The elephant remembers.

Patriotic Restaurant, Flag-Waving Patrons

Homosassa, Florida

The tip on the Margarita Grill Restaurant: at dinnertime, the waiters hand out American flags to all the customers so they can join in a patriotic singalong, paying tribute to 9-11. It was packed on a recent Saturday at lunchtime when we visited -- mostly with retirees and casually dressed tourists. The hostess told us that the 9-11 remembrance, led by one of the restaurant's owners (Tommy), was only on weekend evenings. We couldn't stick around for the performance, but there is ample evidence of their commitment to America no matter when you visit.

Outside the entrance stands an elephant statue with a soft, plushie hide. Next to it is a large mural of a crying bald eagle watching the World Trade Center towers burn. The text: "We'll Never Forget - 9/11/01."

The restaurant interior is decorated with a mixture of American flags, 9-11 banners, military insignias, and mounted fish. The restaurant is known for their ample margaritas. Their motto is: "Eat here or we both starve!"

July 25, 011: A fire destroyed the restaurant.