Category: 0 Missouri

Square One Brewery & Distillery

5/15/2019

Lafayette Square Neighborhood in St. Louis, MO

A week ago, I had lunch with my good buddy in this fabulous old building, on the corner of 18th and Park. I loved the building, I loved the location and I loved the company.

I have good memories the Lafayette Square Neighborhood, that go back to the 1970's. The history of this building goes back just a bit further. In 1883 the structure was built to house a tavern.

My First Intro to Lafayette Square

Don and I were last in St. Louis, 3 years ago. We wandered through beautiful Lafayette Park, the oldest public park in St. Louis. We visited my mom's dear friend, Werner.

I remember moving to St. Louis in the 1970's and Werner was just beginning to refurbish one of the elegant Victorian homes, that surrounded the park. The area was in shambles and not very safe, day or night. But the once elegant houses slowly came back and Werner's home was one of them.

Lunch with Werner

It was a sunny, April Sunday, when we visited in 2016. Werner took us to Square One for lunch. I remember studying the old brick and painted trim, trying to remember when it was once Park Place Restaurant. I had eaten there 40+ years ago.

We took a table outside, in the shady courtyard. The atmosphere felt relaxed and casual. I was the lucky one, facing the waterfall wall, surrounded by an ornate doorway. I wish I knew the story about that grand piece, decorating the wall.

Beer at the Bar

Werner and Don were both excited about choosing a beer. I remember that the brew master had many options that day. But I can't recall what they chose.

Back Bar

I was too busy admiring the elegant, walnut back bar. Or would that even be a back bar? The carved arch, framed a leaded glass window, looking out to the courtyard.

Flat Bread...

I have a photo of what I ate in 2016. It was some kind of vegetarian flat bread thing and I do remember it was mouthwatering-good.

But mostly I remember sitting there in that lovely setting, hearing Werner tell stories about my mom. He helped me imagine my mom in her college days. Werner was also able to tell me a little bit about my grandfather, who died long before I was born. I could have sat there into the night, hearing Werner talk. At 90+ years, his memory was sharp and his stories were vivid. Werner died 2 years later and I feel extra grateful for that day.

Same Place in 2019

Last week, I was excited to take Milissa to Square One. She was visiting St. Louis for the first time. It was damp and cold, so the courtyard was closed. We peeked in the back room, where there were plenty of open tables. But we took a table beside a window, near the old arched bar.

Soup and Tacos

Once again, I felt content in this cozy, historic building. I feasted on my Korean tacos and Beer Cheese Soup. That was my nod to Anheuser-Busch, since they operated a tavern in this building in the early 1900's.

Just like 3 years ago, the company and conversation became my main focus. Milissa and I skipped the hand crafted spirits and sipped on water. But, we talked like 2 giddy old friends, sharing a bottle of wine. Every now and then I paused to comment on my food, because the sweet barbecue chicken and the thick, tangy soup was so yummy, it distracted me.

Browsing

After we finished lunch, the place was pretty cleared out. Milissa and I looked around at the all the equipment, that helps create the Hopskey Hop Flavored Whiskey and the Cucumber and Jalapeno Vodkas...

Shopping

I studied some wall art and Milissa thought about buying some Absinthe. She decided $50. was too much and we were soon on our way.

Nice Time & Nice Reminder

I love a pleasant dining adventure that lets me enjoy the moment and the past all at once. Milissa and I had a peaceful, tasty lunch and I was pleasantly reminded of another time as well.

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George's Restaurant in Springfield, MO

3/30/2019

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Breakfast on Glenstone Avenue

I've never eaten at George's, but I've had my eye on the place since it opened on Glenstone, in 1970.

Glenstone Avenue in Springfield

My memories of Glenstone Avenue go back as far as I can remember. My family lived lots of places, but relatives were anchored in Springfield. Our summer and holiday visits always began with a drive down Glenstone!

Colorful neon signs always made me giddy. Exciting smells blew in the open windows... hamburgers and car exhaust! We 4 kids shouted and pointed out our favorite landmarks.

George Lindsey

Around 1970 there was a new sign on the busy street. George Lindsey's Steakhouse! I remember seeing a picture of George's face on the sign. We kids of course knew him as Goober, from The Andy Griffith Show. George evidently owned a chain of restaurants, but I was pretty sure Goober was right inside that restaurant, waiting to greet us.

Springfield Family

My family had no time for dining at George's. Both of my parents had roots in Springfield, so we had grandparents and cousins to visit. We played croquet like my grandmother once did and we ate Grandpa's Chicken in my grandparents' backyard.

My grandma, Daw had lots of food at her house. Her kitchen was always stocked with kid friendly foods before our arrival! Seems like bacon was always cooking!

Rail Haven in September

This past September, I gathered with my siblings once again in Springfield. We came together with some spouses and youngin's, to celebrate my dad's 90th. We stayed at the iconic Rail Haven Motel.

Breakfast Next Door

After all these years I finally got to eat at George's. The '70's era building was right next door to Rail Haven. Goober no longer smiled down from the sign, but "George's Restaurant... Breakfast Anytime" was clearly written.

TV with Breakfast

We turned down the free motel breakfast both mornings and headed over to George's. We didn't try out the counter dining, but I was tempted to grab a stool and watch TV. The Andy Griffith Show was on!

Labor Day Crowd

Our group of 8 made it over for breakfast, early on the Labor Day morning. There were lines forming after we were seated. We couldn't turn down the $2.99 "Recession Proof Breakfast." Don went all out and upgraded his hash browns, with extra onions, bacon & cheese. It was worth an extra 2 bucks! Our tables were covered with eggs and pancakes, biscuits and gravy... all yummy and crazily cheap!

Meeting George's Daughter

I was pretty excited when our waiter said that George's daughter, was in the restaurant at that moment. I grinned, "Oh I would love to meet her!" She was delightful when she came over to introduce herself, but it turns out here daddy George is not George Lindsey. Goober gave up the chain over 30 years ago and the restaurant was taken over by another man named George.

All I could do was laugh! My 12 year old self had thought I was going to meet Goober's daughter. The current George's daughter is delightful, though. All the employees were equally welcoming. What a fun little dining adventure! Decent food, with some amusing moments!

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Ray's Diner in Excelsior Springs, MO

3/23/2019

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Coffee at the 87-Year-Old-Diner

Last September, Don and I spotted this red & white building in downtown Excelsior Springs. We had already eaten breakfast, but we knew we couldn't pass up this diner experience. We headed in for coffee.

Two Doors

There were two red doors on the small storefront. We went for the door on the right and glanced at all the messages, as we headed in.

No Smoking, No Credit Cards, Shoes and Shirts Required.

There were also a couple other scribbled notes behind the thick screen, but my eyes were the most drawn to the weathered, metal sign.

"RAINBO is Good Bread"

Busy at 11:05

We arrived just as breakfast diners were finishing up. Brenda the owner, was already grilling up Philly cheese steak fixings on the griddle. She spun around and announced, "Not serving breakfast now!" We assured her we were just having coffee. Then we each took a seat on one of the 10 counter stools.

Coffee and the Paper

Don and I enjoyed our coffee with a little newspaper reading. We chuckled over the 1957 Smart Shoppers ads, under the glass. We checked out the Arrow brand shirts, advertised for $4.00!

Lots to See and Hear

We pointed and chuckled at the vintage newspaper, but mostly we listened to the diner sounds around us... dishes clanking, food sizzling, bells on the door, jingling and voices!

Brenda and the other two women were teasing and laughing and carrying on, with each other and most of the customers. We were clearly the only non-locals and I was envious.

Between Rushes

There was a short lull, after Brenda served two steaming plates to some early lunch guests.

The little round table in the corner was suddenly empty. I had failed to notice if the men at the table had been whining about weather, religion or taxes. Those were a few of the "complaining subjects" listed on the "Worthless Men's Club" sign, above the table.

Chatting with Brenda

Brenda took a breath and leaned on the counter to chat. I wanted to know what time she started her day, since Ray's opens early. "I'm up at 4:15." Brenda answered. I believe she said she got to the diner around 4:30 and opened the door at 6.

Since 1932

Brenda told us a little about Ray's beginnings. In 1932, Ray and his wife started up a chili and burger joint across the street. They opened the current building in 1942. Brenda still forms burgers on the original hamburger press. We were sitting on the stools that were brought over from the old building.

When Brenda became the 4th owner of the business, she received the chili recipe along with the keys. I asked what she liked to cook best and she didn't pause to think. "Everything. I've been cooking at the grill since I was 11 years old."

Betty Boop and Bigs Boys

I'm not sure which owner started the collection of retro memorabilia, but there was a lot. I wonder how many people make the mistake of asking for a Coke... in a diner that's dripping in Pepsi decor?

Heading Out

We dragged out our little visit as long as we could. I never got to peek inside the small window at the end of the room. I never got to check out the titles of the record albums, hanging from the ceiling. Worst of all, I didn't sample the chili or the burger or the garbage sandwich! But it was time for us to hit the road for Kansas City.

Lighthouse

As we stepped outside, I had to smile when I spotted the red and white lighthouse. Moments before, Don and I had finished up our coffee, while chatting with Brenda about lighthouses. She had told us about a road trip she once took to Michigan, in search of all the lighthouses.

Brenda had a special name for that trip... that she happily took all by herself. She smiled as she recalled the joys of traveling, when you only have to please yourself. Mostly she raved about the beauty of the lighthouses she discovered.

So our dining adventure involved no eating. But we spent some time in a cozy setting, surrounded by people and food. We absorbed the atmosphere and some good information. Hopefully we can return someday for a meal...and just maybe, we'll get to Michigan and see some of those lighthouses we learned about!

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Mark Twain Dinette in Hannibal

10/14/2018

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Hannibal, Missouri

When Don and I visited Mark Twain's hometown 4 years ago, I nagged that we must have dinner at Mark Twain Dinette.

But, by the time we got ourselves to the little restaurant, just steps from Mark Twain's childhood house, the lights had gone out.

Back to Hannibal

When we stayed in Hannibal this past September, I reminded Don about where we needed to eat. I didn't have much of a reason.

"I think I remember eating there when I was a kid. I don't know, I just like any diner named for Mark Twain. Besides, it's a dinette! When did we last eat at a dinette? And they have that cool root beer sign! Remember?"

Revolving Root Beer Mug!

When we pulled into town, I made Don drive by the riverfront and Mark Twain's old house and the Dinette. Something was missing! Where's the giant revolving root beer mug? (Luckily I took a pic, 4 years ago)

I made Don pull over so I could run in and ask. They told me the mug, (that's been towering over the restaurant since 1963) was away for a while, getting a new paint job. Whew! I told them we'd be back later for dinner.

Lights Still On!

Don was not crazy about my dining choice. But there weren't many options at 8:30 on a Wednesday. The sign was still glowing, but as we approached the restaurant. it looked empty inside.

Inside Dining

We stepped inside, where a few, young employees with brooms greeted us.. They insisted they were indeed open, so we headed towards a booth. I did have to stop and show Don the very fine riverboat models I had spotted when I came in earlier. He did not seem that impressed.

Old Menu

We slid into a booth with lots of framed goodies on the wall. I tried to excite Don by pointing out the old menu, with some very good prices.

Since 1942

I pointed out an old image of the original, enamel steel, Mark Twain Dinette. "It only had a counter and 13 stools, then!" I announced, with much enthusiasm.

What to Eat?

I asked our waitress if there was a specialty of the house. "Haven't you ever had a Maid-rite?" She asked, with a bit of surprise. She described the old favorite, as a loose meat sandwich. "Kind of sloppy joe, with no tomato sauce."

Don's Fried Pork Sandwich

Even though the young crew was sweeping right up to our feet as we ate, Don totally cheered up when his food arrived. How could he not laugh, when he picked up that bun with a footlong piece of meat sticking out. It was actually pretty good.

My Feast

I ordered a salad along with my not so healthy, Maid-Rite & mug of root beer. The steaming sandwich came wrapped in Maid-Rite paper, which absorbed some of the grease. The meat and onion sandwich reminded me of a few late night White Castle Burgers, that I once enjoyed in St. Louis.

Peek at the Drive In

We finished up and headed to the door before they had a chance to sweep us out. I made Don drive us through the parking lot where I could peek at the the drive in, which was added in 1960. It looked pretty old, in the yellow light. But, back in the day the curb service was top notch, with switchboard operated service.

Good Bye Mark Twain

It was sort of a silly dining experience, but totally worth a stop. I got to step back in time and I got to sample a local favorite.

Next time, I hope to see the big mug twirling up on its pole.

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Taylor's in Springfield, MO

6/6/2018

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Good Memories

When I was a little girl, Springfield felt like the big city, when we visited from Iowa. We didn't even have a McDonald's in Grinnell, so it was a thrill when our Grandma Daw took us to Taylor's.

Burger Adventure in April

When my sister and I stayed in Springfield last April, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Taylor's. We were in town, sorting through our Dad's apartment after his move. After 5 days of working and reminiscing over Springfield memories, Jennifer and I worked up a good appetite for burgers.

No So Easy

Eating at Taylor's is not as easy as grabbing a bite at Mc Donald's. When I was last in Springfield, two years before, my hubby and I did not luck out. We arrived at 2:01 and hoped we could still get lunch.

April 2016

There were a few people finishing up that day and I pleaded with the owner Darlene, to let us have a quick bite. She assured me the kitchen was closed. Darlene was sitting in a booth, checking a few people out with her adding machine. I could see staff peering through the kitchen window. They looked relieved that I wasn't able to convince Darlene to re-open the kitchen.

Last Taylor's Meal in 1969?

I remember practically sulking that day, when I realized I was not going to be able to give Don the Taylor's Experience. Actually I needed the experience as much as he did. It had been over 45 years since I'd eaten at Taylor's, so my memories were pretty vague. In fact, I don't even remember the very odd drive-up-order-area in back. I wonder if that still works?

Open 15 Hours a Week!

On April 23rd, Jennifer and I were lucky that we happened to be driving near Taylor's during their 3-hour open period... on a weekday. It took luck, because we were far too busy working dawn to midnight, to schedule in a burger adventure. We just happened to be doing an errand at the right time!

So Happy!

The cozy square-shaped diner was packed. I recognized Darlene bustling about in a pink "70th Anniversary" tee shirt. She pointed towards an open booth and tossed a couple menus our way.

I chuckled over the abrupt greeting and reminded Jennifer how Darlene had refused to budge with their closing time, 2 years earlier. We took a quick glance at our menus and made sure we were prepared to order when Darlene came with her pad and pen.

Sharing the Booth

What I wasn't prepared for, was the surprise of sharing my side of the booth with Darlene. Without hesitation, she plopped herself right down to take our order. "I'm too old for this!" Darlene shook her head. She told us that one of her girls had quit and she was having to wait tables. I'm sure she was extra glad that Taylor's is only open from 11 to 2.

Grinnell Girls!

Darlene didn't have to be told that Jennifer and I were out-of-towners. As Darlene scribbled our order, we told her that we sisters had lived with our family in Grinnell, Iowa in the 1960's. "We used to come to Springfield to see our grandmother and she would bring us here!" I had expected to see Darlene's jaw drop, because we'd read in the menu how she and her husband moved from Grinnell to buy Taylor's in 1978! But the news hardly phased Darlene. I guess lots of people come from Iowa to Missouri.

But she did seem pretty relaxed and rejuvenated after being off her feet for 3 minutes. Suddenly she got up and hurried off to turn in our order.

Steak Burgers!

Between the 2 of us, we had a couple steak burgers, fries, salad and an extra thick chocolate shake.

It was absolutely what the doctor ordered!

The burgers were flat and crispy around the edges, like Steak-N-Shake, which was another Springfield favorite when we were kids. I ate way more than I should have!

Darlene's Desk

We finished up and headed to the back corner, where Darlene was winding down in her special booth. Luckily we had cash, since Taylor's will remind you they do things the old fashioned way. We thanked Darlene with smiles and food compliments. I told her I hoped she could find a new server soon. She laughed that it wasn't easy finding someone who wanted to work just 3 hours a day.

Nostalgia

As we headed out, I glanced at the news clippings and wondered about Coach Taylor, who opened the burger joint in 1947. It was quite the popular teen hangout when it first opened. My Dad would have been attending Drury College, just a few miles away during those first years. Jennifer and I regretted not having Dad with us, on our errand that lead to Taylor's. What would my dad have remembered about the burgers and the coach... and all the cars that evidently circled the lot, American Graffiti style.

Next Time

I'm so glad I got to enjoy a little nostalgia-dining-adventure with my sister! I'm so relieved that Darlene is still running the place after 40 years. I'm sure she's ready to have more than a 3 minute break, in a booth!

However, I hope she hangs in there a while longer, so I can get back with Don... and get my Dad over to Taylor's for a burger and shake!

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Square One Brewery & Distillery

George's Restaurant in Springfield, MO

Ray's Diner in Excelsior Springs, MO

Mark Twain Dinette in Hannibal

Taylor's in Springfield, MO

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