And of course we all scream for Ice Cream. Especially in July, since it's national ice cream month. Yes, this past Sunday was officially National Ice Cream Day, designated as such by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, when he declared that the third Sunday in July hence foward (hence?) would be observed with "appropriate ceremonies and activities". Well, I'm a day late, and I have some making up to do, as a very passionate consumer of ice cream. So let the ceremonial activities begin.
In the spotlight, what could very well be the nation's finest purveyor of frozen dairy delights - frozen custard to be exact - Ted Drewes, with two locations in St. Louis, MO. Have I been there? Yes. Used to live in the Gateway City, and the first time out with a group of new friends, I was informed in no uncertain terms that as a newbie to the city, I was going on a "Drewes Cruise".
And what an experience. If memory serves me correct, there were about ten service windows, each with a line of twenty or more people, and hundreds more already with custard in hand, all milling about ... basically taking over a sizeable swath of the city.
There were several policemen on hand to help with traffic and parking and all that goes with gazillions of custard crazed ice cream loonies storming what amounts to a small shack. It was that busy, and yes, that good. I had a 'concrete', a dense mix of high calorie, taste bud exploding frozen custard that's handed to you upside down (without a lid) to make the point that this ... is no ordinary ice cream.
And it truly is extraordinary. Going on a 'cruise' to Ted Drewes is a beloved St. Louis tradition, the kind that attracts hundreds and hundreds of customers - at a time - on a Friday evening. It's been around for more than 75 years, and the owner has turned down countless franchise offers. "It's a matter of quality. Franchising could lead to mediocrity," Ted Drewes Jr. notes on his website. Next time you're in St. Louis, stop by Ted's place (only two locations), and see what quality ice cream is really all about. You won't be disappointed (but you will be full!!)
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