"We are living in 'The Experience Age,'" declared one of our speakers in Dr. Sullivan's class at Sul Ross State University. He ran a rafting/guide business on the Rio Grande at Terlingua, Texas and said that people paid big money to float the river, have a feast in the bottom of a canyon, with tablecloths, candlelight, and gourmet food under a full moon out in the desert. I have come to believe this, and I guess I have fallen into that mind set, too, even though I swore I wouldn't.
My friend, Lindsey, and I decided we had better hurry up and eat at Patsel's before they close in August, and am I ever glad we did. This place is so wonderful! The food was good (you can tell they have a chef on the staff), but the sights were even better than the food, a feast for the eyes. I love wild paint and decoration, so I was in fantasy land. It was like I had fallen down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.
The restaurant is out in the country, all by itself, on Highway 6 and 11 between Factoryville and Clark's Summit. It would be easy to miss because there are no flashing lights, or billboards to alert people to slow down, and turn in for some delicious food. The name on the side of the building is the only advertisement seen, so word of mouth is what draws the clientele. They do have a website.
We knew the place was going to be special when we saw the painted pony beside the parking lot.
The entry way is covered and the building is surrounded by lush gardens, with fanciful gates.
There is a surprise around each corner. Just look at that frame, and to think a shirt is under the glass!
There are many pieces of furniture from MacKenzie-Child's studio. This interesting piece is in the entryway.
I love these polka dotted walls and marvel at the painting skills. Dots are very hard to keep from running, and I would like to know the secret so I can go home and add some to our walls.
A nice little waiting area in front of the cashier counter sits right outside the dining room.
The dining area has a large skylight in the middle with columns on either side. The room is light and airy, spacious and beautiful. I felt like I was outside in a garden.
It seems there is painting everywhere, but it makes the place interesting, leading your eye from one point of interest to another. Lindsey says they put the Sunday buffet behind these painted folding doors.
A painted buffet with a painted mirror. Nice!
The window frames are so interesting, and each one had a crowned frog at the top.
Chairs are upholstered and the black carpet with flowers is throughout the restaurant.
The crowned frog, geometric design accented with gilded balls is just one of the window treatments.
A small portion of a quilted fabric mural which extends across the wall.
Several parasols are in the dining rooms. It is amazing how they make the room feel more like an outdoor area, and give each area a feeling of private space.
The window frames are painted different but didn't seem to compete with each other.
Looking out into the patio garden area, where one can dine "alfresco."
All of the tables were set with water, cloth napkins, silverware, and beautiful dishes. The dining room pretty well filled up by the time we left, so make reservations.
The crowned frog.
More pretty paint on a window frame.
Lindsey ordered dessert.
Top of a column in the dining room
The light fixture is graceful, and visually takes up very little space.
The girls' bathroom door. I could hardly wait to get in and see, and I was not disappointed!
The bathroom was roomy, and beautiful with carpet in the lounge area and two kinds of beautiful wall paper. Another McKenzie-Child's chair sits in the corner.
The motif in the back of the chair.
A dressing table just in case one would like to sit down and straighten up their make-up.
The washbasin is right out of MacKenzie-Child's.
The checks are hand painted, but I think the flowers are decals. Very beautiful. I want one. Now, when you walk in a powder room like this, you can't help but feel very special.
These wall sconces are M-C, I think.
This is another room where you can have a private party. More interesting decor.
Patsel's is owned by Pat and John Atkins. We met Mr. Atkins; he wanted to make sure that we were properly seated. He says the place really belongs to his wife and he is just the husband. They opened their doors on August 31, 1999, and will close the doors on August 31, 2014. Rumor has it that the Keystone Culinary Arts Department will buy it. Pat and John are going to be a very difficult act to follow. They obviously have impeccable taste, and an eye for minute detail, because everything, and I do mean everything was perfect. The staff was well trained, pleasant, and efficient. The food was delicious and of course, the surroundings were out of this world. I hope that Pat and John can find something else to do with their talents, during their "retirement." Now, hurry up y'all, and make reservations while there is still time!
