ANSWER: The reader is referring to Simones’ “world famous hot dogs” at 99 Chestnut St. in Lewiston. Sun Spots called the business at 207-782-8431 and had a wonderful time chatting with several staff members. The business was established in 1908 by the Simones family. Sun Spots learned that the eatery does not serve only red hot dogs.

They have an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that includes brown beef dogs, and occasional vegetarian foods such as veggie burgers; also, steak subs, tuna subs, chef salads, grilled chicken breasts, fresh chili and soup every day. The day that Sun Spots called, Simones’ was serving minestrone and hamburg-vegetable soups.

The business is well known for being a family oriented business. It is open from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Their website is www.simoneshotdogstand.com for more information, you can call them or visit in person.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Have any Sun Spots readers ever been to Rome, Italy? What is the best time of year to travel there? Is Rome too chaotic to visit without a guide? — Confused in Monmouth.

ANSWER: Perhaps our readers can provide you with the information you seek. Anyone?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can Sun Spots tell me how to get in touch with the young man who intercepted the pass that won the Super Bowl for the Patriots? I would like to thank him for saving the day. — G.B., Wilton.

ANSWER: The reader is referring to Malcolm Butler, a football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Butler intercepted Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s pass in the end zone in the final minute of Super Bowl XLIX to cement a 28-24 victory for the Patriots. According to the team’s website, you can contact players by writing to them at: (Player Name); c/o New England Patriots; One Patriot Place; Foxborough, MA 02035.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there a Sonic Drive-In Restaurant in Lisbon? I remember seeing a drive-in style restaurant there years ago, but a Google search doesn’t show any Sonic there or in Maine. — Puzzled in Maine.

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to staff at both the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and the Lisbon Town Hall. Neither sources had information regarding Sonic Drive-In. Sun Spots wonders if you are thinking about the Hi-Hat Restaurant that used to be located on Route 196 in Lisbon. That restaurant changed hands several times before it closed for good and became a car lot. In 1992, it was called the Hi Hat III Restaurant.

Several drivein-style restaurants do exist in central Maine including Val’s Drive In Restaurant at 925 Sabattus St. in Lewiston. It is sometimes referred to as Val’s Root Beer due to the beverage by the same name that it is famous for and serves in ice cold, frosty mugs. In its earlier days under previous owners, the business was called A&W’s Root Beer Stand.

Fast Eddie’s Drive-In on Route 202 in Winthrop is similar to the car-hop style of serving at Val’s, but Fast Eddie’s also has an indoor dining room.

Drive-in restaurants are usually open seasonally in Maine, typically from April-October.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com or tweeted @SJ_SunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots.

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