Mondays are my day off. Mondays are also my day to cook. I don’t mind giving Alaine a break, she sure deserves it, but I’m not very good in a kitchen. I have a pretty limited repertoire—macaroni and cheese; it comes straight out of a box, mind you, just like my pancakes. I can also open a jar of spaghetti sauce and put it in the crock pot. If you like, I could probably make you a decent peanut butter sandwich or scramble a few eggs.
Tonight, I’ve decided to punt. We’ll be heading down Johnson Parkway to Obbs for supper. It’s a true mom and pop joint. Alaine loves their broasted chicken; they make the best she’s had in the Twin Cities. And, as luck would have it, chicken is Obbs’ Monday special, which works out good for me when I decide to take the night off from cooking.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about another eating establishment; one with a no-nonsense name—the Beef ‘N’ Brew. Beef ‘N’ Brew is located 325 miles south of where I sit typing. It’s not open on Mondays, so if you are ever in the vicinity of Mapleton, you’ll need to stop on another day to sample their menu.
Beef ‘N’ Brew is a simple café. No fancy décor, and no fancy food. This is very much in keeping with the town and residents. It is my kind of place.
In the last few months, I’ve had a good number of meals at Beef ‘N’ Brew. My dad took us there as we planned my mom’s funeral this past November. Beef ‘N’ Brew also catered the funeral lunch. That night, when all was said and done, we went back to Main Street for more.
We were once again sitting in the restaurant for lunch on December 30, having traveled to Iowa for a belated Christmas celebration.
Beef ‘N’ Brew is located almost directly across the street from my dad’s barber shop. It gives me comfort knowing that it’s there. Let’s just say that there aren’t a whole lot of dining options in a town the size of Mapleton. It gives locals a chance to enjoy a home-style meal. It also gives neighbors a chance to socialize.
As I think about it, there is one thing that Obbs and the Beef ‘N’ Brew have in common besides food. I rarely see people at either on their phones. Instead, they are talking. A rarity when we dine out these days.
The Beef is definitely a staple of Main Street in Mapleton. Such great food and service. So glad both our Dad’s can go there for food, friends and fellowship!!
I love those kind of places!