A Former Radiologist Is Building an Online Archive of Lost St. Louis Restaurants — Here’s How It’s Bringing People Together

**Archiving Culinary Memories: Harley Hammerman’s Lost Tables Project in St. Louis**

In an effort to preserve the rich culinary history of St. Louis, Harley Hammerman has launched an ambitious project called Lost Tables. This archival collection focuses on the memory of approximately 135 restaurants that have disappeared over the years, documenting their significance through family histories, menus, and photographs. The initiative has rapidly garnered popularity, with a dedicated Facebook group attracting over 20,000 members who share reminiscences about their cherished dining experiences.

Hammerman, a retired radiologist, explains that restaurants often hold sentimental value, representing favourite dishes and special moments shared with loved ones. He outlines on the project’s website, “We’ve lost countless St. Louis restaurants once special to us. Lost Tables collects the culinary memories of these eating places — from their first course to their last.” This heartfelt aim drives him to ensure that these establishments are not forgotten.

The project was initially inspired by Hammerman’s fond memories of a dish from Golden Fried Chicken Loaf, a now-defunct St. Louis restaurant. He recalls, “As I remember it, it was the best fried chicken ever. It was the fried chicken I measure all other fried chicken by.” This sentiment highlights the emotional connection many people have with their dining experiences and motivated Hammerman to gather stories from other similar eateries.

Researching his childhood favourites, Hammerman began documenting various restaurants that shaped the city’s food landscape. His meticulous work has culminated in around 135 detailed articles, each crafted from newspaper archives, menus, and personal accounts. Each entry shares the restaurant’s backstory, including tales of the founders, the locations they occupied, and the menu offerings, alongside carefully curated historical images.

In one of his entries, Hammerman writes about Louie’s Delicatessen through the eyes of its founder, Fiddleman, who was known for his exceptional corned beef. “Fiddleman boasted he sold the best corned beef in town,” Hammerman notes. He recalls Fiddleman’s unique marketing strategy, where he would offer samples wrapped in wax paper, enticing curious customers with the phrase, “Here, try this. Have you ever tasted corned beef like this?”

The interaction doesn’t stop at articles. Through the vibrant Lost Tables Facebook group, locals are encouraged to share their personal memories. This evolving online community facilitates discussions about beloved restaurants that shaped their culinary memories. One member reminisced about the South Sea Chinese restaurant, claiming it had “the best food and service” around, while another nostalgically recalled visiting the Lotus Room every Saturday, longing for the tasty chicken velvets that delighted their palate.

Hammerman has noticed a remarkable trend within the group—many individuals are rediscovering connections and realising shared experiences. “There are lots of stories like that, where somebody will write me, ‘That’s a picture I’ve never seen of my grandfather before,’ or ‘I didn’t know this,’” he commented, highlighting the impact that shared memories can have on individuals and families alike.

In addition to the Facebook group, Lost Tables also features a podcast and a related site called Lost Dishes, which shares recipes from these bygone restaurants. Another facet of the project includes Lost Tables Trivia, which presents quiz questions each day related to St. Louis culinary history. This immersive approach encourages engagement and knowledge-sharing among community members.

While Hammerman did not respond to requests for immediate comment, his dedication to recognising and preserving St. Louis’s culinary heritage resonates strongly within the community. As Lost Tables continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of food and memory, celebrating a shared past through the lens of restaurant culture.

Lost Tables not only serves as a valuable resource for understanding the city’s changing dining landscape but also fosters a sense of community among those who have experienced the joy and comfort that these lost establishments once provided. Through Hammerman’s diligent work, the culinary legacies of St. Louis will live on, immortalised in the hearts and memories of generations to come.