November 2022 Palate Passion: The Milton-Freewater Elks Lodge

Column and Photos Courtesy of Roy Elia

When you think of a service club, several characteristics come to mind.

Volunteerism.

Kinship.

When one thinks of the Milton-Freewater Elks Lodge, you can add good food to that partial list.

I've been a member of this organization for a year-and-a-half and have former Exalted Ruler Fred Brown to thank for it. Fred and his wife Carrie, former Walla Walla residents who lived in the same 55+ community as I currently do, invited me to the lodge in early 2021 as their guest for dinner. It didn't take long for me to return and express a desire to join the organization.

Mondays might mean tacos, enchiladas or pulled-pork sliders and Tuesdays feature pre-lodge hot dogs.

Members and guests can dine on offerings including tenderloins or menu items on Wednesdays, and steaks every other Friday.

Sides for all the above are just as appetizing. Tacos are accompanied by beans, rice and pico de gallo while sliders shine with a bag of chips, seasonal fruit, and coleslaw alongside.

Hot dogs, regular or grilled, may be enjoyed with mustard, ketchup, relish, chile, or sauerkraut. 

Tenderloins, served in or out of the bun, are complemented by French fries, tater tots, or salad.

Steaks share a plate with salad, a baked potato, dinner roll, vegetable, and a dessert. I personally love my steaks well done, so much so that cooks and waitresses have often commented, 'Would you like the Saager's special tonight?'

Regardless of the night, the special, or the menu meal sought, the Milton-Freewater Elks Lodge is a place where hungry members and guests enter craving a good meal and walk away smiling with satisfaction. May you one day have the good fortune of being welcomed into the Lodge as a dinner guest, and perhaps follow the path I commenced traveling some 21 months ago.

For more information, check out their website or call (541) 938-3633.