A Year in the Life of Forest Park
Posted on March 8th, 2010 by Erin Callier
As spring approaches (It’s almost here! It’s almost here!) Forest Park is on the cusp of its busiest season. As locals and tourist head out of hibernation and toward the wonders of this gigantic urban oasis, the paths will be packed with bikes, the many free attractions will nearly burst at the seams, and the grassy knolls will be strewn with sunbathers and picnic baskets galore. 
Open every day of the year, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and no matter what the season, offers an unquantifiable number of wonders and attractions. None knows this better than St. Louis-based photographer, Edward Crim, whose blog, Forest Park 365, chronicles a year in the life of this phenomenal park.
If you’ve ever visited or plan on visiting Forest Park, a troll through this prolific and often stunning photo blog is a must. Crim captures the essence of Forest Park with breathtaking images, whimsical family moments, wacky wildlife, creepy wildlife (insert shudder here), happy parkgoers, romance and many intimate glimpses of the creatures who call Forest Park home. Day and night , rain or shine, winter, spring, summer and fall, Forest Park 365 is a virtual masterpiece.
For those planning a trip to Forest Park, Crim’s site is a great opportunity to see all the wonderful ways to spend a day, or two, or three in the park. Rent a paddle boat, take a Segway tour, go fishing, bike, golf, take in a match, visit the zoo, attend one of the many events hosted in the park or simply stroll and watch the sunset.
On Fri., April 30, Norton’s Fine Art & Framing will host a free art event with Edward Crim and the 68, 492 photos from his year in Forest Park. Stop in from 5-8 p.m. and hear readings by Crim, a slideshow and the chance to win some of Crim’s work.
Credit: All photography by Edward Crim.
Tags: Edward Crim, Forest Park, Forest Park 365, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center Segways, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Zoo
Right Here in River City
Posted on March 4th, 2010 by Erin Callier
No, Harold Hill has not come to town hawking his musical wares. River City Casino, St. Louis’ newest house of gambling and dining pageantry, has set down its anchor in South County. Overlooking the Mississippi River, the River City Casino officially opens its gilded doors to the public as of 2 p.m. today. 
With more than 2,000 slot machines and over 50 table games, this 90,000-square-foot casino is also home to a Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, a requisite all-you-can-eat venture, a comfort-food focused cafe, a burger & beer joint, and the 1904 Beerhouse, a classic pub with 32 beers on tap.
In addition to the casino floor and the quite varied dining options, River City also offers a few nightlife options, most notably Bar Central in the middle of the gaming floor, which stays open nearly 24/7, and Judy’s Velvet Lounge, a plush spot with live music that stays open till 4 a.m., seven days a week.
Owned and operated by Pinnacle Entertainment, the same folks who brought St. Louis the sleek Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel, the opening of River City has been long anticipated and heavily advertised. As the newest of seven casinos in the St. Louis area, River City has a lot of well-established competition, but if it’s anything like Lumiere, this is one house that will most likely win.
P.S. I apologize for the musical theater reference there at the beginning, it just couldn’t be helped.
Tags: Lumiere Place, River City Casino, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Casinos, St. Louis Entertainment & Attractions, St. Louis Nightlife
Mo’Nique is Spreading the Love in St. Louis
Posted on February 22nd, 2010 by Erin Callier
You’ve seen her in Precious, now’s your chance to see her live in all her curvy glory on 
the Fox Theatre stage in St. Louis. On March 26, Mo’Nique will hit the Gateway City with her Spread the Love Comedy Tour. With her original, in your face comedy, Mo’Nique strives to create “laughter that makes the bottom of [people's] stomach hurt.”
Joining Mo’Nique will be her counterpart on her BET late night talk show, actor and funnyman Rodney Perry, comedian Tone-X, and DJ Ant. With this dynamic comedy team on the Fox stage, this is one night that will live in hilarious infamy.
Tickets are on sale now. Ticket costs range from $39.50-$59.50. For more information on the Fox Theatre and other events at the Fox, click here.
Tags: Mo'Nique, The Fabulous Fox Theatre
A Decadent Date Night
Posted on February 21st, 2010 by Erin Callier
Just because Valentine’s Day has come and gone, it doesn’t mean that chocolate and romance need to fade into the background, nor cease to go hand-in-hand. 
At the newly expanded Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience in the the Central West End, they’ve upped the indulgence-factor with new menu items, additional outdoor seating (which will reach its true potential here in a few months), a cozy fireplace and a separate wine list on the way.
With a legacy of hand-crafting chocolates since the 19th century, Bissinger’s: A Chocolate Experience is a decidedly 21st century incarnation. With its sleek decor and unadulterated focus on deliciousness, Bissinger’s is an alluring spot for a special date or for no reason at all, except the sheer yumminess that this place offers.
Always focused on the “experience” part of the name, Bissinger’s regularly offers special events and new reasons to pop in. Every Wednesday-Friday, they feature a “Choctail Hour” (or hour-and-a-half) from 6:30-8 p.m., in which guests receive a complimentary chocolate tasting with their drink purchase.
The third Monday of every other month, Bissinger’s hosts a wine & chocolate pairing that is beyond worth the $35 per person. The next delectable evening is set for Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Space is limited. RSVP to event@bissingers or call 314-367-7750.
For a peek at Bissinger’s wine & specialty cocktail menu, click here. For additional information on Bissinger’s in the Central West End, their dining menu and other Bissinger’s retail locations, visit the Bissinger’s Website.
Tags: Bissinger's, Central West End
Valentine’s Day In and Around St. Louis
Posted on February 8th, 2010 by Erin Callier
The question on what to do for Valentine’s Day is always a difficult one. And, since the big day falls on a Sunday this year, it’s not just a day, but a whole weekend full of romantic events and special menus at some of St. Louis’ best locales and restaurants.
So, what to do, what to do? Shall you go out? Stay in? Make it a big to-do or simply rely on a little something from the fine and emotionally pithy folks at Hallmark? Well, we can’t make that decision for you, but if your decision is to go out on the town, read on for some of St. Louis’ most original and romantic Valentine’s Day happenings.
On Valentine’s weekend all three locations of Drunken Fish (Laclede’s Landing, Central West End and Westport Plaza) will offer three nights of “Drunken Love.” Dine on a sushi sampler menu, and for groups of four or more, enjoy a free bottle of champagne at one of St. Louis’ most seductive sushi spots. Make your reservations online at the Drunken Fish Website or call the location of your choosing.
If you’re not currently coupled, Drunken Fish is also tossing a “Sexy Single’s Siorre” at all three locations on Sat., Feb. 13 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. There will be a $5 cover for men, no cover for the ladies, plus a free “flirtini” for the first 100 gals to arrive at any of the three Drunken Fish locations. Additional specials include $1 sake shots, $2 wells and $3 Anheuser-Busch beers.
On Valentine’s weekend, spend an evening at one of the Cheshire Lodge’s most romantic rooms for just $79. 
You will be greeted by a bundle of fresh roses and the Cheshire will make dinner reservations for two at LoRusso’s Cucina on the Hill. A driver will deliver you to LoRusso’s, where you will enjoy a bottle of champagne, compliments of the Cheshire. The price of dinner is not included in the $79 room rate.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, The Boathouse in Forest Park will offer a casual, yet romantic lakeside Valentine’s celebration. Featuring a special dinner menu for the evening, the Boathouse offers one of the most beautiful locations in St. Louis. To view their Valentine’s specials, visit the Boathouse Website. Make your reservation online or call 314-367-2224.
Over Valentine’s weekend, Monarch in Maplewood and Herbie’s Vintage 72 in the Central West End will each feature special menus for the romantic occasion. Some menu standouts include a dynamic cheese course and Coquilles St. Jacques at Herbie’s or Maine Lobster Ravioli and Broken Arrow Ranch Axis Venison Duo at Monarch, which is just as much of a mouthful to say as it will be to eat.
Click here for Herbie’s special Valentine’s menu and here to view the superb offerings at Monarch.
In Midtown, The Fountain on Locust is offering three very different ways to 
celebrate Valentine’s Day. Purchase decadent handcrafted chocolate candy and receive another for half off with The Fountain’s coupon. For a more offbeat Valentine’s, check out The Fountain’s Valentine’s Sweet and Sassy Burlesque on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 9 p.m. Then on the big romantic day itself, The Fountain will feature their “Valentine Sensuous Dinner Special for TWO” for just $19.99 per couple, which will include a free glass of wine.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, the Grapes to Glass Tour at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann isn’t billed as a Valentine’s Day event, but wine, cheese and more has the makings for a perfectly divine day that St. Valentine himself would envy. For just $25 per person, 
Stone Hill’s Grapes to Glass Tour is a special VIP wine tour and tasting, in which a member of the Stone Hill staff leads an insightful tour of their Norton vineyard, tasting room, press house and more. Enjoy a special barrel and tank sampling, a wine & cheese tasting, and free souvenir wine glass.
Tour begins at 2:45 p.m. and size is limited to 40 people. Advanced reservations are accepted. Call 800-909-9463, ext. 21 for reservations.
Afterwords, dine at Stone Hill’s Vintage Restaurant and keep the romance going.
For a memorable Valentine’s Day for two, the Untamed Hearts” Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Saint Louis Zoo will feature a four-course meal for $125 per couple (gratuity and tax included) at the McDonnell Center at River Camp in the heart of the Zoo. In addition to a romantic and scrumptious meal, you and your Valentine will get a special perspective on the Zoo’s fascinating inhabitants.
6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. seatings on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. Limited reservations. Call 314-646-4857 by Friday, Feb. 12.
Tags: Herbie's Vintage 72, Ice Kitchen, LoRusso's Cucina, Monarch, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis Nightlife, St. Louis Zoo, Stone Hill Winery, The Boathouse, The Cheshire Lodge, The Drunken Fish, The Fountain on Locust
Mardi Gras St. Louis 2010
Posted on January 29th, 2010 by Erin Callier
While millions flock to New Orleans or Rio to celebrate Mardi Gras (or Carnival), St. Louis also gathers a stellar crowd of revelers throughout this raucous season of decadence and pure, no-holes-barred fun. Many of the Mardi Gras festivities take place just south of downtown St. Louis, in the charming historic neighborhood of Soulard. The Soulard Mardi Gras celebration began over 30 years ago as a more intimate neighborhood party, but over the years, has expanded and become one the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country, outside of New Orleans. Read on for a comprehensive list of this year’s events. 
Weekend I
On Jan. 29, the Soulard Wine Taste at the Hilton at the Ballpark will feature a variety of vintners from the Brown-Forman portfolio and Missouri Wine Country. Guests can purchase a $30 tasting booklet that contains 12 tickets, which can be redeemed for tastes of the various wines offered. Bottles will also be available for purchase to take home.
The following day, the Casa Loma Ballroom will host the Crystal Cajun Cook-Off, where ten professional and ten amateur chefs will compete in respective categories for the title of best Cajun/Creole dish. For$30, Crystal Cajun Cook-Off attendees can watch the competition and will receive four tickets to sample the Cajun specialities prepard by the event chairman/chef. Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase.
In addition to the sample tickets, attendees can also partake in unlimited samples of Schlafly beer products, Southern Comfort Hurricanes, and more.
There will also be live music by Spur, and all attendees will receive a recipe booklet featuring recipes from each of the chefs in the competition and a 3-ounce bottle of Crystal Hot Sauce.
Weekend II
On Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, many of the popular Soulard eateries will participate in the Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard. Attendees will have seven “taste tickets” to sample six signature dishes and one taste of Southern Comfort from participating pubs and restaurants. Attendees are encouraged to use the free trolley service on Saturday or simply stroll the charming cobblestones on Saturday and Sunday. To purchase tickets to the Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard, click here, call 314-771-5110, or visit any of the participating Soulard establishments.
That Sunday, Soulard will go to the dogs. Head out to the 17th annual Beggin’ Pet Parade to party with thousands of pets as they take over the streets of Soulard. As one of the largest pet parades in the world, the Beggin’ Pet Parade is not just fun for the canine variety. In addition to the thousands of costumed pets on parade, this family friendly Mardi Gras event will feature plenty of other activities. Whether you bring your own pet or not, this is a sight to behold.
Later that same afternoon, adorable dachsunds will compete in the Petsmart Wiener Dog Derby. The race will be broken into three divisions based on age: Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks and Hot Dogs. Complete with bleachers surrounding “Wiener Stadium,” the Wiener Dog Derby will begin around 2 p.m., while other festivities and exhibitors add to the fun.
Weekend III - The Big Day
The major brunt of this month-long bacchanalia will take place on Sat., Feb. 13 and will commence with the Mardi Gras Grand Parade in downtown St. Louis. As one of the largest parades in the Midwest and the most well-attended Mardi Gras event, the Grand Parade begins around 11 a.m. and travels from Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The Grand Parade features over 130 floats and krewes, and hundreds of thousands of revelers shouting out for beads and other goodies along the parade route. 
After the parade, the crowd makes its way to the Soulard neighborhood, where the festivities continue throughout the day. The oft-cobblestoned streets of Soulard will be full of thousands of revelers, vendors, live music, and yes . . . beads. At $100 a pop, the Bud Light Party Tent is one of the hottest ticket at Mardi Gras, holding 2000 revelers, the Bud Light Party Tent will pardi hardi Mardi Gras-style from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and will feature an all-you-can-eat Cajun buffet from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., unlimited samples of Bud Light, Southern Comfort Hurricanes and soft drinks, an open bar of Bud Light, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, and Finlandia Vodka, a private bank of Port-a-potties, a D.J., plus tons of bead and other giveaways.
But, before you join the boisterous throngs, we recommend getting a good breakfast under your belt, and we can think of nothing better than the meal that comes but once a year, Brunch at Frazer’s in Benton Park. Dine on breakfast classics with a Cajun spin, Bloody Mary’s and other Frazer’s favorites to properly fuel you for this day of major merriment.
Also, for safety’s sake, it may be wise to take up the Cheshire Lodge on their Mardi Gras Special. Stay in a King or Double room and take their shuttle to and from the festivities in Soulard for just $69 a night. Plus, you’ll receive themed party favors upon check-in.
The party’s not over yet. On the Tues., Feb. 16 (aka, Fat Tuesday) the Lumiere Place Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade will wind through downtown St. Louis, featuring floats, live music and one last chance to add to your bead collection.
For more information on all these events, visit the Soulard Mardi Gras Website or call 314-771-5110.
Now, Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Or, for those who don’t speak Mardi Gras . . . Let the Good Times Roll!
Tags: Soulard, St. Louis Mardi Gras, St. Louis Nightlife
Cash & Carry Boutique Sale is Back!
Posted on January 15th, 2010 by Erin Callier
The rapid heart rate, the darting eyes, the enhanced reflexes . . . no, we’re not talking about an animal ready to pounce in the wild, but we are talking about a creature on the hunt that just may be adorned in leopard print. The creature? A fashionista. 
And at the 2010 Cash & Carry Boutique sale on January 29 & 30, all of her well-honed instincts will be on high alert. Zeroing in on that perfect slingback, rapidly eliminating the unflattering tube top, ready to pounce on that perfect LBD, and snagging bargains faster than a mongoose on a snake.
At St. Louis’ first Cash & Carry Boutique Sale of the new decade, 18 local boutiques will gather in one place, offering designer fashions for women, men and children at 50% to 90% off the original retail prices. This is an opportunity for fashionistas to earn their pinstripes and snag some serious designer duds at unheard of prices. Shop the discounted threads from some of St. Louis’ most popular boutiques, including Ivy Hill, Mary Jane’s, Blush, Pink Magnolia, Wish Shoes, and many others.
To wet your retail whistle, some of the designers available at the Cash & Carry Sale include Ella Moss, Susana Monaco, Ben Sherman, Seychelles, Tulle and Free People.
The sale will take place in the empty retail space next to Crate & Barrel at The Boulevard shopping center in Brentwood. Sale hours are from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.
The early bird entrance fee on Friday is a suggested $10 and Saturday’s is just $5. Proceeds generated from the entrance fees will benefit the St. John’s Mercy Foundation.
As implied in the name of the sale, all transactions are cash only and final.
Tags: Blush, Cash & Carry Boutique Sale, Ivy Hill Boutique, Mary Jane's, Pink Magnolia, St. Louis On a Budget, St. Louis Shopping, The Boulevard, Wish
Ice, Ice Carnival
Posted on January 11th, 2010 by Erin Callier
The recent sub-zero wind-chills and inclement weather have resulted in most of us remaining indoors in a sort of ice induced house arrest, but much to everyone’s delight, the weather powers-that-be seem to be predicting a reprieve from this arctic spell. 
We can’t think of any better way to celebrate the expected above freezing temps than the fifth-annual Loop Ice Carnival this Saturday, January 16. Bundle up (hey, it’s still going to be pretty cold) and take to Delmar Boulevard for a carnival like you’ve never experienced.
There will be all the usual, family-friendly carnival accoutrements; a stilt-walker, mime, jugglers, and fire performers, a 18-foot slide between the Pageant and the Moonrise Hotel, a S’more Roast at the Craft Alliance, ice carving demonstrations in the Fitz’s parking lot from noon to 4 p.m., over 30 ice sculptures lining Delmar, and much more.
Starting at 11 a.m., there will also be a Temporary Tattoo Scavenger Hunt, in which participants will strive to collect 15 tattoos at participating stores, then claim their prize at The Pageant. Participating stores will have green circles in their window.
For the of-age kids there will be a Putt Putt Pub Crawl from noon-5 p.m., where aspiring duffers can fit in twelve holes of golf and some adult beverages at various Loop hot spots. Participants can pick up their scorecards and begin at Cicero’s or Halo at The Pageant. Other venues include: Pin-Up Bowl, Pi, Blueberry Hill, Eclipse and more. The Putt Putt Pub Crawl will wrap up at Cicero’s at 6 p.m. with prices and a party. The Loop Website, says that golf attire is optional, but if it were up to us, we’d say encouraged.
For more information on the Loop Ice Carnival and its many festivities, click here.
Tags: 2010 Loop Ice Carnival, Cicero's, Fitz's, Moonrise Hotel, St. Louis Entertainment & Attractions, The Loop, The Pageant
Big Night Dinner at Local Harvest Cafe
Posted on January 11th, 2010 by Erin Callier
Ever-increasing in popularity, Local Harvest Cafe in the Tower Grove neighborhood is hosting their third Big Night Dinner on Monday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m.
A St. Louis dining event not to be missed, this four-course dinner will begin with a Cauliflower-Garlic Soup with jumbo lump crab and finish with a Rose Water Panna Cotta. To view the full menu for Local Harvest’s third Big Night Dinner, click here.
Cost: $35/person. Wine Pairing for $15
Reservations are required. Call 314-772-8815 to reserve your space.
If you can’t make to the Big Night Dinner, every Saturday morning, chef Clara Moore heads to the market to procure the freshest local ingredients for that evening’s four-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. Reservations are required.
Cost: $48/person. Wine Pairing for $15
Open for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Local Harvest Cafe changes their menu daily, depending on availability and freshness of ingredients. This recipe of awareness and spontaneity makes for an intriguing and seasonal dining experience. As an added bonus, Local Harvest’s daily menu is extremely affordable, with no entrees over $11.
For Local Harvest’s hours, click here.
Tags: Big Night Dinner, Local Harvest Cafe, Morganford, South City, St. Louis Dining
Bon Appetit, Clayton-Style
Posted on January 8th, 2010 by Erin Callier
Mark your culinary calenders for the week of January 25-31, for the 1st Annual Clayton Restaurant Week. This is most certainly one stimulus package people from any political spectrum can get behind. With 17 of St. Louis’ top restaurants offering special three-course dinner menus at $25 per person, this is sure to stimulate both the Clayton economy and each diner’s appetite.
The Clayton Restaurant Week Website lists all the participating restaurants, the special menu offerings, and the opportunity to make your reservations at many of the eateries.
Many of the restaurants are pulling delicious punches with their menu offerings, featuring some of their most celebrated dishes on this discount menu. Also, most participants will offer at least a couple dish options for each course.
This is a great opportunity to obtain a gourmet meal at a fraction of the price. The dishes available at most of the restaurants during Clayton Restaurant Week would amount to much more than $25 a person on regular evenings.
Some of the standout menus are Oceano Bistro’s, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Remy’s Kitchen and Wine Bar.
Too bad it’s only a week and not 17 days . . . How will we choose?
Tags: Clayton, Clayton Restaurant Week, Oceano Bistro, Remy's Kitchen and Wine Bar, Ruth's Chris Steak House, St. Louis Dining