Texoma West End Welcomes Two New Restaurants Last week was a big week for foodies on the West End of Lake Texoma. I guess we are all foodies at least a couple times each day, but some of us are always on the lookout for a new place to become a favorite, familiar place to eat whenever the urge strikes. Two West End favorites closed in 2012, and they were both in Gordonville, on Hwy 377 south of the Willis Bridge. You won't find Gene's Hamburger Harbor or Cindi's Place any longer, but in their respective places, you'll find Turner's Pit Stop (the old Gene's) and Bayou Bridge (the old Cindi's). I have to admit that I ate at both places on the second day, not opening day. Why? I didn't want to be a guinea pig, although plenty of my friends absolutely love that sort of thing. They wanted to be the first ones to try out new food and to spread the word to friends and family. So, I let them tip me off before I ventured out to try out both restaurants for myself. I got good reviews about both places. Pat and Doyle Turner have lived in the area for many years, and now they offer home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner in their new place, which is named after their dirt-tack auto racing hobby. Turners are drawing on their personal restaurant experience in the past, and from all appearances it's working out pretty well. Pat Turner said that over the years, she and Doyle have served hungry customers in Texas, Virginia and Mississippi. Driving by during meal times you'll see plenty of vehicles in their parking lot, and that's always a good sign that people are voting with their feet, and that their feet are planted under tables full of good food. It looks as though Pat and Doyle Turner's experience in food service is paying off for them already. Turners have plans to install curtains on the outdoor patios so that propane heaters and a potbellied stove can provide heat this winter for diners who like the great outdoors, and also for smokers. Next summer they plan to offer music, including local bands and karaoke fun. At the present time they are waiting for their beer and wine license, so you'll need to BYOB with a membership card. Keep up with the plans and goings-on at www.turners-pitstop.com Turner's Pit Stop is open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 8 PM. Hours may extend in the summer. For weekenders, and as we all know there are plenty weekenders on the West End all year 'round, Bayou Bridge will be a pleasant new discovery. Owners Stacey Raney and Jeff Howes have a huge, tempting buffet with seafood and salad bar from 11 AM - 9 PM Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week. They also offer a small fresh menu and specials on Thursdays and Fridays. Expect to order the special or off the menu until 5 PM each day when the buffet opens up. Stacey said that he and his business partner Jeff grew up and played golf together in high school until Stacey went to work for his dad in the restaurant business. You may remember Granny's Kitchen in Howe TX, and that's the restaurant where Stacey worked for his dad for over 20 years. He and Jeff also work together in their staff leasing business all week when the restaurant is not open. Bayou Bridge will have a website soon, so that way you can give your friends and relatives a link to the address, hours and specials.