Right out of college I went off work a few miles from my college town. I found this place, my local “dive” as I find in every town I live in. It served corned beef and cabbage sandwiches on rye with spicy mustard, and quarts of PBR (that’s for Pabst Blue Ribbon beer for newbies).
Pretty soon I was arranging every birthday and going-away party there for colleagues. Why me? I was the organizer, cook, and the only young single gal who actually owned a punch bowl to bring to company events.
What is most interesting about this place is that during the Great Depression (no, not 2008) people would line up around the block and for a nickel they’d get a plate of beans so they wouldn’t go hungry.
I never went by myself except once, to ask about hosting a staff birthday. After that there were always 8-14 of us.
I’d call the owner’s son and ask for a reservation for 12 for 11:30. He’d laugh and say “we don’t take reservations.” Then I’d say, “It’s Dee.”
We’d show up at 11:30 and the tables were put together and there were already 3-4 PBR’s on the table.The birthday person or person leaving the staff was paid for equally by everyone else.
Ah, yes. I had to arrange for my own birthday parties as well, but didn’t have to pay for lunch!
My husband and I saw part of a series on NYC this morning, about the Depression, and I thought of beaneries and thought fellow readers and cooks might enjoy it. Cheers! Happy Mothers’ Day! Dee
Cooking with Dee 