The Quest for Banana Pudding

I planned to have my final Union City meal at PV’s Hut. I was eagerly anticipating a greasy burger and a big serving of the luscious banana pudding I have remembered so vividly all these years. But, alas, it was not to be. Not only had the literal “hut” moved from its original location in the alley behind the Davy Crockett Hotel, but the newer, larger PV’s Hut was closed on Sunday, my last day in town.

Disappointed, but not defeated, I decided to track down my other childhood favorite: Dairy Queen. I think I found it, but the name was Dairy Cream, not Dairy Queen and that threw me off. Although the sign said OPEN, there were no cars and no customers— definitely a negative indication. Foiled again, I realized there was one more nostalgic place to try: the A&W Root Beer Stand, Union City’s only drive-in restaurant in 1960. Well, that too, was gone and in its place was BADBOB’S Barbeque Restaurant. Frustrated but hungry, I decided to give it a try.

To my great surprise and delight, Banana Pudding was BADBOB’S featured dessert! I ordered a half slab of ribs, slaw and pudding. Naturally, I commenced to eat the pudding first. Yum yum was that good! After devouring every bit of the extra large container of pudding I had no room for anything else! Nor did I wish to spoil the ultra-sweet flavor combination of bananas, yellow pudding, vanilla wafers and whipped cream lingering in my mouth.

I departed Union City with a contented smile on my face and a satisfied tummy full of pudding.