CONCETTA'S - ST. CHARLES, MO

NOW HERE'S AN IDEA!

Concetta's origin comes from the word conception.  When on vacation, we throw a lot of ideas around.  Where to go, what to see, a place to eat, etc.  If we are away for several days, a meal at an Italian restaurant is usually in the mix.  Here lately, though, we have had a trouble making that happen.  After our drive around quite a bit of the St. Louis area yesterday looking for this type of cuisine, we continued our exploration today for lunch.  We were headed to St. Charles for an afternoon of shopping and in my GPS search, I found a place called Concetta's

When we arrived, the restaurant had the appearance of an older home which has been converted.  The entrance was in the rear.  We were greeted by a hostess who seemed to be a little cold and indifferent.  We both looked at each other when we found out that this same lady would also be our server.  However, she seemed to warm up after awhile when taking our order and made sure we were well taken care of,

The restaurant seemed a little dark which I guess that's what they call ambiance but the lights could have been turned up just a notch without ruining this effect.   It was good to see, on the menu, that they had 1/2 portions after having such a huge breakfast.  I have become quite fond of toasted ravioli, so we ordered that as an appetizer since we were having the small size entrees.  They were quite good and I especially liked the flavor of the marina that was served with them.  Gary had the onion soup which wasn't anything special.  He also ordered the chicken tortellini, and I stayed with the basics of spaghetti and meatballs.  I found my meal to be a little on the bland side.  It just needed something, more oregano or cheese or something.  Gary's plate, on the other hand, was calling my name and I took a bite of his tortellini.  Boy, if we ever come back or maybe even at a different Italian restaurant, that's what I'm going to try.  It was very, very tasty.

Our bread basket, as well as our soda glasses were kept full which matched our tummys on the way out.  All in all, it was an enjoyable lunch.

CONCETTA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

600 South Fifth Street

St. Charles, MO

(636) 946-2468

Visited 11/4/13

EAT UP BUFFET -- HOLLYWOOD CASINO, MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO

BUFFETS

The buffet table originated back in the 16th century in Sweden.  It became internationally known at the 1939 New York World's Fair where the Sweds showed off a new way to display their food to such a big crowd and was known as a Smorgasbord.  The term buffet comes from the French for sideboard which is a piece of furniture on which the food was displayed and dates back to the 17th Century.

Not surprisingly, the all you can eat buffet was the brainstorm of a Las Vegas entertainment manager, named Herb McDonald back in 1946 at the El Rancho.  These were late night extravaganzas served at midnight for $1.50.   

While in St. Louis, we stayed at The Hollywood Casino with a comp room for two nights.  The offer also included a voucher for breakfast for two at Eat Up Buffet.  I'm not that big of a breakfast eater and would much rather have a sit down meal but Gary always says just get what you want, you can still eat light even though it's a buffet.

When we got upstairs a hostess advised us breakfast was table service.  We noticed this happening in Tunica that the casinos are no longer having buffet breakfasts.  Maybe not as many people are getting up early for breakfast or they eat too much at a breakfast buffet … I don't know the reason behind it, but I was glad I was going to be served.

We were the only ones in line but we were told by the less than enthusiastic hostess that we'd have to wait.  A couple of minutes later another hostess ask us if we'd been taken care of and we repeated what we were told and she took us immediately to a table.  As we were walking to our table, we passed an area that had some breakfast pastries and fruit and saw later on the menu, you could add this to your selection for an addition five bucks.  We also passed a table of a gentleman who had ordered the Colossal Pancake,  which looked to be the size of a medium pizza.  Everything was starting to seem huge.  The breakfast special was Eggs with a 16oz ham steak for $7.77.  We passed.  I had the King Kong omelet which was a three egg omlet with bacon, ham, sausage and cheese.  It was quite good but the omelet itself could have been a little fluffier.  The biscuit weren't fluffy either and I only had 1/2 of it.  The breakfast itself, however, was way too much to eat.  You will never go away hungry from this place. 

Gary mentioned to the server that he'd just like one donut while he placed his order but didn't want full reign to the bar and she was nice enough to bring him a chocolate glazed donut.  The service was outstanding.  We never had to wait on refills and the waitress was back several times asking if there was anything we needed.  We definitely want to try lunch or dinner here.

EAT UP BUFFET

HOLLYWOOD CASINO

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO

Visited on Monday, November 4, 

HUNAN EMPRESS CHINESE RESTAURANT, CHESTERFIELD, MO

A LITTLE HISTORY LESSON

Hunan is a province in China.  The  translation of the word means south of the lake.  I don't know about a big lake in the St. Louis area but there sure is a big mighty river called the Mississippi and this restaurant is south of there.  An emperor is a male monarch or ruler of an empire or imperial reign.  We think of Asian culture when we hear the word emperor or the female counterpart of empress.  The only remaining current monarch in the world using this title is the Emperor of Japan, Akihito.

We are visiting St. Louis for a couple of days and Hunan was not our first choice of restaurant tonight.  We set out in search of an Italian restaurant, but the way it's been going lately we kept striking out.  We were even beginning to think that some restaurants shut down on Sunday's after finding a couple of the ones our GPS led us to were closed, one turning out to be Viviano's which was more of an Italian grocery.  It was getting late and our bodies were still on Eastern time and really starting to get hungry, so with Hunan's a couple of doors down, we decided that's where dinner was summoning us. 

While it was obvious that they did have a carry-out service, they also had a large dining room with tables that had white tablecloths set with teacups and appetizer plates.    The waitress was very friendly with good English and was very helpful when I was struggling with the menu on wanting fried rice but not wanting a full order in addition to my meal.  She suggested getting a "family dinner" which came with rice prepared the way I wanted.  The family dinner was three courses with soup, appetizer and entrée'.  I ordered the Cashew Chicken with Egg Drop Soup which was very hearty along with pot stickers.  Gary had Shrimp Lo Mein with Egg Drop soup which he mentioned had the best flavor of any he had eaten.  His appetizer was an eggroll.  The timing on the first two courses was perfect and we only had to wait a little while for our entrée.

I'm not a big veggie eater, so I wish there had been a little more chicken and cashews in my dish but it was fine.  Gary enjoyed his meal, as well.  In my research about Asian cuisine, I found that  the difference in Chinese and Japanese food is that the Chinese sometimes do serve their meals family style to share and we did just that.  After we finished our meal, we each got a fortune cookie, mine saying "you do good in business".  I wished it would have said "you do good in finding next Italian restaurant" because we'll be looking for one again tomorrow.

While we were waiting for our check, a couple was leaving and the lady went to an adjacent table and said to the older couple sitting there …. you're the cutest couple, you remind me of the Kaufmann's on the Swifter commercial.   I don't know if I'd take that as a compliment or not but the lady thanked them.

HUNAN EMPRESS CHINESE RESTAURANT

162 Four Seasons Shopping Center
Chesterfield, MO

Visited on Sunday, November 3, 2014

STEAK 'N SHAKE (Breakfast)

"IN SIGHT IT MUST BE RIGHT"

This slogan originated with Gus Belt who founded Steak 'n Shake in Normal, Illinois in 1934.  I had always thought the meaning was the grill was in sight from the counter to see that food was being prepared in a safe and sanitary manner.  I find though, that originally the reason came because Gus ground the steak in front of the public because of scrutiny of hamburger used in restaurants back in the 30's.  This slogan carried through as products were shipped into the restaurants with the grill still being in view and took on more of my interpretation.   Now the corporate slogan is "Famous for Steakburgers".   Steak n Shake has evolved from a Gas Station/Chicken place to a Diner with Curb Service into a full service restaurant with a diner atmosphere.

It was also our "Best Kept Secret" about breakfast.  We headed out this morning for St. Louis and planned on having breakfast at a local south side restaurant called Flap-Jacks.  We had never eaten there and I wanted to try it.  I guess I was crazy thinking we could get right in on a Sunday morning.  Patrons were entering from two different doors and putting their name on a list and I knew it was going to be awhile before we would be seated.  We decided on Steak 'n Shake and when we arrived at the location at Southern Plaza, we saw that was secret was out.  They were doing a brisk business not just the two or three tables we had experienced in the past for breakfast.

They had also expanded the menu since our last breakfast visit and maybe that's why the word got out.  There were obviously not enough servers and I think the kitchen was having trouble keeping up, as well.  My back was to the counter/grill, so Gary kept giving me a blow by blow description of the food going up in the window … none of which was ours.  When our order finally arrived there was an abundance of food.  I had ordered blueberry pancakes and sausage which was three pancakes with blueberry topping that tasted like it had been frozen and then thawed.  It was okay but just didn't have that fresh taste.  It also had a large dollop of whipped cream which I could have done without.  Gary had Sausage Gravy and Eggs with no complaints.

 Our breakfast totaled $16 with tip, which probably was comparable to any other restaurant.

STEAK 'N SHAKE

4020 South East Street
Indianapolis, IN

Visited on Sunday 11/3/13

BURGER BROTHERS - ST. LOUIS, MO

EVERYONE AND HIS BROTHER WANTS A BURGER

 Looking up the origin of burger, there is no set originator.  There have been many claims of this creation.  Many have been discounted because it was served on toasted bread instead of a bun, or it was a made of pork instead of beef.  Another says it originated in Hamburg, NY, thus Hamburger but claims also mentioned Hamburg, Germany.  So, your guess is as good as mine who developed that first burger.  Probably the caveman but across the U.S. mention of the burger went all the way back into the 1800's.  However, the first chain of restaurants that sold burgers was White Castle, which started with a stand in 1916 in Kansas and developed into what it is today.  All I know is that you can get some type of burger pretty much anywhere from a small diner to an exclusive restaurant.

Today we paid a visit to River City Casino.  I wasn't that much into gambling but was starting to get hungry, so I thought I'd try Burger Brothers.  So, what goes with a burger.  First thought burger and fries and then maybe burgers and beer … so, ya think that's what I had.  Burger, fries and a beer.  Nope, I ended up with a Chicken Sandwich Fries and PBR for $14.00 which is probably a little high after writing about White Castle but I did mention I was in a casino and they'll get your money one way or another.  Although, I can say it was probably one of the best Chicken sandwiches I've had.  The fries were fries and you'd think I could say the same of the beer.  I mean beer is beer, right?  That was my first reaction after seeing that a "Bud Light" was a buck more and that's the main reason I choose the PBR but I was wrong.  I guess I was wrong for choosing anything but BUD in St. Louis in the first place, but I definitely could tell the difference in taste and I will no longer deviate from my first choice because of cost because there is a taste difference.  But, maybe I need to try Miller Lite since their slogan is "Tastes Great … Less Filling"

BURGER BROTHERS

River City Casino
777 River City Casino Boulevard
St. Louis, MO.

EDWARD'S DRIVE-IN

DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS

The first drive-in restaurant was Kirby's Pig Stand that opened in Dallas, Texas back in 1921.  At Kirby's, you were waited on by young men dressed in white shirts, black bow ties and wearing a white cap.  They were known as "Car Hops".  This term came from the waiters running to the cars as they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and jumping up on the running board of the car to take the order.  As this type of restaurant evolved, some carhops wore colorful uniforms and may have made their way to your car on roller skates   It was a casual way to eat.  Just pull up to a curb or parking spot and have a waiter/waitress come to your car and take your order and then they would return to your car with a tray which would fit over your door's window with your food. 

 I had to return to the office to have my laptop set up with a "hot spot".  Gary went with me and we thought we pick up some lunch when I was finished.  We passed "Popeye's Chicken" and decided to try it.  The last time we had "Popeye's" was at our son's house in Maryland.  Since then a couple of franchisees have popped up on the south side of Indianapolis.  They were exceedingly slow in taking orders and while waiting in line people were coming back up saying they were given the wrong order or there was something wrong with the order, so we decided to try somewhere else.

Last Saturday, we had planned to go to Edward's Drive-In but due to them having a charity car show and a huge crowd, we decided to try it another day.  I guess this was that day.  We ate inside.  I'm not sure it there still had drive-in service or not, although their FaceBook page said they have waiter service.  Inside you order at a counter and they call your number when the food is ready. 

 

We had eaten at Edward's many years ago and I didn't remember the inside being so spacious.  Maybe they have expanded.  The seating capacity was pretty large.  It was very nicely decorated with windows separating the booths that had etched glass with pictures of classic cars.  The restaurant's theme seems to be classic cars and they have several car shows each year.  They also had a jukebox which was playing "oldies" while we were there.

I ordered the Bar-B-Q sandwich with onion rings and Gary got the breaded tenderloin with fries.  You could also choose fried mushrooms as your accompaniment.  The onion rings were big and crisp.  It almost as hard to get really good onion rings as it is a good tenderloin, but Edwards had both.  We both got fountain drinks but I wished I had ordered root beer, as it still comes in frosted mugs  like 40 years ago.

My sandwich was good on a generous sized bun unlike some place where I wish I had another sandwich to fill me up.  Gary said his tenderloin was tasty, although his bun fell apart … maybe from the goodies that he added like tomato, mayo, etc.

This will definitely be a lunch place we'll hit in the future, even though it is a little drive from the house.

EDWARDS DRIVE-IN

2126 South Sherman Drive

Indianapolis, IN

Visited on Friday 11/1/13

HISTORIC STEER IN

I WOULDN'T STEER YOU WRONG

 
The definition of steer is to guide, show the way, or direct.  Last Saturday I still had visions of a good tenderloin sandwich in my head and when my husband asked where I'd like to have lunch, I immediately thought of a place not too far away called "Edwards Drive In".  We hadn't been there since we were newlyweds and lived in the area nearby.  We have since moved further south and we've also been married 42 years, so that was a long, long time ago and things may have changed over the years.


We set out on our quest and when we were about a block away when the traffic started to back up and I saw flashing lights.  We creeped forward bit by bit for half a block and then I saw on the marquee sign for the restaurant that they were having a Charity Car Show and the place was packed and security was trying to manage traffic and there was no way we were going to get in the middle of that.  Well that idea was a bum steer!

My husband suggested we head a few more miles north to what we knew to be Harold's Steer Inn.  The name is now known as Indy's Historic Steer Inn.    My initial thought when I started writing this blog was that I would write about our new experiences but as far as the Steer-In goes, I've known about this restaurant since the 60's when I went to high school close by.

At that time the thing to do was cruise in before or after a game or maybe even a first date. I have moved away from that side of town but on occasion have returned to check things out and my husband even had a meeting there not to long ago to help with the planning of a reunion.

We started with mushrooms which I thought were a little greasy and there was something about the breading, it just not as crispy as I normally like.  You could tell, though, that these were fresh mushrooms they were hand breaded and not some commercial frozen appetizer.

I am glad to report that I did have the tenderloin.  It was a little different from what I'm used to because you could really taste the pork. The meat was thick and the sandwich was not just a lot of breading. It was accompanied by a lot of fries that were crinkle cut not those thin shoestring kind.  There was plenty on the plate to share with my husband. The service was friendly and quick, even though they had a large lunch crowd.

This establishment was featured on Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives. 
There was a lot of history in this place and it was good reminiscing over lunch.  I would hope every city or town had a place like this.










INDY'S HISTORIC STEER IN
5130 East 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN

Visited on Saturday, 10/26/13

THE BANK - PENDLETON, IN

YOU CAN TAKE IT TO THE BANK
                   -or-
       DON'T BANK ON IT

The origin of the initial phrase probably came about when banks were strong, making them a place where people felt secure in keeping their money.  Regulations were put in place to protect the funds that were deposited.  The meaning could expand to mean trustworthy, strong and true.  A place that you would rely on, and feel confident.  Then, of course, there were derivatives like the second phrase.

The sign with"Wait" turned out

to be the theme on this visit

I had a day off, so my husband and I were out on an exploring expedition to visit some new places. We ended up in the Pendleton, Indiana area, and after reading a few reviews, we decided to have lunch at The Bank.



I truly enjoy restaurants in historic locations and the building obviously met this criteria. As you walk in, the hostess station was the façade of a teller's cage, but there was no teller or hostess to greet us for several minutes.

A lady came over and said "just a minute" and proceeded to wipe a off a nearby table by depositing the contents onto the wood floor.  We were then told we could take a seat. After we were seated, the young lady left menus on the table for us to look over.  After waiting too long, the server finally came to take our order. Since I had read so much about the tenderloin, I knew what I was going to order before I sat down. I also probably had the subliminal message from Gary having a tenderloin the week before when I had my coney dog.  Disappointingly, I was told they were out of tenderloins. We were there after the lunch hour, about 1:00, so maybe they had a rush; but you would think if they're known for something, they would make sure they would have enough on hand.



I ended up getting the BBQ Burger, which was fine. It came with a side and I chose coleslaw.  A few more minutes passes and I didn't say anything, but my husband spoke up saying ... "well, I guess the coleslaw comes with the meal.  Within a couple minutes, it was delivered on its own.  I thought it was exceptionally good and now was looking forward to my sandwich.  When the plate finally was sat in front of me, I noticed the serving size was more than an ample and you could tell it was a hand shaped burger, not something pre-made and frozen.



My husband had a club sandwich, of which the appearance was a little different than the typical triangular shape a club usually comes in but he said it was good. I had to flag down another waitress to get a refill on my drink which in my opinion should never happen. The food was enjoyed enough for a repeat visit but the personnel may cloud my decision



So in conclusion, we found a restaurant  with good food and lots of history "you can take to the bank".  But, our opinion of getting good service --- "don't bank it"!










THE BANK RESTAURANT
110 W State Street
Pendleton, Indiana

Visited on Friday 10/25/13

DAWG HOUSE DINER, GREENSBURG, IN

HOT DIGGETY  DOG

Hot Dogs rank right up there with Apple Pie when you think of "All American Eats", even though they originated in Frankfurt, Germany.  You may also know them as weenies, wieners, red hots, or just dogs,  

Some different ways to serve this gastric goodie would be Franks N Beans, Pigs in a Blanket, or Hot Dog Casserole.

I have been doing some research on restaurants in the various counties of Indiana and came across this place that sounded like they were well known for the their "Dogs" in Decatur County.

We were on our way to Cincinnati on I-74 and I knew we'd be passing Greensburg, where they're famous for their Tree in the Courthouse roof.  Since I'm always on the lookout for a good hotdog, we thought we'd stop for lunch, giving this place and their hot dogs a try. I prefer ones with natural casings but those are hard to find in Indiana, and anything else just seems to be pretty generic to me, tasting pretty much the same with no wow factor.

Even though Hot Dogs from Dawg Haus Diner didn't meet my first criteria, they were actually very good . Maybe it was the quality of the dog or the coney sauce (I got a dog with chili and cheese) but I would rate it up there with my favorites.

My husband passed on their namesake, but they also had tenderloins, so he ordered one of those and said it was good, as well.  While I mentioned previously of having a coney, there were also many other different variations of hot dogs to choose from.

This is a small place and you have to place your order at the counter. I would prefer to have a server take my order but it wasn't crowded when we were there so there wasn't a problem in getting tired standing in line. I like the personnel to be friendly and glad you're there and didn't quite get that until just before we left, an older lady stopped by and ask how things were which raised my rating.  I don't know where the origin of "Hot Diggety Dog" came from but the definition I saw was explanation of excitement and that about sums it up.  All in all a good experience.

DAWG HOUSE DINER
116 East Washington Street
Greensburg, Indiana
(ON THE SQUARE) 

Visited on Friday, October 18, 2013