Boondoggles is on Ferry Street in Vevay, Indiana, (pronounced VEEVEE since the 1800s, Lord knows why) a pretty little town that reminds me of a miniature downtown Madison, especially now at Christmastime with the building facades all outlined in white lights. I had intended to eat at Roxano's Italian Cafe across the street, but it was closed due to the death of a close friend of the owners. Sad. Boondoggles looked pretty decent from the outside, a neat old building with a nice sign out front, even if it did look like your run of the mill type bar.
It was pretty much like that on the inside as well, with booths and tables on one side and the bar on the other, but in the dim light everything seemed pretty clean, even the grill area that's right out in the open behind the bar like most small-town places. The bartender/waitress/cook/busperson (it was a slow afternoon) was not a movie goddess but she had a pleasing, friendly face that matched her demeanor. I ordered a bottle Yeungling, the 1/2 pound Boon Burger, and an order of Onion Straws, something you can't get just anyplace. They were all EXCELLENT, the beer cold, the burger perfectly seasoned, and the onions lightly breaded and fried just right, not greasy. My barstool was quite comfortable, and there were like six large-screened TVs visible from my roost, so it would probably be a good place to watch a game or race. The name Vevay seems French to me, but I'll have to do some research on that town's history. Until then, however, I will say A Votre Sante! to you! ...Or just Cheers!, since it's Indiana... or Yeeee Haaa! since its across the river from me here in Kentucky, even though we don't really say that, much.
