Imagine my surprise! I was skimming through the most recent edition of my AAA magazine (Kansas edition) and there it was. An article singing the praises of Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Company located in Hays, Kansas. It got better. Not only is Gella’s diner located in a beautifully renovated historic downtown building, they use as much local produce as possible!! Dare we ask for more?
Writer Richelle Tremaine noted the establishment’s distinctive blend between the past and the present because “the word Gella is a traditional German slang term for ‘yes’, and the brewery’s title, Lb, is short for liquid bread — as bread and beer have common ingredients”. The microbrewery is a silver award winner in the Great American Beer Festival.
Now, tons of people know where Hays, Kansas is. They pass through this Volga-German community constantly on their way to dozens and dozens of destinations east and west on Interstate 70. Now that they know about Gella’s, they really should stop and check this place out! Not too long ago I discovered a healthier place to eat, traveling or not, in Local Burger, located in Lawrence, Kansas. To my delight, Gella’s is another quite unforgettable diner and watering hole.
Yes, they’ve got things like chicken-fried chicken on the menu and I’m a little scared of that. But I was totally impressed by entrees right out of the DeBakey Institute’s Heart Healthy recipe book. Things like grilled Pacific salmon served with steamed veggies and new red potatoes. I wouldn’t hesitate to order the grilled pesto chicken breast.
I’m totally impressed with the fact that while they do offer regional cuisine, they also focus on local food including locally grown beef and produce. The place is wildly popular in this college town (Fort Hays State University) and I have eaten there, enjoying the unique decor and live music as well.
Now, here’s the best part. I will be dining at Gella’s again very soon. Early in October my Hays High School graduating class will be celebrating our 50th class reunion (OK, so now you know how old I really am…but who cares…..). On Friday night after the homecoming football game we will again converge on Gella’s diner. The food and beverages will be outstanding, just as I remember. The music will be loud and the celebration with friends from near and far will go on well into the night. I can hardly wait.
So, if and when you are in the vicinity of this historic, yet progressive place of cuisine and special brews, do take a break and enjoy. The more we all patronize those who are actively supporting local food and local growers, the more we will have to choose from. Gella’s website is www.Lbbrewing.com. Check them out.
To the people of Gella’s who bring us better, healthier food because they WANT to, we salute you!
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