Out & About with Linda – May 2025
So you think you’re feeling the wanderlust of the wild west?
You know, the place where the American spirit soared like the bald eagle….
and not like Ben Franklin’s preferred bird, the turkey!! LOL!!
Well, if you go to Warminster’s Street Road, you can feel that “spirit” at Boot N Shoot, a delightfully unique, western boutique for women and men. The brainchild of Mariana Cadic, Boot N Shoot has all things western and then some.I think what I like most, is that the clothes, etc. are wearable. Her tagline says: Where Western Chic Meets City Streets.” And, yes! So true. Beautiful sweaters, skirts, shirts. Nothing is so western that you would need a rodeo to go to. However, if you had a rodeo to attend, you could be outfitted perfectly with the best that western wear has to offer. I have my eye on a won- derful denim shirt. Pink, with modestly frayed edges and decorated with scattered c-pearls. It’s really special and priced well. On my most recent visit, I saw Mariana had a great skirt paired with it. I think it’s time for me to pull the trigger … if you know what I mean! LOL!!
All the popular names in western boots can be found in this Warminster store: Thorogood, Lane, Corral, R Watson, Ariat, Dan Post and more. Each boot is more handsome than the next…engraved leather, highly polished, almost like pieces of art. Mariana has any boot you could want for men or women….and if a size is needed, she’ll gladly order it and have it delivered to the store promptly.
Looking for a flirty skirt or dress. The kind of dress that require a crinoline? While we don’t like the crinolines now, we cer- tainly like to ruffle our skirts to show delight. You can find just what you want at Boot N Shoot. During one visit, a customer was getting outfitted for a themed party, square dance included. And yes, Mariana provided guidance. But truth is, the outfit the customer took home is one she’ll be able to wear wherever she goes, cattle ranch not required!!! LOL!!
And are you looking for that special cowboy hat? She’s got’em. Just try one on to get the right size. The broad selection includes hats for winter and spring… felt, leather or something lighter, they’re lined up like soldiers at attention for their favorite head!!
Interestingly, Mariana has shared that her growing clientele includes a lot of men who use Thorogood boots and fire resistant (FR) wear. She gave me a real education on FR wear, and yes how important for these professionals doing this kind of work.
A secret?! Are you watching Channel 29’s “The Farmer Needs a Wife”? If yes, you may have seen Boot N Shoot as a sponsor of this reality show. I checked it out recently, saw some great hats and boots but they didn’t compare to what I saw in our own Warminster-located Boot N Shoot. A trip to Texas or Alabama, or anywhere, was not necessary.
Remember, you can find all things western at this terrific boutique. However, you don’t have to leave looking like Annie Oak- ley. Handsome leather vests, beautiful skirts and jackets and of course that stunning pink shirt that I have my eye on!!!! If you’re looking to introduce something fresh to your wardrobe, check out Boot N Shoot. You’re sure to find something if you’re a “him” or a “her.”And let Mariana know you heard about her here, between our covers…
I finally made a visit to Cafe Ole In the Valley, Huntingdon Valley’s answer to a real “Friends” coffee shop. I had heard about their coffee, breakfast sandwiches and more. Heard that it’s particularly busy during certain hours of the day. It was all correct, so I visited on off hours. First time around it was 11am, right before the lunch crowd. Second time was around 4pm before the 5pm closing time. I was actually concerned about the 4pm time, only as I figured selections would be more limit- ed. No worry. My options were plenty.
My late morning stop was just that, a stop. The restaurant was cheerful and in between the morning dash, preparing for luncheon service. I reviewed the menu and decided to return and sample some sandwiches. My 4pm visit afforded me to sample and sample, I did!
This time, while I didn’t suffer any crowd, I did see people sitting at tables enjoying the calm of the cafe, working on their laptops and iPads. You could feel the absence of pressure and tension. It was almost “delicious.” There was no “rush.” People were visiting with each other, catching up on the day’s workload, and simply enjoying a welcoming space. I thought perhaps I should re-visit during busier times. On the other hand, I’m thinking it’s enough to believe the reports I’ve received: Cafe Ole is busy on the weekends and during early morning breakfast. I was very happy with my 4pm arrival!
Sort of a self-serve, there’s no waiter or waitress service. Orders are made at the counter. Diners can pick from the display cases. There’s a coffee barrista busy filling orders. Smoothies are ordered as needed. I went outside my box and started with a Green Goddess, a smoothie made of spinach, banana, orange and apple juice. I had been cautioned it’s not sweet, and it isn’t. Interesting taste took me just far enough in my taste palate to think it’s going to be sweeter, but it’s not. I found it very satisfying.
I love grilled cheese sandwiches, so I picked the European Style Grilled Cheese with Muenster Cheese, spinach, olives, garlic spread and mushrooms. Served on a crunchy baguette once heated up, the cheese was gooey and olives filled with brine. This was one sandwich that definitely tasted “Middle Eastern.” I also ordered the Chicken Wrap. Filled with grilled cubes of chicken, Feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo and olives, this was wrapped in a tomato tortilla. Hearty and hefty, it could be shared easily. Both sandwiches came with a choice of a side. My side of the Israeli salad had just the right blend of oil, vinegar and lemon. My second side was the Caesar salad. I really liked this. The dressing was very tasty, but it was the shav- ings of Parmesan cheese that put me over the top. Not little pieces but substantial shavings scattered throughout the salad.
Next time, I think I will order the Caesar salad as an entree.
There was a substantial display case of cakes, danish, etc. I could tell that people had been there during the day because there was less in the case at 4 than there was at 11. Still, one could choose some sweet at the end of the day. And the way I hear, Cafe Ole is a favorite among those who like special coffees, smoothies and such. Its menu reflects its Mediterranean bend. A friend says they have the best hummus around. And most agree, its casual, bright environment is the perfect meeting place for friends and family alike. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch or lunch, I think Cafe Ole can satisfy any appetite while offering some much needed calm for your crazy day ahead!!
Check it out. Better, yet, go with someone who you haven’t seen in a while and you’re looking for a comfortable spot to reconnect. It offers the perfect venue and the perfect menu across the board!!
Boot N Shoot
210-W. Street Road
Warminster
215-674-8509
Cafe Ole
1051 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley
215-364-1116
