If I had three wishes, they would include something like world peace, princely sums of money… and perhaps a cure for the hangover. Especially as we age, hangovers become more brutal and unpredictable. Two glasses of wine can make it seem like a feral creature is furiously rearranging your brain matter.
As such, I was intrigued to read about a genius German mixologist who has created a magic potion-in-a-can called "Mercy," a drink that when consumed before a night out prevents a hangover. Chock-full of Vitamin B1, a single can of Mercy can prevent the morning-after effects of up to five alcoholic beverages. Mercy is scheduled to hit shelves this month and is available online at drinkmercy.com.
Although it is possible that Mercy could be the heaven-sent (har har!) cure we’ve been waiting for, I tend to be miffed by cures that require foresight and discipline—two things that if I’d had in the first place, I probably wouldn't have a hangover.
So, I prefer to rely on old faithful remedies. Here are a few local spots for post-drinking damage control:
A late-night bean and cheese burrito at Del Taco (212 South Grand, 314-534-1424, and 1033 McCausland, 314-644-2615, deltaco.com) always seems to help ease hangover symptoms. Grease and cheese, enough said. Open 24 hours, another option is Uncle Bill’s (3427 S. Kingshighway, 314-832-1973). I highly recommend the patty melt to sop up the booze. Again, grease and cheese.
If you can’t get yourself to a restaurant that night, there are a few late-morning/early-afternoon options.
Mi Ranchito (887 Kingsland, 314-863-1880, mi-ranchitostl.com) is a favorite among Wash. U. students. If spice is your thing, a Fire Dog at Woofie’s Hot Dogs (1919 Woodson, 314-426-6291) could very well do the trick.