Those of you who live in Chestertown (or used to) might care to know that Downey’s, the long-time purveyor of fried chicken along 213 between the two plazas, is no more. In its place, The Freeze, a burger joint which, according to local historian William Arrowood, hearkens back to Downeys’ predecessor, the Tastee Freez.
Our range of dining options in Chestertown is limited. When fresh blood is thrown into the water, we swarm like sharks.
We waited until we got hungry. Then we drove to The Freeze. Fortunately, it was open.
We walked in and surveyed the menu, which, as an added bonus, can be folded into a paper airplane when you’re done.
While Robbi and I contemplated the abundance of options, the kids danced.
Kato was happy.
Suddenly, the dance took a dark turn.
Then darker still.
Kato was sad.
Did I notice? I did not. I was consumed with big questions: what sort of sides to pair with my burger?
Moments later, it all became clear: lima beans (nod to health) and fries (nod to reality). I felt confident in my choice.
Kato was pleased with his selection as well, a large vanilla milkshake.
The food arrived. The moment of truth was at hand. In spite of all the other virtues of The Freeze (good place to dance and cry, good milkshakes), nothing else mattered if the burgers were not up to par.
I took a bite.
And friends, I was satisfied.
In case you want to continue your research, here is how the Freeze describes itself on its Facebook page:
Home of the “Big Freeze Burger”
Coke products
Improved Ice Cream: sundaes, shakes, cones etc.
Fried Chicken, Burgers, Steaks, Fries
I’m not sure whether they are claiming that the ice cream is “improved” since they opened or whether they are comparing themselves to some other competitor (I don’t remember whether or not Downey’s served ice cream.)
I think I had a Big Freeze Burger. And I think I added hot peppers (hot peppers are included when you say you want absolutely everything on the burger. Which I did, of course).
It’s my philosophy that “everything” is always superior to some subset thereof.
When the Tastee Freeze opened in the 60’s it was the only business located out on 213, surrounded by nothing but corn fields. Now it has a significantly more centrist feel in the midst of plaza and homes. but it has long been the point of gathering for the county’s residents to meet and greet and fill their bellies with milk shakes and fried goodness.
The Big Freeze is a good samich, solid as a burger, but in truth, sitting in your car with your loved ones, watching the hoi polloi of the county mingle through the big plate glass windows adds far more the charm of the place and holds its value as a destination for a generation of Kent Countians than its dining offerings, and I am glad that you have had the opportunity to share this with your children. and with luck, their children.
it is interesting historical note that the weekend that the ‘freeze’ was brought back to life in Chestertown, another institution and purveyor of greasy meats met its untimely demise, Clarks Store in Worton closed one day following the re-christening of the Tastee Freeze, as if to say, the county can have but so many artery clogging means.
i look forward to your next review of Twinny’s
bill arrowood, local historian of record
Wow. Clarks. That brings back some memories. Thank you Billy :)
I may have to check out The Freeze on my annual homeward journey to enjoy the 4th (or more accurately the 3rd) in Rock Hall this weekend.
Maybe I’ll even spot some of the Kent Countians of which you speak. Perhaps, if I’m lucky, I’ll see the local historian in his natural habitat.
Lima beans, Matthew?
Billy, thanks for the history!
Hmm. If sundaes, shakes, and cones improve the ice cream, could that mean it’s not so good to begin with? It looks like Kato saw no evidence of that problem!
That milkshake is half the size of Kato. If he drank two of them his entire body would be full of shake.
Facebook has brainwashed me. I wanted to “like” Aubrey’s comment about Kato and was confused why there was no button to like such a funny image as Kato being full of shake.
Those kids are so stinking adorable, I almost lost my train of thought. Wait, Wait…that pic of you inhaling protein and condiments between two pieces of carby goodness made me think immediately of “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me’s” “Wait, Wait Don’t Blog Me’s” Sandwich Monday. http://www.npr.org/blogs/waitwait/2011/05/03/135916970/sandwich-monday-when-sandwiches-attack
They mainly do Chicago area sammiches, unless they are on the road and a mission, or various fast food. Maybe you can be a Foreign Correspondent guest blogger. I think you’ve got the chops.
The important thing is: did they continue the Downey’s menu offering of Boston Shakes? A huge milkshake with a sundae on top. Best thing ever, though I don’t know if the “shakes” part refers to the milkshake or the effects on one’s nervous system after consuming one.