Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:49:39 GMT

Recap and Epilogue

1. Favorite sightseeing destination- William G Mather Steamship Museum- Cleveland
2. Favorite stroll- St Charles MO
3. Top 5 Roadfood Highlights
-Babushka's Kitchen- Northfield OH
-Sokolowski's - Cleveland OH
-Nick's Kitchen- Huntington IN
-Kopper Kettle- Morristown IN
-O'Connell's- St Louis MO
4. Top Roadfooder Meetups
Michael Hoffman, Lleechef, Cajun King (three way tie!)
5. Favorite Desserts
-Sugar Cream Pie @ Nick's Kitchen
-Banana Cream Pie @ Gray's Cafeteria
-Raisin Pie @ Gray's Cafeteria
-Banana Fudge Concrete @ Ted Drewe's
-Carrot Cake @ Sokolowski's
6. Biggest Disappointment: Roper's Ribs being out just about everything "BBQ"
which also goes hand in hand with everything being closed in St Louis on Labor Day
7- Rotten Tomato- Joe Roger's Chili Parlor
8- Best Coffeehouse- Kaldi's - Clayton MO

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (rumaki)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:40:51 GMT

Thanks again for such a great report!

1. That's terrific that the Kopper Kettle gives out warm wet towels at the conclusion of the meal. I'd forgotten that Hollyhock Hill used to do that. (It no longer does.) The Wick's sugar cream pie, though, is unfortunate -- not because it's bad, but because Kopper Kettle ought to make their own. Still, I'd like to go there, someday.

2. I was in St. Louis in August, and we had a fine dinner at Gian-Tony's on The Hill. I'll keep your choices in mind for the future. You mention it in passing, but if you haven't already done so, I recommend a visit to the historic Old Courthouse on a future trip. The museum is very interesting, and the interior of the building is fabulous. http://www.slfp.com/OldCourthouse.html

3. I'm really eager to try some Barberton chicken. A friend of mine teaches at Kent State -- I think I need to visit him, soon!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:48:47 GMT

Thanks everyone

Tin Tin

Bethgrd and I have been "discussing" a possible New England meet n great this spring perhaps you can join us

Mr Chips

It's my understanding that Grant himself abhorred slavery but that it was his wife's family that owned slaves.

As far as the chili is concerned- at your own risk

CK

Agreed- perhaps at next year's presidential day weekend glee club event-

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (CajunKing)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:35:32 GMT

WJ
It was an honor to be part of your adventure. I look forward to the next time when can meet up. (hopefully it won't take 3 years this time)
Thanks Again

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (mr chips)

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:15:03 GMT

Great reporting as always, Dale. A couple points from a history buff. Ironically general grant who lead union troops to victory in the war that destroyed slavery was the last slaveholder to be president.
I loved the Lincoln stuff when i visited Springfield all those years ago. That chile does look unhealthy though i suspect I would have liked it. WEre you able to buy Cardinals tickets at the stadium of did you have to use a ticket service? Thanks for letting me hitch along with your adventures

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (leethebard)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:41:43 GMT

Wow...did I enjoy this wonderfully detailed and picturesque report. Loved the history and the great food reports. Perfect job!!!!!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (Foodbme)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:49:47 GMT

wanderingjew

Foodbme
Isn't Pittsburgh your old "stomping grounds"?

Yep, I'm from Western PA. Grew up in St. Marys. Went to College in Indiana PA, lived in Butler, Punxatawney, Warren, Uniontown, Sharon, Parkersburg, And Youngstown. So I spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh. Left the area in 1973.
Went to Stillers games when they were still in Forbes Field.
Forbes Field----Where every seat was guaranteed to be behind a steel girder!
Loved Isley's. Rode the Incline many times. Would take my little boy to the Old Pittsburgh Airport when you could go up on the roof of the terminal and watch the planes take off! Favorite restaurant was Tambellini's up on Mt. Washington. Great Italian food!
My sister-in-law works at PNB and lives downtown on Forbes AV.
Yep, I consider myself a Yinzer!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (TnTinCT)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:24:04 GMT

As always, a great mix of food, sightseeing, and history! Always enjoy your reports, and you have provided us again with some great ideas for future road trips!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (Michael Hoffman)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:04:13 GMT

Terrific report Dale. Of course, there was one itsy-bitsy exception having to do with a certain sandwich.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:57:42 GMT

Foodbme

Isn't Pittsburgh your old "stoming grounds"?

tcrouzer

If I don't like something, I can get very descriptive about my dissatisfaction- Last year I went to a roast beef restaurant in Portland ME where I likened the coleslaw to "dirty socks" I've never eaten dirty socks before but I can guarantee that if I had, they would have tasted like that coleslaw.

totillie

Thanks,

it is surprising how many things have spread from "the old country" to various parts of the US.
-

I will provide a short epilogue of this trip

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (totillie)

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:05:19 GMT

Thank you so much for this report. What a wonderful trip.

After seeing your photo of Barberton chicken, I Googled. It's our traditional family fried chicken recipe. we're Slovak/Hungarian, not Serbian as Wikipedia insists as the origination of this recipe. who knew.? Many of the Eastern European recipes traveled and blended. love it.

Thank you again!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (tcrouzer)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:39:15 GMT

But seriously, Dale......tell us what you really thought about Joe Roger's Chili? Sorry, but I had to laugh at your description of the greasy, grossness of that bowl of chili!

Excellent reporting!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (mikeam)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:21:54 GMT

Great report. Thanks for sharing.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (buffetbuster)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:57:42 GMT

It was very disappointing that I wasn't able to meet up with WJ at Primanti's. Unfortunately, I was unexpectedly left holding down the fort in my family business.

Love, love, love Belgrade Gardens! And though the chicken gets maybe a B from me, the chicken paprikash gets an A+. And that vinegary cole slaw is as good as I have had anywhere.

An all around excellent trip report WJ! Well done!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (Foodbme)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:25:48 GMT

Super Great Reporting!
FIVE STARS!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:21:38 GMT

Thursday September 8

Today is primarily a travel day. I have to get back to Pittsburgh to fly back home but not without a couple of Roadfood stops.

Another day and another muffin and an "so-so" dark roast at Boston Stoker, a local mini chain of coffehouses in the Dayton area- I drove to the downtown location. Unfortunately I didn't have any time to explore the Dayton area at all-
After breakfast I checked out of my hotel and continued driving east to the opposite end of the state.

Arriving at my first lunch stop (yes two lunches today- it is my last day of the trip!)

Belgrade Gardens

in Barberton OH (just outside of Akron)

I've heard on many occasions, especially from Buffetbuster about Barberton Chicken. I've never had it before and was looking forward to trying it.

The meal started out ordinarily with bread

and this was the most ordinary part of the meal- it gets very exciting from here...

I continued on with some delicious chicken dumpling soup. Large soft dumplings with shreds of chicken.

My only regret is that I didn't order a bowl...

The slaw is doused in a very zesty and addicting vinegar base.

and finally the main course

sided by their spicy hot sauce

This meal was nothing short of perfect. The thin crispy crust contained the moist chicken meat and really complimented each forkful of the hot sauce. The taut crisp fresh cut fries just sealed the deal.
Probably one of my favorite meals of the trip.....

Unfortunately just after I arrived at Belgrade Gardens waiting for my meal, Buffetbuster called and had to cancel our meeting at my final stop - we thought of alternatives but the logistics just didn't work .

Finally heading back towards Pittsburgh International Airport. I arrived at my final stop

Primanti Bros
The Moon Township outlet

I began with a Yuengling lager (hey it's not like I have anymore driving to do) and I thought about going with the Cappicolla and Cheese, but just for a second- I ended up going with my usual...

The Kolbassi and Cheese-

I know how much Michael Hoffman just loves these sandwiches !

I know I've said it previously but I've always referred to the last meal before a flight as "the last supper" well if this was the last meal I had on earth, it would be a very suitable one...

At this point I was only a few short miles from the airport. I was finally home by 10:30 pm (unfortunately I had tor return to work the next day but I could deal with a one day work week.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (Foodbme)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:20:54 GMT

WJ,
MY Exercise Regimen consists of Pumping Aluminum!
Just had Stress Test and the Doc said I was fine!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:59:34 GMT

Buddy

Thanks for the compliment but I'm surrounded on a daily basis by my coworkers just about all of whom spend hours at the gym daily "pumping iron and getting jacked", running marathons and whose diets consist of power bars and diet pepsi. I remember one of my coworkers had an anxiety attack because he was taking his family on a cruise for vacation and was wondering if there would be "healthy choices" for meals and a gym on the ship- compared to them- they see me as one forkful short of a coronary..... actually the majority of folks here in Rhode Island are like this- extremely, extremely health conscious...
If I do make it back to Springfield-"The Doctor" would be my first stop.

Ann

I went to Grant Farms at first- mistaking it for Grant's home- unfortunately they were closed when I was there.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (mayor al)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:02:00 GMT

Been to O'Connell's in St Louis several times. Excellent roadfood stop within a minute of I-44. The Roast Beef ALWAYS looks that good !

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (ann peeples)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:50:52 GMT

I am enjoying your trip, and sure wish I had dined as well as you in St.Louis this spring. I did go to Grant's Farm and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (BuddyRoadhouse)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:38:58 GMT

wj,
I'll keep the Corner Pub and Grill on my Springfield shortlist if you'll keep The Dr. of BBQ on yours.

No argument with you on the Cozy Dog; good, not great, but a Route 66 landmark and one that deserves some attention.

As for your assertion that you are not ChiTownDiner or buffetbuster, my reply is, "Yeah, but you walk everywhere. You're in better shape and have a higher metabolism than any of us. You should be able to cram down the calories and burn them off all in the same day."

Once again, thanks for the Springfield report and the Corner Pub and Grill tip.

Buddy

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:06:08 GMT

Buddy, Buddy Buddy

The response to your question is simple. I'm not Chi Town Diner or Buffetbuster.
I'm a lightweight, I can't possibly take in all of that in one day.

I did go to Cozy Dog back in June (when I saw you last in Chicago) great atmosphere, although I thought the corn dogs were just "ok" , I've never been a big corn dog fan.

Although Springfield IL is far from anything I would consider "the South" (hell, they don't even have southern accents there), I'm certain that the BBQ is notable considering that it's "almost" on the same interstate stretch as other midwesetern BBQ havens such as Kansas City and St Louis .

Trust me on the Corner Pub and Grill- try out their roast pork horseshoe sometime when you're down in Springfield- I guarantee it- if you dont like it- it's on me!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (BuddyRoadhouse)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:04:22 GMT

Sorry Dale, but I have to take you to task: You were in Springfield and didn't visit felow Roadfooder, The Dr. of BBQ?!? And before you come back with the argument that Barbecue isn't indigenous to Springfield, I gotta tell you; downstate Illinois is a hot bed of unsung Southern Style 'Que.

I'll assume you've been to The Cozy Dog, so I'll forgive you for that oversight.

Seriously though, I loved seeing the shots of historic Sprinfield, it really brought back nice memories. I need to get back down there for a long weekend sometime.

The best horseshoe I ever had was at Gabatoni's in Springfield. I got a hamburger base which was way better than I expected it to be. With a sandwich like the horseshoe, with so may ingredients, it can be easy to cheap out on one element, thinking that everything else would cover for it. Gabatoni's threw on two hand made, top quality burgers, chargrilled beautifully. There's been plenty written about Gabby's. Check it out, it's well owrth a stop on your next visit.

Buddy

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:24:11 GMT

Wednesday September 7

My last morning in St Louis. Although I wanted to return to Kaldi's Coffee- it didn't make sense to drive out to Clayton especially during morning rush hour when my intention was to begin the trek back east.

So I decided to kill two birds with one stone...

Park Avenue Coffee

Just a couple of miles outside of downtown and home of the Gooey Butter Cake..
I walked in and who do I find? Once again, like at Charlie Gitto's the night before, several of St Louis' Finest. And here I thought they only frequent donut shops.

Park Avenue Coffee offers several varieties of gooey butter cake, considering this was my first time, I ordered the traditional plain.

It wasn dense, sweet and rich but not as intense as I was anticipating and in my book, that's a plus- unfortunately I would have liked to have sampled some of the other varieties that were available, and honestly I probably could have had one more but I didn't want to over do it since I had a big day ahead of me... The coffee on the other hand was ok, but Kaldis' it's not...

After breakfast, I checked out of my hotel, and was headed east....

I arrived in Springfield IL which was where I planned to spend most of the day sightseeing in the land of Lincoln.
Since I arrived just in time for an early lunch, I went to the place that I had intended to visit this past June.

The Corner Pub and Grill

As many of you know I haven't been impressed with my past two experiences with Springfield's own horseshoe sandwich. First at the Springfield Family Restaurant 5 years ago and then at the D & J Cafe this past June. I usually give a new dish three tries before I give up- I gave the BPT 3 tries and hit a home run on the third try, I gave the loosemeats/maidrite/tavern/charlie boy three tries and they struck out- I'm still on the fence about Flieschkuechle since I only gave that two tries. Well the horsehoe's nail is hanging on a thread...
and the verdict is..................................

A HOME RUN!!!!

This horseshoe comes with real, fresh cut fries unlike the others. The white cheese sauce had a creamy rich and sharp flavor and instead of going with ham as my choice of meat, I went with the roasted pork which offered a slightly more complex robust edge. You can even order a breaded pork tenderloin as your choice of meat. For the first time I can really say that I enjoyed eating a horseshoe. I totally recommend the Corner Pub and Grill and would return in a heartbeat if I ever made my way back to Springfield.

My first stop after lunch was another presidential visit. In fact that would be the theme all afternoon.

This is where Lincoln lived with his family before he left for the Presidency in Washington DC .

That's Lincoln's hat hanging on the wall

Of course the dining room...

This is the family room, our guide told us this is where honest Abe would "rassle" with his kids...

Lincoln's bedroom

Mary's bedroom- yes they had two separate bedrooms because Lincoln would be up at all hours working.
(By the way you can thank Mary for the gaudy wallpaper)

The kids' bedroom

and

The kitchen....

There.....I've now been to every national park in Illinois (this is the only one!)

Afterwards I walked over to the Lincoln Depot.

This is where Lincoln gave his final speech to his townspeople prior to taking the train to DC to take the oath of his presidency. Unfortunately the depot was closed for the season.

My final "Lincoln related" visit was to his old law firm.

The downstairs served as the local post office.

Lincoln's office was upstairs

and although the courthouse is no longer there
a replica was placed adjacent to the office.

Afterwards I walked around downtown Springfield. I could almost picture honest Abe and his family walking right by me.

Perhaps I imagined a little too hard...

I did pass by the old state capitol building

''

as well as the new one

]

but didn't really have enough time to check them out.. It was approaching late afternoon and I still had one more stop to make in Springfield before continuing east..

Joe Roger's Chili Parlor

As you know so far I've been satisfied with all my meals. This year has actually been very good to me. Very few meals that I would consider ordinary, none that I would consider sub-par, well that's going to change....
RIGHT NOW!!!!!

This is one of the nastiest, greasiest and one of the most disgusting bowls of yuckiness (is that even a word??) that I ever encountered. I'm sure there was absolutely nothing wrong the quality of this atrocity but , all of that grease is just NASTY, NASTY, NASTY !!! I learned that this is just simply not my thing..........GROSS!!! Yes I felt that strongly about it- Heading east back to Indianapolis with a constant queasyness, my original plans were to go to John's Famous Stew for dinner since they were closed on Labor Day weekend....Well.....the last thing I was in the mood for now was stew so that's obviously out of the question now...I even wondered if I'd be able to have dinner and actually enjoy it....
As I approached Indianapolis I somehow managed to gain back an appetite. Unfortunately after 3 beautiful days it was also beginning to rain....

One of the places I considered when I had the the Sunday dilemma of deciding where to go for lunch the previous weekend was

The Roost

In the northeast suburbs of Fishers.

They were open on Sunday but did not serve dinner until 4pm so that was out of the question.
Located in a typical suburban strip mall with an atmosphere not more inspiring than a Denny's
They specialize in Hoosier homestyle cooking..

Starting out with what is described as a layered salad

It consisted of cauliflower, peas and bacon in a sweet creamy dressing. It was probably one of the best salads of the trip...

fresh from the fryer fried biscuits and apple butter a'la Joe Huber's soon followed (although I thought Joe Huber's were better probably because those were dusted with powdered sugar!)

For my main course...
Chicken and Noodles...Hunks of chicken with soft noodles served in a creamy white gravy reminiscent of the chicken gravy I enjoyed at the Kopper Kettle a few days earlier.

My waiter, a former Californian from the Bay area and Giants fan (yes we talked about baseball) did me a great favor when I asked if I could try their famous cornbread casserole instead of the mashed potatoes that come with the meal..

'

Similar to the density of the spoon bread, this was a like a thick cornbread pudding with bits of corn. It was every bit as good as I imagined....and

Even though I asked to substitute my mashed potatoes , they arrived anyway- real mashed potatoes (which I just picked at) and buttery limp green beans redolent with pork that dare I say were even better than Gray Bros completes my meal...

I was surprised by my find. The Roost exceeded my expectations and will likely find itself on a top 10 list at the end of the year.

After dinner, it was dark, rainy and I was getting tired. I had 115 miles to drive before I made my final overnight stop to make matters worse I was the only car on the interstate, but I had lots of company-18 wheelers -lots of 'em- even though in the scheme of things it wasn't a big drive, it was the most grueling of the trip. I was glad when I reached my final destination-the Fairfield Inn in the Northern Suburbs of Dayton.... I was done for the evening and was looking forward to the final trek towards home the next day...

The final segment...tomorrow...

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:07:52 GMT

Cheesewit

Thanks for the compliment- it means alot to me-

battra

Your blog was extremely helpful with my decision of where I would go for a slinger. And then when I discovered that Big Ed's Chili Mac's Diner was also written up in the Stern's book, it sealed the deal!

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (battra)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:52:03 GMT

Thank you so much for the mention!!

I"ve been to most of the places you listed there.

Trailhead is a very good microbrew.

Obviously...Big Ed's...

:)

Gittos...wonderful place.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (CheeseWit)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:59:51 GMT

Dale, I was going to hold my applause until the end, but I couldn't restrain myself. Nice job on this report. Great trip.

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:14:44 GMT

Brad

The answer to your question, is yes. From previous experience at Hollyhock Hill all the sides are family style and can be replenished. Keep in mind that I never ran out of of my first serving of sides as a single diner

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (ScreamingChicken)

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:31:40 GMT

CajunKing

I bid and won an auction on this youngsters goat and my thoughts turned to seeing it slowly rotating on my grill.

As I talking with some friends at the auction I heard this voice.
"Hey Mister you gonna put my goat on your farm?"

I said this BEFORE I turned around to see who had asked the question.
"No, he is going on my barbecue"

Turning to see this ash white face of this 9-10 yo. "You're going to EAT MY GOAT!!!!!" tears streaming down his face as he turned and ran off.

I felt lowering then and bottom of a cow pie

On the food side of this story WOW was that good cabrito.

CK, I hope you called him later and told him that he raised a very tasty goat and you'd like to buy another one sometime.

A question about places like Kopper Kettle and Hollyhock Hill: does a single diner get the same family-style service as would a table of 2 or more?

Great report so far, WJ, for both the food and the attractions. We haven't yet visited "New Busch" but hope to take in a game there sometime in the next couple of years.

Brad

Re:Buckeyes, Hoosiers and Redbirds (wanderingjew)

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:04:55 GMT

Tuesday September 6

Another picture perfect day.
Unfortunately I realized when I got to my car to feed the meter I first noticed the sign that notes no parking between 3am and 6am-I was relieved that I didn't receive a parking ticket!
My breakfast stop was a short walk from my hotel.

Big Ed's Chili Mac's Diner

Written up in the Stern's 500 Things to Eat Before It's Too Late book. It was also cited as the best place to get a slinger in roadfooder , Battra's blog

http://the13blog.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/part-30-of-the-continuing-series-st-louiss-perfect-slinger-big-eds-chili-mac/

I've never had a slinger before and I was looking forward to my first. I walked in and the atmosphere seemed very reminiscent of a Cincinnati 5 Way Chili Parlour.

Of course we all know what I ordered.

What's interesting is when it arrived.

They forgot to put cheese and onions on it- I still wanted to get photos- however when the waitress realized what was missing she whisked my plate away from me and returned it properly adorned..

Here are my thoughts- its a chili cheese omelet for cripes sake!!- nothing new- Ok, there might be a couple of burgers underneath this gorgeous monstrosity but still....I enjoyed it- but it didn't seem like anything new or unique..
Unfortunately the coffee, like most roadfood restaurants I've been to, just tasted like hot water to me.

After breakfast, I did end up going to one of my favorite coffee houses in country- Kaldi's Coffee in the yuppie suburb of Clayton- As on my first visit 5 years ago- the coffee was superb- on the same level as anything I've enjoyed in the Pacific Northwest.....
After relaxing for an hour at the coffee house and reading the local paper, I headed to the Central West End. I had some personal business to attend to, and had some time to walk around. I recall the last time I walked through the Central West End was back in 1991- it's been 20 years. It looked the same to me- I even recalled by name a few restaurants that were still there....

Before I knew it, it was time for lunch....
Now those of you are aware that there are a couple of roadfood restaurants housed in train stations. For example,
The Grand Central Oyster Bar at Grand Central Station in NYC, or Rosa's Pizza at Penn Station which serves up a better than average NY Slice.

When I first visited Mai Lee five years ago, it was located in the University City Neighborhood in the Delmar Loop.
Well....they've since moved to suburban digs....

Inside the Brentwood light rail parking garage...
This is a first for me....

Mai Lee is a Vietnamese Restaurant that also offers a chinese menu...
And of course the St Paul Sandwich is a specialty...

I started out with a fairly decent Hot and Sour Soup

and then moved on to items more regional....

Mostly served at "down and out" chinese takeout joints around the metro area, the St Paul is basically Egg Foo Young sans sauce sandwiched between two slices of white bread and topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle mayo and onion. I ordered the most expensive option- the special which I believe has shrimp, pork, chicken and beef for a whopping $5.50. In my opinion the bottled hot sauce at the table really enhances this sandwich to a new level. I know there are many other places around town that serve the St Paul but I can't imagine it being better than what I enjoyed at Mai Lee

After lunch, I was only a few miles away from my first sightseeing destination

Although our 18th president wasn't from St Louis, his wife, Julia was. And they lived in her family home which was called White Haven

Inside the house, it's very basic, because only only the surviving furnishings is what remains. Nothing was re-created

Here is the adjoining chicken house

and ice house

The museum, is located in the historic horse stable..

This won't be the first presidential residence that I visit on this trip- I have one more on the list- and that won't be until tomorrow.

I've read about the quaint Suburb of St Charles, MO-

I never visited and I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to check it out..

Upon arrival, this place was calling to me

I figured this was the perfect time for a brew.. I went with the Octoberfest- it was happy hour too so my beer was just $2.50

After enjoying my pint- I continued to explore the quaint main street..

which even offers a doggie bakery

I believe this is either Lewis or Clarke

I was actually looking for the "middle class man's" art gallery but I guess since the middle class is shrinking...

There is even a town gazebo

by now I was approaching the heart of town...

This is where the original state capitol was

Unfortunately it was already closed for the day..

I did come across this old market, there was also an ice cream shop, unfortunately the ice cream wasn't local so I didn't get any- I did get a fresh baked from the oven chocolate chip cookie at the local bakery- sorry no photos.

After spending much of the late afternoon in St Charles, it was time to head back to town- just in time for rush hour- luckily- that was going in the opposite direction...

Although this is my last full day in St Louis, a stop here would be in order for dinner..

O'Connell's-

The Hill's own Irish Pub.
Touted by both Buffetbuster and Travelin Man (and I believe The Mayor too)
Famous for their burgers and roast beef sandwiches- I thought about getting both and doing the same as what I did with the pies at Gray's Cafeteria back in Indy...
But I figured how often can I find a good Roast Beef Sandwich...
I decided to go with the roast beef "au jus"

This sandwich was everything a roast beef sandwich is meant to be- Luxurious, tender pink slices of medium rare roast beef housed on a soft but sturdy roll with "au jus"on the side.....Another solid hit that will likely make "the top 10"

I ordered a side of onion rings which were pedestrian but fine.....

Since I was a short drive from the center of the Hill, I never really had a chance to just stop and walk around....
This was the perfect opportunity to do so....

I walked by this legendary original...

but I was still too full to stop in for Toasted Rav's

I admired this statue...

Obviously dedicated to the Italian Immigrants who contributed to this city...

After walking around and seeing many of the different restaurants that I researched (all of which happened to be closed on labor day) I headed back downtown. This time I parked in the same garage that I did for the game- $8 was well worth the risk of overnight street parking and getting a ticket....

I thought about going to Schafly - the local brew pub near union station but I had to start my day early the next day. I did have one last stop - again just a short walk from my hotel...

Charlie Gitto's Downtown

And they're open!

I sat at the bar adjacent to three of St Louis' finest- no, they weren't imbibing0 they were just eating but all three looked like they did alot of eating- I'm used to RI cops that are completely "jacked up" and spent 100% of their free time in the gym....
And they had Schafly beer on tap !

Of course we all know what I ordered...

The toasted rav's seemed a little plumper than most- I really enjoyed the meaty sauce that accompanied the toasted ravioli. Other than being plumper I would certainly put it in the same category as Cunetto's, Lou Boccardi's or Mama Campisi's, however Angelo's still wins the prize...

After my late evening snack, I walked back to my hotel and called it a night....

More tomorrow...