I like my world with a bit of grit. If I spend more than a couple hours in a location that is sterile, homogenized or commercialized I start to get depressed. I begin to pace like a caged animal. I get short and snappy with others. I start to worry that the world is in serious trouble. And, I have to stifle my urge to scream.
I don’t understand the appeal of chain stores, themed restaurants or branded theme parks. I went on a cruise once and seriously considered jumping ship more than once. I just wanted to feel the water. Looking at it from five stories up was pure torture. I was desperate to feel the cold water. To taste the salt. To be pulled by the waves.
I have a burning desire to travel before the cultures of the world are “walmarted” and “targeted” to death.
What will the world look like if all the small authentic businesses and communities disappear? You can’t rebuild, recreate or paint on a patina that will ever replace an original. It falls flat.
When I find authentic locales. I get excited. I don’t want to own something or eat something that is one of the millions manufactured. I want to own a one-in-a-million piece of art or eat a meal that can’t be found anywhere else.
I crave authenticity.
Which is why I will never forget the first time I ate at Le Maire’s in Sedalia, Missouri.
It wasn’t the original location, but it was original in every other way.
The fried clams were made as a starter just for us.
The place was spotless. We did share the place with 5 other tables. But, I didn’t take photos of the people because I “outed” myself as a crazy out-of-towner with my photo taking and it seemed rude.
The catfish dinner is the menu “must have”. My daughter insisted on ordering the adult sized platter and put away all six pieces of fish. Please note there is no oily residue on the plate.
The painted walls and murals created a festive Cajun mood.
There is a little grotto at the entrance honoring the founders, Joe and Frenchie Le Maire.
My daughter recommends the Gumball Coaster near the checkout counter for entertainment while you wait for your fresh fried catfish.
My Mother suggested the stop. She had known about it for many years. I threatened to never speak to her again for keeping it a secret this long, but my anger slipped away during the fried clam starter. The happiness I felt at discovering this truly authentic eatery made me giddy.
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I won’t lie… Target is a favorite of mine BUT I would rather shop local any day! Where we live right now is so local focused that I some times forget about big chains. Mike and I are all over yelp when we travel so we eat at all the yummy places we can’t find anywhere else. And of course we always leave a review!
Reviews are awesome. I love that social media and websites can help the locals be found! Target is hard for me to resist, but I am learning 🙂
I am so glad to know about this place, sounds right up “my alley”. Cafe Blackadder in Warrensburg is very good also, we have been stopping in the last few years when we go the cemetery there where my grandparents are buried. Local businesses are the best, and restaurants with real people and real food (not truck food, as I call, as in trucked in and squeezed out of a plastic bag and heated up). I love Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, for that reason…though it is deadly to watch that show when I am relaxing in bed at night…snack attack!!
PS When I was growing up there was a place in Sedalia where we would eat with family who lived in LaMonte, and it was in the basement of the old hotel. They had a grotto type fountain and of course home cooking. What a cool place for a kid.
HA! Snack attack 🙂 That happens to me if I am on Pinterest at night. Too many good food images. I started taking the foodie boards off my feed.
I will have to make it to Cafe Blackadder. Sounds like it is worth the trip.
The memories that you take home from authentic places is always so wonderful. I wouldn’t be able to remember a meal at a fast food joint if you paid me to come up with a story.
And…I love, love, love “truck food”. I am borrowing that 🙂
ahhh, yeah, why did your mom hold out on this?
you would have to ask her that question 🙂
oh and when you are in town in may, we are going to that japanese street food place.
is harl still allergic to shrimp?
yes he is.
and, yes…street food!