Category: 0 Missouri

Factory Diner in Farmington, MO

11/19/2016

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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Food & Drink in University City, MO

8/13/2016

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Fun Part of St. Louis

Last April, Don and I spent a night in University City, not to be confused with Universal City... even though, both have a lot of festive lights and attractions.

"U. City" is in St. Louis County, near Washington University. Delmar Blvd. is the main drag and it was hopping, even on a Sunday evening.

Tempting Signs

There were a lot more options for dining and drinking, than when we lived in St. Louis, 30 years ago. We strolled down Delmar, feeling extra intrigued,

by all the neon signs luring us. The Pin-Up-Bowl, looked like a good option of food, drink and entertainment!

Blueberry Hill

Blueberry Hill has always been a favorite. I wrote it up in the Dining Blog, back in January 2013.

We headed in for old time's sake. Don was eager for a beer and I was eager to feast my eyes.

There's a lot of stuff to look at in Blueberry Hill!

Lots of Old

We sat in a booth by the old bar. The bar is pretty impressive, but that doesn't thrill me as much as all the weird stuff that covers the walls and fills the shelves.

Back in the seventies, Blueberry Hill was just about the only reason for coming to this area of U. City. Don loved the beer and darts. I loved the whimsical collections that owner, Joe Edwards displayed. Vintage toys and record albums, to giant oddities... like Pinocchio's head! I was glad to see it was all still there.

Peacock Diner

We had already decided on a Thai place for dinner, but I had to stop to take in this beautiful sign, just down the street from Blueberry Hill. It was tempting to change plans, but Don and I decided we would save a stop at The Peacock, for the morning.

Coffee at The Peacock

It's pretty lame to sneak in a blog write up about a place, when you've only sampled their coffee. But that's how much I loved the atmosphere. We stopped in at 9 am and the place was festive, bright, curious and a little empty.

More Collections!

I looked across 4 U-shaped counters and saw a lit up case of themed goodies! As it turns out, Joe Edwards also owns this place. But the collections displayed at The Peacock were all bright and sparkly. I'm not sure I'd want to see some of the Blueberry Hill collections (many items are comically creepy) in the bright of day!

Best Seat in the House

I'm not sure where everyone was, but the place was pretty empty. A sweet old woman sat alone at one booth and a man with laptop sat at a table. He saw us oohing and ahhing and he actually looked up to enjoy our enthusiasm. He encouraged us to go ahead and sit in the "Carousel of Love". When our server brought our coffee, she explained how the round booth rotates on a platform. In the evening you can reserve the booth and spin it towards the curtains... which open up to reveal large TV screen! Crazy!

Feasting My Eyes Again!

I almost wanted to take my coffee and try out every booth. There were many delightful displays of dairy related goodies. Milk bottles and cows.. coffee cans and chickens. What a great place to have breakfast! But we had to save our appetites, because we were heading out of St. Louis in a moment. And we had already planned an important breakfast stop. And that will be my next blog!

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Lambert's "Home of Throwed Rolls"

4/7/2016

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Sikeston, Missouri

Before living in Texas, Don and I spent many years traveling 1-44 to Missouri from Oklahoma. The billboards for Lambert's, with images of hot rolls being tossed about, made me curious and hungry. But we never had time to stop, until our midwest road trip in fall of 2014.

Time to Pose

Not only did we have time to stop for lunch, we had time for me to pose with the Amish buggy in front. I really have no idea what that buggy has to do with Lambert's. And I also don't know why I would include this photo, since I look painfully awkward in that hideous outfit.

History of The Roll Throwing Cafe

There's lots to feast your eyes on when you walk in the doors. I liked this painting of Earl & Agnes Lambert, who opened Lambert's Cafe in 1942. It was their son Todd, who started throwing rolls back in the '70's, when he took over the biz. He was carrying a panful of rolls through the cafe one day, when a hungry diner just couldn't wait. The man hollered to Todd to just throw him a roll and the rest is history.

Today

Today, the (newer) restaurant clearly holds more than 9 stools and 8 tables. There were at least 2 rooms with rows of wooden tables and benches. The walls were covered with framed photos and art. High above, a tooting train, flags, airplanes, a rusty tricycle and a hobby horse filled the space.

Food Everywhere!

We knew this place was serious about food, when we looked at our table holding a roll of paper towels and 2 baskets stuffed with condiments. The real indication that food was the focus, was in the number of bow-tie wearing servers, flying back and forth, with big bowls and cans and platters of this and that.

"Pass Arounds"

All the foods that had been whizzing by, began to make stops at our table. While we waited for our food order, we had our first offering of what they call pass-arounds, which are basically side dishes.

Looking like obvious first-timers, Claudia had to tell us to lay out a piece of paper towel before she plopped out a few spoonfuls of fried okra. I asked how long she'd been working at Lambert's. Claudia said she started about 10 years ago, but she

remembered coming to the cafe as a child, for special occasions. Now, it's her kids who want to come to Lambert's for birthdays.

Molasses Sorghum!

Of all the foods coming around, I was most intrigued by the dented can holding the drippy molasses sorghum! To me that looked like the most fun pass-around to serve. Evidently there is no real favorite of serving jobs. Claudia said she'd never had much success with roll throwing. She teased about trying to get demoted to okra handouts. I should have asked what made her like the okra job. She was fun and friendly, so I doubt she was demoted.

Eating Light?

I'd been warned about all the festive pass-around foods and rolls, so I ordered light. But look at my salad! It was served in a giant pie-sized, bread bowl. The greens were heaping with strips of meat, veggies and cheese. Don's chicken salad came with green beans and cucumber salad. Hardly room for pass-arounds.

My Plate O Pass-Arounds!

I had to have an extra plate to hold my goodies. Besides okra, I had fried potaters, lima beans, macaroni & tomato, apple butter... and that was before my hot rolls arrived.

"Hot Rolls!"

This was the part I was waiting for. I suddenly heard his voice from behind, "Hot Rolls!" I turned to see the young man smiling near his rolling cart of bread.

I waved that I was ready, but he seemed to be wheeling up too close. "Go back a ways!" I encouraged, wanting a little more fun in my experience.

Overhand!

And he was happy to oblige. I'm not sure if you can see him, way back there. But I did manage to catch the hot roll. I was surprised. It came fast and hard and HOT! I knew from chatting with Claudia that not everyone gets to be a roll thrower. She said the job usually goes to baseball and football players. Our thrower admitted he wasn't always so good. Another roll thrower admitted he'd knocked over a few drink glasses. I didn't pry about any worse mishaps, but evidently there have been some feisty customers who have tried to sue Lambert's over thrown roll injuries. Maybe one should avoid restaurants that advertise "throwed rolls" if you're so worried about bread injuries.

Appealing to the Kid in Me

Miniature tractors and farm murals sort of delight me. Maybe some would find this restaurant atmosphere a little corny and gimmicky. But the whole lunch experience appealed to my younger self. In other words, I've never really grown up.
A Trip to the Restroom!
I would have so loved Lambert's when I was a child. As a kid, I could turn the hunt

for a restaurant bathroom or even my hand-washing experience into an adventure. I always assumed my reports were worth sharing when I returned to my family. As a young Beth at Lambert's, I would have had bigger things to talk about than the color of the soap. I would have told about the giant footprints I followed towards the neon sign. Then I would laughed about the stairs I didn't get to climb, because they were painted on the wall. I would have had to explain how I'd "gotten lost", for a while in the gift shop... and that's what took me so long to get back.

What I'll Remember Best

There was lots to absorb during our lunch visit. I'll remember the staff in their suspenders and bow ties, being friendlier than ever. And I'll remember the food being almost ridiculously plentiful!

Hot Rolls!

And of course I'll remember catching those rolls! Out of all my dining adventures, I've never had an opportunity to catch food!

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Route 66 Treats in St. Louis

3/30/2016

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Frozen Custard and Root Beer!

Don and I moved away from St. Louis about 25 years ago and there are a lot of treats we miss. Ted Drewes was a must on our last visit. Luckily it was fall and we didn't have to stand in long lines.

History

Ted Drewes first started making frozen custard as a carnival man. He opened his first shop in St. Louis in 1930. By 1941 he opened his third location in an urban neighborhood, on a street that was part of the old Route 66.

Don is pictured, enjoying a Johnny Rabbit concrete. We watched them mix cherries and chocolate shavings into the vanilla frozen custard before inserting a spoon and turning the cup upside down. That's a nifty gesture to remind us how thick and delicious a concrete is!

And Later!

Closer to our old neighborhood of Glendale, we made a stop at Carl's Drive In.

Historic Route 66

Carl's has been sitting on Manchester Road on another section of old 66, since 1959. It had been about 20 years since Don and I stopped for a bite. We arrived at 11:30, but the 16-stool joint was already packed.

2 Door & 2 Counters

There are two entrances on opposite sides of Carl's. The space is divided by a cooking area and 2 counters. If you happen to choose the door to the more crowded space, you have to walk outside the building to get to the opposite side. We lucked out and found two stools next to the man in white hair. He was enjoying his malt and burger since it had also been 20 years since his last visit. When I popped up to take this photo he teased, "Did I do something? I showered this morning and everything!"

Root Beer!

I had to order one of their home brewed root beers that was poured from the big barrel right into my frosty mug. Supposedly their recipe has something to do with the IBC original recipe? It was very tasty.

Turnover

There was no lingering at Carl's. Before we got our order, all the men seated to my right had been replaced by moms and kids. There was a constant stream of carry out pick-ups as well.

How Many Working?

I laughed to watch the employees with their red aprons working in the center. There was hardly any room to move and there must have been at least 5 working!

Frank, not Carl

I'm not sure about the Carl who must have opened the place in the fifties. But current owner, Frank Cunetto has been smashing burgers on that grill for about 30 years. There was a photo of him on the wall with Master Chef, Hubert Keller. He certainly looked like the blue-shirted guy who stood over the sizzling grill just a few feet away. But the staff was far too busy to be bombarded with my questions.

The Food

It took only a few seconds for Don's Classic Cheeseburger and my Rueben dog on Rye to make its way from the grill to the counter in front of us. The crispy edges of the burger was the icing on the cake. The dog and 'kraut worked perfectly with my root beer! Fast and yummy!

Note: It looks like Frank has sold the biz since our visit! Sure hope all remains the same at Carl's! Glad it was as good as we remembered!

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Aunt Martha's Pancakes

7/22/2015

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Breakfast in Springfield, Missouri

Don and I joined my dad for breakfast at "Aunt Martha's" when we were passing through town last fall. I never had an Aunt Martha, but I did visit lots of aunts and other relatives in Springfield over the years.

The Pancake House sign makes it a worthy stop for anyone!

Since 1959

Aunt Martha's seems like a place that has been around forever. That's a scary thought, since I was born in '57. I'm two years older than this family business!

What did we order?

Obviously we ordered pancakes. I think my dad was laughing because he knew there was no way on earth we would finish all that food. I ordered pumpkin pancakes to go along with the fall harvest decor that seemed to be popping up all over the restaurant. Don went all out with eggs, hash browns, crispy bacon and pancakes!

Cozy Booth and Ruffled Curtains

The place was packed on Saturday morning. I had to jump up and snap this photo when the booth actually cleared for a moment. The curtains and wall displays with china plates and high school pennants seemed very 1959.

Counter Dining

There's something about drinking coffee at a counter that seems so right. There were newspapers to share and more festive fall decor. I had to sort of slip behind the counter to get to the hall to find the bathroom...

Just Peeking

I felt like I was practically in the kitchen when I hunted down the restroom. If I'd snapped this blurry photo a second earlier I would have had the cook's smiling face. "Hello!" he said as he waved some utensil. I must not be the first nosy diner to peek in on the kitchen.

Smell of Syrup and Sound of Chatter

There was something pretty darn cozy about eating breakfast with my dad in this sweet smelling, popular place! We hardly made a dent in our pancakes, but I managed to digest some fabulous old family stories that I had long forgotten!

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Pappy's Place in Springfield, MO

6/20/2015

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In Honor of my Pappy... on Father's Day!

Last fall, Don and I had a whirlwind, less than 24 hour trip to Springfield. My dad, (Pappy is a name I don't believe he's ever been called) was happy to show us this funny little bar & cafe on a chilly October evening.

We headed towards the flag and up a step or two to the door. The funny bar/handle did not open the door. What was that thing for?

Once a Store

The cafe is still in an old neighborhood, but it's changed a bit since it was built in 1903. It was a grocery first, then became a cafe in the 1920's. In 1971, it became Pappy's Cafe, although some call it Pappy's Place.

Inside

I'm guessing these booths might be from that 1971 re-opening. They look a little more like a "Subway Sandwich Shop" than a retro BBQ joint. But that's okay, the pulled pork with Gold Sauce was pretty amazing! The prices seemed like 1970's prices, too.

The Bar

Too bad there wasn't room at the bar, since that seemed to be the place everyone gathered. There's also a little history with this place and liquor. Pappy's claims to be the oldest Springfield business to have a "beer by the drink license", acquired just after prohibition.

Back When?

Chatting with Linda

Sitting in Pappy's and imagining it as an old grocery store reminded my dad of the years he worked at the Cherry Street Grocery as a young man.

The next morning we got Dad back in the car and drove a few miles from Pappy's to the old store where Dad had worked, from age 14 until he started college. Now the building houses a health food store.

There were lots of framed photos and articles covering the walls. This one intrigued me with its orderly appearance. I'm not sure when this was taken, but it looks pretty snazzy with white tablecloths.

Down the Road on Cherry Street

I believe Linda was the name of the woman who helped Don choose a Pappy's tee shirt. She told us a little about the history of Pappy's while she dug through the shirt options. I was glad to hear the building has been owned by the same family for generations. Linda told us, "The woman who owns it now, still comes in every month to collect rent." The 4th generation owner must be getting on in years, because she was evidently the one who had the confusing metal bar installed outside the door. I suddenly realized that "door handle" was really there to aide the elderly... or the drunk as they come and go.

A Quick Look Inside

Dad stayed in the car while Don and I ran in to have a look. I loved the bright green walls and the homey aisles filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. Brad welcomed us from behind wooden counter, which I'm guessing was there, back when my father was, over 70 years ago! Brad seemed delighted to hear that I wanted to peek at the store where my dad had worked for 25 cents an hour, often 11 hours a day. He kept asking, "Are you sure your dad doesn't want to come in?"

A Gift

Dad was pleased to hear our good report when we returned to the car, but he didn't think he needed to make a trip inside. (I think his legs were bothering him) Just as we started to pull out of the parking space, Brad came trotting up to Dad's window and handed him a cold bottle of Cherry Tree Root Beer. He introduced himself and they chatted a bit through the window.

So the meal at Pappy's is a good example of my favorite kind of Dining Adventure. I love it when a cafe or restaurant experience doesn't end when you walk out the door. The atmosphere and history of Pappy's lead us on down the road to... to experience a little piece of my own dad's history.

It's never just about the food!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad and Pappy's!

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Uncle Bill's Pancakes

1/30/2015

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St. Louis, Missouri

How could we resist a 24 hour restaurant with a neon sign showing a snazzy cocktail glass and the word PANCAKES?

Breakfast at Uncle Bill's

We could have gone at any hour during our 2-night stay in St. Louis last fall. We chose breakfast.

What's Through Those Doors?

I had a feeling when we stepped through those fine doors, we were going to stumble right back in time! Even though Don vaguely remembered eating here when he was a student living in South St. Louis in the seventies, we still didn't know what to expect.

Would there be folks finishing up martinis from a big night of partying? Would there be construction workers inhaling some calories before starting work?

Neither

The first dining room revealed a pretty normal bunch of hungry South St. Louis locals. We clearly were not locals because we were too busy looking up high at the stage set window boxes and shutters. I couldn't conceal my delight, seeing a brick wall and fireplace with Dutch Delft style tiles. Banners and shields, tudor and brick. The busy patterned carpet held the fumes of syrup spills and smoking days and I found it all just too fun.

Window Booth

The back room held two rows of booths. Rounded stones decorated one of the walls and colorful windows decorated the other. A hazy morning glow shone through the pale stained glass... and vinyl ghouls and pumpkins that had been added for the season.

What to Order?

We of course had to try the pancakes and it seemed like the kind of place where we should order ham and eggs. We didn't order a martini... this time.

Come Again!

Sharon stamped her name on our bill and invited us to come again.

And I did 2 minutes later.

Display Case

I walked back in the door and rushed by this lovely display case, after I realized I'd left my sweater behind. The bus boy came back from the booth empty handed. Sharon went back to look, but found nothing. I had to use my cell phone light to spot the black sweater under the table. Guess whose sweater smelled like syrup and cigarettes?

I guess I should be grateful that anyone offered to help at all! Just lucky I didn't order that martini or who knows what else I might have lost!

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Crown Candy Kitchen

1/25/2015

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St. Louis, MO

This wonderful corner in North St. Louis has been serving up candies and sundaes and sandwiches for over 100 years!

My mother, who grew up in St. Louis remembered the sweet smelling shop and took my brother and me about 40 years ago. I finally had a chance to introduce the diner/shop to my husband, Don this past September!

Neighborhood Place

I don't know what kind of neighborhood this was, back when the business opened in 1913. When I first visited in 1975, it was questionable. The little oasis of a building was surrounded by vacant lots and sadly neglected buildings. I remember seeing children playing on nearby stoops and feeling sad to realize they probably were never able to afford the treats inside the shop. But on the sunny afternoon of our fall visit, I noticed some decent shops and galleries had moved in nearby. A nice surprise!

The Candy Part

I was so relieved to see little had changed inside the brick building. Mr. Karnadzieff and his friend opened the Shop in 1913, after immigrating with some confectionary skills from Greece. I imagine at that time, St. Louis was still a hopping place, less than 10 years after being in the glittery spotlight of the 1904 World's Fair. It was fun to picture the long dresses and hats that stood in front of the wooden case filled with chocolates... chocolates that are still made today.

Family Owned

Mr. K's son, George took over the business in the 1950's and his 3 sons continue to run the place today. In fact the gentleman behind the counter was most likely one of the sons. I wonder what kind of stories the sons heard from their grandfather. If it hadn't been so busy, I would have asked some questions.

Tiny White Booths

We were lucky we got one of the little booths. The ceiling and booths are all original, with I can only imagine how many coats of paint.

Malt

Don and I split a chocolate malt. I had fun sitting there wondering if my mom ever sipped a malt in the very booth where we were sitting.

After placing our order we were served with the efficiency of a place that's had 100 years of practice.

Good Service

Mom loved her malts, and more than once got a little fussy when someone tried to pass off a milkshake as a malt.

I'm guessing George must have added the table juke boxes in the fifties. Ours was out of order or I would have played a tune, for sure. I liked out little mirror, with the words "Lover's Delight" written in red. That's the name of one of the ice cream sundaes... that we had no room for.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Egg Salad and chips seemed like the perfect malt shop kind of meal. I cannot even begin to tell you how delicious it was.

Maybe I was just starry eyed over the whole atmosphere, or I was starved. I just know that my perfectly toasted bread was packed with the creamiest (probably most unhealthy) but flavorful concoction of egg, mayo and seasoning. Not a bit bland like some of my home attempts. The dill pickle and of course the malt made the whole deal heavenly!

Good Service

4 Generations

In St. Louis there are so many family owned restaurants that have been handed down to different generations. Crown Candy Kitchen is one of my favorite examples!

There are no restaurant owners in my family history, but we're doing our part! I'm pretty sure my grandmother took my mom to Crown Candy. And I took my kids a few years back. 4 Generations of customers to Crown Candy Kitchen!

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Factory Diner in Farmington, MO

White Castle in St. Louis

White Knight in St. Louis, MO

Food & Drink in University City, MO

Lambert's "Home of Throwed Rolls"

Route 66 Treats in St. Louis

Aunt Martha's Pancakes

Pappy's Place in Springfield, MO

Uncle Bill's Pancakes

Crown Candy Kitchen

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