Ted Drewes. Toasted ravioli. Imo’s pizza. Gooey Butter Cake.

You notice which St. Louis treat I Iisted first.

Ted died this week and it naturally brought up St. Louis memories.

There may be different opinions on Provel Cheese, toasting ravioli or that gooey cake, but there is not any arguing with Ted Drewes Custard.

It is spectacular.

We always make a trip to the mothership on Chippewa when we go back.

Everyone has his favorite but for me it is a Hot Fudge Sundae. When their fudge melts with that creamy custard it is out of this world.

One time my son had been gone for a long time and flew in for Christmas. When he got off the plane he called Drewes and asked how much longer they would be open. They said a half hour but hurry. He made it.

What makes the story even more incredible is how Ted never cashed in by turning it into just another franchise with locations all over America. If you lived behind Ted’s on a summer night when each of a dozen lines was a dozen people deep, it was a traffic pain, but for the rest of us it was tradition and love.

I don’t mind saying on our next trip back when I order my Hot Fudge and custard, I will pause for a thank you to Ted for that amazing custard and his dedication to quality and community.