These two shops add to the flavor and personality of Saint Louis Street in Lebanon

I’ve been out of pocket much of the last couple of weeks. Apologies to the loyal readers.

To make amends, I want to share a couple of great places that I recently came across while out and about in Lebanon.

Now, I consider my beat – restaurants and other businesses – a huge job perk. I get to check out all the great new places to eat and shop.

While most of the business tips I receive come via phone, email or social media, there are those serendipitous occasions when I just encounter something good.

If you already know about these two businesses, again, apologies. If you didn’t already know, then I’m glad to share the info. Either way, I hope it’s useful and a bit entertaining on the side.

Speak to Miss J

I first learned of Speak to Miss J while on a recent (and unsuccessful) quest to find coffee on Lebanon’s Saint Louis Street.

Located at 207 W. Saint Louis St. in Lebanon, Speak to Miss J opened in early August and previously operated as a used furniture store.

These days one can go there for some homemade Momma’s House ice cream (21 flavors so far) or sweet treats like cheesecake, banana pudding, parfaits and the occasional cake or pie.

And they have some good, old-fashioned soul food.

The manager, Pastor Denon Minney, who is pastor at the Bridal Church of Jesus Christ at 209 W. Saint Louis St. in Lebanon, joked that the reason for making the switch from furniture to food was because he was “tired of lifting furniture.”

He also said he often heard people say that they wanted an ice cream or snack shop in Lebanon.

Pastor Denon said plans are to transition into a full restaurant as they grow … and clean out the adjoining unit (at 209 W. Saint Louis St.) where remaining furniture is currently stored.

(The remaining furniture is still up for grabs too. Keep an eye on the Facebook page.)

For now, customers can enjoy housemade ice cream in fun and unique flavors. (Try some free samples.)

Bubble tea and milkshakes are recent additions to the menu.

As for the soul food, Pastor Denon said Miss J knows her way around seasonings and how to throw down some flavors.

The savory fare may vary depending on the day and can include meatloaf, chicken wings, Jamaican jerk chicken, beef stew and a lot more.

Be sure to check it out when you’re in the area.

Speak to Miss J is open 12:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday.

Call 618-808-0288 for more info and get menu updates at facebook.com/SpeakToMissJToday.

Brick Street Books & …

Another new-ish business I visited in Lebanon is located across the street from Speak to Miss J at 210 W. Saint Louis St.

What drew my attention to Brick Street Books & … was the sign out front that had “BOOKS” written on it.

(Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not just a bookworm, I’m a book dragon. I’m like the Smaug of books.)

So, naturally, I had to stop by.

Half of the store, which opened in June, is taken up by books.

The selection of used books is pretty good and includes a lot of great finds that I don’t usually see in a lot of used book shops.

I was impressed with the selection of classics as well as a section labeled “The Book was Better,” which features books made into movies or TV shows. And yes, in most cases, the book is definitely better.

I chatted with proprietor Dave Miller, Militant Book Dealer and Veteran (according to his business card), about the books and the shop.

Miller said the shop is currently in a “period of growth and transition” and that things are going really well.

And not only does the shop sell used books, but they accept used books – in good condition – for store credit.

Miller keeps track of customers’ store credit by writing it down on an index card and placing it in an old metal recipe box.

Very high tech.

I dropped off a few books and ended up buying even more (because of course I did).

As the ampersand and ellipses in the business name imply, there’s more than books at this shop. All the non-book stuff includes a variety of glassware and other household items, clothing, toys, decor and military surplus.

But oh, the books!

Brick Street Books & … is located at 210 W. Saint Louis St. in Lebanon. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 1-5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

For more info, call 618-720-0058 or visit facebook.com/BrickStreetBooks.

Jennifer Green

Belleville News-Democrat

618-239-2643

Jennifer Green has been with the Belleville News-Democrat since 2006. She covers restaurants and business openings/closings. Green is a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Please share tips and feedback at 618-239-2643 or jgreen@bnd.com.