Confession, this is less about a Tasty Treat and more about the experience and memories food often give us. As a kid growing up, my parents didn't take us to McDonalds, Burger King or other fast food chains. I don't think they were opposed to those places, in their minds it just didn't seem like good food, although my Mom did have a weakness for McDonalds fries on occasion. Instead my family's go to fast food place was Cedar Hill Dairy Joy.
Every year growing up the first warm day in spring we couldn't wait to go to Cedar Hill Dairy Joy. As an adult, nothing has changed, I still can't wait and since this spring has been a rainy one the anticipation has been unbearable. So this week was my first visit of the season. I have such fond memories of going here every year from spring to fall with my family. We are such loyal customers, that there were always a few employess who knew my Dad. This was the first year we went without my Dad. It was last a minute plan, just me and my Mom were going and when I made a quick stop to my sister's house beforehand, she said her and the kids were planning on going too. Coincidence, I am not so sure. My Dad passed away at the beginning of the year, this was one of his favorite places and I can't help but think he had a hand in bringing us all together this week.
When I was kid, it was always hot dog, grilled cheese or a hamburger for me and of course their amazing onion rings. As I got a little older, probably around 10 or 12 and started liking seafood, fried clams beacame my preference. I am not talking about clam strips (not really clams in my opinon), but the whole clam, belly and all. So, Dad and I started sharing the fried clam dinner plate and ended the meal with a javaberry twist (coffee and raspberry mix) ice cream. It has been a tradition since.
They have since updated their menu from when I was kid, keeping the old stand bys but added some healthier options. I am sure all of it is terrific, but it would be difficult for me to go out of tradition. I specially can't go without ordering the onion rings (the best in my opinion) and the javaberry twist (can't seem to get it anywhere else).
If you have not already experienced Cedar Hill Dairy Joy. , I hope you make the trip to Weston this summer and have a javaberry twist cone for me.
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