I\u2019ve been thinking about a few words lately\u2026  Words like \u201cpure\u201d and \u201cnormal\u201d\u2026 These words are overused, underrated, and unappreciated.  The dictionary says that pure is \u201canything that is not mixed with any other substance or material\u201d.  Normal is \u201cconforming to a standard, usual, typical or expected\u201d.  During the past couple of years, everyone in the world has had to come to terms with the pandemic and how it has impacted individuals, families, sports, schools, churches, and even restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In March of 2020, we all had to reevaluate everything in our lives to see what really mattered and take inventory of what was important on an individual basis.  When I did this in my own life, I found that what I thought was \u201cpure\u201d really wasn\u2019t, and what once was \u201cnormal\u201d may never be again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s interesting to think about Pure gas stations which thrived in the 1920s as automobiles became common.  The idea of what was \u201cnormal\u201d was changing 100 years ago, as it continues to change today. Many of the gas stations also had diners within their walls so travelers could gas up and also get a meal.  I\u2019m sure in their time, there was life and laughter within their walls on any \u201cnormal\u201d day.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Pure signs still dot the highways, even though most of the stations have locked their doors and gone out of business.  Many of these buildings are now abandoned where once was the hustle and bustle of \u201cnormal\u201d, everyday life.  They have become a memory of days gone by. What once was \u201cpure\u201d and \u201cnormal\u201d has given way to other establishments like Love\u2019s and Flying J and who would have ever imagined the mega gas station Buc-ees?   That\u2019s an experience in itself and anything but \u201cnormal\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In 2005, the Pure sign of a shut-down gas station was an inspiration for a new restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia.  The idea of the restaurant was to take the patrons back to the 1920s era but in a Mexican taqueria.  What a nostalgic idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My first experience visiting a Pure Taqueria was in Duluth, Georgia around 2016.  Located in a trendy upscale refurbished downtown area, it had a vintage feel with a modern twist.  Immediately, I was drawn in by the lively atmosphere and authentic Mexican dishes served there.  The building was hip with garage doors that could be opened to bring the outside in.  The dishes were meant to display the pureness of Mexican dishes in a way that was real and authentic with a feel of yesteryear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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