BEER!

What has been around for ages and ages? What always makes any event a little more interesting? What is the title of this post? BEER, that's what! Ale, Grog, Brew, Cold One, whatever you call it, beer is the staple of many a restaurant's menu. Some even have an entire menu dedicated to it. It was so popular that from 1920 to 1933 during the prohibition, people would create secret underground bars just to get their hands on a frothy mug of the good stuff. Now where in this city could you go for a good pint? Where in St. Louis, the home of the Anheuser-Busch Head quarters could you go for a beer? ANYWHERE YOU WANT!

Granted, this post may seem as if it's directed to the older generation but it isn't...entirely. I mean, how would I know about beer? I'm not old enough to drink yet. One place that doesn't have an age restriction is a personal favorite of mine. Hill Brewing Co., located in Historic Downtown Ferguson is a brand new micro-brewery and restaurant. "Brand new," as in it hasn't even been open a full year yet! Already attracting customers from all over, Hill Brewing Co. offers over TEN flavors of beer, not to mention their full menu.

As soon as they opened, I was there at least three time a week. Unfortunately, I cannot personally tell you about their beer but I can happily comment on their food. Offering anything from appetizers to full entrees, you will be sure to find something that will make your mouth water. Currently, my favorite dish there is the Chicken Tenders plate. They are generally served as an appetizer but could EASILY be eaten as a meal. You are served five, very large, breaded chicken tenders with the house barbecue sauce that could be bottled and sold separately. I am always full after this because of the generous portion. Another great plate is the Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich. It is served with your choice of Rice Pilaf, Bistro Potatoes, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pub Chips, Roasted Veggies or French Fries and covered with that wonderful, wonderful barbecue sauce. I could keep listing off items from the menu, but I am afraid I will make myself hungry. I have never been let down on the quality of the food.

If you are looking for a drink, a full bar is available. Beer can be purchased as a glass or mug, or in a 64 oz. Growler. The Growlers are only for take out, but can be refilled for about nine dollars. If you are curious about any of the special brews, ask for a sample or buy the Brewhouse sampler to see which beer satisfies your palate. Hill also carries other local beers and wines and has desserts from local business in Ferguson.

If you're craving a good meal or a place to kick back and enjoy yourself, Hill Brewing Co is sure to provide. Take my advice, I would not pass this up if given the opportunity.

Stop in and be sure to stay cool, St. Louis.
-Ben V.

theatre is sweeter outdoors.

Natives of St. Louis always rejoice when the weather behaves. As we all know, there’s a saying that goes something like: “Don’t like the weather? Wait 5 minutes.” So, when it’s sunny, breezy, and not too hot, everyone heads outdoors. Summertime hosts brilliant outdoor theatre, and I almost always take up this opportunity. Shakespeare in the Park and the Muny are two events held only during these warm months, and they cannot be missed.

Shakespeare in the Park occurs during the first few weeks of June in a glen near the zoo and the art museum. It is necessary to arrive a few hours before showtime at 8 pm, because the lawn definitely fills up. Ben and I love to bring a blanket to sit on, not only because there’s a “blankets only” section reserved near the front, but because of how fun and easy it is to enjoy a picnic during the show. There are vendors selling food before the show and during intermission, but it is generally overpriced. The best treats to bring are fruit and salty snacks, both of which can be easily stores as leftovers. This year’s show was Hamlet--they alternate dramas and comedies every year. Ben missed out on the production, but I thought it was outstanding. The set was perfect, the actors were talented, and Shakespeare would have been proud. [King Claudius’ speech was a little distracting, but no matter.] Shakespeare in the Park is really charming because it’s free, and all the people congregating there are people who love theatre. And there’s no better place to enjoy it.

The Muny [fully named the Municipal Opera of St. Louis] also hosts outdoor theatre, but at a cost. There are free seats located at the very back of the theatre, but the boxes up front generally go to season ticket holders. But the price definitely covers the quality of the show; the Muny has never disappointed an audience, even when stage mishaps occur. Since I was little, I’ve seen many shows there: Annie, West Side Story, Mame, South Pacific, 42nd Street, Les Miserables, The Pajama Game, Meet Me in St. Louis [of course], and many more. This year, I’m really looking forward to Footloose. Unlike Shakespeare in the Park, the Muny’s season extends into August, providing many opportunities to see a show. One recommendation that should always be heeded is bringing a towel. Seat cushions are available, but the backs of your legs will still stick to them! A personal fan is also a nice thing to have, but the Muny has huge ones that do a great job. The Muny also has concession stands that are reasonably priced, featuring favorite snacks like popcorn and pretzels. A fun tradition that the Muny has kept up is singing Auld Lang Syne after the last performance of a show. The entire audience joins in with the cast, and it’s a happy celebration of one show’s end. Another admirable thing about the Muny is that kids and teens often perform as well, as a part of Muny Kids. You’d have to be a triple-threat [singer, dancer, and actor], but their talent is incredible.

Even when summer nights stay hot and humid, the best place to be is still outside. With wonderful opportunities to see wonderful shows, it isn’t surprising that crowds are always beckoned to Forest Park.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

thrify business

With everyone lamenting the recent economic downturn, one can more easily appreciate a bargain. Two of the best places to engage in the hunt are Goodwill and Rag-o-Rama, where, with a little bit of luck and little bit more patience, you can find high quality clothing at a much more reasonable price.

My favorite Goodwill location is on Manchester-- perhaps because of it’s proximity to Wendy’s. This Goodwill has received much of my old clothing over the years, and Ben and I have just recently rediscovered its wonder. Always clean and well organized, Goodwill offers dresses starting at $4 and most shirts at $2 or $3. One of my amazing finds was a bikini for just $2, when the likes of it in stores cost closer to $30! Ben was lucky enough to snatch 2 suits, one of which cost only $11. The wonderful thing about Goodwill is that the clothes are in good shape; you could never tell where they came from unless you asked the purchaser. Although Goodwill is only open until 8, they have such a wide selection that the time constraint doesn’t matter. Ben and I love bargain hunting for more than clothes, too. Goodwill also has accessories, bedding, pictures, and furniture. I once spotted a very nice looking desk for just $35. Thus, Goodwill proves that it is not a store for those with no other options; it is a store for the financially savvy.

Rag-o-Rama, now known as Avalon Exchange, is located in the loop regardless of coming into new ownership. I think of this store as a St. Louis landmark; hence, I refuse to call it by any other name. Rag-o-Rama is home to the more high-end of second-hand, and consequently, their prices are a bit higher. However, this thrift shop gives you bang for your buck by offering more unique, stylish clothes that can easily compete with any of the loop’s other boutiques. One of my favorite features is their $3 Grab Bag, which has been around for years now. In a small plastic baggy, you can find anything from wallets to jewelry, and don’t be fooled by the price. These treasures are just as usable as anything else that can be purchased in the store. Shopping at Rag-o-Rama may be a challenge for the indecisive [i.e. this author], but it is a rewarding one to overcome; some of my favorite shirts and necklaces come from this classic of the 314. On top of fabulous finds, Rag-o-Rama always plays good music. Could you ask for more?

The answer is no.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

summer lovin'

Summer makes this city look pretty darn good. The warm weather beckons citizens to City Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the Zoo. However, my ideal summer day right here in my hometown would be much more relaxed, and with far fewer crowds. My day would start at noon-- I haven’t been waking up much earlier than that.

Ice cream for breakfast is a small child’s dream, and during the summer, it’s a reality. Mr. Wizard’s on Big Bend has it all, from custard and yogurt to concretes and sundaes. They even have pretzels and chips for the fans of salty snacks. Mr. Wizard’s is like an enlarged stand: you order at one window, pick up at another, and sit outside at picnic tables to enjoy. There is pretty much always a line, but not at noon! Mr. Wizard’s has been a tradition for many years now, and my order hasn’t changed much. I either get a vanilla custard kiddie cone or a root beer float, but Ben is much more adventurous. He usually gets a concrete of some sort, but this writer wouldn’t know anything about that. What’s truly charming is that Mr. Wizard’s feels like a secret place that only locals go to, but its location begs to differ. I always run in to someone I know-- or, at least, a friendly dog. Besides the people, what keeps me coming back is the quality; Mr. Wizard’s has the best ice cream that I have yet to find in STL.

Next on my to-do list is Shaw Park’s pool. Located near the northernmost end of Brentwood, this pool has a very serene vibe about it; it’s surrounded by the green of Shaw Park. The fee to get in is minimal, even for those who aren’t Clayton residents. The pool is always well kept, which must be a slightly daunting task, at the very least. The size of the big blue beats most others in the 314. Shaw park’s pool also has a diving tank with 2 diving boards and 3 platforms-- for the brave. And of course, the snack stand has all the summer favorites: pretzels, frozen lemonade, and Ring Pops for a quarter. Those are definitely a favorite among younger kids, or Ben and I when we’re feeling young. When it’s time to grow into my true age, I lay out for a while to tan. Shaw Park has many lounges and chairs, and the hunt for a group of empty ones is difficult, but not impossible. Once you stake your claim, they’re yours for the day. And if you find yourself unlucky, there’s a huge structure that’s reminiscent of permanent bleachers. It’s available for sitting, laying out, and reading, but the use of a towel as a cushion is a must. Shaw Park is my favorite pool because it doesn’t have to have slides or other bells and whistles; it is what it is. Simplicity can definitely be beautiful.

After a few hours in and out of the water, it would be time to clean up just a little bit and head over to Pointer’s. This incredibly small pizza place is home to the incredibly large Pointasaurus, a huge pizza that people win prizes for finishing. The boxes that these things come in are frightening enough; it is only teenage boys that would dare take on all the food inside. Indeed, it’s quite a feast. Pointer’s is one of the best places to get pizza in my hometown (other favorites are La Pizza and the obligatory Imo’s). Pointer’s is also one of the smallest venues to get pizza in my hometown. They probably don’t seat more than 15 people, tops. To make up for that, they’re open until 2 AM, and they do deliver. I always get fresh garlic bread with their pizza, it’s that much of a perfect pair. Pointer’s also serves wings and pastas, neither of which I’ve tried. Their pizza is so outstanding, it’s easy to get distracted. The wonder Pointer’s also comes with the people who work the counter. The guys are always nice, and they don’t seem to hate working in food. Pointer’s is on Big Bend near the intersection at Clayton, and it is a must.

To finish off the night, I’d go for a walk in my neighborhood, and I wouldn’t miss out on Oak Knoll Park. It’s also at the intersection of Big Bend and Clayton, so getting there on a full stomach wouldn’t be too trying of a task. Oak Knoll may be small, but it is home to 2 playgrounds and a beautiful fountain. One of my favorite things to do is take a blanket there and just enjoy the scenery. Or, if Ben would let me beat him at a few card games, I’d take that opportunity as well. Oak Knoll is very relaxing, and it becomes more beautiful as the night goes on and the lights from the street create pretty little shadows all over the grass. True locals always cut through the gate into the neighborhood; there are about 3 ways to do it. But since these entrances are harder to find at night, I’d enjoy a nice long walk down Big Bend and then down Wydown, perhaps one of the most lovely streets in STL. The canopy of trees, the sporadically placed streetlights, the green meridian: it all adds up to the lush of summer.

Thus ends my perfect day. If you’re in the neighborhood, you know what to do.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

a good ol' cup of joe

Good hot dogs are covered. But what about coffee? Indeed, it is a real challenge to find a place with the right atmosphere and good brews to boot. Ben raves about the once-was Soma’s, a joint up in NoCo that he frequented. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been around for a few years; thus, we are constantly on the hunt for places that are acceptable. Three stand out in my memory, and with good reason.

Kaldi’s is a favorite among a select group of kids from my school district. On finals nights, you can always find small groups huddled around tables and steaming mugs. This is the original Kaldi’s: located on DeMun, it offers an inviting and relaxed space for any and all people (who doesn’t love classical music?). Beware the morning rush! Kaldi’s is loved for more than its atmosphere. There are 4 different types of coffee offered, along with a wide assortment of other lattes and cappucinos and frappucinos. Ben and I can always agree on their chai latte, iced or not. The beautiful thing about Kaldi’s is that they offer a bottomless mug of their regular coffees, and for only $3, it’s worth it if you plan on spending some time there. When I don’t go there to study, I go there just to hang out, read, or watch people (there’s one guy who I always see there, and I enjoy inventing stories for him). Kaldi’s is open until 11 everyday but Sunday, automatically beating out Starbucks. Not to mention, Starbucks coffee is just not good. Kaldi’s is clearly the winner, every time. Especially their original location.

Meshuggah’s in the loop is another good choice. Also open until 11, they offer a very artsy atmosphere. The furniture is so mismatched that you feel like you’re in the apartment of a newly emancipated 18-year-old, but in a good way! The upstairs is definitely coveted, featuring a couch and some very comfortable chairs. Meshuggah’s is so chill that they let you pay on your way out. However, I don’t study here. They play good music-- a nice change of pace from the classical-- but it can be distracting. And generally, the hubbub is not so hushed. Meshuggah’s is the place to go have coffee with friends as a nice break from going on adventures in the loop. Ben highly recommends their espresso, and I’m a fan of their mochas. Either way, you can’t go wrong; I still prefer them over Starbucks, even if Starbucks is right down the street and has outdoor seating. Starbucks is coffee, incorporated, while Meshuggah’s is coffee so unincorporated that they’re allowed to do cool things that make them better. Major kudos.

Coffee Cartel emerges as our number 1 pick. Located on a busy corner in the CWE (central west end, for all the non-natives), the Cartel has outdoor seating year-round and a crowd 24/7. Perhaps it’s because they’re open 24/7. Ben and I can order pretty much anything on their menu without fear that we’ll be stuck with something we won’t like. The Cartel also has more affordable food options-- which we definitely take advantage of. They sell rice krispy blocks, big cookies, ice cream, brownies, and blondies, along with other snacky foods like pretzels and pizza. Coffee Cartel is friendly towards smokers and pool-players. Essentially, Coffee Cartel is the best place to hang out for young people looking for something to do (besides get drunk). The atmosphere may seem a bit sterile with the white walls and bright lights, but there are always people there. And there are always people outside, making the Cartel a wonderful place to people-watch. What really draws us in is our ability to waste time there without even realizing it. Grab something to do and a drink, and you could be gone for hours.

With all these great, local options for coffee, neither Ben nor I can understand why Starbucks locations around the 314 still get any business. We always take ours elsewhere.

Stay cool, St. Louis.