Ever since I was knee-high to the Billiken Bush, I knew I had a calling. I had a special interest that was always above everything else, a longing that could never completely be fulfilled. I wanted to meet celebrities-and I wanted to meet them now.

My desire for wanting people with even a hint of public recognition to recognize me started early on in my life, and I blame The Babysitter’s Club.

Ann M. Martin, creator of the book series that featured every ‘tween girl’s favorite group of middle-school-aged babysitters, was the first sort-of celebrity that I encountered.

I met her at a book signing when I was 10.

Draped in my favorite outfit with book number 100 of the series in my hand, after hours of waiting in line with my father (who was, no doubt, having the time of his life), I finally got to meet her-and she told me she liked my shirt.

It’s not the autographs that I get, or the pictures that I take (though those are quite wonderful) with the D-list celebrities; it’s the stories I get to tell about them; it’s the times I plot with my friends, looking for ways to stand out and be remembered as “those girls, that one time.”

It’s the acknowledgment of my existence-that’s all I really want.

Case in point: One of my friends and I wanted a Kansas City Royals baseball player to wave at us. We didn’t even like the player, really. We just thought it would be fun to see if he would wave at us, thus acknowledging our existence. We’re really not that hard to please. After two years, many Royals games and a homemade posterboard “Wave at us” sign later, we reached our goal. It’s really more of a perfectionist thing than anything.

And God knows I can’t go on my D-list celebrity adventures on an empty stomach.

Reggie’s Backstage Restaurant (522 N. Grand Blvd.) meets all of my pseudo-stalking needs.

Located directly across from The Fabulous Fox Theatre, the restaurant even offers special deals before matinee performances, forming the perfect fix for my “please notice me” hunger pains. That, and the fact that the restaurant is about a five-minute walk down Grand Boulevard from campus make one of the most accessible restaurants in the area.

In addition to the location bonus, Reggie’s also provides that swanky, sophisticated feel that I love so much. Sitting in the dimly lit, fashionable chairs, with what is arguably St. Louis’ most Broadway-esque theater in your direct line of vision, you don’t feel as if you’re in St. Louis anymore; it’s an escape from the norm.

Even the cityscape backdrop painted behind the bar gives it that not-so-Midwestern city feel.

With the exception of the special, matinee dinners, the prices are a bit steep for most college students.

Stick with the matinee dinners, the soup and salad options or the appetizers-all good, and all cost about $10. Plus, when you save on the dinner, you can splurge on the dessert, my favorite part of Reggie’s. Go for the chocolate cheesecake; you won’t be disappointed.

The random celebrity-encounters business is taxing. You have to be on top of your game, you have to always be ready to wave or shout “Oh my God, it’s that one guy” at the drop of a hat. Most importantly, you have to be fed, and Reggie’s is the place to see and be seen.

Kelley Dunn is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Science.