Mary Hostetter had a booming Christmas cookie business operating out of her home. In 1985, she went into a partnership with a local restaurant to operate her bakery inside. Her bakery became so successful she eventually took over the restaurant and has expanded her building a number of times. She prepares quiche, croissants, soups, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, and a wide assortment of pies.

This restaurant is large and has three separate dining areas, one of which had live mood music. They are extremely busy, but with their seating capacity a short wait is well worth it. Our dining room was an old type pub environment and the waitresses are similiarily dressed. This is a casual restaurant. They have limited hours, from 10am to 3pm Tuesday thru Friday. They are open until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, but closed on Mondays.

I elected to have their daily special, chicken fried steak. I selected a strawberry salad, which was a lettuce salad with strawberries and a sweet poppy seed type dressing. It was great. This was followed by the delicious main course.

Just when I thought I was too full to eat anything else, it was time for dessert. With a bakery in the restaurant, they have a full line of cookies, cakes, rolls, muffins, bars, and pies. I decided on having a slice of pie, but there were over 25 choices. After having a summit meeting with the waitress, I decided to have a slice of pecan fudge cream pie. It was worth every calorie. The waitress delivered my slice of pie that towered a good six inches above the plate. I had to share my good fortune with my family, but it was one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.

This is a must dining experience.

A staff of 75 prepares and serves some of the best home cooked meals available anywhere and lest we forget, there is the pastry counter!. The Blue Owl is famous for it’s desserts among other things. Imagine a piece of Chocolate Malted Milk Ball Cheesecake or the "Levee High-Apple Pie!" This dessert is dedicated to the 1000’s of volunteers and National Guardsmen who build a 50 ft. flood levee during the great ‘93 flood to protect the Blue Owl and the entire town of Kimmswick. It was just enough. The highest point of the flood was 49 feet 9 inches!

The owner of the Blue Owl is long time resident of Kimmswick, Mary Hostetter. This blond headed center of calm spends many of her days at the restaurant overseeing the proper care of her guest as well as greeting everyone with a heartfelt smile of welcome. In spite of her success she always comes across as the new best friend your glad you’ve met. This is part of the charm of the Blue Owl.

For main courses, there is Cheddar Potato Topped Meatloaf, Spinach and Bacon Quiche or Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup.. The restaurant specialized in soups and quiches of many varieties. The portions are large, the service impeccable, and the food so good and varied, it’s hard to decide exactly which wonderful item you’d like to select!

The Blue Owl serves breakfast and lunch. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. The entire town, including the Blue Owl, is closed on Monday. You can purchase many of their desserts at the pastry bar as well as other items such as apple butter, or cookbooks that contain many of the great recipes used in the restaurant. This is a thoroughly delightful place to eat and popular. As a result, you are recommended to call ahead for a reservation. I’ll also mention that Mary has turned her baking talent to creating some wonderful sugar-free desserts as well!

The prices of entrees range from $8 to $11 making the restaurant family friendly. When you come to St. Louis, try this and go home with a great memory! For more information call 636-464-3128 or their website: www.theblueowl.com.