City Diner (North Grand)

After seeing a show at The Fox Theatre, there is another spectacle to watch right next door. The City Diner, located right next to The Fox Theatre, is the perfect people watching venue. That's without even going inside! With its all glass walls, the diner likens a fascinating store window display when the sun goes down. After walking by the Diner for years, wanting to venture inside, I finally got the chance to see what it's all about.

The decor in the City Diner is a bit confusing. At first the colors, clean lines, and the light fixtures would suggest a modern theme. At the same time, the booths, star burst patterns, and geometric shapes are circa 1950's. There might be some parallels there, but when you throw in lava lamps that's when I'm stumped on the theme.

Admittedly I am a breakfast food junkie, so extra points were awarded when I saw the all day breakfast menu. My crew ordered the trio grilled cheese with fries, chicken strips with fries, the garden burger, and I had the Greek omelet. There was a fuss made over the grilled cheese, "oh it's the best!", and the fries. I didn't hear much about the chicken strips or garden burger so I will say they must not have been spectacular. My omelet was very good. It had spinach and feta and it came with a side of hash browns and toast.

The service we received left more to be desired. Our server was not friendly and our order took a very long time. To be fair, this was during the lunch rush. All in all, I think I will return to City Diner. Maybe for a late snack after a show at The Fox, or maybe just for some pancakes at midnight.

Home for the Holidays

For the first time in 5 years, I will be home for the entire holiday season. During college I used to get bummed out after Thanksgiving break because I was back at school and therefore missing out on all of the holiday fun that happens at home. I missed the tree decorating, cookie baking, Christmas shopping with mom, etc. It was always hard to concentrate on school work, when all I wanted to do was go home! The only good thing about being at school was that it often snowed in Kansas City, making it feel more like Christmas. (Last year there was a particularly great distraction though :) At home in St. Louis, it was usually warmer and there was no snow.

I know it sounds really sappy, but I used to listen to certain holiday songs and cry because I either really wanted to go home or I was really glad to be able to go home. Side note: I highly recommend Kenny Loggins- Celebrate Me Home Haha. It was always such a nice feeling to come home for that month or so and have no job or school work. Not to mention the feeling of being missed so much by everyone. Walking into church I felt like a celebrity!

This year I am already at home, and I was not missed (it's hard to miss someone who lives in your house). Although I don't get the joy of feeling missed, I also don't have to miss out on holiday festivities like decorating, baking, and shopping. One of my favorite things to do is cuddle up with some tea (and my snuggie :), and watch Christmas movies with my family. There isn't a whole lot that compares.