It was a Night of Surprises for the Dining
Divas at Twisted Ranch in Soulard

I received a couple “hmmm’s” when I sent out the invite for our recent Dining Divas. There were concerns for my restaurant choice, the Twisted Ranch.
“Are we going to a ranch?” “Do they have anything without ranch?” “Why is it twisted?”
Not exactly sure where this place was, I was surprised to see that it’s in the spot of the old Soulard’s Restaurant on Seventh St. in Soulard. I was also pleasantly surprised to see the transformation once inside. Previously, this place felt “fancier” with white tablecloths, suits, and business lunches.
I was always on my best behavior the
times I had been there. Now, when I walked in through the same corner entrance, I was greeted with old country music, casual attire and feisty attitude that confirmed I would fit right in here.
As the Divas started to arrive and be seated, the host realized quickly that moving us to the outside patio was a better option. First, they wouldn’t have to deal with the group heading back out to their cars to get a sweater or jacket. The a/c was cranked on a not-so-warm night. Secondly, as the Abrupt Diva said, we can be loud, so putting us outside may keep us from annoying the other (and younger) clientele. And finally, the setting with table heaters and our own privacy made us so happy. It was perfect for a fall night.
As a starter, the Newest Diva ordered the Spicy Twisted Ranch Bloody Mary, and one Diva said it was the best Bloody Mary she’d ever had. A couple others had martinis, and it was like drinking dessert. So good (and not too expensive).
Twisted Ranch’s menu items are all made with a twist…of ranch. We had a couple orders of the Ranch This Country Flight, which is hand-cut seasoned fries served with several ranch flavors for dipping. The favorite flavors were the Truffle Shuffle, Steakhouse, and Roasted Garlic ranch.
If ranch dressing is not your thing, you can order your meal without it, which is what the Ranch-Aversion Diva did. And she was pleasantly surprised, especially when she dipped her fries in the flavored ranch. The Cajun Chicken Pasta with peppers, onions, and tomatoes was tossed in a cream sauce with Cajun Ranch, and it was delicious.
The Adult Chicken Fingers made the Childlike Diva feel like a grown up even though it was like ordering a kids meal. The chicken had a delicious homemade breading and was wonderful with
the ranch to dip into. And the other adult kid’s meal, the Big Kid Mac and Cheese with bacon and Cheesy Bacon Ranch, was another really good choice.
A couple Divas had Burgers and the one served on Texas Toast was really good, but others said the burgers were just average. And the same for the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
This night was a night of surprises. When our Mini-Diva showed up with her Mom Diva, we realized we could no longer refer to her as a little one. She was taller than most of us and had grown up! The second surprise was the amazing cake brought for
the Birthday Diva. This delicious grab-and-go cake from Wedding Wonderland was one of the best cakes many of us had ever had. The leftovers made the birthday girl so happy.
The last surprise was the most entertaining. As the Storytelling Diva was relaying every detail of a very creative story, her eyes became wide and fear overcame her face when she gazed passed her devoted listeners and a large “yelp” bellowed from her mouth. A chain reaction occurred as those Divas with their backs to the “perpetrator” jumped, screeched, and all turned to see who was the culprit. Ben. Willard. Those were a couple names chosen for the albino possum that decided to join our party.
Obviously, our behavior scared off Ben/Willard as he ran up the steps to the upper level of the building. But he continued to taunt us whenever we quieted down. We could see him sticking his head out around the corner checking us out. Finally, when she had enough of our antics, and Ben/Willard’s, the Brave Diva got up and went after him. She scared him enough to keep him at bay so we could enjoy the rest of our evening.
And we did. We talked about how the Educator Diva feels this school year is worse than last because they had such high expectations that this year would be different. It would be better. But it isn’t.
We talked about the Mourning Diva and the overwhelming support from people of our community who came out to support her fallen family member.
And then we all prayed together which I think is so cool. For family members. For friends. For our country. Between the food and the laughter, we put God first.
We really enjoyed our evening at Twisted Ranch. And aside from the cake and the other surprises, even the unwelcome one, it was so nice to not have to be on our best

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