Suffolk News-Herald

There’s never a dull wait at the Throttle Back Caf since you can walk in, grab a mug and pour yourself a cup fresh coffee.

Besides the bottomless cup of java, there are a variety of games -such as dominos or Trivial Pursuit – to keep you busy while you wait for that down-home country meal prepared to your liking.

The coffee credenza and games are just two of the innovative ideas that owners Pamela Host and Peggy Martin have introduced at the Throttle Back. The aptly named caf sits just yards from the runways at Suffolk Executive Airport, just off U.S. Route 13.

Host and Martin, both of Suffolk, wanted their restaurant to have an atmosphere where people could sit down, relax and enjoy watching planes departing and arriving and most importantly, get a great meal at a good price.

Prior to opening the Throttle Back, Host operated a photography studio in downtown Suffolk. Her artistic abilities with a camera are apparent since the caf is dotted with numerous photographs she has taken over the years.

&uot;We wanted a dcor that people in our city could identify,&uot; said Host. &uot;We have scenes of Suffolk and a few items like our hand-printed Williamsburg Tavern cards that are framed behind our counter.&uot;

People not interested in exploring the dcor will find that the outdoor caf offers a break from the ordinary. They can sit at the canopy-shaded tables and watch the planes, skydivers and other outdoor scenery before heading back to reality.

&uot;We call it our veranda dining,&uot; Martin said. &uot;The sunrise is outstanding since it comes up right over the trees and shines over the airport.

&uot;It’s the best view in town with the Navy Seals sometimes practicing their parachuting and a jump school next door to the caf. We also have the Fighter Factory right next to us, where vintage planes are restored. It’s all beautiful.&uot;

While the tables are each decorated with unique items and games, the food is what keeps customers coming back to the Throttle Back, Martin added.

&uot;Our hamburgers are all patted out by hand,&uot; said Host. &uot;We prepare everything we serve right in our kitchens and none of it is frozen. Even our sausage is Duck’s, freshly ground and seasoned in Courtland.&uot;

&uot;We have a breakfast special of the week and it’s always very popular,&uot; said Martin. &uot;We have things like ham and cheese omelets, potatoes and onions, and people love it.&uot;

The menu varies each week and features daily breakfast and lunch specials. The lunch special, for example, might be turkey breast, tenderloin tips with gravy, or barbeque.

Cold plate and sandwich specials and the homemade desserts are also a big draw for customers, she said.

Customers can call ahead at 934-3461 to have weekly menus faxed to them or to place their order to eat-in or take-out.