solid 7.0 (7.5 if you're female). That said, focusing on the movie/fan club may not be your best path to investigate. This place is notable for other reasons than one movie.

Other movies have used this location, and Mark Twain allegedly spoke here once.

[Mark Sedenquist]

is the printed word on the awnings -- but I can't read it.... so no help there.

Mark