SALLY ANN SHURMUR Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 12:00 am
If the nastiest fire ever to hit the mountain couldn't get Irene Brooks' business, then higher gas prices aren't likely to deter patrons from driving eight miles for dinner.
The false wood front has been replaced by stucco, but the familiar yellow sign proclaiming "Wed THRU Sat 5:30-9 Go Pokes!" still beckons people to the Goose Egg Inn, eight miles west of CY Avenue and Wyoming Boulevard on Highway 220.
"It got the neighbor across the road right up to his back porch, and came almost to the red barn on the other side, but it never touched Granny's property," granddaughter Jen Lawson-Heath said of the 2006 Jackson Canyon Fire.
The fire was at its worst on a Monday, so it didn't bother the restaurant's Wednesday through Saturday supper business. Fact is, Lawson-Heath says, business may have increased because of the looky-see's coming out to see the fire.
On Saturday, Brooks, who would rather stand at the hot chicken fryer than talk to the media, will serve free food to all comers outside at 6 p.m. An outdoor cash bar opens at 5:30. From 7 to 9 p.m., the Thomas MacWilliams Band with Lawson-Heath's husband, Mike, on drums, will wake the prairie from its hot July slumber.
Lawson-Heath says Granny's menu hasn't changed in 30 years because the Goose Egg's patrons wouldn't stand for it.
"Wyoming is a meat and potato-eating state, and the more meat the better," she said. "We don't use tenderizers or anything. It's the best meat we can get. This is comfort food. They're always going to resort back to it."
And much like the fire that surrounded - but didn't damage - the property, folks suspect there's something else about Granny's food.
"She puts a lot of love and care into that food. A little piece of Granny goes out with every plate," Lawson-Heath said.
The dark bar inside the entrance beckons folks to relax before dining.
"Back in the day, people would have a couple drinks before they ever thought about dinner," Lawson-Heath said. "The last thing we do here is rush people."
She said the feeling inside is rustic and relaxed for a reason.
"We don't have music blaring while you're trying to eat or have a conversation," she said.
Although most of Granny's help is family, Lawson-Heath said other employees quickly become extended family.
"Granny does the rolls and the stuffing for the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving, so we just have a big dinner for everybody while we're out here," she said.
The Goose Egg's menu ranges from the famous fried chicken, which is Wednesday's special, to prime rib, a variety of steaks and seafood. Each meal is several courses, including a relish tray and salad.
Although it's the special on Wednesday, fried chicken is available every night. But Thursday is the only day you can get a plate-sized, chicken-fried steak.
Lawson-Heath says her job description includes bartender, cook and public relations, but it's clear that Granny's in charge.
And what's the secret to her fried chicken?
"Probably the four-letter words she uses while she's cooking," Lawson-Heath laughed.
Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520; sallyann.shurmur@trib.com or see her profile and blog at my.trib.com/Sal/blog
Join in
The 75-seat dining room at the Goose Egg Inn will also be open with a limited menu for paying customers on Saturday during its anniversary celebration. For this Saturday and any night Wednesday through Saturday, call (307) 473-8838 for reservations.