Within an hour of arriving in St. Louis for my first overnight stay in 35 years I was standing in line at Ted Drewes for a concrete. I had heard of this famous ice cream dessert for many years and I'd just driven over 900 miles from New Jersey, and I had to have one. I arrived at sunset and was surprised at the brisk business for a relatively cool evening in early May. I cannot imagine how long the wait must be on a hot summer evening.
The young woman at the counter was very accomodating as I photographed her holding the concrete upside down. This is the signature of the concrete - you can hold it upside down without it falling out of the cup. The concrete did not disappoint me. It was cool, thick, and had just the right chocolate flavor. It melted fairly quickly into a thick chocolate shake. This usually means that the ice cream was made without a lot of artificial thickeners to keep it thick as it melts. Whatever the recipe, this is a dessert that you must stop for whenever you drive through St. Louis.
"Ask them to turn your concrete upside down and they will. This young woman was very pleased to pose so that I could take a picture."
Akavar Dylutra
"The correct way to eat a concrete is with both a spoon and a straw. You eat with the spoon until it has melted enough for you to use the straw."
Akavar Dylutra
"Ted Drewes is a beautiful sight as the lights come on at sunset. It seems like this place is always busy - even on a cool evening in early May."
Akavar Dylutra
"Ted Drewes originally opened in Florida, but it's the St. Louis location, on old Route 66, that has become a Roadfood landmark."
Michael Stern
"Ted Drewes' order windows are crowded all summer long."
Michael Stern
