ST. LOUIS — Christina and Hoover Harvey are cooking up something in an Alton kitchen.
But before they go to work, they embrace and say a prayer in the dining room.
“We ask for a good day, today, Father,” said Hoover. “We ask for those who are less fortunate to be able to come in and get a ticket off our love board.”
Their restaurant is in the back of Pour Decisions, a bar in Alton. They opened this brick and mortar, C-Rations Grub Hub, in October, after first having success with a food truck.
Christina described their menu.
“I do tacos, deep-fried brisket burritos,” she said. “Turkey chili, something called ‘Hoppin’ John,’ chicken tacos, cornbread, honey hot chicken wings.”
Hoover filled in the gaps and finished Christina's sentences.
“Nachos,” he added, encouraging her. “Quesadillas.”
“Mexican,” said Christina, summing it up. “Then, I do creole. I do gumbo. I do jambalaya.”
Hoover prompted his wife.
“Red beans and rice.”
They both came from a military background. Hoover is retired from the U.S. Army 82nd & 101st Airborne.
He characterized Christina’s service.
“She’s a… Marine,” he said, giving special emphasis to the branch of the military his wife served in.
“Did you just air quote me?” asked Christina.
“Well, I gave my job description,” Hoover replied to his wife. “Yours – Marine – covers all, I guess. I don’t know. Anyway.”
Based on how they interact, you might think the Harvey's were a little sweet on each other when they were both active military. That, however, would be mistaken.
Hoover reflected.
“We met in ’05,” he said. “Couldn't stand her. We would cuss each other up.”
Christina explained.
“I guess I had a reputation for not being nice.”
On this detail, Hoover had nothing else to say. Eventually, they found their affection for one another, and it has been simmering on a low heat, ever since. The love board in their restaurant is an opportunity for customers to buy meals for people who need them.
“Nobody should have to beg to eat,” she said. “Call it my cry to the community.”
The Harvey say the love board is near and dear to their hearts, and anybody can donate. It’s a testimony to what they stand for, and what they are making. It’s not just dinner.
“We go where the Lord leads us,” said Christina.
“It’s working out,” added Hoover.
Christina summed it up.
“So far, it’s been great.”