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| About
1986 Panjo’s Pizza opened in Rockport's
Harbor Oaks strip center. It then doubled in size as soon as it could. As regular
visitors to Rockport we
eat there on every trip to the city. My opinion is the same as an Internet critic
who said that the Rockport
Panjo's is vastly superior to the one in neighboring Corpus
Christi. The owner of the Rockport
business kneads the dough personally.and patrons can watch him at work through
windows in the rear wall.
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| Panjo’s name is over
the door but inside the building the signage is of local businesses or droll wit.
The humorous signage includes the classic: “Sarcasm: Now Served All Day.” Another
sign generously offers “Free Beer Tomorrow!” What is sold today is beer in ice-cold
mugs as well as wine and soft drinks.
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The atmosphere of
Panjo’s is unique from other area restaurants. Some might say “eating out, but
nothing special” but Panjos' provides the right atmosphere for a special outing.
You order what you want and pay up ftont. Pick up your drinks and proceed to the
table of your choice. Normally it's a 15-20 minutes wait - which is perfect for
socializing.
When the food arrives, the order is correct and delicious.
Maybe what makes Panjo's special is the number of happy and relaxed customers,.
Belly laughs are frequent and the 1950’s background music makes each visit a party
if you want it to be. Whether you are wearing a $300 Stetson or a baseball cap
no one cares. Fishing Guides in shorts and vented shirts sit next to gun shop
owners in creased khakis with ornate belts.
Rockport
doubles its population in the winter and Panjo's is very popular with the Winter
Texans. They can easily rearrange the tables to accomodate the size of their party
and then socialize to their heart's content. They come in often and always leave
happy. |
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The owner works
right along side his employees. Food is delivered with courteous hustle (and no
sarcasm). Besides pizza they serve basic pasta dishes like spaghetti with meat
sauce and Fettuccini Alfredo. Oven-warmed sandwiches and freshly grilled hamburgers
are served on glass plates. The absense of linen tablecloths and napkins (just
paper napkins and plates) account for the low prices.
The mixing room
floor invariably accumulates a coating of flour since the mixer is the size of
a 300 horsepower outboard motor. When the boss is called from the mixing room
to the kitchen, he'll leave a trail of flour footprints - making the floor look
like crime scene evidence from CSI Rockport (check your local listings). Generally,
the only mystery at Panjo's is how the staff determines what booth or table gets
the order.
June
3, 2012
© Ken
Rudine |
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