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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Hangar Kafe in Miller, Missouri

5/18/2018

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Detour on Route 66

I left Springfield, MO on a Monday in April. I had 2 days to drive home to Houston, so I meandered on Route 66 a bit.

By 11:30, I had a coffee headache. I had been so busy grinning over passing barns and vintage gas stations and old motor courts, that I'd forgotten to grab breakfast or coffee.

"A Must See"

This is the first sign that caught my eye. I was on a 2-lane road in the middle of nowhere. What was this sign pulling me towards? I pulled over and studied the sign's hot air balloon and airplanes.

Above the words, I saw the cute little design with knife, fork and spoon. I eagerly continued on, until I saw the next sign.

A Mirage?

This sight from my car window was almost too good to be true. I needed a restroom & coffee break and it looked like I could get that, right along with a little adventure!

I zoomed in for this photo. The rounded structures were actually much further away. I laughed out loud. It just seemed so whimsical, to come across this Oz-like image across the fields. Best of all, I was being invited by the signs to stop in!

Tables and Cars

I parked beside some work trucks and walked across a spacious patio with enough tables for a large crowd. There were a couple of small planes on green field and two sweet vintage cars under the shelter. I smiled and headed inside.

In the Hangar

I stepped through the doors and found the colorful dining area nearly empty. Roberta, in the pink sweatshirt, welcomed me in and I asked about coffee. Then I realized how hungry I was and asked if they were still serving breakfast.

Taking It In

She rushed off to check with the cook and I sat at one of the cute little diner tables and stared in every direction. Bright, planes and hot air balloons swooped above me. A runway, right beside my table, lead to the Men's Room. The women's room door was also painted with field and sky to fit in with the wall mural. There was no need for a TV, with all the amusement, but at least I got to see a little retro "Andy Griffith" along with my comfort food breakfast...which arrived not long after my coffee.

Perfect

I had no idea how hungry I was, until my plate was in front of me. I don't know about the rest of the food, but my simple scrambled egg breakfast was perfect. I was ready to devour my food, but heard a roar behind me.

Table with a View

I turned around towards the wall of glass, to see where the noise was coming from. Outside, one plane had landed and another was just starting for the grass runway. I grabbed my camera and left my plate.

Inside and Out

The planes outside were just as adorable as the ones decorating the restaurant ceiling. I spent a little time squinting into the noon sun, watching the plane activity.

Back inside, Roberta offered to reheat my breakfast, but I assured her, it was fine. I let her fill me in on the Kingsley Brothers instead. Kiman, Kaleb and Kaland are 4th generation farmers in the Miller, MO area. The 3 farmers and cropdusters, opened the cafe a number of years ago. Roberta told me their mom was helping in the kitchen at the moment. I saw her come out for a little break, at one point. Next to the Kafe Hangar, there was another hangar, where sky diving and crop dusting classes are held. What a hopping place!

Roberta served a few workmen who had stopped by. When a pilot headed from his plane towards the cafe, Roberta insisted on introducing me. "He might want to eat lunch with you." She added, as if she'd never served a woman eating by herself. I would have been happy to share my table, but the very nice pilot wasn't stopping to eat. I would have liked to have heard some of his stories. Of course, I could have shared a few myself.

I could have told about my 5-dollar flight lesson in 1975.

Or my hot air balloon ride, with a crash landing... Or my one time parachuting experience, with twisted lines..." He probably would have thought I'd made up those stories anyway.

Photo Covered Walls

After I finished my eggs, I wandered to the additional room, where private parties are often held. I studied the photos of tractors and crop dusters, skydivers and hot air balloons. A gentleman eating alone, struck up a conversation. He owned a horse ranch (I believe) and had taken up photography in more recent years. The photos were his and they were quite entertaining.

From Above

I loved this photo, taken from a plane, I can only assume. Seeing the photos made me wish I didn't live so far away. What fun to come back on a weekend and eat lunch, watching people jump from planes, or dancing to a live band in the evening.

Balloon Basket

When it was time to pay my $5.00 bill, I walked over to the hot air balloon basket where the cash register was held.

That's about the size of the basket that I was in, when it smacked ground and dragged through an oat field in 1974. Oh what fun, being reminded of some of my own past, sky-adventures!

A Quick Pic

Before heading out, I asked Roberta if I could get a quick pic. Next thing I knew, she was introducing me to Kayland and his friend. They graciously put up with the interruption. Then Roberta asked me to sign the guest book with my address, so I'd be on the mailing list.

Few Days Later

A few days later a card arrived in the mail. What a surprise! When I read the note, I learned "Bert" is Roberta's preferred name. And I learned that Bert has some pretty good drawing skills!

Back for Pie

After reading the note, I decided I will have to get back that way just to show Don this wonderful little Missouri oasis.

Also, I'll need to have some of Bert's pie!

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Broadway Oyster Bar

5/11/2018

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St. Louis, MO

The Broadway Oyster Bar opened in an old warehouse, in the 1970's. I remember going there with my mom, who had a knack for discovering unique places. Mom was a big fan of oysters and curious historic buildings.
When Don and I joined Mom there in the early '80's, the place was still pretty much a dive bar. Don and I decided to pay a visit, on a trip to St. Louis, a couple years ago.

April 2016

Don and I were staying at the hotel in the old Union Train Station, so it was only a 5 minute Uber ride to reach BOB. There was quite a crowd outside waiting to be seated.

The old building from the 1840's, still had lots of retro charm with the glowing neon. The building itself was filled with history. Before selling drinks and oysters, it was a boarding house, a Chinese laundry, a bordello and more.

But seeing the crowd outside was a clear reminder that times have changed. The people spilling into the street, were not local neighbors and workmen, stopping by to slurp down a beer and a few oysters. We were about to see what changes had attracted this crowd.

The Bar

The main bar area was pretty much how I remembered it. The small room was a bit cramped with folks on stools and a few tables behind. The walls and ceilings were still plastered with faded posters and photos...dangling Mardi Gras beads and Christmas lights.

The people looked different. No one appeared to be a "regular", but I could be wrong. Many were glued to a St. Louis Blues hockey game on TV and that made me feel the strong, St. Louis vibe. St. Louisans are loyal sports fans.

Decor

Were able to snatch a bar table while we waited to get the text, telling us our table was ready. It gave me some time to study the walls and ceiling. I wondered what decor was original, from when we first visited 30+ years ago. I heard that the owner doesn't like to remove anything... just add. Maybe there are treasures hidden underneath!

Food & Space Changes

Years ago, BOB expanded their menu from oysters and booze, to award winning Cajun and Creole dishes.

The restaurant & bar also expanded their kitchen and added new dining spaces, some inside and some out. For that reason, our wait wasn't very long.

Patio Dining

We were seated along the fence in one of the colorful patio areas. Luckily we had jackets on a cool April night.

Don and I could sort of peek out to the wild traffic on the corner of Broadway and Gratiot Street. On a Saturday night, there seemed to be a pretty crazy parade of motorcycles and suped up cars, all competing to make the most noise.

Mosaic

There was lots to amuse us within the patio area. A pretty amazing mosaic decorated the exterior wall that faced the patio.

I wish I'd gotten a better photo, because you can't tell this is made with oyster shells. You also can't tell that it's nearly 2 stories high!

I heard later there were interesting bathroom mosaics. Darn. I usually make a restroom trip just in case there's something curious... and I missed this one!

Oysters at Broadway Oyster Bar

Of course we had to order some oysters. There were numerous options, as you might expect. We were not disappointed by our simple, breaded oysters with parmesan.

I ordered the Crawfish Pot Pie, which sounded a little decadent. It was supposed to come with a cheddar cheese biscuit, which had me pretty excited.

It took a while for our food to arrive, so when a plate of equally decadent crawfish fettuccini arrived, I just considered it my lucky day. My photo makes it look small. It was huge, rich and heavenly-delicious. I didn't get close to finishing.

Music Starting Up

As we finished up our meal, a band was completing sound checks for a show starting at 10. The group, that had traveled from Brooklyn to perform was yet another reminder of the times. Don and I were about the oldest in the young, hip crowd that now filled the area. Back when I was 21, there was no stage, no patio and no menu period.

Good Bye BOB

It was a little quieter outside, when we grabbed our Uber to head back to the hotel. I laugh now as I write this, 2 years late... that night was our first Uber experience. Who would have guessed 30+ years ago, that there would be such a thing as Uber? Who would have guessed that we'd stare down at our "traveling phones" to see words appear, telling us our table was ready?

If I'm around in 30 years, I hope BOB will be, too. Then, we'll see what else has changed!

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Factory Diner in Farmington, MO

11/19/2016

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Lunch in a Factory

Don and I have eaten meals in train cars and boats, old churches and schools. But we've never eaten in an old factory.

Rice-Stix
Factory

This is how the old shirt factory once looked. We know, because we stopped by the museum, also inside the building.

We were traveling through Missouri last fall, when we needed to stop for lunch. Factory Diner popped up on an internet search, so we pulled up to the big brick building.

Picket Fence

We stepped into the warehouse-like interior and spotted the white fence and archway. We seemed to be the only visitors, which is not always a good sign. But how could we resist a picket fence inside a factory?

A Stage Set?

The set up was a little odd. We entered the tiny "patio" and walked through the back door. A few diner tables were lined up against the partition-type walls. I felt like I was on a movie set.

Lunch is Served

Our waitress came in from the main room and yawned as she handed us our menus. "I got up at 5:00." She needed us to know. She seemed a little concerned when I ordered a garden salad. "That's our lamest salad." She warned. I told her I was fine with the lamest. Maybe she was concerned I wouldn't get enough food, because the garden salad looked extra generous. Don's hamburger and fries were surprisingly good. Too bad the atmosphere was a little negative, because the food was decent.

The Museum

After lunch we wandered through the mall-like setting of the old shirt factory. There were a few mostly closed shops and a free museum. It was actually interesting peeking at the old photos and news clips that gave us a glimpse of the once lively building.

History

Don and I are always eager to pick up a little town history when we're just passing through. Our waitress couldn't tell us a thing about the old factory, but I'm guessing there are some old timers in town who have some stories to tell.

I'm not sure if the diner has what it takes to make it in a small town. But at least I can add factory to my dining list.

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White Castle in St. Louis

10/27/2016

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Serving Tiny Burgers Since 1921

I had my first White Castle burger in 1975 when I moved to St. Louis. Locals made a big deal about the greasy little burgers that they called "Belly Bombers". Nobody talked about the Castle's history of being the country's first fast food chain.

Posing at the Castle

When Don and I visited St. Louis last April, we had to make a stop. We can buy frozen White Castle burgers in Texas, but not hot ones. The Ingram family still owns the company, since it opened in 1921. They made the decision early on to expand carefully, staying near the company's resoursces... no franchising. There are only a few states, mostly in the midwest, that have the fast food diner. That makes finding one pretty exciting.

White Castle in the Movies & Science

This silly movie about the search for the tasty burgers, confirmed the image of the White Castle as being the top choice for late night munchies... after a night of partying.

But sometimes the little burgers can be a very serious thing. When Don was a young chemical engineer, working in St. Louis, he and couple fellow workers did a very serious experiment, inspired by a White Castle outing.

Hypothesis: No self respecting mold would ever grow on a White Castle burger.
The 3 scientists carefully placed one belly bomber in a jar and attempted to remove the oxygen by purging with nitrogen. The mold did indeed refuse to grow, at least for a number of months.

White Palace... White Knight?

About 30 years ago, White Castle was the inspiration for a book and movie starring Susan Sarandon. The plot was a love story that began at a White Castle in St. Louis. However the fast food chain refused the author or film studio the rights to their name, so the title was White Palace. Scenes were shot at a cute little downtown diner, now called White Knight. The diner was unable to get the rights from the film studio to name their diner White Palace, after their brief fame.

Lots of name hoarding!

Ordering Our White Castle Feast

So back to our dining experience... The interior looked a little less shady than I remembered. Don and I still stood out as tourists when we sat down waiting for our order.

Old Sack

I wish they still had these old sacks. There's something about a white sack, that seems so appropriate... and wholesome and bakery-like.

"BUY 'EM BY THE SACK" Good logo!

Here's the new bag, with grease stains.

There's a new slogan.

"Anything on the Menu Anytime We're Open"

That's a good slogan for a place that's open 24-hours.

About the Food

So the food was as greasy as I remembered. The bun absorbed a lot of that oniony grease.

I should have removed the bun to reveal the nice two-and-a-half-inch square burger with its 5 punched holes. Supposedly the holes help the meat cook evenly, without flipping.

Many Burgers

You don't order one burger. In fact there was a disgusting table nearby that had not been cleared. There was a mountain of at least 30 boxes and only 4 chairs. I decided not to take a photo.

Don and Burger

That square burger in Don's hand looked even smaller in person, but it felt a lot bigger in the stomach.

Not only are the burgers known for being greasy, they're known for how they're grilled with chopped onions and served with one pickle. So simple and tasty... at least that's the thought. There's a good reason they call them belly-bombers. I couldn't eat 2.

I'm first to admit, I crave the experience not the food at White Castle!

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White Knight in St. Louis, MO

8/14/2016

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A Diner of Many Names!

This colorful little diner was once called, Super Sandwich Shop. After Universal Studios used it in the film, White Palace, the diner hoped to keep the new name. Universal said no, so then it became White Knight.

Bounce Castle in the Street!

When Don and I drove by it last fall, we both laughed. It was sitting there at the intersection of 18th and Olive Boulevard, just west of downtown. It looked like one of those blow-up Bounce House Castles, that had been caught by a breeze and landed in the street.

Glass Block and Turrets

Don and I lived in St. Louis, but neither of us really remembered this oddball place. We adore a good diner with character, so we of course had to stop.

Closed

The sign said they were open for breakfast and lunch and it was after 3. Darn. At least I could peek through the glass beside the colorful letters, "God Bless America" and see the interior. Wow. What an iconic looking place.

Movie History

Not only was the diner iconic, but it had a little history with Hollywood. In 1990, the quaint diner had a starring role as a hamburger joint in the movie, "White Palace". The movie starred Susan Sarandon, as a waitress and James Spader as her young lover. The little diner proudly displayed many old movie photos and news clippings.

White Castle

Anyone from St. Louis knows about White Castle, whether you can stomach the greasy burgers or not. White Castle is really what author, Glenn Savan was writing about when he wrote the book "White Palace" in 1987... but he had to change the name. Don and I were living in St. Louis in the eighties. We lived near a cafe in Webster Groves where the author spent time. When I visited the cafe, I thought I recognized Savan, sitting alone reading. Like a groupie, I introduced myself, but he laughed and said no. Sadly he died in 2003 at 49.

Back to the Diner

Don and I were actually more curious about the diner itself, than the film connection. Who would go there? We decided to catch breakfast the next morning before leaving town. It was hopping at 9:30.

Chrome

We sat down on 2 of the 4 red stools near the 3 small booths. Later, when some black stools around the corner cleared, I snapped a few photos. Lots of St. Louis Cardinals and US flags in the diner!

Grill View

There were 3 women hard at work. The place was small, but there were tons of carry out orders. I so wanted to ask about the history of the place, but the cook, was a little busy for chit chat. She did mention that the current owner had owned the business for 46 years. I can find little on the internet, so that's about all I know on history.

Food

I ordered from the menu section titled, "Customer Creations". I ordered the "How 'Bout 'Cha", which was a grilled up combo of chopped ham, hash browns, eggs, cheese, green pepper and onions. Not too bad, with some crunch to the potatoes.

Rude Photo

This is the second photo I took of Don and his pancakes. He was taking a bite when I snapped the first time. Angela, who was seated next to me, laughed and reprimanded me for taking a photo of my husband when he was chewing. That opened up our conversation which went on until we left the diner. Angela had been trying to converse with the cook and servers earlier.

But they had no time to hear about what Angela thought of church service last week and how her bus ride went that morning. But I was happy to chat with Angela, who despite missing a few teeth, posed beautifully for our photo.

"I don't usually warm up to women that much!" She laughed after we had talked quite some time. She told me about how she became a minister at age 5 and how she just finished her cancer treatment and how her daughter looked after her.

We chatted until the other tables cleared out. She told us to come back and get the hamburger next time. We promised we would and she wished us well as we departed.

Interesting atmosphere. Interesting people encounter and interesting connection with the movie world! I just wish I knew more about how this little place has managed to hold onto this spot for so many years. I'm sure there are good stories out there!

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