Want to hear a fun-fact? In the 1920’s Anheuser Busch originally opened a little restaurant in Alton, IL (just outside St. Louis) called Fast Eddies Bon-Air. But, AB was forced to sell sometime in the 30’s because of a new law prohibited breweries from owning drinking establishments. Fast forward about 90 years and not only is Fast Eddies still in business, BUT they’re a local landmark that is apparently always hoppin’.
Obviously, since I'm not 90 years old, Fast Eddies has been around my entire life. And, throughout my life, I’ve heard tons of commercials about their cheap beer, cheap shrimp, and cheap chicken on a stick. While creating my list, I often asked other people for ideas, my cousin Bob and his wife Maggie mentioned Fast Eddies. I thought it was a great idea. It was a quintessential, “St. Louisy”, (even though it’s in Alton, IL) new thing to experience…plus…it was easy on the pocket book.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. One of my favorite things about this list is I don’t have any (or at least many) specific plans about how or when I will go about accomplishing something. I’ve come to realize part of the fun is observing how things organically come to pass which, oftentimes, results in me hanging out with a new or different crowd...another fun thing. That’s what happened with Fast Eddies.
My friend Ryanne’s birthday falls in December—right around the time when everyone is spending lots of money on Christmas gifts and new clothes for holiday parties. So, for her birthday this year, she decided to have a low key birthday party at Fast Eddies. Not only do I appreciate Ryanne for her overall quality personality, quick witted humor, and stellar event planning skills…BUT I also appreciate her personal challenge to be the one person who does the majority of these things with me! So far, in addition to Fast Eddies, Ryanne has watched the Birds with me, she was with me while I was reading Tipping Point (that kind of counts because she asked about it…), she came to hear Chuck Berry at Blueberry Hill, she supported me and my sister in a fundraiser we did for the marathon we're running (in 4 days) with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (so that kind of counts towards the "marathon")…AND…one mustn’t forget her being my fabulous South African travel buddy!
So, her birthday celebration was the perfect way to experience Fast Eddies. I made some new friends, saw some people I don’t get to see very often, AND hung out with friends (and even family) that I DO see on a regular basis…it was fun-tastic!!
As for Fast Eddies. I’ll go back. I mean, how can you say “no” to cheap chicken, shrimp, and beer?!? Plus, a live band and dancing AND (I almost forgot) some AMAZING people watching!?! ...a favorite pastime of mine. However, to add twist…I think I’ll go in the summer so I can hang out on the patio. I’ve always been a sucker for listening to a live band while sitting outside enjoying a few drinks. Kind of makes me wish it wasn’t January and 15*…
Bet you'll get in some sweet people watching in the summer. Lots of cut-offs and ill-fitting tank tops on both men and women.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had fun - celebrating getting old seems to be something we do well together!
ReplyDeleteBut I do feel the need to clarify... I am not specifically South African, just the person who traveled to South Africa with you. ;)
Whatever... forget it... secretly we both know I wouldn't hate being South African, and the trip ROCKED so you can call me whatever you want!