Tag: food and drink

Posted in News and Features

Grab Some Excellent Food and Margs at Que Pasa in Union

Posted on by Amanda

Whether I’ve had a long, tough day, or we’re celebrating the big and small wins in our household, Mexican food is always our choice. While I don’t think I have ever met a Mexican restaurant I didn’t like, some places just keep drawing me back again and again.

Que Pasa in Union is one of those spots! The staff is always warm and welcoming, and the service is speedy, which just makes the fact that their food is delicious even better. For starters, I love their salsa, with its balance of flavors, and the crispy, warm tortilla chips that accompany it.

I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to Mexican food, and so is my hubby, who can’t get enough of their nachos. My go to order is typically taco salad with ground beef, but don’t let the word salad fool you here. It’s loaded up with lots of meat, shredded lettuce, and cheese, and it’s large enough that I can rarely eat the whole thing in one sitting.

When I don’t go the salad route, I really enjoy their tacos. I know, I have such a diverse palette. The combination plates are also excellent and typically are big enough to share, or provide you with an additional meal to take home. I am not much of a drinker, but in the sweltering summer months, nothing hits the spot like a strawberry daquiri, (non-alcoholic, please).

Four soft shell tacos on a plate with rice and refried beans.
Tacos with beans and rice. Photo via Que Pasa’s Facebook.

My hubby’s order never deviates: the full order of their nachos that comes loaded with gooey queso, shredded chicken, ground beef, refried beans, and topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and tomato. He also adds jalapeños, cause he likes to sweat while he eats. We always have enough for a second meal the next day, since he doesn’t mind it being reheated in the oven at home.

He loves to pair the nachos with a margarita, on the rocks with salt.

Margarita in a Mason jar
Beverages like margaritas are served in Mason jars at Que Pasa. How fun is that? Photo via Que Pasa’s Facebook.

Now, I am one of those people who can’t tolerate the taste of tequila, and don’t even get me started on how dead-set I am against consuming extra salt via the salted rim of a glass. However, I find that the margs at Que Pasa are excellent, not too sweet, not too tart. Although I could never drink a whole one myself, from time to time, we will get the larger size and I will enjoy a few sips, from a straw, because see above feelings about salted rims!

The Socialite recommends Que Pasa!

The details:
116 S. Oak St., Union, MO.
Follow them on Facebook

Posted in News and Features

Find Sandwiches and Sweets at Joe’s Bakery & Delicatessen in Washington

Posted on by Amanda

Tucked away on Main Street in downtown Washington, Joe’s Bakery & Delicatessen is a place to grab lunch to go or stick around and eat inside the cute dining area that features bits of nostalgia like a working cuckoo clock, old dairy milk pails that have been repurposed into a seat, and vintage-style stained glass lighting.

The menu is centered around delicatessen offerings like sandwiches, wraps, and a few rotating soup selections. Sides include chips, potato salad, or pasta salad. There’s also a wide variety of desserts like cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, and more.

Sandwiches include numerous classic deli offerings like clubs, a French dip, Reuben, and BLT and the wrap selections range from items like a chicken Caesar to chicken salad or a meatless option that is loaded with veggies like spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. Traditional salads like chef, Caesar, and Greek as well as a few others can be found on the menu.

When it comes to the sandwich choices, I can’t pass up The Angelo, dubbed “The Ultimate Italian Sub” by the establishment and with good reason. All truly epic sandwiches start with great bread, and since Joe’s bakes its bread fresh daily, the sub roll forms the perfect soft, pillowy foundation for this loaded Italian sandwich. The Angelo features a number of deli meats: Genoa salami, mortadella, smoked ham and roast beef, provel and parmesan cheeses, shredded lettuce, diced red peppers, red onions and artichoke hearts, plus it gets even more flavor from the Italian herb mayo and balsamic vinaigrette.

Italian sub cut in half with a side of potato salad in a styrofoam container
The Angelo Sub and potato salad. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Another favorite of mine is the Reuben, made with a generous amount of sliced corned beef, and topped with kraut, Thousand Island, and Swiss, and served on toasted rye. Although I keep promising myself I will branch out on a future visit and try the French dip or one of the two clubs offered (roasted turkey ranch or the standard variety), I just love the Italian sandwich a bit too much to pass it up when I’m there.

In addition to the food, what I really like about Joe’s is that there’s a big selection of desserts, yet they’re made in individual-sized portions, allowing you to get that satisfying feeling of finishing your meal with something sweet without leaving you feeling stuffed. The desserts often rotate and can be anything from small, personal-sized pies to little cakes, and cookies large enough to share, or nibble on throughout the day.

The Socialite recommends Joe’s Bakery & Delicatessen!

The details:
9 West Main St., Washington
Follow Joe’s on Facebook

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County March 17 – March 23, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

Typically each Monday morning I create a post highlighting things to do around Franklin County for the week, and while I am still sharing some events, today I’m starting this article with a list of ways to help those in our community who need a hand due to the storms that hit our region on Friday, March 14.

Hands in varying skin tones forming a heart shape

If you know someone in need, or you’re looking for ways to help through donating items, below is a list of businesses that are collecting items for those in need. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I don’t claim to know every organization, business, or individuals who are helping out, however, I am sharing what I’ve seen posted on Facebook.

And, since things can change rapidly, including what kind of donation items may be needed, I have included a link to each organization or business Facebook page so anyone interested in helping can connect with them directly.

Blessings Are Miracles is a non-profit organization that helps provide everyday essentials to those who need it.

The Competitive Edge Fitness in Union is offering free hot showers for anyone affected by the storms on Monday, March 17, regardless of if they’re a member of the gym or not. The gym is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Red Cross of Missouri shared a list of area shelters by county for those displaced by the storm.

Present Moment Yoga in Washington shared a post that anyone affected by the storms can receive a free yoga class.

Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge has been collecting donations for those in need during business hours. View the shop’s Facebook for more details.

The Novel Nook in Washington while not open to the public yet, is serving as a drop-off site for donations. Since the store isn’t open just yet, definitely reach out via phone or Facebook to coordinate a drop-off time.

Project Linus of Franklin & Crawford County is an organization that collects new blankets for children in need. If you would like to donate new blankets to Project Linus, reach out to them to get details on what they need and to find a drop-off location.

1861 Social House Eatery & Bar in Washington is serving as a drop-off site for donations.

Now, here’s the list of the events happening around Franklin County this week.

Wednesday, March 19
Every Wednesday is Karaoke Night at The Tipsy Keg. Belt out your favorite song, enjoy flash sales and drinks specials, plus happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Kitchen is open until 9pm!
Find out more.

Thursday, March 20
Stop in to The Tipsy Keg Bingo Night for half priced wings, happy hour, and bingo. Prizes to be won with every game!  
Follow The Tipsy Keg on Facebook for more details.

Freelance Services business ad
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Friday, March 21
Head to The Washington Coffee Shop for the shop’s monthly Open Mic Night. Come out as a spectator or step up to the mic to share your talent with the community.
Find out more at this Facebook event.

Saturday, March 22
Learn the most effective ways to provide everything your plants need to grow and thrive at the Feeding Your Plants Workshop at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist in Washington.
Reserve your spot.

Saturday, March 22
The 25th Annual Spring Bluff Dinner Auction is put on by the Spring Bluff Educational Foundation as a fundraiser to raise funds for the Spring Bluff School District. The community is invited to join in this fun filled night held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan.
Learn more.

Saturday, March 22
Put on your grooviest outfit and head to The Tipsy Keg! They’ll have a 70s playlist, disco ball and a costume contest. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m., Costume Contest awards are at 11:30 p.m. for 1st and 2nd place prizes. Take advantage of specialty cocktail deals, Tequila Sunrise $5 and Long Island $6
Get more details at the Facebook event.

Posted in News and Features

Work, Dine, Or Just Hang Out at BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair

Posted on by Amanda

As a writer, I’m always looking for places to work. I typically do my writing from home, but from time to time, getting out and working somewhere else can really help get the creativity flowing. Although I love my public libraries, as a coffeeholic, when I find a place with good wifi, spacious tables with lots of electrical outlets, and good coffee? I’m all about it.

BB Coffee Lab in St. Clair offers a spacious interior with a blend of table styles, two-and-four top tables perfect for meeting a friend or two, or for setting up your laptop to squeeze in a little work. For groups, there’s a long table in the main dining area and a couple of nooks with couches and chairs that make for a slightly cozier experience. And, there’s also a drive-thru so guests can get their breakfast and drink orders quickly.

Although there’s ample space for gathering, the caffeinated beverage selections are likely the real reason many people visit a coffee shop. You’ll find a number of different ways to enjoy your java here, with offerings ranging from the classic drip style, to cold brew and hot or iced lattes.

In terms of lattes, there’s several standard syrup flavors, think caramel and vanilla, along with sugar-free options, and BB Coffee Lab typically features a weekly drink special often made with seasonal flavors. Depending on the time of year, and my mood, I usually opt for an iced caramel latte (sugar-free when I’m being good) or a drip coffee, which I find has a pleasantly robust flavor, and I add cream and stevia. Can I just add how much I LOVE that they offer stevia packets, since many places stick with those pink and blue packets that we all know aren’t the best for us.

Non-coffee drinkers rejoice! The drink menu is extensive and features hot and cold options including matcha and chai, along with smoothies and energy drinks.

On the food side, my favorite breakfast order is the Mediterranean breakfast burrito, filled with eggs, spinach, feta, red onion and a delicious aioli, that comes with a side of fruit. There’s also other breakfast options, including bagels, pastries, avocado toast, a loaded breakfast burrito, and breakfast sandwiches.

Breakfast burrito, iced coffee, and jar of fruit on a metal tray
Mediterranean breakfast burrito. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

For lunch, there’s salads, my favorite is the chicken Caesar, there’s also sandwiches and wraps, plus a rotating soup option. I personally love the loaded baked potato soup during soup season.

The Socialite recommends BB Coffee Lab!

The details:
335 N. Commercial Ave., St. Clair
Find BB Coffee Lab on Facebook
Follow BB Coffee Lab on Instagram