"From the Lou and I'm proud"- Nelly
The Gateway to the Midwest-St.Louis, Missouri. Located directly on the Mississippi River, this historical city has a lot to offer to both natives and tourists. However here are some struggles anyone from the 314 has come across:
"Want to go to Bread Co.?"
Panera. Every St.Louis native's least favorite word. It is not, and will never be "Panera". Just a little background history. St.Louis Bread Company was started in 1987, and was a smashing success, which then led to the franchise of the ever so popular Panera Bread. Anyone from St.Louis will be quick to correct you on your use of the word "Panera". Forever Bread Co., Bread Co. forever.
"I'll take a concrete."
We are not talking cement. St.Louis folks go crazy for the famous Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, selling their famous concretes. Flip that cup over, I dare you. This thick custard is guaranteed to last at least one good complete flip over without any of its goods falling out. This frozen custard has people coming back again and again. A summer would not be complete without a cold treat from this custard joint.
*Afraid of heights* Goes up in the Arch anyways.
The St.Louis Arch is a 630 foot monument sitting at the base of the Mississippi River. This sleek-architectural beauty is a popular tourist attraction. For those brave enough to bear the journey, some even like to go up in it. Some St.Louisans even see it as a right of passage. However, every claustrophobic person's worst nightmare, you must bear an extremely tight elevator ride to get to the top. But at the top of this huge monument is a view of the city that is unreal.
"Can I get provel on that?"
For some strange reason the rest of the world has not discovered the miracle of provel cheese.This is the holy trinity of all cheeses. It combines swiss, cheddar, and provolone cheese into one buttery-like combination. I would like to let the rest of the world know they are missing out on the gooey deliciousness that is provel cheese.
"That looks hoosier."
Indiana mascot no more. The ultimate insult- hoosier. Hoosier by definition of a St.Louisan: that or pertaining to a trashy fashion. ALERT ALERT- You do not want to be called a hoosier within the realms of St.Louis city or county. An example one may ask? Christmas lights until April? Could be classified as hoosier.
synonyms: heinous, repulsive, tacky.
Our indescribable accent.
Mom is now pronounced- Maaaaam. Wash? Warsh. Oh my gosh= Oh my gaaaash. St.Louis natives seem to have been elongating their A's since the start of it all. But this over pronounced vowel is what makes St.Louis folks so unique.
"Cardinals are in the playoffs."
I guess the only struggle here is that the St.Louis Cardinals dominate without fail year after year. Every October is Red October when you are a Cardinals fan. Known for being the best fans in baseball, there is a lot of pride for our favorite Red Birds.
"The Rams stink."
Unfortunately in football we are not so lucky. The Rams have not made a Super Bowl appearance since 2002.
"What high school did you go to?"
The question of all questions. What high school you went to essentially describes your human existence. This is your geographic location, your financial status, and your childhood, all wrapped up into one.
*Goes anywhere beyond the Missouri limits* Cannot find Toasted Raviolis anywhere.
These divine square objects, are a signature dish in the St.Louis area. They are a rare find outside of the Missouri state limits. If you find a restaurant not in Missouri that serves these delightful meat stuffed, golden brown pockets, hold that restaurant close, and cherish it forever.
Keep doing you, Lou!
