The Mercantile Library is turning 175 years old, and Albert Pyle, director for 16 years, has kept her in pristine shape. This downtown gem is a place where members can relax, eat lunch, write the next great American novel and, if in need of inspiration, wander the stacks of books housed on the original library shelves.
Pyle works Downtown, lives Downtown and eats Downtown. Where exactly does this man-about-town love to dine?
CityBeat: What’s the last great meal you ate and where did you eat it?
Albert Pyle: I just got back from a vacation on the Jersey Shore and our hostess made a delicious Italian sausage linguine and the best eggplant Parmigiana I have ever had. In town, I like Nada. We often take speakers there and recently took David Simon (author and writer/producer for The Wire and Treme who spoke at the library recently) and had a great sampling of the menu. I went to Senate last week and had the Korean Hot Dog. (Pyle has no words and just shakes his head at its deliciousness.)
CB: The Mercantile Library is quite a hidden gem. What hidden culinary gem are you a fan of?
AP: I really like what Taqueria Mercado (Downtown at the old Javier’s spot) is doing. I look forward to eating breakfast there soon.
Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-621-0717.
