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.