The Metromixers' Blog

Fish, fish, and more fish

Katie Maassen — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:54:52 GMT

By the end of this month, I won't want to see, taste, smell, touch, even hear fish for a very, very long time. Now let me explain.

I've never really been a fish eater. Granted, I've worked for a seafood restaurant for the past seven years so I know everything there is to know about fish, and I love the sport of fishing as well, yet I've never liked to eat it. The smell, the taste, I just didn't like fish. I'm an extremely picky eater. Take tuna for example - I haven't touched tuna since I was about six or seven years old. Not only just because I hate the smell and taste of it, but because my two older sisters convinced me when I was younger that tuna has microscopic maggots in it that crawl around and are invisible to the eye. As the gullible child I was, I haven't touched tuna since.

It wasn't until recently that I started to step outside my box and give fish another try. I started with salmon a couple months ago, and fell in love with it. And while working at the seafood restaurant, I would try bits and pieces of the different fresh fish selections we had, such as flounder, cod, trout, mahi-mahi and many others. This is when I started to acquire a taste for fish. I quickly became a seafood expert on every type of fish there was and how they tasted and how they should be cooked.

A couple weeks ago marked the beginning of that time of year, Lent, where I can't eat meat on Fridays. Traditionally, my family would always venture to fish fries or cook fish at home, yet I was always the one to stick with sides of meatless spaghetti or cheese pizza and not fish. But this year, I've begun to hit up fish fries with friends and try the fried fish at each one, which shocked my friends and family.

Last week, I thought it'd be a great idea to spread my fish-eating to more days of the week so I can give Metromixers some tips on where the good fish is for Fridays. So I went out to eat about five times last week, and got fried fish everytime. Yep, my arteries hate me.

I ventured out to South St. Louis County to try the fried cod at Dulany's Grille & Pub which, from what I've heard, is rated the best in town. And yes, it was. I was very pleased. They offer their fried cod as either a dinner with two sides or a sandwich with one side.

I also went to Joey B's on the Landing to give their fried fish a try. They serve it as a sandwich with your choice of side, and it was simply delicious. No disappointment here. The fish was tender and flaky and served still steaming hot. Also - I recommend getting an appetizer to munch on while waiting for your fish. Try the crab rangoon or spicy fried shrimp; They are both very tasty.

Another place in town known for having excellent fish is the Dubliner. This European gastropub serves Irish-style food, and they know how to make the perfect fried fish. Some Fridays, they have a special on fish tacos, and as crazy as they sound, they are delicious. The tacos have fried fish pieces topped with lettuce, cheese, and a special sauce on a tortilla. They're a very different taste, but, as the picky eater I am, if I liked them, I know you will. The Dubliner also has fish & chips and a cod roll, which both feature their hand-battered and breaded fried cod. These entrees are done Irish style, and are highly recommended by all who try them.

Besides that, I also tried other fried fishes around town and hit up a fish fry last Friday. It was at that fish fry last Friday that I felt it. I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest. Apparently I was so wrapped up in trying to find some great fish to talk about on Metromix that I forgot my body wasn't used to consuming so much fried food in such a short period of time. I've never really been a fried food eater up until the past couple of weeks, because I'm so health conscious. Well, that went out the window. So this past weekend, I was absolutely miserable having eaten so much fried fish that week.

Next time I blog, I'll try and find you some "healthier" fish entrees around town. Maybe like broiled flounder or grilled salmon. Until then, check out Dulany's, Joey B's, and the Dubliner for their delicious fish. Just learn from me, and don't try them all in one day.

Sneak peek: 1904 Steakhouse

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:04:37 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I was very sorry to see Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in River City Casino close its doors a few months ago. This upscale chain, with food quality and service on par with a Ruths Chris, really wowwed me on my one trip there.

Fast forward to today, and River City is re-opening the space as 1904 Steakhouse. The atmosphere is almost identical to Jeff Ruby's, minus all of Ruby's pictures. That's a good thing, because this really is a beautiful restaurant - with low key mood lighting and a very neat bar area complimenting the upscale dining room.

In the end, it's all about the food. Metromix was on hand for a recent media preview of the restaurant, and I can tell you - the food is excellent. Some highlights included the lobster and bone-in filet mignon. As for sides, you've got to try the lobster mac & cheese. It's amazing.

The service is just as good, if not better than it was at Jeff Ruby's. If you're in the mood for steak, Lemay is once again a great destination. 1904 Steakhouse officially opens on March 1.

SLIFF 2010 Diaries: 'If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle'

April Amos — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:37:50 GMT

By: Josh Gilbert, Special to Metromix
Co-founder of the website www.willitsuck.com

As the St. Louis International Film Festival continues on, we’re getting deeper and deeper into the selections, pulling out some choice cuts, this one coming all the way from Romania. Now I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know Romania had a film scene, but apparently it’s been bustling since Communism took a hike, and much like post-War Italian Cinema, it’s a bit bleak. But that’s not to say it hasn’t been productive – the film 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days tackled the subject of abortion in the oppressive heyday of Communist Romania, and ended up taking home the Palm d’Or at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival (and for those of you that aren’t familiar, that means it took home all the marbles). Our film today, If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle, also took home some awards, winning a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival as the Jury Grand Prix, but was it good enough to stack up next to some of the all time greats? Well, let’s take a look…

The story follows eighteen year-old Silviu, who’s been living in a work camp for the past four years, but is up for release any day now. The trouble comes when his younger brother visits him in prison and tells him their mother is back, years after abandoning the two, and says she wants to take the younger one with her back to Italy. Having raised the young boy, Silviu acts as the paternal figure, and the struggles play out like a custody battle. Silviu is due to be set free, but not in time to stop his mother from taking the boy with her, and possibly ruining his young life - like Silviu claims she ruined his. After running out of options, Silviu buckles under the pressure, and after an outburst that would likely keep him locked up for even longer, he loses it, takes a hostage and gives a last minute plea for his mother to not burden another life with unfulfilled expectations.

The story is an interesting one, and although it dragged in some spots, we still followed it closely, waiting to see how the events would play out. However, by the end, we felt like we were only half satisfied, which is something that can be said about this film in general. The main character, Silviu, was someone we kept trying to feel sympathetic for, however many times, based on things he would do or say, we would lose that sympathy and have to start all over again, rebuilding our trust. As the film neared its climax, things could have gone either way – very good, or very bad – but it just seemed to follow a course that suggests nothing changes, and basically we end up where we started – in the bleak Romanian countryside.

The film screened at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema, which is no stranger to hosting foreign films, but the crowd on this Wednesday night sparsely filled a third of the theater, and as we were walking out, I overheard a woman behind me say “That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen.” Now, I won’t go so far as to say it’s the worst – apparently this woman hasn’t seen The Room – but as Romania’s official submission for the Foreign Language Film Award for next year’s Oscars, I can’t help but think there are probably five other movies better deserving the nomination. For the SLIFF voting, I gave it a 3 out of 5, because it took me half the way there, but couldn’t quite finish the job.

Here, Gone and On the way - November update

April Amos — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:12:48 GMT

Well, we're halfway through November and things are looking a little better now for our restaurant scene, than they did at the start of November. Here's a look at what's Here, Gone and On the way:

Here:

Rosalita's Cantina - Downtown
Prime 1000 - Downtown

Gone:
Il Vicino - Clayton

Gelato di Riso - CWE
Scheduled to close: November 21

Six North Coffee Co. - Midtown
Scheduled to close: End of November

On the Way:

West End Wok - CWE
Scheduled to open: mid-November

Angelo's Taverna (formerly Max & Erma's) - Downtown
Scheduled to open: TBD

VegaDeli Cafe - CWE
Scheduled to open:

Tavern of Fine Arts - CWE
Scheduled to open: February 2011

Lester's Tavern - CWE
Scheduled to open: Spring 2011. We finally saw the arrival of an actual sign announcing the coming of Lester's to the space formerly occupied by Companion Bake House and Cafe on Maryland in the Central West End.

SLIFF 2010 Diaries: '127 Hours'

April Amos — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:23:08 GMT

By Josh Gilbert
Special to Metromix
Co-Founder of movie preview site, www.willitsuck.wordpress.com

The first weekend of the St. Louis International Film Festival is officially in the can, and we’ve already got our first big Oscar contender in 127 Hours. The film, director Danny Boyle’s adaptation of hiker Aron Ralston’s 2003 five-day ordeal of being trapped in the deserts of Moab, UT, screened on Sunday night at the Hi-Pointe Theatre to a packed house of film enthusiasts.

The story swept the news outlets after Ralston crawled out of the wilderness and word got out of his sheer determination to survive. You’d have to have been living under a rock yourself not to have caught wind of Ralston, who after getting his arm pinned under a boulder, amputated the appendage himself, just below the elbow with a dull knife, and climbed down the mountain and limped into the arms of a family of hikers that just happened to be in the area. A testament to humanity’s will to live, this big-screen version is heavy on drama, and doesn’t skimp when it comes to portraying the graphic scenes of self-surgery.

The film stars James Franco as Ralston, in his first major leading role, Flyboys notwithstanding. We follow him into the desert for a lighthearted weekend of mountain biking, hiking and canyoneering. What starts out as a free-spirited romp across rural Utah, complete with underground skinny-dipping with two female hikers, turns tense after Ralston, in the midst of scaling a canyon wall, literally gets stuck between a rock and a hard place. With little food, limited water, and not a soul around for miles, he spends hours fruitlessly trying to free his lodged arm, and making a video diary for his parents in case he doesn’t make it out alive. Combining flashbacks and hallucinations with the anxiety-building scenes of dealing with inevitable mortality, Ralston counts up the days while counting down the milliliters of life-sustaining water left in the canteen. After resorting to drinking his own urine, the choice needs to be made – wait for death, or cut the by now dead arm off, and head for freedom. We know the eventual outcome, but don’t expect to be spared any stomach churning scenes, as the reality of Ralston’s hefty decision is given in convincing detail.

Boyle is an able director, coming off an Oscar win with 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire, and Franco is finally stretching his acting wings in a role that calls for both tension-breaking humor and real-life pain. Buzz has been surrounding Franco for years, as he’s been chipping away at building a credible movie career, while taking oddball turns, like his stint earlier this year as a demented serial killer-artist on ‘General Hospital’. He’s getting his due this time around, and expect he’ll be getting good odds when the major award nominations are made next year.

Rumors have been spreading about the infamous amputation scene ever since reports came out that viewers were passing out in the aisles during advance screenings. Add one shaky St. Louisan to that list, as once the bones started to break, a fellow filmgoer hit the floor of the Hi-Pointe and had to be carried out into the lobby. Fitting too, as Cinema St. Louis Artistic Director Chris Clark jokingly warned us that this just might happen in his introduction to the film. Hi-Pointe staff ably handled the situation, while the rest of us squeezed out a few tears as Franco made his inspiring journey back to life. The film was quite an emotional roller coaster, and I gave it a four out of five in the audience poll. The Hi-Pointe was the perfect venue, as the storied theater lent to the excited vibe of the crowd. However, without updated stadium seating, I got stuck behind the guy with the biggest head in St. Louis.

If you want to see 127 Hours yourself, keep checking the Metromix movie listings, as the film will surely be getting a wider release riding on the steam of building Oscar buzz, but in the meantime if you need your Franco-fix, check out his turn as Allen Ginsberg in Howl, now showing at the Chase Park Plaza Cinemas.

Big props to National Peanut Butter Month

April Amos — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:50:43 GMT

By: April Amos

On toast, with bananas, in a cookie or just straight outta the jar with a spoon (or let's face it: a couple of fingers), everyone has their favorite way to eat peanut butter. And just in case you've been waiting for the perfect moment, or month, to show your peanut butter pride, your wait is over. November is national peanut butter month and we're celebrating the peanut butter-infused treats that we crave. Because let's be honest: just because November is home to Thanksgiving, why should turkeys get all the credit?

Knowing that peanuts are one of those crazy allergies where just hearing the words "peanut butter" can send someone into anaphylactic shock, here is your warning: This blog post contains peanut products and often mentions the words "peanut butter."

Now that that's out of the way: St. Louis is no stranger to great peanut butter treats, both sweet and savory, from well-established eateries, new kids on the block and places that have always been here but you've never tried. As it turns out, Peanut Butter was actually invented by and got it's start here in St. Louis so how can we not celebrate? I'm a historian and I watch The History Channel so you know what I say is the truth. I took a trip around the city to find the best peanut butter bites and found the obvious and surprising that you should get geared up to try. Keep an eye out for a photojournal of these items and more (including your suggestions!) on metromix.com/restaurants in the coming weeks.

Washington Post - Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

The Cup - "Peanut Butter Cup" Cupcake

Bissinger's - Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Park Avenue Coffee- Peanut Butter Cup Frappucino

Terrene - Tofu on a Stick with Peanut Dipping Sauce

The Fountain on Locust - The Dr. John (Peanut Butter with Banana on Wheat Bread)

Where do you find your peanut butter fix in St. Louis? Leave a comment for a chance to win a Metromix.com prize pack!

SLIFF 2010 Diaries: "Casino Jack" kicks off the Festival

April Amos — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:47:32 GMT

By April Amos
Metromix

The 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival (try saying that fast five times) kicked off last night with the St. Louis premiere of "Casino Jack" and a touching tribute to the film's director, George Hickenlooper, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

The folks at Cinema St. Louis had originally planned a cocktail reception to take place prior to the screening of Casino Jack, but that was instead replaced with a touching tribute to George Hickenlooper from his friends, family and colleagues who had an abundance of memories to share with the audience. The common theme from all who spoke: George Hickenlooper never asked for permission. He did what he needed to do to "get the shot." Prior to the debut of Casino Jack, the audience watched a reel of some of Hickenlooper's best work from "Factory Girl" and "Hearts of Darkness" to his most recent film, "Hick Town" about the Governor's race of Colorado, starring none other than his beloved cousin, Jack Hickenlooper who is now the Governor-elect of Colorado.

It was a sold out show with the likes of Kitty Ratcliff (St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission), Art Holliday (KSDK NewsChannel 5), Sharon Tucci (Pasta House) and Joe Edwards (pretty much all of the Delmar Loop) made appearances to see Casino Jack. Pretty standard "celebrity" appearances for a St. Louis fête and then, Kevin Spacey walks in.

Spacey, who plays Jack Abramoff in Casino Jack, spoke a few words to introduce the film and then, let us have it. A punchy, telling story of how good intentions can always be corrupted; especially in politics. Spacey delivers an incredible performance portraying Jack Abramoff in a light that is both appauling and endearing, intelligent and naïve. Actor Spencer Garrett, a long time friend of Hickenlooper, portrays Tom DeLay in the film and together, Garrett and Spacey tell the sordid story of how the nation's one-time "super-lobbyist" went from the man of influence on The Hill to a cell in federal prison. Spacey's ability to pull-off the most realistic impressions of pretty much anyone, lent itself to the fact that Jack Abramoff (a huge movie buff) quite often quoted films in his everyday life. And just when you think a film about the corruption involved in lobbying is boring, Jon Lovitz appears and provides bursts of absolute hilarity throughout the film. His portrayal of Adam Kidan, Abramoff's front man for his unorthodox dealings with SunCruz Casinos, adds yet another note of humor and he steals pretty much every scene he appears in. Casino Jack is about a topic that most would not consider amusing; lobbyists. Yet, Hickenlooper and his dynamic cast present the recounting of a story that has had a real-life impact on our political culture, with an unexpected level of humor.

After the film, the already captivated audience was treated to a 1.5 hour Q&A session with Kevin Spacey and Spencer Garrett. Watch the video of Kevin Spacey impersonating Jon Lovitz. Casino Jack opens in theatres across the nation December 17.

Here, Gone and On the Way - November 2010

April Amos — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:15:28 GMT

We hope it's not in the water. There were more than a few of our St. Louis eateries that shuttered their doors and called it quits last month. In case you were planning on stopping by, take a look below and the restaurants that were and the one's that will take their place. And not to worry, we have plenty to look forward to this winter from breweries to baked goods, and the continual rise of Washington Ave.

Here:
3500 Winehaus - 3500 Watson Road, South St. Louis City
Mosaic - at Lambert International Airport
Fin Japanese Cuisine - 1682 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield
Cafe Nura - 117 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves
Prime 1000- 1000 Washington Ave, Downtown
Rosalita's Cantina - 1229 Washington Ave.

Gone:
Gourmet to Go - Clayton
Teutenberg's -Downtown
Jive and Wail - Maplewood
Riddle's Penultimate Wine Bar - The Delmar Loop

On the Way:

Sweet Basil Thai Cafe - 903 Pine St., Downtown St. Louis
*This venue shuttered it's doors a few weeks ago and will emerge as a new, American-based food spot. A new name hasn't been disclosed.
Scheduled to open: mid October

Gokul Snacks and Sweets - 6101 Delmar Blvd., The Loop
Scheduled to open: late October

Via Vino - 10427 Clayton, Frontenac
Scheduled to open: late October

Imagine: - This sports game-laden eatery was set to open up in August and we still haven't seen any new developments. But, it is getting closer...

Central Cafe and Bakery - 331 N. Euclid, Central West End
Scheduled to open: mid November

Jive and Wail- 1223 Washington Ave. Downtown
Scheduled to open: late November

Urban Chestnut Brewery - 3229 Washington, St. Louis
Scheduled to open: mid December

DeMun Oyster Bar - 740 De Mun, Clayton
Scheduled to open: late November

West End Wok (Fortune Cookie Restaurant)- 4577 Laclede

On the Radar

The Sultry Donut & Cafe - 1709 S. Ninth st, St. Louis
Scheduled to open: January 2011

Mama Carlie's- 742 S. Fourth St.
Schedule to open: January 2011

Tee's Golf Grill - 103 Chesterfield Valley Drive, Chesterfield
Scheduled to open: Winter 2011

Hurry! Just one week left in National Pizza Month...

April Amos — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:36:20 GMT

By: April Amos

Okay, I'll admit it. I wasn't clued into the fact that it was in fact National Pizza Month until my good friends at Onesto Trattoria informed me. And I'm glad they did; because after all, who doesn't want a great reason to give in to a daily indulgence of pizza pies? This month, Onesto chef Vito Racanelli will feature a "pizza of the week" which will undoubtedly showcase his "east coast rustic" pizza. What does that mean exactly? It means organic ingredients, from the flour used to create the flavorful crust to the oven roasted tomatoes used to make the sauce. Of course, every pizza purveyor in St. Louis has their own style; provel vs. no provel, thin crust vs. deep-dish, which got me thinking, "There's a hell of a lot of pizza in St. Louis"

Since I'm fairly positive I won't be able to treat myself to even a handful of this city's great pizza joints before the conclusion of National Pizza Month. However, if you have the opportunity to try a few start with these. Do it now before National Pizza Month passes us by and we end up in November which boasts the much less enticing, National Deviled Egg Day.

Pi - You've seen/waited in the lines at The Delmar Loop location. The President likes it. And they have a mobile location, literally. Not to mention that their crust will have you re-defining St. Louis-style pizza.
More on Pi: Pi on the Spot, The President's Pizza, Inside the Kitchen

Katie's Pizzeria - One of the best parts of Katie's Pizzeria is the atmosphere. It's as if you're in your best friend's house and your best friend just happens make killer pizza.
More on Katie's Pizzeria: Inside: Katie's Pizzeria , Katie Lee of Katie's Pizzeria

The Good Pie - The name isn't lying, it really is a good pie. Why? Their authentic crust and super-fresh ingredients play a major role. One of the true Neopolitan-style pizzas in the city, The Good Pie is making a name for itself (and Midtown Alley) one thin, crispy slice at a time.
More on Pi: Inside: The Good Pie, student discounts at The Good Pie

For more Chicago-style, wood-fired, NY-style pizzas and everything else in between check out this list of St. Louis' best pizza spot.

Here, Gone and On the way - Update

April Amos — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:11:30 GMT

A lot has happened so far this month in the wide world of St. Louis eats and drinks, and we're here to update you. So get ready to add (and unfortunately, delete) some new digs to your gastronomy-geared bucket list...

Here:
Pickleman's Deli - 3722 Laclede Ave., Midtown
Snarf's - 6301 Delmar Blvd., The Delmar Loop
The Tavern Kitchen Bar and Grill - 2961 Dougherty Ferry Rd., St. Louis *Take a look below for video review of The Tavern

Gone:

City Gourmet - 920 Olive St., Downtown St. Louis

On the Way:

Sweet Basil Thai Cafe - 903 Pine St., Downtown St. Louis
*This venue shuttered it's doors a few weeks ago and will emerge as a new, American-based food spot. A new name hasn't been disclosed.
Scheduled to open: mid October

Gokul Snacks and Sweets - 6101 Delmar Blvd., The Loop
Scheduled to open: late October

Via Vino - 10427 Clayton, Frontenac
Scheduled to open: late October

Prime One Thousand - 1000 Washington Ave., Downtown
Scheduled to open: late October

Mosaic (Lambert Airport) - Concourse A, post-security checkpoint
Scheduled to open: October 23

On the Radar:

Imagine: - This sports game-laden eatery was set to open up in August and we still haven't seen any new developments. But, it is getting closer...

Changes at The Cabin Inn

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:05:08 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I have fond memories of hanging out at The Cabin Inn at City Museum. I didn't spend a ton of time there. But one night, in particular, sticks out in my mind. I remember drinking a few beers out on the patio, watching kids play dodgeball in the ball pit. That provided a lot of laughs. Then heading inside, there was a killer bluegrass band rocking out. My wife (fiance at the time) and I danced and drank the night away.

Fast forward a year or so. Restauranteur Pablo Weiss, formerlly of Kitchen K, was attending the Fishbone concert (a hell of a concert! check out the pics by clicking the link) and ran into City Museum founder Bob Cassilly. Cassilly said he was going to make a change at The Cabin Inn. The old management team was let go, and Pablo was put in charge of the place. Meanwhile, the former crew at The Cabin Inn have opened a new bar in The Grove, called HandleBar.

I got a chance to talk with Pablo—who started at City Museum July 1—and he told me that The Cabin Inn will be open Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m., and have either a live band or a DJ on those nights. The watering hole will also be open on Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There hasn't been an official grand opening yet, it's been more of a soft open, but the place is officially open for business.

One of the new changes you'll see when you walk in as the addition of an ice cream cooler. That'll mean if you're in the mood for a frozen treat, you can grab a cone, sundae or smoothie. Even better, they'll be making adult ice cream drinks until closing time. Check out some of the pictures we snapped of the space.

Have you been back to the Cabin Inn since the change in management? What do you think? Leave a comment below. And be sure to see some of our other great stories from City Museum:

Barbecue at City Museum
Checking out the City Museum's rooftop patio
A trip to World Aquarium at City Museum

Getting to know Oktoberfest

April Amos — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:03:26 GMT

By: April Amos

It's definitely Fall in St. Louis. How do I know? The air is crisp, Eckert's is touting their apples and the Oktoberfest billboards are everywhere.

It wasn't until recently that I asked myself the question, "What is Oktoberfest exactly?" Sure, I never question the opportunity to drink large (very large) steins filled with hoppy brew. But is there more than just beer and buxom beauties in leiderhosen? I looked to my good friend Wikipedia for more information on this, Oktoberfest. While the real Oktoberfest in Munich is a 16- to 18-day fete to celebrate the anniversary of Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810, our festival here is well, a little less historical. Bring on the beer. And what about the food you ask? Well it's usually a free-for-all of everything from sausages to fish-on-stick. But in our neck of the woods, we do it a little different. Here's the deal:

The Beer: What really makes a North American-style Oktoberfest beer? From what I gather, Oktoberfest beer (aka Märzen) is a dark, full-bodied beer that's a bit stronger in hoppiness than it's German counterpart with a more bitter taste. If you're looking for a local Oktoberfest or Märzen, stop by these brewhouses: Schlafly Tap Room and Morgan Street Brewery.

The Food: We're not too far off here when it comes to traditional Oktoberfest-fare. While you probably won't find a traditional Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick) at our local festivals, you're sure to find other traditional treats like everyone's favorite German sausage - the bratwurst, loads of sauerkraut, German potato salad, candied nuts and of course, pretzels.

So why not get into the spirit of Oktoberfest, grab a mug and start celebrating? Boozing in the name of history sounds like a great idea in any month.

Can't get to Germany for the real thing? Check out the next best thing at Soulard Oktoberfest in St. Louis. You can win a pair of VIP passes for Friday, October 8!

A Night with Tony Bourdain

April Amos — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:19:39 GMT

By: April Amos

Yeah, Tony. Not Anthony 'cause we're way past that; we go way back. He's taken me to Beirut (twice), Laos, Buenos Aires, Tokyo and the gritty Iron Belt of America and on October 1, he's coming to St. Louis. Finally.

When Bourdain comes to the Fox Theatre, he'll talk about his new book Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook which takes aim at some of the food world's "super chefs"and surprisingly, gives the raspy-voiced, EVOO-queen Rachael Ray a break. And while we foodies enjoy the on-screen chronicals of his adventures, mis-adventures and adventures that just wouldn't happen, we want more. And that's where you come in. What is it that YOU want to know about Anthony Bourdain?

Have a question? Here's your chance to ask it. I'll be front and center at the Fox Theatre for a meet-and-greet with Bourdain on Oct. 1 asking your questions. Leave a comment with your question and look for the answers*, here on metromix.com, Monday, Oct. 4.

*Not all questions will receive an answer due to the fact that there will be numerous other questions. Oh and, keep it clean people.

Here, Gone and On the way - September 2010

April Amos — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:46:11 GMT

Welcome to Here, Gone and On the Way your guide to St. Louis restaurants every month. Hate when you go to your favorite restaurant only to find that they've closed up shop? Or how about that fantastic new place that said they were opening on Monday, but they've changed the opening date to Wednesday? No worries! Here, Gone and On the Way will guide you through...

Here:

Oh Lolli Lolli- Itsy Bitsy Candy Shoppe - 802 De Mun, Clayton

Second Street Bike Stop Cafe - 1325 N. Second St., St. Charles

Lola's Absinthe Lounge - 500 N. 14th Street, Downtown St. Louis

Mosaic Market Bistro - 14 N. Central, Clayton

Charlie Gitto's - 15525 Olive,

Pizzeria Tivoli - 5861 S. Kingshighway, South City

Caitlin's Green-eyed Grill - 665 S. Skinker, Clayton

Bistro 1130 - 1130 Town & Country Crossing Drive, St. Louis

Gone:

Mia Rosa - 4501 Manchester Ave., The Grove
Mihalis Chophouse - 1603 McCausland Ave., St. Louis
Primebar - 17 West County Ctr., Des Peres

On the Way:
Rosalita's Cantina - 1229 Washington Ave., Downtown
Scheduled to open: early Fall 2010

Pickleman's Gourmet Café - 3722 Laclede Ave, Midtown
Scheduled to open: week of September 20

Via Vino - 10427 Clayton, Frontenac
Scheduled to open: October 3

Prime One Thousand - 1000 Washington Ave., Downtown
Scheduled to open: mid-October

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. - 3229 Washington Ave., Midtown
Scheduled to open: Winter 2010

Snarf's - 6301 Delmar Blvd., The Delmar Loop
Scheduled to open: early October

On the Radar:

The Pita Pit: Word on the Street from Pita Pit corporate: they're waiting for the current franchisee to sign a lease the proposed location. Originally, the Pit was supposed to open up shop at 3019 Olive this month. But looks like we'll wait at least another month. Stay tuned for more updates.

Snarf's: This Denver-based sandwich haven is still on schedule to open up at 6301 Delmar some time this month. We're working on getting you a specific date. Check back shortly on this one.

Mosaic (Lambert Airport): We can't wait for this addition to our fair airport! We've heard rumors of a September opening, but as is common with the Mosaic dynasty, I think we can expect to wait a bit longer. We'll keep you posted.

Imagine: - This sports game-laden eatery was set to open up in August, but up until last night, we still haven't seen any new developments. But, it is getting closer...

Are you ready for some football?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:31:36 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I'm very, very excited for this upcoming weekend. After a long, nasty St. Louis summer, football season gets underway Saturday. As usual, Metromix is holding a pregame blitz before the Arch Rivalry Mizzou vs. Illinois game - this year, at the new Ozzie's downtown. The fun starts at 9 a.m., and we'll have lots of cool stuff to get you into the spirit, like drink and shot specials, great food - and a chance to win tickets to the game. Really, does it get any better?

I'm from Chicago, but have lived in Missouri for a combined nine years (four years in college at Truman State in Kirksville, and five years here in St. Louis). I probably cheer a little more for Mizzou than Illinois, but I'm not a diehard. My team is Notre Dame. I'm hoping they can return to glory with coach Bob Kelly, but we'll see. Honestly, I'm just happy to be watching and cheering again.

And the following weekend, the NFL season starts. That's what I'm really waiting for. I'm a big Bears fan, so I'm hoping they can do something under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. So far in the preseason, things don't look good. I'm also really pulling for the Rams this year. I would hate it if football left town, so hopefully with Sam Bradford, the guys can turn things around and string together a few wins.

If you're looking to watch some football action, check out our list of the best St. Louis sports bars.

House of Savoy gets a new chef

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:00:51 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

There's a new chef in town, and boy, can she cook! Meet Chef Paola Bugli, the new executive chef at House of Savoy. Chef Paola is originally from Florence, Italy... and most recently spent time at an Italian restaurant in Atlanta. Several members of the media got a chance to meet Paola and try some of her food, and I know many of us left impressed. I sat down to a seven course meal, complete with wine pairings, last Wednesday. Here's how the courses worked out:

First course: Mussels
Second course: Tomato salad
Third course: Pappardelle (a type of fettucine) with bolognese sauce
Fourth course: Veal
Fifth course: Mahi Mahi
Sixth and Seventh course: Torta caprese and Torta di Ricotta (both kinds of Italian cake)

Wow, that was a lot of food. But Chef Paola did a great job of portion control. If there was one thing that was clear, it's that Chef Paola is a master of seafood. The mussels were some of the finest I've ever had, highlighted by a slightly spicy, flavorful broth. And the fish of the day, a slightly breaded mahi mahi—served atop a bed of risoto—was excellent. Not only was the fish very fresh, it was also cooked to perfection, and really worked well with the risoto. Bravo! I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more great Italian food, especially since Chef Paola and the rest of the House of Savoy team are going to start focusing the menu on different Italian regions. The plan is to change the menu each month, focusing on a different province. So you may be eating Tuscan food one month, and Sicilian food the next. It's an exciting concept, one that should ensure the menu constantly stays fresh.

Oh, and I'd be doing you a disservice by not mentioning the wine. Some of my favorites at the dinner were the planeta chardonnay, the travaglini gattinara and the d'acqui rosa regale. That last one is a red sparkling wine, that tastes just as sweet as a moscato.

Kings of Leon perform free show for previous pigeon-gate

Meaghan Anselm — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:22:23 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm
Metromix

Kings of Leon are giving it another chance. They just announced that they will perform a free show for people who previously purchased tickets to their July 23 show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in St. Louis. Since walking off the stage just three songs into their set, Kings of Leon fans had their money re-imbursed for the show. KOL claimed pigoen feces was the reason they walked off stage, but rumors quickly spred that a night of partying may have been to blame.

KOL will be making up the show at Verizon Wireless on Saturday, September 25. This free show is only for people who purchased tickets to the July 23 show. There are two ways to get your free tickets.

All fans that purchased KOL tickets by phone or online will recieve an email today with instructions on how to claim their free tickets online. Tickets will then be delviered to their specific email address and can be printed at home. If you purchased your tickets at the box office or Ticketmaster retail outlets, you can go to the box office beginning Monday, August 16 to claim your free tickets. Verizon is open Mon.-Fri. from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The deadling for all previous tickets holders to claim their free tickets is Sunday, August 29 by 10 p.m.

Tickets not collected by end of day on August 29 will go on sale to the general public for $10.

Fans who purchsed tickets for the July 23 Kings of Leon concert can email kolstl@livenation.com with questions or for technical support. For more information, check out Live Naton's website.

Bonkers for Burgers

April Amos — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:03:03 GMT

By April Amos
Metromix

May is National Hamburger Month kids. Yes, an entire month dedicated to celebrating the All-American, beefy delight that is the hamburger. Whether you celebrate with two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion on a sesame seed bun or by whipping out the grill and creating your own between-two-buns bliss, there's no doubt that there's a special place in everyone's heart for a burger. Except, that is, if you're vegetarian. Or vegan. In which case, you can celebrate with smell; White Castle has a 'slider-scented' candle for sale this month.

While a juicy beef burger is the classic, burgers have evolved to include a wide variety of options from buffalo to ostrich. Here in St. Louis, we're no strangers to great burgers so here are a few of my favorites dang good burgers.

New American Burgers & Sub Zero Vodka Bar- Lamburger, Sweet Potato Fries & On The Patio cocktail
I absolutely love Mediterranean flavors. They are so fresh tasting and make you feel like you're eating something terribly healthy for you...when you're not. The lamburger is ground lamb with mint, beautifully crumbly, tangy feta cheese, hummus and cucumber. It's a great alternative to the traditional burger. These guys do a great job of cooking all of their burgers resulting in juicy, flavorful patties of goodness instead of seasoned hockey pucks. Pair it with a Sub Zero 'On the Patio' cocktail and a seat on the patio; you'll never want to leave.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries- Regular Cheeseburger, Large Fries & Sweet Tea
I love it when 'regular' means double. Order a regular burger and you'll get two patties...and like it. Tell them what you want, not what you don't want which is right up my alley. Try a regular cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, mustard and jalapenos. I call it, 'The Spicy Garden.' They call it...well, okay they don't call it anything. This thicker than usual burger is juicy and not overly seasoned. Delish. And any place that has malt vinegar for their fries is just fine by me.

Carl's Drive In- Cheeseburger, Onion Rings & Root Beer
Two words: Flat Top. This is truly the way to cook a burger. Any burger. Carl's does it the right way with a burger that comes out juicy and perfectly crispy on the edges. No frills just meat, cheese and LTO. I call it a 'throw-back' burger that will make you long for the Fourth of July and may even evoke a couple bars of 'God Bless America.'

Steak 'n Shake-Wisconsin Butter Burger
Yes. It's fast food. Who cares. Anything you cook in butter is just better and the Wisconsin Butter Burger is no exception. Not as overwhelming as you may think. The butter adds a rich, velvety texture to the burger and enhances the already crispy burger edges that Steak 'n Shake is known for. A little cheese in all of it's gooey glory, some lettuce, tomato and onion (for nutritional value of course) and it's all downhill from there. If you're on a diet, ditch it and eat one of these. I won't tell.

P.S. So many of you will say, "What about O'Connell's?" While I have no doubt that O'Connells has a delightful burger, I simply haven't been there yet. Yeah, I said it. Wanna fight about it?

So, however you decide to celebrate National Hamburger Month, just be sure you stop by your favorite burger joint and pay homage to an American staple that has served all of us well. Your stomach (and maybe even your soul) will thank you.

TV Shows: hot or not

Meaghan Anselm — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:57:20 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm

Metromix

I am generous when it comes to giving television shows the chance to grab my attention. I am either sucked in by the drama factor or the hilarity of the show. Some people only give a new show a few minutes before they are changing the dial, but I will give them the entire show to make me laugh or cry. That's when I am hooked. It seems simple enough. I am a pretty sarcastic person and I like various types of humor but for some reason certain shows just aren't catching my eye. I find them to be unwatchable. But other have me in stitches week after week. Here is my hot or not list when it comes to TV shows.

My tv hot list

Modern Family - Hilarious and creative. Three modern families who are related and whose stories weave together. Each have its owns ecentric problems to deal with. Plus the casting of the children on this show is brilliant. The comedy is smart and sarcastic at the same time. Five stars in my book.

Parenthood - My latest dramatic fix comes from the light dramaty Parenthood. Commercials keep pushing the fact that this show is from creative gods Ron Howard and Bryan Grazer. Good, great to know, but who creates the show doesn't make me watch it. The writing makes this show and the acting gives these characters real feelings that suck me in every week.

Big Bang Theory - Still hilarious three season in. I've been hooked since season one. I have found only two people who don't find this show funny and they happen to be closely related to me. Lucky for me, my roommate has every season on DVD. Friday night here I come, right?

Party Down - I kept hearing the buzz about this show but the only problem is I only know one person who gets Starz with their cable package. Party at my boyfriend's mom's house. This show stars Adam Scott (Leap Year, Knocked Up), Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield), Megan Mullally (Will and Grace), Martin Starr (Freaks and Geeks, Knocked Up, Adventureland), Jane Lynch (Glee), Ken Marino (Role Models) and more. Pretty solid cast for a show not many people are following. Besides having a stellar cast, there have been some memorable guest appearances like Steve Guttenberg. As a bonus Paul Rudd is a creator.

Always Sunny in Philadephia - Syndication! Syndication! I can't get enough of this show and I can't tell you the number of times I have seen the episodes on DVD. But now that it is moving to syndication, thanks to Comedy Central picking it up last week, I will be able to watch my favorite show at nausium.

Shows that miss the hot radar

The Office - After the first season I tuned out. Yeah, I know, I should be watching it but the few I have watched recently just aren't funny to me. Plus haven't you ever heard of the baby curse. Tons of shows have spiraled down hill after the main characters have a baby. Prime examples include Cheers and Friends.

Glee - I just watched my first episode last week and Kristen Chenoweth was the guest star, I assume. I was waiting to laugh but I didn't. Then I was waiting to recognize some Top 40 songs but I didn't. Several people told me to watch another one because, "That episode wasn't very good." No... I am moving on.

Fringe - I watched the first few episodes of Fridge on Fox starring the ever-so-dreamy Joshua Jackson. Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, he quacked his way right into my heart. The premise was cool but after two episodes the sci-fi experiment fizzled. Go Charlie Conway for making a comeback from The Creek.

What is your hot list? Leave a comment at the end of the page.

St. Louis Restaurant Rundown

April Amos — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:23:30 GMT

By April Amos
Metromix

Summer is just around the corner and for me, that means getting out! A big part of that for me is of course, dining. I'm somewhat of a creature of habit and my dining habits are no exception. However, this summer will be a blow (for bad and good) to my dining world as I know it, as some of my favorite haunts have tweaked their menus, enhanced their spaces or just shut down altogether. Here's a rundown of just what's going on in the St. Louis food scene:

So long, farewell.
We're saying goodbye (and in one case, have already laid to rest) some great places: Adios, Artisan Caffe. Rest in Peace, Moxy Contemporary Bistro. Fortunately, I can still get some of Chef Brenner's cuisine with a Creole kick at Molly's Bistro in Soulard!

When one door closes...
Hello to three 'newbies' that have definitely piqued my interest:

Pita Pit (Midtown)- A tradition during my college days in California, the Pita Pit will bring a wide-variety of fresh pita wraps to Midtown Alley. Take that flatbread! Although it looks like we'll be waiting until August for this alternative fast-food joint to open, I assure you, it's worth looking forward to!

Milagro Modern Mexican (Webster Groves)- The Tilford's are at it again with this new, upscale Mexican eatery which opened it's doors early this week. The new digs are a modern complement to their sister restaurants (Tortillaria and Barrister's) and offer traditional Mexican cuisine that promises to be a 'departure from St. Louis mexican and Tex-Mex' cuisine. I'm a big fan of Mahi Mahi, which is something these guys do well, so Milagro ceviche, watch out. The online menu looks to be par for the course as far as Mexican food is concerned, so we'll just see what Milagro brings to the table.

The 'Wood' (Maplewood)- The 'Wood' (formerly Deluxe Fine Foods & Spirits) will feature live music Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. And who do they have booked for Wednesdays beginning May 19? Dr. Zhivegas. Offering American- cuisine and a fully stocked bar, I see few reasons why this place shouldn't be a hit.

Ch, ch, ch, ch, changes...

Some of my favorite restaurants are tweaking their menus; some to highlight the abundance of the locally produced and grown ingredients here in Missouri, but some are taking a new direction all together. I see where they're going and I'm liking it...

Monarch (Maplewood)- Headed south! Word on the street is chef Josh Galliano is creating a Southern-inspired menu for Monarch, which will lend itself to the two 'new' dining spaces that will debut after renovations (which begin June 1). There looks to be a wide-variety of 'share plates' and standard entrees as well.

Well, that's what I have folks. As always, stay tuned for more food news and other things that won't make you stronger or smarter, but that you'll get a kick out of.

Cool art inspires me

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:32:42 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I have the pleasure of working with one of the city's top artists, Peat Wollaege. Peat does stencil art - meaning he cuts out giant stencils, then fills in the cutouts with spray paint. Peat does this on a huge scale, and the results are pretty amazing. Here's a look at his most recent work, which is nothing short of awesome:

EYE HEART STL!!! from Peat Wollaeger on Vimeo.

Peat's one of the first people to walk into my office here at Metromix and say, "Man, you need some art in this office." He's right. I've got an old NBC poster on the wall that was here when I arrived, and a wall full of bumper stickers, posters, and other various junk I managed to collect just so my wall didn't look empty. Then a funny thing happened... I developed a really cool interest in artistic photography. I've put two photographs on canvas: a picture of Busch Stadium during the Home Run Derby last year and a shot of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean in Maine. There's of course the sky, but also a lighthouse, a lobster buoy and another sailboat in the photo. I'm also working on a shot of the St. Louis skyline that might work out pretty well. I recently put my Busch Stadium shot in a silent auction, and there was a lot of interest.

Every time I meet a local artist, I walk away impressed. Whether it's at Wall Ball, the Taste of St. Louis, ArtDimensions, or simply the art hanging on the walls at 33 Wine Shop, I'm always amazed by the level of creativity. So spruce up your office and get some art! Now I just need to follow my own advice...

Movies I am down for seeing: "Kick-ass", "Date Night", "Oceans"

Meaghan Anselm — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:17:57 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm

Metromix

I wouldn't call myself a movie buff by any means. My pure infatuation with Michael J. Fox's 80's flicks have been downgraded from obsession and I am feeling alright about laughing at former SNL players being in what seems like every movie coming out this summer. As a side note I will not be seeing McGruber.

I can read several movie reviews and still not have a firm grasp on whether of not I want to see them. McGruber is that exception. So whether I read Matt Pais' Metromix reviews, Rotten Tomatoes reviews or KSDK.com's 'movie guys'' reviews I would believe the "word of mouth review" first.

"Date Night" came out two weeks ago and I am still inching to see it. I will most likely see it in the theater because with a movie like this I think I will find it funnier in a theater of people laughing and not me, by myself, on my couch laughing so hard that I choke on my popcorn. None of my friends have seen it yet which sometimes makes it better so I have no preconceved notions going into the screening.

"Kick-ass" is an interesting movie that I keep hearing is more funny than expected. It only came out last week and the word of mouth vertict was four out of five stars. With a star rating like that and all of the buzz still surrounding it, that makes me want to see it. I know what my friends find funny and if they think something is funny most likely I will find it funny. I will see this movie but I can't guarentee that it will be in the theater.

Out today with a clever tie-in to Earth Day is "Oceans". Now I am a little behind the ball here because I haven't seen Disneynature's previous nature documentary "Earth". I have always been intreguided by under water life so I think I would be interested in seeing it. I think I might have to splurge on an I-Max ticket to see these bad boys up close and personal.

Leave a comment at the bottom of the page with a 'word of mouth' comment for me. Tell me what you think of these movies.

Crazy about crepes

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:51:43 GMT

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

Last weekend, my parents came to town and were looking for a good spot for breakfast. They wanted to go to Rooster (they love that place), but I suggested Lola because they hadn't been there, and neither had my wife or I. We went, and all four of us were very impressed. I opted for the blueberry and ricotta crepe, which was nice and sweet. But after trying my wife's savory crepe (can't remember which one she got off the top of my head), I knew I had to go back. A few nights later, we headed back to Lola for dinner. I opted for the Marilyn crepe, which had Roma tomatoes, smoked mozzarella and pesto. I wanted some meat in the crepe, so I asked them to add some beef tenderloin tips. No problem they said. Let me tell you, that was one awesome crepe. What flavor! What made the night even cooler was the live music. Javier Mendoza was playing. If you've never heard Javier play before, he does a great job. But his voice is what really sets him apart. I have no qualms saying this guy's got a beautiful voice. On both of my trips to Lola, I was surprised that not many people were there. The food is great, the vibe is upscale loft-like and the live music really added to the whole feel of the place. The first time I was there, we were the only people in the entire joint. The second time, there was another couple, one of the musician's fathers, and a table of the musicians friends. That was it. Bottom line, if you haven't been to Lola, check it out. And be sure to check out our Lola review.

So, after eating two crepes at Lola, I still had a taste for crepes, so I went to Rooster. I opted for the "mo.made german style sausages #2." Wow. Wow!!! This is quite possibly the most amazing food item I've had this year. The big crepe is stuffed with Missouri-made, German-style sausage, spiced apples and cheddar cheese. And it doesn't end there. On the side is a little carafe of cold apple cider to pour on top of the crepe. All of these flavors combine to make something that's a little sweet, a little savory... and a ton of flavor. Do yourself a favor and order this crepe. Trust me. And if you haven't been to Rooster yet, check out my breakfast profile I did there awhile back.

So, what are some of your favorite crepes? I'm on this crepe kick and I'm liking it - so I'd love to try some others!

Yes. I Recycle. Reduce and Re-use? Not so much.

April Amos — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:36:56 GMT

By April Amos
Metromix

In case you're unaware, Earth Day is on it's way. On Thursday, April 22nd, St. Louisans (and the rest of the world for that matter) will walk to work, refill that stylish water jug at least twice and possibly refrain from pushing the 'print' button for that important email. And this is all great... on Earth Day.

I decided to take a look at how often I actually 'close the loop' (start singing the song here). And I have to say, it doesn't look pretty. I am always the first in line when it comes to finding great things, for free. And that was definitely the case when Starbucks offered me a gratis cup of joe last Thursday to 'celebrate' Tax Day. The only catch: you need to bring in your own recycleable tumbler. No problem! I did. Twice that day. But things took a turn for the worse the next day when I woke up with a sort of 're-use amnesia.'

I left the house, nothing in hand but my purse and keys, and headed to Starbucks. I arrived and ordered my Pike Place (with room), which they put in a brand new paper cup. And to top it all off, I took a sleeve. Yes, not only did I not 'reduce,' I certainly did not 're-use.' What happened? I'll tell you; 'free' hi-jacked my environmental conscience.

In order to redeem myself (although I am absolutely certain my redemption will require far more than the following), I've taken the following 66-day challenge with regard to my java consumption. Why 66 days? That's how long it takes to form a new habit. And I'm a scientist, so I know these things.

-I will, from this day on, go sleeveless. That's right folks, sleeveless. No matter how hot that cup may be, global warming is hotter.
-I will, no longer purchase that crisp, clean bottle of Ethos water. But rather, use my reusable tumbler with the attached lid for my post-caffeine H20.
-Last but not least, I will use and re-use the 3 insulated tumblers, that look so nice in my kitchen cabinet, for my coffee beverages. Should I find myself tumbler-less, I will recycle, or re-purpose, my paper cup.

This may not seem like much, but it's a start. I encourage you to 'out-do' me and tell me about it here on Metromix. Remember: it's not just for Earth Day, it's forever. Just like diamonds and scars from 5th grade.

Pull over shuttle driver, I want a ride!

Meaghan Anselm — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:14:04 GMT

By Meaghan Anselm
Metromix

With Cardinals season officially in full gear, bars around town are more than welcome to give you a ride to the game. Soulard specifically has tons of bars and restaurants that will shuttle you to all St. Louis home games whether it is Cardinals, Blues or Rams. I have compiled a comprehensive list of Soulard bars that have shuttle service to the game. Some of the shuttles you have to buy a beer or have eaten at the establishment ahead of time, while other offer the service for free. Either way, you can make it to the game in style, and not have to worry about parking and better yet not have to worry about driving.

Want a ride to the game from downtown? There is a Washington Ave. shuttle that picks people up right outside Lucas Park Grille. You can grab the Jim Edmonds F15teen shuttle outside his restaurant or the Maggie O’Brien’s and Syberg's on Market's bus has rides to all games as well.

Check out the list of Soulard bars that provide shuttles to home games.

To see other bars in the Soulard area click here on Metromix’s neighborhood guide.