When we got there, the Bottom was overflowing with customers. In the spring, after the parking lot was repaved, the owner, Bud, had added a covered patio on the other side of the cafe. The view of the forest and mountains spread out as if blessing everyone’s meal, and at night the little strings of lights added a festive touch. Even though it was still chilly in the setting sun, the ambiance and the tall space heaters kept diners cozy.
Bud’s wife, Lorraine, was no longer the sole waitress, nor was their son, Larry, the only busboy and dishwasher. What had once been a small mom-and-pop operation known only to the locals had bloomed into an area favorite and a destination for those foodies who wanted premium diner food.
I enjoyed watching Christopher and Henry take in the Bottom’s newest a
