Brasserie by Niche Is By Far a Fav
Posted on December 16th, 2009 by Erin Callier
To say that dinner at the new Brasserie by Niche is delicious would be like saying the Gateway Arch is architecturally so-so. 
Open just under a month, the Brasserie has taken over the charming Central West End space formerly occupied by Chez Leon, a French bistro counterpart that is expected to re-open in Clayton in 2010.
The third St. Louis restaurant in Chef Gerard Craft’s culinary trinity, Brasserie by Niche is certainly a charm. Not to take away from the Brasserie’s predecessors, Niche and Niche Taste Bar, but the Brasserie’s unpretentious allure and uncharacteristically accessible pricing (undoubtedly coupled with Craft’s golden touch) will quickly launch this French-country bistro to the top of St. Louis’ culinary landscape and quite possibly outshine it’s older siblings.
Like Niche and the Taste Bar, the Brasserie bares the mark of a deft restaurateur who has traveled and dined the world only to combine the best elements to create a purely magnificent dining experience. The Brasserie’s ambiance, classic French-bistro cuisine, excellent wines under $10 a glass, pomme frites that may ruin you to all others, and that certain je ne sais quoi are more than enough to warm up even the coldest of winter nights.
We could go on, but reading more would just slow you down from making your own reservation right this instant.
Tags: Brasserie by Niche, Central West End, Niche, Niche Taste Bar, St. Louis Dining
Shop Missouri’s Finest for the Holidays
Posted on December 11th, 2009 by Erin Callier
If you’re at a loss for what to get for the peeps on your seemingly endless holiday shopping list, the Missouri Mercantile at the St. Louis Mills Shopping Center is just the spot to achieve that ideal ratio of retail-consciousness (all items at the Mercantile are made locally) and pure delight. 
The Missouri Mercantile is the type of place that when you step in, you know you’ll find at least a little something for every type of person on your list, from the boss to the secret-Santa to your mom & dad or even your pet. The Missouri Mercantile handpicks Missouri-made goods from local artisans, wineries, butchers, bakers and even candlestick-makers.
Shop the finest wines from over a dozen Missouri wineries, food products, divine handmade soaps, artwork, superb gift boxes and other unique items all made in the Show-Me-State. At the Missouri Mercantile, “It’s the thought that counts,” will ring true, but without it’s usual connotation. The items you will find at the Missouri Mercantile are thoughtful in that “I-searched-high-&-low-for-the-perfect-gift- for-you-and-this-truly-is-spot-on kind of way.”
Some shop standouts include the scotch oatmeal cookies from Dad’s Cookie Company in St. Louis and a Seyval Blanc from the Augusta Winery. If you can’t make into the Missouri Mercantile, be sure to shop their online store for your favorite locavore.
For more info on the Missouri Mercantile and to browse online, click here.
Also, while you’re cruising the Mercantile and the rest of the Mills, be sure to release your latent Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the NASCAR Speedpark. Zoom-Zoom!
Tags: Missouri Mercantile, Nascar Speedpark, St. Louis Mills, St. Louis Shopping
Fancy a Spot of Tea?
Posted on December 7th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Here we were, thinking that the marvelous Central West End eatery, Cafe Osage couldn’t get any better, but then they had to go and tug at the heart strings of the Anglophile in us all. Previously open just for breakfast and lunch, Cafe Osage is now serving afternoon tea from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. every Thurs.-Sat. 
Now don’t get your knickers in a twist . . . this isn’t tea-time at the Ritz. This is a classic tradition, Cafe Osage-style. Casual. Whimsical. Endlessly inviting. Osage will offer all the classic tea-time fare, including a pot of tea of your choice, a selection of finger sandwiches, a scone served with house made jam and cream, and a selection of house made sweets for just $16
There will be other offerings, like a fruit & cheese plate, flatbread, or simply feel free to order the aforementioned items ala carte. And, just like Osage’s breakfast and lunch offerings, many items will be prepared with locally sourced items. Some as local as their urban veggie garden just across the street or fresh herbs grown on the roof.
Stronger libations, like beer and wine are also available.
Located in the midst of the beautiful botanicals at Bowood Farms Nursery, many folks are already smitten with Cafe Osage and the brilliant breakfast dishes, like Greens, Eggs & Ham or the excellent brisket, but now that they’ve extended the opportunity to have a right, jolly ole’ time at this dreamy eatery, we reckon it will be hard to stay away.
For more information on Cafe Osage and to view their full menus, click here or call 314-454-6868.
Cheers!
Tags: Bowood Farms, Cafe Osage, Central West End, St. Louis Dining
It’s a Wonderful Weekend in The Lou
Posted on December 4th, 2009 by Erin Callier
There’s so very many holiday things happening in St. Louis this weekend that we’re just going to cut to the chase . . . lay them out for you, so the penciling-in can begin.
First off, there’s the first annual St. Louis Holiday Magic at downtown’s America’s Center from Dec. 4-6. Holiday Magic is essentially an indoor holiday carnival with over 40,000 lights, live music, shopping, a beer and wine garden, cooking demos and tons more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12.
For more info on this event, visit the St. Louis Holiday Magic Website.
Every year during the holiday season, the Saint Louis Zoo hosts Wild Lights, a holiday wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, seasonal tunes, rides, shopping at the Zootique, plus tons of other festive attractions. 
Grab a hot chocolate and stroll through the Zoo under the moonlight. This is one of St. Louis’ most enchanting holiday activities. Remaining Wild Lights evenings include Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 11-23, and Dec. 26-30. For more on Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, click here.
Shop one-of-a-kind gifts during the Loop Holiday Walk on Sat., Dec. 5 from noon-6 p.m. This all-day, family-oriented event includes arts, crafts, a children’s area, food, live music, entertainment, discounts from many of the Loop’s popular boutiques and retailers.
In town for just six performances from Dec. 3-6, the Joffrey Ballet will present The Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Satisfy your visions of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing in your head and get your tickets to this very limited St. Louis engagement.
Click here to purchase tickets.
No matter what your heritage, enjoy festive Israeli music and dance, a menorah-lighting ceremony, and a traditional “shuk,” or marketplace at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Chanukah:Festival of Lights. Festivities are free with Garden admission.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden’s wildly popular holiday train show, Gardenland Express.
Every weekend during the holiday season, St. Louis’ newest gem, the City Garden, will feature several festive events, including carols, lights, free guided tours and holiday movies on Fridays & Sundays at 5 p.m.
Also new this year to the St. Louis holiday scene, The Anheuser-Busch Brewery will host Friday Night Lights each (you guessed it) Friday evening until Christmas. No, this is not over-dramatized high-school football played by a bunch of Texans, Friday Night Lights at the Brewery include extended, moonlit tours of the Brewery and light displays.
The Tour Center will stay until 9 p.m., offering free guided evening tours through the Clydesdale Stables, Brew House and Bevo Packaging facililty.
Every Friday and Saturday in Dec., Wesport Plaza will offer free carriage rides, and other festive happenings at this St. Louis dining and nightlife hot spot.
Every Saturday in December, the Historic St. Charles Christmas Traditions really kick into high-gear. From 11 a.m.-9 p.m., the charming Main Street shops extend their hours & offer festive goodies, while “Legends of Christmas,” like Kris Kringle, Scrooge, The Nutcracker, Mrs. Claus and many others stroll the cobblestone streets, entertaining visitors and kicking the holiday spirit up several notches.
Other classic holiday factors during the St. Charles Christmas Traditions, include chestnuts roasting, a daily Santa Parade, beautiful lights, carolers, and outdoor ice-skating on the riverfront.
For more info on the St. Charles Christmas Traditions, click here.
Tags: Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, City Garden, Historic Downtown St. Charles, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Holiday Magic, St. Louis Holidays, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, The Nutcracker, Westport Plaza, Wild Lights
A Crafty Approach to Holiday Shopping
Posted on December 4th, 2009 by Erin Callier
As the holiday’s kick into full gear and the shopping malls swell with frenzied shoppers, St. Louis offers many non-mall gift-buying opportunities for those looking for something a little more unique for their equally unique loved ones. 
Over the weekend of Dec. 4-6, St. Louis will host a trifecta of arts & crafts shows that promise a multitude of eclectic, one-of-a-kind finds for everyone on your list. Now, these aren’t your grandmother’s arts & crafts shows, but don’t leave here at home cause she’ll probably find something she likes too! Like last weekends Rock & Roll Craft Show at Third Degree Glass Factory, these shows offer an edgy alternative to this classic concept.
From Dec. 4-6, the Big Ass Indie Art & Craft Show at the Mad Art Gallery will feature St. Louis’ biggest collection of alternative arts and crafts in one spot. Shop handmade clothing, jewelry, toys, housewares, photography and much, much more. Admission is free to this shopping craft-stravaganza. For more information click here.
On Sat. Dec. 5, just a hop and a skip from the Mad Art Gallery in Soulard, Off Broadway will host Artropy, a showcase of jewelry, textiles, photography, mixed-media, glass work, eco-fashions and other handmade goods from hyper-talented local artisans. As one of St. Louis’ hottest indie music venues, Off Broaday will surely not disappoint with this off-beat art show.
Also on Dec. 5, the Cherokee Print League Holiday Sale will take place just down the street from Artopy. An indoor/outdoor celebration off handmade goods, the Cherokee Print League Holiday Sale will feature over 25 artists and printmakers from the tri-state area, offering a spectacular variety charming, wacky, eclectic and gorgeous goods.
Local businesses will feature artists from throughout the Midwest, live music and other festivities, making this one of the more unique holiday shopping experiences around.
Click here to learn more about the event and to get an idea of the goods you may find at this sale.
Tags: Artropy, Big Ass Indie Arts & Craft Show, Cherokee Print League Holiday Sale, Firecracker Press, Mad Art Gallery, Off Broadway, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Holidays, St. Louis Shopping