Posts

Pappy's Smokehouse



Pappy's Smokehouse serves up awesome Memphis-style barbecue in Saint Louis.



We arrived to find a smoker in the street and a packed parking lot behind the building -- both indicators that there may be good barbecue ahead.



As we entered, we were directed to the end of a line running down a long hallway. We couldn't even see in the dining room to get a good feel for home long this line might run. This reminded me of some other great barbecue joints that have long waits at lunch time.

Eventually we reached the dining room entrance, at which an employee was pacing the incoming traffic to match the rate at which people were leaving. Signs told us to stay in line and not lay claim to a table until we place their order.






As we rounded the next corner, we could see the actual order counter. We were nearly there. Meanwhile, I struggled to make a decision about what to order.  There was no question that I was going to get ribs, but what else should I add to it? When we finally got to the order counter, Sophia and I both ordered ribs; plus we added a side of brisket.






After placing our order and filling our cups at the soda fountain, a waitress led us to an open table. We waited for our food, overhearing bits of conversation from the two closest tables -- one populated by children whose parents were standing in the line, and the other overflowing with members of a motorcycle club.

The wait at our table was short, as it should be at a barbecue joint that started preparing today's meals yesterday.




The meat was tender and delicious. This is some good barbecue that took this carnivore to a happy place. 




Good Morning Arch

The view from our room at the Hyatt Regency


My morning office


Goodnight Arch


Saint Louis Sunset



Old Brick House




The Old Brick House restaurant is housed in the oldest brick building west of the Mississippi River. We chose them because they appeared to be the only place open and some online reviews suggested they had great fried chicken. 

We opted for the dinner buffet, which includes their fried chicken. The food was nothing special, but satisfied our hunger. The menu and buffet reminded me of what I remember of restaurants 30 years ago. If we pass by here again, I think I'll look for another option.



Chester Bridge

The Chester Bridge was completed in 1942, destroyed by wind in 1944, and a rebuild completed in 1946. 








Popeye the Sailorman

Chester, Illinois, is the home town of Elzie Segar, creator of Popeye the Sailorman.  

Statues of Popeye characters are scattered around the town. We spent a couple hours tracking down the statues and recalling memories of Popeye.










Olive Oyl






The Sea Hag & Bernard

"If they wasn't no bad women, maybe we wouldn't appreciate the good ones.
Anyway, she yam what she yam!"
- Popeye, on The Sea Hag







Professor O.G.Wotasnozzle






Poopdeck Pappy

"You looks like somethings the dogs digged up... I hate relatives." 






Alice the Goon








Blotu







Cole Oyl

Olive Oyl's father, Cole Oyl




Spinach Can Collectibles: Popeye Store & Museum

For all your Popeye collectible needs: Spinach Can Collectibles.



Castor Oyl




Wimpy

"I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." 













Power Plant



Thebes Courthouse



The Thebes Courthouse sits high above the Mississippi River in Thebes, Illinois. It served as the Alexander County courthouse from 1848 to 1860.