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