Today, I’m reblogging my friend Marianna Crane’s blog. Waking up to her post this morning brought back warm and wonderful memories of our time together in Chicago.

One day back in the 80’s, Lois, my good friend, and I stood in line waiting to be seated at Lou Mitchell’s restaurant on Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. As the crowd moved inside, Lou Mitchell, a white haired older man in a dark suit, handed out small boxes of Milk Duds to each patron. Lois and I were lucky to snag a booth close to the door. Although sitting at the long communal table in the center of the restaurant would be fun, we tended to talk non-stop whenever we got together, so a booth was best.  Lou Mitchell’s diner, founded in 1923, is a Chicago icon. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and noted for its hearty breakfasts. Passing out Milk Duds is a long tradition.  That day Lois and I had come for lunch. After we left Lou Mitchell’s we planned to stroll along the city streets, window shop and end up at Marshall Fields’ Crystal Palace for hot fudge sundaes.  Lois and I continued gabbing after we finished lunch. Finally, we stopped talking long enough to notice the silence. We were the only customers in the place. Behind us, the waitress was mopping the floor. It was past the 2 pm closing time. We quickly stood, grabbed our coats, left a generous tip and signaled the waitress to open the locked door and let us out.    Since that day, I’ve always had a warm spot in my heart for Lou Mitchell’s.  Marianna Crane | April 14, 2021 at 9:00 am | Tags: Alphabet Challenge A to Z, Chicago, Crystal Palace, Hearty Breakfast, Marshall Fields, Milk Duds | Categories: Alphabet Challenge A to Z, Friendship, Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant |