The original CYRANO'S was founded 40 years ago, and was located in a romantic, intimate rathskeller at Clayton and DeMun Avenues. There, St. Louisans were introduced to several new things: smaller serving portions, outrageous gourmet desserts, and wonderful coffee drinks with strange, unheard-of-names like cappuccino, espresso, and latte. It was St. Louis' first and only European-style coffeehouse, and became tremendously popular. Any child or adult of that era remembers his favorite Cyrano dessert or the special "date" who was taken there.