Those Were The Grundy Days

Once upon a time in the little Village of Milan, Ohio (famous as the birthplace of Thomas A. Edison) there stood a grand little restaurant on the west side of the square, named Grundy’s Loft. It’s one of those places I really miss, like when I crave just one more salsa covered visit to Chi-Chi’s, one more crispy piece of fried chicken from the Red Barn, one more visit to York Steak House at the Sandusky Mall, one more bag of popcorn from Hills, or one more…oh you get where I’m going with this. I am one of the lucky ones though, who can on any day whip up a delicious Grundy inspired meal. I was a cook there for almost three years in the early 1980’s; so those piping hot soups, those garlicy-season salted noodles, that delectable cream cheese frosted carrot cake, Grundy Burgers oozing with Swiss cheese and covered in grilled mushrooms and onions and swimming in sour cream and Ribs and Kraut recipes that are forever embedded into memory. However; I can’t remember Grundy’s Loft without paying a special tribute to the one person whom I believe was the heart and soul of that operation, Renee Dellisanti. Sadly for all of us, Renee passed away in November 2016 and a big piece of my heart went with her. I remember the day she hired me as if it was yesterday, she met me in the dining room wearing a soup stained white apron, one that she always seemed to have on. I must confess I was looking for a job and well, I had implied that I had cooking experience while employed at Scarlet Oaks Country Club in West Virginia, while in high school – not a complete lie, I had grilled hot dogs and hamburgers on the 10th hole, however just once. I’m sure she saw through that façade and was most probably very desperate to find a replacement cook for Lori, who was soon leaving to move out west. Renee and I became friends quickly, though as anyone can attest to, we did have our moments of disagreement which sometimes led to heated arguments. Over the years following our time at Grundy’s I would see her at St. Paul High School sporting events where she would be there cheering on her nephews or nieces – we always made time to talk, share some popcorn (which we ranked each school in the Firelands Conference on) and shared many laughs. At Grundy’s I caught on quickly and loved my new found profession, one I never thought I’d ever be in. Grundy’s Loft was a magical place, locals and tourists loved its homey look filled with antiques and nostalgic pictures and they loved the homemade food even more. I met some of the people there who would become my life-long friends. Cath, Barb, Audrey, Jill, Arthur, Laura, Elaine and Mike just to name a few came into my life because of our time there. It was actually a fun place to work and though we were constantly pushing the limits – like large cottage cheese containers full of Tom Collin’s or Whiskey Sours and always sneaking plates of fries or slivers of pie, we really never complained about coming to work. Grundy’s had the best breakfast around and I miss those fluffy big three egg omelets overflowing with fillings served alongside those delicious rounds of seasoned Ranch style potatoes. Sunday’s were particularly a very busy day for Grundy’s. Lots of hungry church goers filling the place up for hours. I would always be working alongside Shirleen on egg detail as she managed the grill and everything else. She would bark out egg orders to me left and right, most of the time I would keep up, but there were those times that I would fall behind miserably and I would see her grabbing an egg skillet to jump in and help me out. Grundy’s Loft gave me a love for cooking and creativity, Grundy’s was always having some event or serving something that pushed the envelope for Milan, Ohio. Elderberry Festival, (I robbed my Aunt Carlene of her elderberry supply more than once) Cream Puff Days. Dickens of a Christmas, Fashion shows and well one of the best ideas, the Singing Waiters and Waitresses. These were members from the Edison High School Show Choir that would come in on weekends, along with their creative director, Randy Porter and do live musical shows dressed as servers, the customers loved it and the place would be packed! All of these ideas were from Renee’s creativity, all were things that brought something unique to Milan and especially to Grundy’s. Renee rarely took vacations but when she did they were to big cities and she’d bring back ideas that she would incorporate into the restaurant. I miss those days a lot and reflect quite often on them and those people, I can still see Flo pan frying Lake Erie Perch every Friday in big cast iron skillets, never complaining or Betty whipping up those delectable cream pies or Nancy playing “Beat the Toast” with the cooks. It was hard work but it was also fun and rewarding work, work I think we all enjoyed and each of us are better for having been employed there. So as I’m writing this I’m remembering that wonderful place, that delicious food, the fun times we shared but most importantly I’m remembering those great people, especially Renee. I bet she’s cooking up a storm in heaven – I miss you dearly my friend – thanks for believing in me. I shall never forget you and the things you taught me in the kitchen or shared with me in life, you are definitely missed and loved!
Sharing my mom’s recipe for Amish Style Peanut Butter Pie.