I stopped by Pappas restaurant in Parkville yesterday around noon and was thrilled to have my meal accompanied by tunes from keyboardist Jack Biro. He's been rippling the keys with classics for 14 years at the well-known spot.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I had never been to Pappas. But it seems like one of those throwback spots that everyone should visit at some point. And the food is definitely worth the trip—nothing fussy, just well-prepared seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

The restaurant draws an older clientele and definitely has a retro look in the main dining room: dark paneling, dim lighting, banquettes, and upholstered chairs. But it’s a comforting place, where diners greet their waitresses by name and also seem to know one another. My book and I were definitely a curiosity.

Mr. Biro plays there twice a day: from noon-1:30 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Thanks, Mr. Biro. You made my day.