In the Lou'

Not what you're thinking, of course.  Rather, these are Adventures in Miscellany...Saint Louis, Missouri.

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing sicknesses and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly. ~M. F. K. Fisher

Companion is a quaint establishment in downtown Clayton.  It has been listed by USAToday as one of the top ten places at which to enjoy Artisan bread, and St. Louis Magazine voted it a "Best Place to Brag About."  I didn't know any of this until recently.  Maybe that's why this cafe and bakery is such a treasure to me.  I stumbled upon it all by myself!  Anyway, the ambience is, well, indescribable.  I wish you could see the colors of the walls, the amazing artwork on the ceiling, and the "baking sheet" serving trays. I wish you could feel what I feel when I'm there.  I love the buzz of lunchtime conversation, the smells of truly fresh and creative foods (and the chef attire of those preparing it), and I can always count on a cold bottle of Naked Juice.  Mango, please.
“Time is a companion who reminds us to cherish every moment because it will never come again .”

"To Die For" Bakery Items.  Seriously.

Made to Order...while you watch.

Today's Special:  Chicken Pot Pie...
The seasonings on my palette ~ a love affair.

Spinach Salad with fresh (!) strawberries and a poppyseed vinaigrette...This pretzel roll is delicious too.

There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable, and smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health is all they get for it. How strange it is. It is like paying out your whole fortune for a cow that has gone dry. ~Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)  

If you have even a singular creative bone in your body, you must pay a visit to this shop in Webster Groves...wallet in hand.  Red Lead is magical.  Take a look around and you'll see for yourself.  Inspiring.  I told you so. 

 

“The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion.”
~William Makepeace Thackeray