Get Happy at Herbie’s Vintage 72
Posted on December 6th, 2010 by Alicia McColl
For years, Balaban’s was a staple of the Central West End. In 2008, the restaurant/bar located at 405 North Euclid Avenue was closed, leaving the many regulars with nothing but memories. But all seems well again in this pocket of the world now that Herbie’s Vintage 72 – named after the late founder of Balaban’s Café Herbie Balaban – has opened and is thriving in the old Balaban’s location.
Herbie’s is a perfect place for an after-work drink, with happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m. and running for two hours. Appetizers are half price during this time, and include exotic selections such as escargot and shrimp dumplings. Budweiser bottled products are $2 during traditional happy hour, while Guiness pints are $3. Herbies also has a late-night happy hour from 10:30 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays when drink and dessert specials can be had.
For more information, visit www.herbies.com.
Tags: Central West End, Downtown St. Louis, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis Nightlife
The Drunken Fish: Sushi for All Tastes
Posted on November 29th, 2010 by Alicia McColl
If you love sushi–or even if you have never tried it and you’re curious–The Drunken Fish is the place for you. The Drunken Fish has three convenient locations in St. Louis, Westport Plaza, Laclede’s Landing and the Central West End. In each, you will find the best Japanese delicacies that St. Louis has to offer, including sushi and sashimi galore.
Many people are uneasy ordering items with which they are not familiar, but the wait staff is knowledgeable and more than happy to help you make a selection. Try the supreme sashimi, which includes 18 pieces of sashimi, including tuna, salmon, white tuna, flounder, octopus, yellowtail and shrimp. You can also get a sushi & sashimi combination.
The signature makimono menu has more than 15 choices all of which are around $15. Philadelphia natives might like the fried cheese steak roll, which features the ingredients you would find in the signature Philadelphia dish, and is topped with eel sauce and garlic mayo. The signature drunken fish roll includes shrimp, tempura, may and asparagus, and is topped with red tuna, Japanese mayo, eel sauce, masago, tempura crumbs and sprouts.
For the less adventurous, there is stir-fry–try chicken-fried rice, which is a bargain at $11, as well an entrée menu that features items such as miso-marinated black cod.
For more information on The Drunken Fish, visit drunkenfish.com
Tags: Central West End, Downtown St. Louis, St. Louis Dining
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
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
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
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
Pi Squared Equals Double the Yum!
Posted on November 5th, 2009 by Erin Callier
When the owners of Pi brought their pizza recipe from the City by the Bay to the Delmar Loop in 2008, it was a true San Fransisco treat for St. Louisans. Later that year, a certain head of state (rhymes with Shmarock Shobama) sampled a taste of Pi’s deep-dish wonder during a campaign stop in St. Louis and, as legend would have it, was instantly hooked. So hooked in fact, that when he settled in at the White House, he actually called in a long-distance delivery from Pi.
Ever since Pi received Obama’s infamous seal of approval, which co-owner Chris Sommers calls Pi’s “own private stimulus package,” this mathematically-monikered pizza joint has literally multiplied. In it’s third week of operations, Pi Squared in Kirkwood offers the same dedication to unique flavors, eco-friendly practices and downright deliciousness. The menu at Pi Squared features all the same favorites that Pi-lovers have come to savor, plus a few yummy jolts, like spectacular malts and other fantastic soda fountain classics.
And, as if the newest location of President Obama’s favorite pizza place didn’t already add up to sheer gastronomic happiness, Pi is slated to cube its burgeoning empire with a third location on the corner of Euclid & McPherson in the Central West End later this year.
For more information on Pi, and to stay tuned for their newest location visit RestaurantPi.com
Tags: Central West End, Kirkwood, Pi Restaurant, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis Pizza, The Loop
Halloween Sale at Ivy Hill Boutique
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Calling all spooky shopaholics and frightening fashionistas! In the midst of all the Halloween hoopla in the Central West End this Saturday, October 31, CWE boutique, Ivy Hill is hosting one humongo sale. For one day only, select Fall and Winter merchandise will be 50%-90% off the regular retail price. Ivy Hill is open from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays, but get there early, before all the truly fabulous finds are gone.
With women’s apparel from the likes of French Connection and Susana Monaco, handbags by Orla Kiely and more, this sweet, endlessly charming boutique is the ultimate spot to find unique pieces, an eclectic selection of accessories and gifts, and just plain style inspiration. Combine that with some scary good steals, and you’ve got one happy and chic Halloween.
Tags: Central West End, Ivy Hill Boutique, St. Louis Shopping
What’s Up in St. Louis on All Hollow’s Eve
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Erin Callier
As all the sexy kittens and French maids of the world know, Halloween is not just fun and games for the kiddos. There are plenty of tricks & treats to be had for the adult-set, and St. Louis is a superbly spooky city in which to partake in all the ghoolish festivities.
On Friday, October 30 the International Tap House in Chesterfield is tossing a Hoosier Halloween Bash for the redneck in us all. This back-country bacchus will boast karaoke, a washers tournament, costume contest, a one night only special draft appearance and door prizes for those who dress up.
As one of St. Louis’ largest, most well-attended (and costumed) Halloween parties, the Central West End Halloween Party and Costume Contest is chocked full of both family-friendly activities and adults-only revelry. The annual Children’s Parade & Costume Contest will commence around 11 a.m., then gives way to daytime trick-or-treating at Noon. At 1 p.m. a parade and costume contest of the canine variety will take over the CWE’s chic streets. At 8 p.m., the elaboratedly-costumed and coyly outfitted adult masses will take to the stage for the Adult Costume Contest & Party.
On Friday, October 30 and Halloween itself, the Tivoli Theatre in the Loop will show the hair-raising cult-classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Halloween lovers would be hard-pressed to find a more timeless way to spend All Hollow’s Eve. The screenings are at midnight and the theatre will provide bags of props. Also, don’t forget to don your own Halloween best!
Tags: Central West End, Halloween, International Tap House, St. Louis Nightlife, The Tivoli Theatre