Image via WikipediaSometime in the late 1960s I read a story in Life magazine that made mention of "Red's Chili Parlor" in Joplin, Missouri as having some chili that was not to be missed if in any way possible. I wrote it down in my notebook of "things planned for my future".
I had every intent of visiting "Red's" during the summer of 1970 when I was making a hitchhiking grand tour of the United States that never quite made it as far as Joplin. I kept the notebook with the notation about Red's for when the day came to finally make it to Joplin.
That day came in 1979, when I was touring with the "Cinderella" tour by the World of Fantasy Players. We were in Joplin early with a few hours to spend before going to set up the show. A group of us set out to find Red's and try that legendary chili.
You know--I don't really remember much about the chili. It was good as I recall, but I must not have been blown away by it. Now I know the place was actually called "Fred and Red's" but Red's is easier to remember. Maybe one day I'll have to go back and give the chili another try. Apparently the place is still in business.
