So if any of you have found yourself at Courtesy Diner late at night, I've bet you've tried their famous Slingers (whether you remember or not!). For those of you who don't know, a Slinger is a St. Louis diner late night delicacy, consisting of two eggs (cooked anyway you want), hashbrowns, a hamburger patty, covered in chili and topped with cheddar cheese and onions (and sometimes jalapenos), served with buttered toast. And let me tell you... at 3am, it is the best thing I have ever eaten!
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| Courtesy Diner Slinger |
Well, what the Slinger is to St. Louis, the Horseshoe Sandwich is to Springfield, Illinois. Last year for our birthday, Jessie and I took a trip up to Chicago with Joe and Josie Hughes. After traveling so much throughout the Missouri/Illinois area the past few years as an auditor, Josie Hughes knew the perfect hotspot for Jessie and me to try a new dish. Josie told us about this magical food called a Horseshoe Sandwich, that was invented in Springfield, Illinois and was absolutely delicious. A Horseshoe Sandwich is a concoction of yumminess, just like the Slinger, and consists of a piece of toast topped with a hamburger patty, french fries, and a yellow cheese sauce. Like hamburgers, you can also order other toppings like bacon, onions and tomatoes. The Horseshoe sounded daunting as Josie told us about it, but she informed us that there is a more petite version called a "Pony Shoe"... I was sold!
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| Pony Shoe with White Cheese Sauce |
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| Topped with Bacon, Tomato and Onions topped with yellow and white cheese sauce |
Halfway down Highway 55 on our way back from Chicago, we stopped at D'Arcy's Pint in Springfield, Illinois. D'Arcy's is right off the highway (15 minutes round trip) and Josie told us they have the best version of the Horseshoe. D'Arcy's is also credited with introducing a white type of cheese sauce, as opposed to the traditional yellow cheese. When we got there I ordered a Pony Shoe and both types of cheese sauces. It was amazing!!! Even in the middle of the day, I love me some local grunge food grub. So if you are ever on a road trip up to Chicago, or if you happen to be in Springfield, Illinois, stop in any local bar and grill (I recommend D'Arcy's Pint) and try the local delicacy!
*Special Thanks to Josie Hughes for remembering to take pictures and for sharing her local food knowledge!
It's sad to think that those photos are of the half sized portion!!
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