08/30/2026
From the shores of Oklahoma……..
Elizabeth and I walked past a family of seven at the door who were waiting for a bigger table. We found a seat and set down in a corner booth next to the kitchen. As l looked around the dining room at what these two kids have done my eyes swelled up. It took everything I had to hold the tears in my eye lids. As I was fighting the tears back I noticed every table was full. I noticed all the patrons were smiling and enjoying conversation with their loved ones as they ate. Lynyrd Skynyrd was playing just loud enough to understand the words. The aroma of hot beef tallow, butter and garlic filled the air. It was only 5:15, I knew by the end of the night the mouth watering aromas were gonna conquer the air space away from the timeless band.
I didn’t raise any children. I do have two wonderful step children, but I missed out on getting to raise any. When Shirley, my first wife was diagnosed with ALS, it all began to make sense why we hadn’t been blessed with children. She and I had our hands full just trying to figure out how to deal with each new issue as it arose as her body began to change and not respond. After she had fallen a couple times and she had to wait on the floor for me to hurry home to help her up we had to have that difficult conversation. We realized we can’t do this alone anymore. When the first applicant failed by day three I started calling family. It’s funny how God works, his plans are always perfect. The trials and tribulations we go through are prerequisites for what’s ahead.
You see Scotty answered mine and Shirley’s call of distress. Scotty moved in and he and I became the two most unorthodox set of nurses you ever seen. Him more so than me because I still had to go to work. Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. A team of 10 trained nurses couldn’t have done a better job than he did. He would do Shirley’s hair, he watched you tube videos and learned to do her makeup, done her eye lashes. That shows someone’s heart. Who they are at their core. For two and half years he payed it forward day in and day out and he held her hand until his work was completed ………….
This is where the prerequisites come in. Scotty met and married the love of his life Sierra. She is too driven and hardworking. Those two bought a food truck roughly 18 months ago and hit the road in southeastern Oklahoma. They were grinding it out up and down the byways of Oklahoma making a name for themselves. Let me just say, their food speaks for itself! They put a lot of thought into the flavor combos. Putting new spins on old classics. They both have a passion for perfection. They created a following and decided instead of buying the cabana new tires………. It was time to create an HQ.
If you are looking for a place off the beaten path that has outstanding food………. Scotty’s Seafood Cabana & Grill in Quinton, OK. is worth the drive. They aren’t just slinging grub they are serving perfectly thought out entrees. The staff is wonderful, my glass was never empty and I drink a LOT of tea. Proportions are generous but more over the pricing is more than competitive when you price other seafood establishments. I had lemon garlic butter running down to my elbows. That spot on my shirt isn’t tea it’s butter! Then when Elizabeth and I were stuffed and throwing in the towel he set a slice of cheesecake down that had to weigh a pound. I highly recommend the cheesecake!! I know I am biased, but Scotty earned that in my eyes and heart years ago. Folks, I’m bald…… I’m not giving you hair advice, but as a fat guy I am telling you these two kids are serving up some major flavor with a eagerness to please. It’s worth the trip and tell him Uncle James sent ya! Scotty wasn’t a kid that needed raising by no means. But I know in my heart, that his stay with us, what he experienced, what he learned, what he witnessed and felt changed his trajectory for the rest of his life. Pay attention, Notice the most expensive dish on Scotty’s menu “The Shirley Platter”……….. Until Next Time
