Illinois

Mel-O-Cream Donuts – Springfield, Illinois

Published on February 14, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug Wilcoxon

Mel-O-Cream Donuts. This location on Laurel Ave is just a few blocks from the office. Many early morning runs, (not literally), were made here to put a smile on someones face. Notice the fine camera work, as if I didn’t mean to capture the corner of the truck door in the bottom right. It’s like I was in such a hurry to get in the store I didn’t have time to shut the truck door.

An early morning must stop for any Springfield visit is Mel-O-Cream Donuts.

On a recent trip to Springfield, I found some of the favorite local food places of my past are still making their way in this world of autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries. It did my heart good, but not my cholesterol level, to see my favorite donut shop still in operation feeding the hungry masses good old fashion flour and sugar. Breakfast of Champion donut eaters.

Mel-O-Cream Donuts has been in Springfield as long as I remember. Though there have been up and comer donut makers in town, these donuts are still my favorites. The jelly filled with white icing is my preferred donut above all others.

Just the other day my lunch time dining partner Jim was telling me that donuts are healthier than bagels; and that jelly filled donuts are healthier than the cake donut. Obviously my instincts are on target since I started eating the healthy jelly filled donut from a young age. Not sure where my well informed friend got his information, but if it was from the internet I can only assume it to be true.

*Back in the Day Alert*

I recall three Mel-O-Cream donut locations we visited back in the day. One on North Grand; another in a parking garage at 4th and Adams; and the Laurel Street location.

Mom would sometimes punish herself and take me shopping with her at Myers Brothers downtown. Our regular parking location for such a jaunt was the 4th and Adams Parking Garage. At the first floor, before we would exit the stairs to the sidewalk was a small coffee shop that I believe was a Mel-O-Cream donut shop. I could be wrong since I was not very old at the time and was focused mainly on the donuts. The place looked huge from my young vantage point, but when I returned at the end of the 90’s it was Tiny’s Chili and it was very small place, even for a guy named Tiny.

These donuts take a nice picture, and I am sure they are just as good as the regular shaped glazed donut, but I don’t typically eat them since there is no jelly filling or a smothering of icing. Not saying I haven’t ate them. Just not my donut of preference. Did pick up some for the office as part of my assorted dozen selection. All donuts were gone before 10am, so a dozen wasn’t really enough. I would even venture to guess that these donuts were gone before the healthy snacks, eaten by my co-workers, looking out for the welfare of their fellow employees. We have very considerate and caring employees.

More donuts loaded and ready for purchase. I believe these to be cream filled. My favorite jelly filled has the little teaser of jelly placed on top of the white iced donut.

I selected a couple of these for the work dozen, but left them for my fellow employees. A work of art the chocolate iced donut with peaks of whipped cream and a splash of color. Almost as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat… or so I’ve been told.

Before you visit the Lincoln sites and before your family has awakened, and before you have considered a healthy breakfast, take that 15 minute drive to the Laurel Street location (there is counter service), sit down and have a donut (I recommend the jelly filled) and a coffee or milk (your preference). The shop opens at 7am, so maybe its not that early, but hey, your family is on vacation so its early for vacationers and they will still be asleep. After a couple donuts and a coffee or milk, get a dozen boxed for your trip back to the family. You will be the hero. Then have another from the box.

Happy Valentines Day!

Springfield Illinois Chili – The Chili Parlor

Published on February 6, 2017 in Other 49 States by Doug

Recently I posted about my love of Chili and first foray into the Florida Chili scene. Well…. I was recently back in the town of my birth and had to hit one of the granddaddy’s of the Springfield Illinois Chili scene.

The Chili Parlor was founded in 1945 and still uses the original recipe.

The Chili Parlor. Originally started as the Den, eventually morphed into Joe Rogers and finally settling where we are today with The Chili Parlor name. Back in the day I visited the South Grand Avenue location where the lucky few would eat at the counter and the rest would form a line, along the wall, behind the counter stools. The ordering and cash register was on the far end of the counter from the door. Just enough room for a line of patrons, an exit from the cash register and the lunch counter. It was a tight fit.

I tried explaining the Springfield, Illinois brand of Chili to my Florida friends at work and their appreciation was a bit lacking. The food in the heartland is a bit heartier I believe, and maybe a bit greasier.

I don’t know The Chili Bowl secret recipe, but can guess that it consists of meat, beans, spices, oils and some beef fat. Beef Suet seems to be a common ingredient in Springfield Chili. My Dad makes his brand of chili with a pound of hamburger and a pound of beef fat, red beans and the Joe Defrates Chili Man chili spices. With some oyster crackers it’s pretty tasty… even without the oyster crackers its tasty.

Bowl of Medium Hot Chili. Tailor your heat level to your tastes. You can order a bowl of Mild, Medium, Medium Hot, Hot and Firebrand. If you can complete a bowl of Firebrand you get your name on the wall with the other firebrand diners. The stars next to the names indicate the additional bowls at one sitting.

I’ve had to tone down the heat level over the years and have worked my way back to a medium bowl. Now I’m more about enjoying the flavor and not lighting up my VR1 Receptors. Go figure.

More than the chili, I have grown to love the chili dog. It’s different than what you may picture when thinking of a chili dog. It is a the chili meat placed on the dog, but just the meat. It’s more of a dry mix. Order it with everything and you have a great dog. This chili dog such a favorite of mine that I created my own similar recipe in its honor.

Chili Dog from The Chili Parlor. My favorite item. The Chili Dog with everything consists of the chili meat, mustard and onion. It’s a great combination.

The Chili Parlor is located at 820 S 9th Street, Springfield, IL

Current location of the The Chili Parlor. Just a few blocks North of South Grand on 9th Street. It’s an active place during the lunch hour.

There is a lot of history in those chili beans. If you haven’t tried it… add it to your bucket list. Get your first taste of Illinois Chili.

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