Memories of Valentine: The Humble Oatmeal of Keane's Saloon
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In the town of Valentine, Keane's Saloon stands in stark, quiet contrast to the bustling, two-story Smithfield's Saloon. While the Smithfield’s is alive with noise and commotion, Keane's Saloon feels almost forgotten, tucked away in a corner of the town. Its menu is sparse, offering little more than a simple bowl of oatmeal. I’ve often stared at the old sign outside, which once listed "boiled squirrel"—a dish so desperate it tells you everything you need to know about the saloon's struggle for survival.
Yet, this is where I find myself returning. It is where I find Mickey. Whenever I offer him a few coins or share a conversation, he eventually wanders into this quiet saloon for a beer. I wonder, if I brought Mickey to the lively Smithfield's Saloon, would he feel out of place? Perhaps he only feels truly at ease here, in the shadows of Keane's Saloon, nursing his drink in solitude. I haven't reached the end of his story yet, and I suspect his claims of being a war veteran might be a fabrication—not out of malice, but out of the sheer desperation of a man just trying to get by. But what can he really gain from a lie? And what can I—or rather, Arthur Morgan—truly give him? Just a dollar and a hug.
Regardless, Mickey is the reason I visit Keane's Saloon, even if the only thing on the menu is a $3 bowl of oatmeal.
🥣 Keane's Saloon Style Oatmeal
- Serving: 1 person
- Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 50g steel-cut oats
- 100ml water
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Simmer: Add the oats to a small pot and pour in the water.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring well to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Steam: Once boiling, turn off the heat immediately. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb the water and reach a perfectly creamy consistency.
- Plate: Transfer the porridge into a bowl and smooth out the surface.
💡 For That Authentic Game Aesthetic:
To recreate the characteristic "layered shadow" look from the game:
- Take a small amount of ground cinnamon and use a straw to carefully pick up tiny portions of the powder.
- Gently tap the powder onto the surface to create a circular shape.
- Slowly connect the scattered grains with the straw to form a perfect, rustic ring.
