“In 1958, I discovered Merichka’s poorboy steak that had been in existence before my birth and had been waiting for me. From that point on, this garlic-laden steak sandwich accompanied by a salad with house dressing would be the only constant during my life.”
Stretch Kennedy
How things have changed over a lifetime!
For me, the disruption and inconsistencies started about 14 months after I was born. I had only started to walk when World War II upended the country for the next 4 years soon to be followed by the death of a sitting president. Shortly after that, we had the Korean War and the tirades of Joseph McCarthy accusing everyone of being communists. We began protecting ourselves from atomic attacks by hiding under school desks.
But the poorboy $ was still the same.
Into my teen years, I became aware that Jim Crow had been at work doing his best to maintain a caste system that was finally being acknowledged and rebuked. Change was in the air, but fair and equal opportunities and justice rested upon systems and traditions that would periodically make minimal alterations.
But the poorboy $$ was still the same.
Catholic masses went from Latin to English. Eating meat on Fridays and end up in hell – just kidding. A few received communion – now everybody can. Attend a Protestant wedding? Question the nuns? Never. A pope retires but sticks around. Now we have two popes. Female altar servers? Married priests? (Yes, we have some.)
But the poorboy $$$ was still the same.
How about three assassinations within six years? (John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy.) A United States president and vice president resigned. Another president won’t leave after his term is up. Mass shootings. Armed militia groups walking the streets. Social media on the internet. Viet Nam.
But the poorboy $$$$ was the same and we gathered in Merichka’s with friends.
Throughout the years I have met at Merichka’s with friends and family. Many friends have departed but I always look forward to having my sandwich in their honor. It remains my one constant in life.
Braidwood Beginnings 
Still a favorite when we come back to Joliet. As a matter of fact we drive there from st Charles with our family just to get our poor boy fix. When we meet my brother from St. Louis we drive to merichkas to meet them. Often copied never duplicated. Thanks for a trip back in time.
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Tom, this article is terrific. Our family always includes Merichka’s when I am home. I am sitting here in Sarasota looking forward to my next one.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
John Kalec
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I totally agree with you. I have friends who say they can make it at home, but, truth to tell, they can’t. In this day of health food, my friends do not share my enthusiasm. I don’t care. Poor boys with extra garlic butter is what heaven is about.
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Maybe it’s because I am in Denver and only get back to Joliet area fewer times than ever that it sounds so good. Now having said that, I know it’s not that healthy. But oh so good.
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Totally one of my favorites is Merichkas! Every birthday I want to go to Merichkas! Many special times with family and friends were spent there. Connie McQuinn
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