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  • Post #91 - February 25th, 2021, 9:39 am
    Post #91 - February 25th, 2021, 9:39 am Post #91 - February 25th, 2021, 9:39 am
    Cathy2 wrote:I arranged this program on postcards, though not specifically restaurants, which may be of interest.

    The Happy Invention
    The History and Significance of Picture Postcards


    Thanks for an excellent program! The retouched South Dakota diner sans "farmer" makes me wonder how much improvement some of the Chicago restaurant postcards had.
  • Post #92 - February 25th, 2021, 10:47 am
    Post #92 - February 25th, 2021, 10:47 am Post #92 - February 25th, 2021, 10:47 am
    Glad you enjoyed it.

    For those who may want to see it for yourself, it is available to see on facebook.

    I will update this post later with the podcast.

    Regards,
    CAthy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #93 - February 25th, 2021, 11:53 am
    Post #93 - February 25th, 2021, 11:53 am Post #93 - February 25th, 2021, 11:53 am
    Cathy2 wrote:Glad you enjoyed it.

    For those who may want to see it for yourself, it is available to see on facebook.

    I will update this post later with the podcast.

    Regards,
    CAthy2


    I agree that it was a fascinating program. In the category of "who knew," this would be pretty much at the top. I have both sent and received postcards over the years, but had no idea they represented such an important part of history and important record of history. Remarkable.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #94 - February 25th, 2021, 5:22 pm
    Post #94 - February 25th, 2021, 5:22 pm Post #94 - February 25th, 2021, 5:22 pm
    tjr wrote:The retouched South Dakota diner sans "farmer" makes me wonder how much improvement some of the Chicago restaurant postcards had.

    Retouching (or beyond) of postcards was very common, of course. Here are a few favorite examples from my collection.

    The DeJonghe Hotel and Restaurant is now best known for introducing Shrimps DeJonghe to Chicago around the turn of the century (this card was mailed in 1905). Such a grand building! Or were horses a lot smaller back then?

    Image

    Henri Charpentier, often credited with introducing Crêpes Suzette, was a famous but brief presence in the early 1940s at Chicago's Café de Paris ('A Charming Room for the Discriminating Epicure'). Here you can see him flaming away.

    Image

    When Chef Charpentier left Café de Paris, he also left the restaurant's postcard.

    Image

    I'm not quite sure what to make of this next one (with a bit of research I'm sure I can find out more). Chef's new face reminds me of 'Monkey Christ' and other botched art restorations.

    Image
  • Post #95 - May 15th, 2021, 11:05 am
    Post #95 - May 15th, 2021, 11:05 am Post #95 - May 15th, 2021, 11:05 am
    A couple new postcards went up today.

    Four Farthings
    George Hessberger's
    Goldberg's Modern Restaurant
    Eitel's Old Heidelberg
    The Dugout at the American Legion Post 746
    The Gallery at the County Club Hotel

    Sorry, it's not more, but between covid shutting down shows and just a general restaurant postcard drought, pickings have been slim. I did just purchase a beauty, but I don't have it yet, so that will be a surprise for next post!
  • Post #96 - June 19th, 2021, 12:53 pm
    Post #96 - June 19th, 2021, 12:53 pm Post #96 - June 19th, 2021, 12:53 pm
    Just one new postcard today, but it is a goodie. Check out the kitchen of the Grand Pacific Hotel. This will get you to the page. http://chicagopc.info/hotels/hotels-g-k/
  • Post #97 - August 7th, 2021, 4:58 pm
    Post #97 - August 7th, 2021, 4:58 pm Post #97 - August 7th, 2021, 4:58 pm
    Got several new postcards today, just posted.

    Harding's Presidential Grill, with red marked wallpaper in the room
    Heidelberger Fass Restaurant
    newer card of The Nantucket Restaurant
    Nielsen Restaurant table
    newer card of Villa Sweden

    Hope everyone is getting back to eating out again!
  • Post #98 - October 2nd, 2021, 5:48 pm
    Post #98 - October 2nd, 2021, 5:48 pm Post #98 - October 2nd, 2021, 5:48 pm
    Got a few more food related post ards up today.

    Bismarck Hotel - Swiss Chalet
    Calumet Club - Terrace Dining Room (listed under Entertainment - Clubs)
    Chiam Restaurant
    Georgis Restaurant & Lounge
    La Margarita Restaurant
    Morrison Hotel - Boston Oyster House
    Palmer House - Victorian Room
    Su Casa
    Winona Hotel Dining Room

    not food related but an interesting card is the Grand Pacific Hotel cigar stand.

    Enjoy!
  • Post #99 - November 20th, 2021, 11:55 am
    Post #99 - November 20th, 2021, 11:55 am Post #99 - November 20th, 2021, 11:55 am
    Just a few new food related Chicago postcards added to the website lately.

    Barney's Market Club
    Gimbel's
    Joy Yen Lo Co.
    Lauer Sisters Restaurant
    McKowns
    Eitels Old Heidelberg, the Hans Muenzer band

    Sorry, no huge group this time, but pickins have been slim in this department for a while. No idea why.

    Check out my Chicago postcard website at chicagopostcards.info.
  • Post #100 - April 20th, 2022, 5:48 pm
    Post #100 - April 20th, 2022, 5:48 pm Post #100 - April 20th, 2022, 5:48 pm
    Finally, more restaurant postcards! Been a while, but I have some good ones. For those of you who are new here, I have a website of old Chicago postcards that I own, and post here when I get new restaurants. Website is chicagopostcards.info.

    In the Newer Restaurant section -
    Club Suzette
    The Town House

    In the Older Restaurant section -
    Best Ever Lounge and Restaurant
    Devil's Rendezvous
    Heidelberger Fass
    Military Inn
    Rhumba Casino
    Siegel's Barbecue Restaurants
    Silk Hat Cocktail Lounge
    Terminal Restaurant
    Tip Top Grill

    Too bad these are gone! Enjoy!
  • Post #101 - April 21st, 2022, 12:00 am
    Post #101 - April 21st, 2022, 12:00 am Post #101 - April 21st, 2022, 12:00 am
    Hi,

    Someone recently contacted me about the Tip Top Inn. I was really glad to immediately forward them a link to your restaurant postcard pages.

    Thanks!

    Regards,
    CAthy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #102 - April 21st, 2022, 11:41 am
    Post #102 - April 21st, 2022, 11:41 am Post #102 - April 21st, 2022, 11:41 am
    Thanks! That must have been quite the place, although there appears to have been two places with that name. One was in the Pullman Building, and has many different rooms. Not sure offhand where the other one was.
  • Post #103 - June 23rd, 2022, 3:24 pm
    Post #103 - June 23rd, 2022, 3:24 pm Post #103 - June 23rd, 2022, 3:24 pm
    A few more restaurant postcards for you!

    Older Section
    Henrici's
    Math Igler's Casino
    Mrs. Knox Lunch Club, coffee section
    Palm Grove Inn
    Silver Frolics

    Newer Section
    Azuma House Japanese Restaurant
    Diana Grocery & Restaurant
    Golden Ox Restaurant

    Not a lot this time, but that Mrs. Knox Lunch Club is really intriguing!
  • Post #104 - June 23rd, 2022, 6:51 pm
    Post #104 - June 23rd, 2022, 6:51 pm Post #104 - June 23rd, 2022, 6:51 pm
    npchicago wrote:Diana Grocery & Restaurant


    Long ago, in a previous life (still pre-college and living with parents), my dad exploded into the kitchen one night, having just come from the train station, and excitedly announced that he'd found a new restaurant. It was Diana Grocery. We went that weekend. There was a line, but not too bad—but on each return trip, the line was longer, They handed out ouzo and sometimes cheese to those standing in line (which went through the length of the Grocery to the back room, where tables were set up). Always seemed like an adventure -- especially at New Year's, when we were expected to smash our plates when we finished eating!! Lots of fond memories.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #105 - June 24th, 2022, 9:36 am
    Post #105 - June 24th, 2022, 9:36 am Post #105 - June 24th, 2022, 9:36 am
    Cynthia wrote:
    npchicago wrote:Diana Grocery & Restaurant


    Long ago, in a previous life (still pre-college and living with parents), my dad exploded into the kitchen one night, having just come from the train station, and excitedly announced that he'd found a new restaurant. It was Diana Grocery. We went that weekend. There was a line, but not too bad—but on each return trip, the line was longer, They handed out ouzo and sometimes cheese to those standing in line (which went through the length of the Grocery to the back room, where tables were set up). Always seemed like an adventure -- especially at New Year's, when we were expected to smash our plates when we finished eating!! Lots of fond memories.


    Diana Grocery was one of the Greektown locations that turned a blind eye to a group of high school kids without fake IDs dining and getting drunk on Roditis. Fortunately said high school kids were smart enough to have a designated driver. Or so I heard. :lol:
    -Mary
  • Post #106 - June 24th, 2022, 11:13 am
    Post #106 - June 24th, 2022, 11:13 am Post #106 - June 24th, 2022, 11:13 am
    Diana Grocery was one of the Greektown locations that turned a blind eye to a group of high school kids without fake IDs dining and getting drunk on Roditis. Fortunately said high school kids were smart enough to have a designated driver. Or so I heard. :lol:


    Circa 1975, Psistaria when it was on Lawrence Ave. Bunch of us 17-year-olds dined there with our dates, impressing them by saying that we knew the owners and that they'd serve us wine, no problem.

    Actually it was just a matter of my Greek buddy--whose family did know the owners--knowing that the house would 'pad' the bill accordingly, over & above the cost of the Roditys.
  • Post #107 - August 11th, 2022, 4:10 pm
    Post #107 - August 11th, 2022, 4:10 pm Post #107 - August 11th, 2022, 4:10 pm
    A few new restaurants for you!

    Newer ones:
    Golden Tiara Ballroom
    John Barleycorn Pub

    Older ones:
    Blue Danube Grill
    Drake's Bryn Mawr Restaurant
    Gimbel's

    Sorry, not a lot but a couple goodies!
  • Post #108 - September 15th, 2022, 6:47 pm
    Post #108 - September 15th, 2022, 6:47 pm Post #108 - September 15th, 2022, 6:47 pm
    Some new restaurants just loaded up to my website, chicagopostcards.info.

    Newer:
    Di Leo's Restaurant
    Mr. K's Restaurant

    Older:
    Guey Sam's
    Marty's
    Polo Italian Restaurant
    Tower Cocktail Lounge

    I like to look these addresses up on Google maps to see what is there now. The closer to downtown, the more likely they are totally gone, but once in a while you can see a building still remains, though usually being used for a different purpose. Enjoy!
  • Post #109 - September 15th, 2022, 9:56 pm
    Post #109 - September 15th, 2022, 9:56 pm Post #109 - September 15th, 2022, 9:56 pm
    npchicago wrote:Older:
    Guey Sam's


    Family destination from my childhood! First place I ever had pressed duck.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #110 - January 28th, 2023, 11:09 am
    Post #110 - January 28th, 2023, 11:09 am Post #110 - January 28th, 2023, 11:09 am
    Finally got a few more restaurant postcards, but they are good ones! Here is the list, and where they are located on my website, www.chicagopc.info.

    Heidelberger Fass Restaurants - New G-K

    Duffy's Tavern Restaurants - Old D-J
    Honolulu Harry's Club Waikiki Restaurants - Old D-J
    Jack Huff's Restaurant & Bar Restaurants - Old D-J
    Jack's Triangle Theatre Restaurant Restaurants - Old D-J

    Enjoy!
  • Post #111 - May 13th, 2023, 7:52 am
    Post #111 - May 13th, 2023, 7:52 am Post #111 - May 13th, 2023, 7:52 am
    Here are a couple new cards. Not many but good ones.

    Harry's Show Lounge
    Ivanhoe Tavern - same address as the Ivanhoe Garden
    Roedel's Buffet

    All listed under Older Restaurants on my website, chicagopc.info.
    Enjoy!
  • Post #112 - June 7th, 2023, 6:48 am
    Post #112 - June 7th, 2023, 6:48 am Post #112 - June 7th, 2023, 6:48 am
    Mike Gebert's writing a book.
    A Different World: What I Learned While Writing an Oral History of Chicago Restaurants

    https://resto.newcity.com/2023/06/07/a- ... staurants/
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #113 - June 7th, 2023, 12:20 pm
    Post #113 - June 7th, 2023, 12:20 pm Post #113 - June 7th, 2023, 12:20 pm
    More a category than a restaurant -- elegant, kind of old-world places, such as Indian Trail, Cooley's Cupboard (first place I ever saw petit fours), and the Dominion Room. The first in Winnetka, the second two in Evanston.

    Not as elegant, but still kind of in this category: Mary's Cupboard in Winnetka. The first place I saw racks of chickens turning on spits. Today, the place has been repurposed as Aboyer.

    And for crazy ice cream delights -- Charmet's on Michigan Avenue.

    Don't know that any of this is sufficiently noteworthy -- but it has been fun remembering my life in dining out.
    "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." Ronald Reagan

    http://midwestmaize.wordpress.com
  • Post #114 - September 28th, 2023, 12:25 pm
    Post #114 - September 28th, 2023, 12:25 pm Post #114 - September 28th, 2023, 12:25 pm
    Got some new restaurants for you today!

    Older:
    Eitel's Old Heidelberg Rathskeller, Louie and His Gang
    The Horse Shoe Restaurant
    Roma Restaurant - kind of a different view

    Newer:
    La Cheminee
    La Luce
    Lino's
    Orbit Restaurant and Lounge
    The Red Garter
    Vincent's North Restaurant

    Restaurants in hotels :
    Great Northern Hotel - Cafe
    La Salle Hotel - Pan American Cafe

    Enjoy!
    The website is : chicagopostcards.info.
  • Post #115 - September 28th, 2023, 1:42 pm
    Post #115 - September 28th, 2023, 1:42 pm Post #115 - September 28th, 2023, 1:42 pm
    By the way, I am embarking on a project to include addresses on all the restaurant postcards in my New sections. Many of them have the address on the back, and for some reason, I did not include them with the titles earlier. I decided to make it easier for you to look up these cards on map software. It won't take long, I already have the A-F section completed.

    I find it very interesting to look up these places to see whether the buildings are still there.

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