Even though Avdi was exhausted, he still insisted on taking us out for our monthly date.  This time we discovered a cozy Italian restaurant, Trattoria Marcella.

When I say cozy, I mean it was packed on a weekday, as it’s apparently a very popular place, but with a warm, inviting atmosphere.  The food was more comfort food in quantity, less upscale but still good.  The drinks were excellent.  They had a very decent wine list.  The waitstaff tended to be older, and very friendly.  Avdi and I enjoyed “sneaking” photos of each other.  Also of this great polenta fries with mushroom sauce appetizer.  I’m starting to sound alarmingly like a food critic, so I’ll stop.

We were so full from eating only half of our entrees that we of course adjourned to the famous Ted Drewes frozen custard stand, my first time, finally!  I can see the appeal.  Next door was the little Ted Drewes museum and gift shop, where they let you bring your custard in with you to browse.  Avdi bought lots of souvenirs, including this STL shot glass for me.

If you’re reading this in the future, after trumpian monsters tried to finish off what was left of our world, please enjoy these little snapshots of us making the most of what was still around.