Friday Night Lights at Anheuser-Busch
Posted on November 28th, 2009 by Erin Callier
As one of St. Louis’ most beloved and well-attended attractions, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is a must-see during any trip to the Gateway City, but for three nights in December, it will become infinitely more marvelous when they stay open late for tours that will display their holiday spirit en masse. 
On Dec. 4, 11, & 18, the Brewery will extend their hours until 9 p.m. for special evening tours of the Brewery, which will be lit by more than one-million lights. In addition to the holiday whimsy, of-age guests cans sample fresh brews and browse the gift shop.
After touring the Brewery in all of its festive glory, make a night of it in picturesque Soulard. Stroll down the street and dine at Frazer’s Restaurant & Lounge or Sage Urban American Grill, two neighborhood eateries that offer refined comfort food and super inviting atmosphere, the perfect compliment to the charming holiday cheer you’ll surely experience at the Brewery.
For more information on the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and what to do in and around it, visit the Concierge Preferred Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour Guide.
Tags: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, Frazer's Restaurant & Lounge, Sage, Soulard, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Events, St. Louis Holidays, St. Louis On a Budget
A New Icy Tradition in St. Charles
Posted on November 20th, 2009 by Erin Callier
This holiday season, Historic Downtown St. Charles promises a moment straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. For the first time ever, a temporary outdoor ice rink will be installed in Frontier Park, directly along the Missouri riverfront. 
Part of St. Charles’ on-going Bicentennial anniversary celebration, this outdoor ice rink will be open for the public from Friday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Jan. 4 2010, in conjunction with the 2009 St. Charles Christmas Traditions, where old-fashioned Christmas storybook characters, Victorian carolers, Santas from around the world, carriage rides, holiday shopping, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire complete this holiday scene that is Norman Rockwell meets It’s a Wonderful Life meets Meet Me in St. Louis, all wrapped into one, very traditional Christmas bow.
Glide along 120 x 50-feet of frozen holiday fun, sip hot cocoa as you watch the Missouri River flow by, then head up to Main Street to stroll along the festive cobblestone streets.
If you partake in just one of the many holiday festivities happening in and around St. Louis this season, the St. Charles Christmas Traditions are hard to top.
Click here for the ice rink hours.
Admission: Adults $6, 12 & Under $5
Skate Rental: $3
For more on outdoor ice-skating in St. Louis, read this previous CP blog.
Tags: Historic Downtown St. Charles, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Holidays
End the Year With a Bang
Posted on November 18th, 2009 by Erin Callier
In the mood to hear a little Britney, Whitney or even Axl? The hyper-talented dueling piano crew at the Big Bang in St. Louis can really do it all. Many folks have tried to stump the performers, requesting anything from Nelly to Dolly Parton, and many folks have failed . . . resulting in one heck of a fine conciliation prize, with copious amounts of toe-tapping, knee-slapping and singing along. 
Open since 2001, The Big Bang on St. Louis’ Laclede’s Landing was the original incarnation of this expanding piano bar empire. With locations in Tempe, Nashville and Columbus, The Big Bang has proven to be a big hit. From the young college crowd to the more mature married folk, The Big Bang packs em’ in night after night.
Ideal for family and friends visiting over the holidays or hosting that holiday party, The Big Bang does except reservations and hosts private parties on a regular basis. With a large dining and drinks menu, there really is something for everyone, just like the music. Click here to book The Big Bang for your next event or call 314-241-2264 to make a reservation.
Open til 2:30 a.m. every night but Sun. & Mon., The Big Bang is only for the 21 and older crowd. We recommend taking the MetroLink to the Arch-Laclede’s Landing stop just a short stroll from The Big Bang steps to ensure the maximum fun/safety factor when it comes to the trip home.
And yes, the Big Bangers are very good sports, and will surely play a certain little ditty by that Billy Joel fella if asked. For more information on The Big Bang in St. Louis, visit The Big Bang Website.
Tags: Downtown St. Louis, Laclede's Landing, St. Louis Entertainment, St. Louis Nightlife, The Big Bang
Sunday, Bloody Mary Sunday
Posted on November 13th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Do you fancy yourself a cocktail-connoisseur? A Bloody Mary Buff? Have you figured out the perfect blend of Tabasco and celery salt? Then test your Bloody Mary prowess this Sunday, Nov. 15th, at Eclipse Restaurant‘s first-ever Bloody Mary Competition. 
Located at the Moonrise Hotel in The Loop, Eclipse is launching their new Bloody Mary Bar with a battle so bloody, no celery stalk will be left standing. The challenge will begin at 11 a.m. sharp, and competitors will be able to utilize over two dozen hot sauces, a large selection of handmade pickled vegetables, a variety of salts and spices, and house-made mixes in their pursuit of the title for Best Bloody Mary.
Now, as for what the victor will receive (other than bragging rights and sheer pride at having concocted the finest tomato-based libation of them all), remains unclear. Maybe a jar of mini gherkins, perhaps?
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, Eclipse’s new Bloody Mary Bar will be added to the restaurant’s repertoire every Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information on Eclipse and to view their menus, click here.
Tags: Eclipse Restaurant, Moonrise Hotel, St. Louis Dining, The Loop
Micro-Pricing at MacroSun International
Posted on November 13th, 2009 by Erin Callier
There’s nothing quite like the words “store-wide sale” to get a shopper’s blood flowing . . . especially this time of year. Add a bit of social and global consciousness into the the mix and we’re sold, or in this case, the intricately woven textile from Indonesia is sold! 
In an effort to make this holiday season as Fair Trade as possible, the Fair-Trade focused folks at MacroSun International in the Loop and Downtown, are discounting every single item at both locations. From now until November 23, the entire MacroSun inventory, which is made up of distinctive handcrafted goods from South Asian artisans, is at least 20% off, and some, slightly damaged and clearance items are even marked down by 70%.
With their newest shipment currently being uncrated, now is the time to shop MacroSun’s warm Himalayan winterwear, Napalese stone and sterling jewelry, vibrant tapestries and antique textiles from India, fine Buddhist and Hindu artwork, tribal carvings, whimsical home decor from Java and much more.
Also, in celebration of this macro-sale, MacroSun’s Loop location is offering free Henna body art on Saturday, Nov. 14 & the 21 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
For more information on this fair trade retailer and to shop their online store, visit the MacroSun International Website.
Tags: Downtown St. Louis, MacroSun International, St. Louis Shopping, The Loop
Time to Lace Up at The Steinberg Ice Rink
Posted on November 13th, 2009 by Erin Callier
The season is upon us! Although the weather in St. Louis is nowhere near icy, the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park has already fired up the Zamboni and spread a frozen sheen of fun for the winter months. 
Open every day (including holidays) until February 28th, the Steinberg Rink is located on the eastern edge of Forest Park. Just a short walk from the Saint Louis Science Center and many other Forest Park attractions, the Steinberg Rink is ideal for a family outing.
Or, if your sights are set on a more romantic venture, the Steinberg is open until midnight on Fridays & Saturdays, and is within walking distance to the vibrant Central West End neighborhood’s multitude of intimate eateries, dark and cozy lounges and brick paved streets designed for strolling hand-in-hand. Is it just us, or does this sound the like makings of a seriously romantic movie montage? Wait, did Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks from like 15 years ago just glide by?
If the family is gathering in St. Louis over the holidays and you’re looking for a scene that is more Christmas Vacation than romantic-comedy, the Steinberg Rink is not only open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s, but is staying open until midnight everyday from from Nov. 25-28 and Dec. 18-Jan.3. So lace up your rentals and let the holiday-themed family fun begin!
Admission to the Steinberg Skating Rink is $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids 12 & under. Skate rental is an additional $3.
Regular Hours:
Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-Midnight
After you’ve worked up an appetite doing your best Tanya Harding impression, grab a bite at the Steinberg’s Snowflake Cafe, the Boathouse Cafe in Forest Park or any of the plentiful restaurants in the Central West End.
For more information on all there is to see and do in Forest Park, check out CP’s comprehensive Forest Park Guide.
Like being in-the-know on all the St. Louis happenings? Follow CP on Twitter!
Tags: Central West End, Forest Park, Holidays in St. Louis, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Family Friendly, Steinberg Skating Rink, The Boathouse Cafe
Boutiques . . . They Grow Up So Fast.
Posted on November 11th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Ivy Hill Boutique in the Central West End is one-year-old! And what a fashionable year it has been. The moment owner Hillary Dutcher opened the chic doors at Ivy Hill one year ago, fashionistas have flocked to this sweet shop for show-stopping handbags and accessories, dresses for that special evening, gifts for family and friends, and much more.
On Wednesday, November 11, Ivy Hill will usher in year two with a special anniversary celebration for its shoppers. From 5-7 p.m. Ivy Hill boutiquers will enjoy festive treats and receive 30% off one item in the store.
With tons of new arrivals, including Big Buddha handbags, Viv&Ingrid jewelry, French Connection dresses, Tulle jackets and more, this is a great opportunity to snag that piece you’ve been lusting after or, if you’ve never been to Ivy Hill, discover a new favorite St. Louis boutique.
For a peak inside what’s in store at Ivy Hill and more, visit the Ivy Hill Blog.
Tags: Central West End, Ivy Hill Boutique, St. Louis Shopping
Vegetarian? Vegan? Carnivorale is Not For You.
Posted on November 9th, 2009 by Erin Callier
A concept fit for a Roman emperor, tonight’s Carnivorale is a pure, unadulterated celebration of meat. Stemming from a “What if . . .” over after-hours drinks shared by St. Louis-based chefs West Johnson and Brendan Noonan, Carnivorale is a one-night-only restaurant at Sol Lounge that will feature seven meatcentric courses that go a little something like this:
1st course: Poached quail egg in stainless chinese spoon, topped with duck-egg hollandaise, caviar, sliced truffle and a bacon croissant.
4th course: “Three Cheeks to the Wind Napoli” – Veal, halibut and pork cheek napoleon.
5th course : Beef, Bone and Bug – Braised short rib, bone marrow and crawfish boudin.
For Carnivorale’s full menu click here.
Once the scheme was hatched, Noonan and Johnson teamed up with local with bartender Patrick Thomas to make this indulgent idea a reality and appropriately dubbed themselves ”The Three Little Pigs.” A direct reaction to health-conciousness, decadent doesn’t quite seem to do Carnivorale justice. This certainly calls for the invention of a new word . . . Indulge-o-licious? Heart-Attackerrific? Meatstravaganzamania?
“You couldn’t eat like this daily or you’d end up with gout or heart disease,” admits Johnson on the Carnivorale website, MakeMineMeat.com. “But one day a year, people should indulge and celebrate meat. Nobody celebrates meat. But, deep down, we all crave meat! Thus, Carnivorale.”
Carnivorale will serve roughtly 300 people. Tickets are $125 for the meal, service tip and valet or $165 to add wine and beer with each course. BYOB is allowed with a $5 per bottle corkage fee.
For more information on Carnivorale, click here.
Tags: Carnivorale, Sol Lounge, St. Louis Dining
Guido’s is Delicioso
Posted on November 6th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Ask your average St. Louisan the age old tourist question, “Where should we eat?” and odds are that the reply will be “The Hill!” As St. Louis’ own Little Italy, The Hill is a tasty enclave of Italian eateries, grocers and culture just west of downtown.
It is true that some of St. Louis’ finest restaurants reside on The Hill, but Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas is one of the gems. While Guido’s does offer an overwhelming array of classic Italian dishes, St. Louis-style thin crust pizza (Provel optional) and many other items that you’ll find all throughout The Hill, they don’t limit themselves to the cuisine of just one European culinary power-country. The other half of Guido’s menu travels across the Mediterranean to Spain, and does so in such an authentic and affordable way, that Guido’s has remained a go-to local favorite for many years.
Serving an eye-poppingly vast menu of traditional hot and cold tapas, like paella, patatas bravas and meat and cheese platters that serve as a real draw, Guido’s is that rare restaurant where foodies, picky eaters and even the little ones can sit down, break bread (of the cheese garlic variety, if you prefer) and all find something to savor.
Intrigued by the idea of dining on a budget? Click here to search Concierge Preferred’s list of affordable restaurants.
Tags: Guido's Pizzeria & Tapas, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis On a Budget
Mmmm . . . Mavrakos Chocolates are Back!
Posted on November 6th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Willy Wonka lovers remain calm. There will be no wacky chocolate factory tours, no rushing cocoa rivers nor any glass elevator rides. There will, however, be Bon Bon Creams, Coconut Crescents, and Heavenly Hash once again! 
Dormant for 25 years, the recipes of Historic St. Louis chocolatier, Mavrakos, have been resurrected by the St. Louis-based Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company. Mavrakos Candy Co. was started in 1913 by John Mavrakos, a Greek immigrant who brought his family’s treasured candy recipe to St. Louis. Over the course of 70 years, Mavrakos’ sweets won over the hearts and taste buds of St. Louisans and even the U.S. Military during WWII, becoming the exclusive chocolate provider to the servicemen overseas.
Today, chocolate lovers can satisfy their sweet-tooth at Mavrakos’ Online Store, all nine locations of The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company or all Dierberg’s locations throughout the St. Louis area.
Check out Mavrakos on Twitter or follow their blog to find out about new or seasonal items and special offers.
Tags: Dierberg's, Mavrakos, St. Louis Shopping, The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company