Can't Judge a Book . . .

by Joan Sowards

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. But again, the cover is what lures the reader to pick it up. Most people will buy a product after it has being recommended by a trusted friend—or a perfect stranger in this case.

Recently, my husband and I went to Oregon. When a stranger heard we were staying in Lincoln City, he said, “Make sure you eat at Otis Café. It is a five star dining experience.”

“But I only brought blue jeans,” I told him.

“Doesn’t matter, it’s just a small place and very casual, but the food is to die for.” Then he went on to talk about its German potatoes and black molasses bread. I was convinced.

So, the next morning with mouth watering, my hubby and I set out for Otis, only three miles from our hotel on highway 18. We almost missed the town because I was navigating, and blinked. “Stop! There it is.” I pointed to a small, older building off the road.

“That can’t be it, it’s so small.”

“The sign says Otis Café,” I insisted. With effort, he turned the car around and pulled into the half-dirt parking lot with several other cars. “How can this be a famous café?” he said, looking doubtful.

We went inside—four booths and a four-person table—and were seated at the table with another couple. Awkward at first, we soon were enjoying a conversation with the couple and learned they lived in central Oregon and this also was their first Otis dining experience.

Soon breakfast was served. Mm! It was as good as the stranger had told us. Warm black molasses bread, hash browns, eggs cooked to perfection, bacon, and French toast made from cinnamon rolls—all yummy. Five stars, easy. Next time I’m in Oregon, I’ll visit Otis Café.

You can’t judge a book by its cover, but a recommendation goes a long way. And this also goes for cafés.