Seeing Alton Brown, last Saturday night, at the beloved Maid Rite restaurant in my hometown of Quincy, IL brought back a flood of memories. In Quincy, it's an institution, a landmark, a part of history, it is the town's identity.
My parents used to take me there when I was a young tyke. Maid Rite sandwiches and also their famous tenderloins were only 17 cents. This was the early 60's. My Dad had his first date with my Mother there, back in the 40's. My Dad also worked here as a teenager. So naturally, I would continue the family tradition and work there when I was in College, this was 1977.
Every time when I go back to Quincy, the first place I eat is Maid Rite. If you have never had the experience, a Maid Rite is a loose meat hamburger. The greasier the better, that way they slide down easier. There is a Maid Rite franchise in Ft Collins, CO that I have yet to venture to, as it is over an hour from where I live, but I will get there someday, as it's a lot closer than the 786 miles I now live from IL. My wife and kids have eaten there on visits, and now my grandkids must get their chance to taste one of the great sandwiches of all time!