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.

hot dog!

A good hot dog is money well spent. Although the ball park and Quick Trip have never failed me, a few independent vendors have caught my eye. Woofie’s, located near Woodson and Page, and a hot dog/sno-cone stand on Strassner are impeccable.

Woofie’s is the epitome of matchbox-sized restaurants. There are no tables, just a bar along the walls (and bar stools to match). Hot dogs come any way you can imagine at Woofie’s, inspired by places like Chicago and Philadelphia. This picky eater gets them plain, and they’re still delicious. The perfect texture, the perfect taste, and the perfect bun all combine to make your taste buds dance. Not to mention, the regular-sized fries that you can order as a cheap side can easily be split between 2 people. The real charm of Woofie’s is that there are pictures of various celebrities and their remarks lining the walls--just like a notable joint in New York. And, of course, they all commend Woofie’s on their excellent dogs. It’s an amusing juxtaposition with the cozy size and somewhat remote location.

A new discovery is the hot dog and sno-cone stand on Strassner. Located on the corner of a park, this stand just screams summer. They have as much variety in sno-cones as Tropical Moose (aka TroMo) in Kirkwood, but they’re located a lot closer to my house. The real selling point for me is their hot dog. Though they don’t serve it as many ways as Woofie’s does, the variety that they do have is astonishing in consideration of the stand’s complete isolation. Again, I keep my dog plain, but it is right up there with Woofie’s when it comes to taste--and price! Both of these joints are easy on the wallet. My favorite thing about the stand on Strassner is its location. The park offers shade, and the playground beckons my inner child to come out and play. Also, it’s just down the street from my dance studio, making it the perfect stop for a snack. But be aware of their strange hours of business; they are never open past dusk, and then 1 day a week they close at 5.

Finding a good hot dog in a city that’s not really a city can be quite challenging. Usually, I would have to rely on my rare attendance at baseball games, a chain gas station, or the guy who stands outside The Pageant after shows. But these 2 lesser known locations are both accessible and delicious. This is where all the cool kids should go.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

Ricardo the cat

Yesterday, Ben and I hit up one of our favorite parks: Laumeier Sculpture Park. The park is so big that I don’t think we’ve ever covered all of its grounds. And that’s saying something; as a kid, I frequented the park almost daily for Art Camp.

Laumeier combines two of my loves: art and the outdoors. The perfect place to take a picnic and a blanket and just spend the day, the park is home to larger-than-life sculptures and winding trails. And, as we discovered, the world’s largest wood sculpture is there as well.

One of my favorite works is a cat. He is a mosaic with a nice little bench built right into him, which is where I enjoyed eating lunch during my Art Camp days. One of the most notable sculptures is a gigantic red one, made of huge metal cylinders. Its the size that has the impact. As you get closer and closer to it, you become aware of your infinte smallness. The same thing goes for the wood sculpture that boasts its bigness. It looks like the trunk of a tree, but has been carved in such a way to appear as if it’s been eroded by water. When you step up close to it, you know that other people have been there. Ben and I agreed that if we were the artist, we wouldn’t be terribly upset by this. What is the purpose of art if not to be a source of interaction? It’s the best way to reach people. The only thing to do with paintings is to look at them, but sculpture invites its audience to touch, explore, and really feel. That makes it all the more beautiful.

And on the side of the viewers, perhaps they want to make their own mark, and crude carving is the only way to do so.

Laumeier brings a smile to my face every time I visit. The scene is serene, and the art is profound-- somewhere in the forest is a number of wooden caskets, imitating those used by the Nazis for their prisoners. The image is haunting, and I sometimes have trouble looking at it. Art makes it real. But whether this reality is recognized in remorse from the graves or happiness from the mosaic cat, it exists. And the best part is that there are always parents with kids and teenagers with friends in the park. It is an integral part of life.

Don’t you want to join in?

Stay cool, St. Louis.

Corner Pocket

There is a certain feeling of pure happiness I get when I stand at a pool table. Lining up and planning every shot, making sure each angle is perfect. To be honest, I don't think there is any place I would rather rack up than the tables of Cue and Cushion.

Located in Overland at 2425 Woodson Road, Cue and Cushion offers seventeen pool tables including a 5 x 10 snooker table and three-cushion tables. On top of that, Cue and Cushion also sells pool tables and all of your other billiard needs. I for one, purchased my beloved cue from them and it has not let me down a bit.

The selling points for me, however, were the price and hours. General price is only $3.60 an hour, but they have student rates, military discounts, early bird specials and even special discounts for Facebook and Myspace friends. Sunday through Thursday, Cue and Cushion is open from 10:00 am until 1:00 am. On Friday and Saturday they stay open until 3:00 am!

There are also snacks and vending available along with a few arcade games and a well stocked Jukebox. The only possible thing I can think of that would turn people away is the fact that smoking is still allowed inside. I, personally, have no problem with that because I like the smokey air while I play, it feels very appropriate, but some people cannot stand cigarette smoke.

The establishment is family owned and every time I walk in I always feel welcome and right at home. If you find yourself with an empty evening or a stressful day, make your way to Cue and Cushion and see why I have quite a lot of hours there and become a faithful patron like myself.

Stay cool St. Louis
- Ben V.

doesn't anyone go on drives anymore?

Sometimes the most fun takes place when there are no plans in order. Ben and I know this all too well. One of our favorite days was when we drove down Lindell and Litzsinger to look at big, pretty houses. Lindell is a busier street, but those houses really look like castles. Imagining what it would be like to live there, we both agree that it would take forever to even find all the rooms, and even longer to clean them all. But the fountains! The circle driveways! And the view. Most of the houses on Lindell face a big, beautiful park. Besides that, they boast prime location: right outside the central west end. It doesn’t get any better.

The houses on Litzsinger inspire images of Ralph Lauren polos, crew cuts, and country clubs. These houses are not so much castles, but feats of design; one hosts half a gym. These houses are modern, new designs for which the owners paid big bucks. It shows! Driving down Litzsinger can make you feel like Cinderella, experiencing for the first time the finer things in life. Big green lots, expensive cars in the driveways, and a quiet street kept private by trees give the essence of the elite.


Funny thing is, driving down these grand streets can make one cynical. When we saw a house that was less grand than the others, we immediately noted its obvious awkwardness. Plain red bricks next to grand stones and roman pillars? Of course, the gawky houses are still worth millions, and in my neighborhood, they would still be bigger than all the other houses. Indeed, it would still take days to find all the rooms as well. I guess such a drive can have that effect, what with views that make a realtor's heart go pitter-pat.

With houses as marvelous as these--just based on exterior aesthetics--my heart stops.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

hitching a ride

Every native of STL knows when it’s time to get out. The ideal time to do so is from the very end of summer to the very beginning of fall, AKA apple picking season. And where’s the best place to go for deliciously oversized apples? Eckerts.

Located in Belleville, IL, Eckerts is home not only to apples, but peaches and pumpkins as well. And strawberries (ready now!) and blackberries. But Ben and I generally just go for the apples-- and it’s worth it. Eckerts lets you fill your own bag of apples, offering everything from Granny Smith to Red Delicious. Plus, if you have little ones with you, they have hayrides. Ben and I tend to act like little kids when we go on the hayrides by ourselves.

Another favorite destination outside of the 314 is Historic Old Town in St. Charles. Don’t be fooled by the name; Historic Old Town does not look or feel like suburbia. It is home to cute shops (including a magnificent candy shop by the name of Riverside Sweets), antique stores, and original cobblestone streets. One of our favorite experiences was going to Tintypery to get an old-fashioned photo taken. They provide the costumes and the set, you provide the pose. It’s about $30 for one big picture or two smaller ones, which isn’t that bad when you take it home, frame it, and smile everytime you see it. The additional pictures available for purchase are probably not worth the cost. Use that money instead for an old-fashioned picture frame.

Illinois is home to another historic city. Another short drive away from STL, Alton is reached by crossing a bride that looks a lot like the Golden Gate Bridge. The city appears to be untouched by time; there are old homes, cobblestone streets, and a cemetery with significantly old tombstones. Apparently, one of the main attractions is Fast Eddies, a burger joint that claims to be world renowned. However, Ben and I wouldn’t know; the place is strictly 21 and up. And they don’t let you do carry out. So its claim to world fame is thus contradicted by its pleasant secrecy. When we’re older, we’ll find out.

As an important note, we don’t aim to make you up and leave this fair city. Where else can you find the classic high school question? Or a mere 3 degrees of separation instead of the normal 6? Nowhere, that’s where. But sometimes a change of scenery makes you appreciate the same ol’ same ol’ a little more.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

forest park

When most people think of St. Louis, they think of that great big arch that can sway when the wind gets too strong. Ben and I both agree that this architectural feat is a waste of time, and we prefer to consider St. Louis’ landmark to be Forest Park.

A big patch of green sprawling amidst urban centers, Forest Park is accessible from almost anywhere. Sometimes runners brave the paths that circle the entire thing-- that makes for quite a day. But the best thing about Forest Park (besides its history) is all that it has to offer. The park offers a grand array of activities, but for now, the free ones: the art museum, the zoo, and of course, feeding the ducks.

The art museum is surprisingly renowned, regardless of the once-grand, now-bland city in which it resides. It hosts famous American works (such as The Jolly Flatboatmen at Port), as well as a few recognizable Europeans. One of Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings can be found there. But one of my favorite galleries is one that hosts dozens of miniature rooms. Not bigger than 2 ft x 2 ft, the rooms host millions of details, from curtains and sewing materials to chandeliers and stools. They accent every architecturally notable era as well, and they make you wish that you were the size of a doll. Furthermore, as a source for either great enjoyment or great discomfort, the museum maintains a few mummies as well. They freak me out a little, but Ben loves them. Currently, the museum is undergoing construction-- and it will be for quite some time. America likes big, and so the museum will be expanding its galleries, café, and gift shop with its new addition. Although I understand that a building older than 125 years can put a strain on opportunities, I'd prefer that they leave my beloved piece of history alone.

The zoo's free admission allows access to another bit of history, home to STL since the World's Fair: the bird cage. Its age is duly noted, and easily makes it stand out among more recent additions at the zoo. One of my favorites of those is the penguin and puffin house. It may be cold and smelly in there, but I am always tempted to just grab a puffin and take it home with me. There's something wonderful about aquatic birds. Of course, there are lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) as well. Another fun thing to do is get some dippin' dots and watch the feeding of the sea lions. There are always kids there, and I think that helps bring out one's own inner child. The only downside of the zoo is the fact that free admission does not mean a free day. Parking, train tickets, gift shops, food, and face painting are definitely not cheap. But on temperate days, the zoo is the place to be. Everyone knows it too. Thankfully, the only real hassle is parking; once inside, it doesn't feel as crowded as it is. Perhaps the best thing about the zoo is the visual stimuli. If you’re not watching animals, you’re watching people. Make sure to keep an eye out for kids on leashes-- it’s out there.

Our last favorite free activity is feeding the ducks. There are bodies of water all around FoPo, which of course means that there are ducks all around those bodies of water. They will really eat anything-- even chicken! On my birthday, Ben took me and a few slices of wheat bread (we had to look out for their health) and just went nuts. Well, at least the birds did. Ever since I was little, I thought ducks were admirable. Perhaps it's because they look like they're gliding when they're really paddling like the devil.

Forest Park is to STL as Central Park is to NYC. I think ours is better though. It’s not very difficult to sneak in past hours, and that’s when all the best views are. The Grand Basin at night is a sight to behold, and running through the timed sprinklers during park curfew during the summer is as close as we ever got to our childhood. But besides the activities that FoPo consistently provides, it hosts the Balloon Glow and sledding on Art Hill at various times throughout the year as well. Oh, and we cannot possibly forget Shakespeare in the Park. Every year, they alternate between comedies and dramas-- they won’t have to repeat for quite some time. This year, it’s Hamlet. To go or not to go? The answer is clear.

Stay cool, St. Louis.

cheap eats

The easiest way to spend time (and a little money) in St. Louis is to pay visit to a few restaurants with good food and better prices. I meant it when I said a little money.

One of our favorites is Courtesy Diner, with two locations. Of course, we prefer the original, located on Hampton. Near Steak n’ Shake, we’re surprised that the chain restaurant makes any money at all. Courtesy Diner is small, but it keeps up the '50s feel it had when the actual decade took place. Complete with jukebox, booths, and the red, white, and black color scheme. Like its chain restaurant competitor, Courtesy is open 24/7. Unlike its chain restaurant competitor, Courtesy has quality without the extra expenses. Ben prefers the BLT, and i’m a pretty big fan of their pancakes, hash browns, and bacon (AKA my ideal breakfast). We can both agree on their chicken tenders and fries. And, as a highly picky eater, I give my seal of approval to Courtesy’s chicken products. The same cannot be said of Steak n’ Shake. The major wow factor? Courtesy’s prices. Easily half of Steak n’ Shake’s, I think the most we’ve ever spent there is $13 for the both of us.

Another notable favorite is Carl’s Diner. The one and only is located on Manchester, but closed Sundays and Mondays. Also, they aren’t open past 8. But aside from their time constraints, Carl’s offers IBC root beer fresh out of the barrel, quick service, and burgers that are said to be devil’s food. (Unfortunately, I don’t eat red meat. Trust Ben on this one!) Carl’s is perhaps half the size of Courtesy, but it packs in all the same tradition. It is the perfect place to go on a short lunch break or after school. Anyone in the Brentwood area knows about this small, booming business-- I run into people from my dance school there all the time. And once you make this a traditional stop on your meal route, they don’t forget you.

Courtesy and Carl’s are perhaps the best deals in the 314 when it comes to good old American food. As for other restaurants that we’ve tried and loved, you’ll have to pay the expected price. As ke$ha says, the rush is worth the price I pay.

Stay cool, St. Louis.