Before Chowhound, before Jonathan Gold…Elmer was king.

The Militant is sure he’ll get a real quality meal up there.

Elmer Dills was the very picture of a “class act.” Although I didn’t know him well, I became acquainted with Elmer over many years of being a waiter in a few of the nicer restaurants around Pasadena/Los Angeles. I always enjoyed serving him, and not many waiters can say that about a restaurant critic. Elmer was always so pleasant and friendly; always had great (usually funny) stories about other restaurants he’d been to recently. Regardless of what else was happening with my night, I always knew that if Elmer Dills sat down at one of my tables I would enjoy talking with at least one of my guests (and usually whoever he was with, too.)

Rest in peace, Elmer. You will be missed.