Interview of Officer Zhang about University City
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwBTwIRPapU
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
El Burro Loco – “Yes. It Means The Crazy Ass”.
You know a place is legit Mexican
when a mariachi guy comes over to your table and sings you traditional Mexican
tunes. First time this happened, my friend and I were sitting down and my
friend said “Are you serious right now? You are awesome sir.” He did not even
need the aid of alcohol to provoke the response, and I couldn’t agree more.
Even better, on your birthday they serenade you with multiple people and don
the sombrero on you. Good photo with the friends you came with at this point.
Unlimited chips and salsa. Huge
entrees for $10. And margaritas come in one size, jumbo. This hot place stays
open until 1am most nights, and the staff and waiters are polite and fun. It’s
also among the great spots located in Central West End, easy walking to dessert
places and after hour bars.
El Burro website: N/A
The Custard Station - "When You Get Tired of Ted Drewes All The Dang Time In Summer, Want A Nice Walk In A Cute Part Of St. Louis, Find This Alternative In Kirkwood."
I will start with the bad news. This place is open only during the summer.
Now that that is out of the way, I'll go on with this has the best custard in St. Louis after Ted Drewes. Ted Drewes is fine and dandy, but it is crowded, hyped, and you can't just go back there every stinkin day (at least I can't).
They do start with their own chocolate and vanilla, they make there's interesting by creating "cements", essential and thicker version of a Dairy Queen Blizzard with custard instead of ice cream. The Maltee Toffee and the CD Combo (cookie dough and Cruncha Buncha mixed together) makes my evening great. The area is great to walk around with whoever you are with, especially summer nights on the weekend.
I will start with the bad news. This place is open only during the summer.
Now that that is out of the way, I'll go on with this has the best custard in St. Louis after Ted Drewes. Ted Drewes is fine and dandy, but it is crowded, hyped, and you can't just go back there every stinkin day (at least I can't).
They do start with their own chocolate and vanilla, they make there's interesting by creating "cements", essential and thicker version of a Dairy Queen Blizzard with custard instead of ice cream. The Maltee Toffee and the CD Combo (cookie dough and Cruncha Buncha mixed together) makes my evening great. The area is great to walk around with whoever you are with, especially summer nights on the weekend.
Mission Taco - "Your Late Night Taco Truck Got Rained On And Decided To Move Into A Restaurant. Ended Up Liking Being Inside. Settled Down. Had A Family. Mission Was Make More Tacos."
It's late. You live in St. Louis, Missouri. You are hungry, incredibly so. You are thinking that your sole six option are Dennys, Uncle Bills, Steak N Shake, McDonald's, Coffee Cartel, and iHop. All of these have one thing in common: American cuisine. We need a wake up call or something for this late night food drought we have in our city.
Mission Taco landed in our city a couple or so years ago. They are a late night Mexican-gourmet restaurant with cheap and delicioso tacos. When I say late, I'm talking until 1am Monday - Saturday, and midnight on Sundays.
They are fairly busy on most evenings, so I would get there as soon as possible. You have to pay for the chips and salsa, but dropping $3 for chips until your salsa runs out isn't robbery of your piggy bank. On top of that, paying an average of $3 per taco is a good way of getting you and your date a night of taco eating and even a cab ride home. Yes, the drinks follow the trend of remaining relatively cheap compared to other bars; many Mexican restaurants have lower average prices on shots and beer.
It used to be located at one location in the Delmar Loop. These guys were smart and opened two new spots in drinking capitals within St. Louis: Central West End and Soulard. Nothing better to soak up that alcohol than with chips and tacos.
Mission Taco website: http://missiontacojoint.com/
It's late. You live in St. Louis, Missouri. You are hungry, incredibly so. You are thinking that your sole six option are Dennys, Uncle Bills, Steak N Shake, McDonald's, Coffee Cartel, and iHop. All of these have one thing in common: American cuisine. We need a wake up call or something for this late night food drought we have in our city.
Mission Taco landed in our city a couple or so years ago. They are a late night Mexican-gourmet restaurant with cheap and delicioso tacos. When I say late, I'm talking until 1am Monday - Saturday, and midnight on Sundays.
They are fairly busy on most evenings, so I would get there as soon as possible. You have to pay for the chips and salsa, but dropping $3 for chips until your salsa runs out isn't robbery of your piggy bank. On top of that, paying an average of $3 per taco is a good way of getting you and your date a night of taco eating and even a cab ride home. Yes, the drinks follow the trend of remaining relatively cheap compared to other bars; many Mexican restaurants have lower average prices on shots and beer.
It used to be located at one location in the Delmar Loop. These guys were smart and opened two new spots in drinking capitals within St. Louis: Central West End and Soulard. Nothing better to soak up that alcohol than with chips and tacos.
Mission Taco website: http://missiontacojoint.com/
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Russell's on Macklind - "The South City Machine Where Farmers Send Their Crops and Livestock To Be Turned Into Masterpieces".
I found out about this place when my good friend recently received an entire cake as a present for his birthday. I mean the entire cake. It was some sort of espresso chocolate. My friend didn't care, he said it was amazing.
So I asked his friend where she got the cake that was "crafted by gods" from? She said "this little bakery/restaurant on Macklind Avenue called Russell's, invite me when you go there". Long story short, we are bad guys, we went and forgot to tell her....
First thing you see when you walk in, hostess, bakery, fine seating area. Hostess sat us down upstairs. My friend and I are thinking "so.....where do we get desserts?". Our waitress tells us to go back down, check out the bakery, and come back up with the sweets charged directly to our tab. What we got are in the pictures below, cupcakes and cookies. Yes they were real fruit, yes they were bomb. We would've had dinner there too had we not made prior plan. Definitely for next time lookout: Braised Pork Shoulder, Pork Belly Banh Mi, and Sticky Chicken Legs.
Macklind is a smaller neighborhood in South City, nearby all the assorted suburbia restaurants and stores but within its enclave holds Russell's, Macklind Avenue Deli, and Copper Pig (has a burger made of Korean bulgogi; see Seoul Garden blog), along with some nice neighborhood walking.
I found out about this place when my good friend recently received an entire cake as a present for his birthday. I mean the entire cake. It was some sort of espresso chocolate. My friend didn't care, he said it was amazing.
So I asked his friend where she got the cake that was "crafted by gods" from? She said "this little bakery/restaurant on Macklind Avenue called Russell's, invite me when you go there". Long story short, we are bad guys, we went and forgot to tell her....
First thing you see when you walk in, hostess, bakery, fine seating area. Hostess sat us down upstairs. My friend and I are thinking "so.....where do we get desserts?". Our waitress tells us to go back down, check out the bakery, and come back up with the sweets charged directly to our tab. What we got are in the pictures below, cupcakes and cookies. Yes they were real fruit, yes they were bomb. We would've had dinner there too had we not made prior plan. Definitely for next time lookout: Braised Pork Shoulder, Pork Belly Banh Mi, and Sticky Chicken Legs.
Macklind is a smaller neighborhood in South City, nearby all the assorted suburbia restaurants and stores but within its enclave holds Russell's, Macklind Avenue Deli, and Copper Pig (has a burger made of Korean bulgogi; see Seoul Garden blog), along with some nice neighborhood walking.
Side Note
St. Louis For Families
My dad always said St. Louis was one of the best places in the U.S to have a family, and the worse place to be a single college graduate. The latter is getting better as more people are moving here for the increase in Computer Programming and Engineering jobs, the renovations and development taking place within the Central West End, Saint Louis University, Soulard, and Washington University Medical School, and rapid expansion of St. Louis' restaurants across the county.. The first statement is the focus of this post.
These are just a few reasons why families love St. Louis:
1. Low Cost of Living: Cheap. One thing a lot of my friends enjoy is how cheap everything is, from gas, rent per square footage, amount of free parks, events, and museums, and cheap fantastic food.
2. Good Neighborhoods: Most are safe, affordable, close to schools, restaurants, theaters, and grocery stores. St. Louis neighborhoods are famous for their convenience. The only down side is the lack of quality mass transit (STL Metro does not reach suburbs, is slow, and expensive for the service provided) in suburbs. To counter this, St. Louis is a very car-friendly city, and everything is within 25 minutes by car without traffic; this makes it easier for families to be mobile, park and drive in larger numbers.
3. Food: The food scene in STL is exquisite. The Hill has all of your Italian needs, from "mom and pop" small restaurants to grocery stores owned by third generation Italians. Central West End has Lebanese, Mexican, American, Japanese, gelato, Welsh, and Thai all within a two block radius. You can't miss Kirkwood, a small town south of 270 and Lindbergh that has Club Taco, Kirkwood Brewing Station, and the Custard Station.
4. Access to Natural Scenery: As stated earlier, St. Louis has a plethora of free parks and wildlife within county borders. Forest Park in Midtown is between Washington University and Kingshighway; it is 500 acres larger than Central Park, holds the St. Louis Zoo, Muny Amphitheater, Science Center, among several fields and trails. Lone Elk Park out in Meramec Township has a large population of, you guessed it, elk, as well as bison (Bison walk up to your car, do NOT scream and move forward slowly...).
5. Competitive Schools: St. Louis has some of the best schools Missouri has to offer, both public and private, as well as Washington University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Webster University, Maryville University, and Lindenwood University among others. Schools are diverse, staffed by amazing teachers, and most districts have very active extracurricular activities that are recognized on a national level.
6. Sports: St. Louis is known for its sports. If the Cardinals don't get into the playoffs, it's a bad year (that means they're pretty dang good). The Blues were terrible for most of my childhood, they only just got better a couple years ago and are slowly becoming one of the most recognized teams in American hockey. Rams left, who needs them anyway.
7. Lastly, Location, Location, Location: St. Louis isn't just in the "Midwest", it is in the middle of the USA. You can drive 5 hours to Memphis, 4.5 hours to Nashville, 5 hours to Chicago, 3.5 hours to Kansas City, and 5.5 hours to Omaha. It's also relatively easy to catch a flight to anywhere stateside, heaven forbid you fly internationally from here however. Missouri itself has many beauties and hiking within 3 hour car rides, from Meramec Caverns, to the Ozark Lakes, Mark Twain exhibits in Hannibal, and Mississippi River tours.
St. Louis For Families
My dad always said St. Louis was one of the best places in the U.S to have a family, and the worse place to be a single college graduate. The latter is getting better as more people are moving here for the increase in Computer Programming and Engineering jobs, the renovations and development taking place within the Central West End, Saint Louis University, Soulard, and Washington University Medical School, and rapid expansion of St. Louis' restaurants across the county.. The first statement is the focus of this post.
These are just a few reasons why families love St. Louis:
1. Low Cost of Living: Cheap. One thing a lot of my friends enjoy is how cheap everything is, from gas, rent per square footage, amount of free parks, events, and museums, and cheap fantastic food.
2. Good Neighborhoods: Most are safe, affordable, close to schools, restaurants, theaters, and grocery stores. St. Louis neighborhoods are famous for their convenience. The only down side is the lack of quality mass transit (STL Metro does not reach suburbs, is slow, and expensive for the service provided) in suburbs. To counter this, St. Louis is a very car-friendly city, and everything is within 25 minutes by car without traffic; this makes it easier for families to be mobile, park and drive in larger numbers.
3. Food: The food scene in STL is exquisite. The Hill has all of your Italian needs, from "mom and pop" small restaurants to grocery stores owned by third generation Italians. Central West End has Lebanese, Mexican, American, Japanese, gelato, Welsh, and Thai all within a two block radius. You can't miss Kirkwood, a small town south of 270 and Lindbergh that has Club Taco, Kirkwood Brewing Station, and the Custard Station.
4. Access to Natural Scenery: As stated earlier, St. Louis has a plethora of free parks and wildlife within county borders. Forest Park in Midtown is between Washington University and Kingshighway; it is 500 acres larger than Central Park, holds the St. Louis Zoo, Muny Amphitheater, Science Center, among several fields and trails. Lone Elk Park out in Meramec Township has a large population of, you guessed it, elk, as well as bison (Bison walk up to your car, do NOT scream and move forward slowly...).
5. Competitive Schools: St. Louis has some of the best schools Missouri has to offer, both public and private, as well as Washington University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Webster University, Maryville University, and Lindenwood University among others. Schools are diverse, staffed by amazing teachers, and most districts have very active extracurricular activities that are recognized on a national level.
6. Sports: St. Louis is known for its sports. If the Cardinals don't get into the playoffs, it's a bad year (that means they're pretty dang good). The Blues were terrible for most of my childhood, they only just got better a couple years ago and are slowly becoming one of the most recognized teams in American hockey. Rams left, who needs them anyway.
7. Lastly, Location, Location, Location: St. Louis isn't just in the "Midwest", it is in the middle of the USA. You can drive 5 hours to Memphis, 4.5 hours to Nashville, 5 hours to Chicago, 3.5 hours to Kansas City, and 5.5 hours to Omaha. It's also relatively easy to catch a flight to anywhere stateside, heaven forbid you fly internationally from here however. Missouri itself has many beauties and hiking within 3 hour car rides, from Meramec Caverns, to the Ozark Lakes, Mark Twain exhibits in Hannibal, and Mississippi River tours.
St. Louis Bubble Tea - "That West Coast Boba Tea Place That You Cannot Believe Settled Into Our Midwestern City."
As a person born and raised in the Midwest, you might be wondering "what the heck is that stupid named drink you just wrote on this here blog?!". Let me tell you, it's different, and different is good.
Brief history: Boba tea originated in Taiwan in the mid 1980's. Liu Han-Chieh visited Japan and found Japanese selling cold coffee in cafes; he returned to Taiwan and wondered if this method could apply to tea. He and Lin Hsiu Hui developed milk tea and along with it, boba (cooked, semi-sweet tapioca cut into pearl-like shapes).
I came to STL Bubble Tea for the first time in high school. I had a personal grudge against them and it had nothing to do with who they were, they took over a childhood memory (it was where our neighborhood Dunkin Donuts was located when I was a toddler). My friend explained to me what "boba" is, the semi-sweet, cooked tapioca cut into small pearl shapes that you can suck up with a fat straw. "Gross" is what came to my mind, ending with me getting Chinese food there for the next two years.
I came around to trying it, a Boba Milk Tea (essentially a black tea with milk and boba) to be exact, and loved it. They have a humongous menu; milk teas, slushies, smoothies, and flavored teas where you can put the boba into anything. It is a family-owned business and they are great people. The Delmar Loop location even stays open until midnight on weekends.
As a person who loves the West Coast and visits it frequently, I am glad we can have a quality piece of it residing within my city for nostalgia's sake.
St. Louis Bubble Tea website: N/A
As a person born and raised in the Midwest, you might be wondering "what the heck is that stupid named drink you just wrote on this here blog?!". Let me tell you, it's different, and different is good.
Brief history: Boba tea originated in Taiwan in the mid 1980's. Liu Han-Chieh visited Japan and found Japanese selling cold coffee in cafes; he returned to Taiwan and wondered if this method could apply to tea. He and Lin Hsiu Hui developed milk tea and along with it, boba (cooked, semi-sweet tapioca cut into pearl-like shapes).
I came to STL Bubble Tea for the first time in high school. I had a personal grudge against them and it had nothing to do with who they were, they took over a childhood memory (it was where our neighborhood Dunkin Donuts was located when I was a toddler). My friend explained to me what "boba" is, the semi-sweet, cooked tapioca cut into small pearl shapes that you can suck up with a fat straw. "Gross" is what came to my mind, ending with me getting Chinese food there for the next two years.
I came around to trying it, a Boba Milk Tea (essentially a black tea with milk and boba) to be exact, and loved it. They have a humongous menu; milk teas, slushies, smoothies, and flavored teas where you can put the boba into anything. It is a family-owned business and they are great people. The Delmar Loop location even stays open until midnight on weekends.
As a person who loves the West Coast and visits it frequently, I am glad we can have a quality piece of it residing within my city for nostalgia's sake.
St. Louis Bubble Tea website: N/A
Seoul Garden - "The Korean Place Where Authenticity Meets American Appetite."
I say this because I'm about to utter the words "unlimited". What is "unlimited" Josh?
Unlimited Meat.
The price of this deal has steadily increased to $27 from $20 over 4 years, but this is by far the best Korean BBQ in town. You get unlimited banchan (Korean side dishes like kimchi, a fermented cabbage), one soup per two people, and unlimited meat (that's as much beef, chicken, and pork as you can get. The interior of the place is warm; wood and traditional setup to match Korea's cultural origins. This place is located in St. Ann, the area is nearby the airport and not much else.
I will break KBBQ down for you:
You receive a small griddle powered by gas at the table. They bring you whichever delicious meat you ask. It is a simple as that guys.
Let's meet the meats:
Beef Bulgogi: Sweet marinated Korean sliced beef
Chicken Bulgogi: Sweet Korean diced-chicken
Korean Pork: Spicy Korean pork slices
Beef Brisket
Pork Belly
And many more. (Side note: Bulgogi means "beef" in Korean but everyone doesn't know that when they order and the menu does have written "Chicken bulgogi" and so on).
The soups are great, they have spicy tofu soup (the bain of my existence is tofu), spicy chicken soup, and a pork bone soup. I also get spicy chicken, it is delicious and great in the fall/winter months.
Go here on an empty stomach and leave feeling incredibly full. It is by far one of my favorite restaurants in town. The staff here is attentive and awesome at what they do.
Seoul Garden website: N/A
I say this because I'm about to utter the words "unlimited". What is "unlimited" Josh?
Unlimited Meat.
The price of this deal has steadily increased to $27 from $20 over 4 years, but this is by far the best Korean BBQ in town. You get unlimited banchan (Korean side dishes like kimchi, a fermented cabbage), one soup per two people, and unlimited meat (that's as much beef, chicken, and pork as you can get. The interior of the place is warm; wood and traditional setup to match Korea's cultural origins. This place is located in St. Ann, the area is nearby the airport and not much else.
I will break KBBQ down for you:
You receive a small griddle powered by gas at the table. They bring you whichever delicious meat you ask. It is a simple as that guys.
Let's meet the meats:
Beef Bulgogi: Sweet marinated Korean sliced beef
Chicken Bulgogi: Sweet Korean diced-chicken
Korean Pork: Spicy Korean pork slices
Beef Brisket
Pork Belly
And many more. (Side note: Bulgogi means "beef" in Korean but everyone doesn't know that when they order and the menu does have written "Chicken bulgogi" and so on).
The soups are great, they have spicy tofu soup (the bain of my existence is tofu), spicy chicken soup, and a pork bone soup. I also get spicy chicken, it is delicious and great in the fall/winter months.
Go here on an empty stomach and leave feeling incredibly full. It is by far one of my favorite restaurants in town. The staff here is attentive and awesome at what they do.
Seoul Garden website: N/A
Strange Donuts - "The Place To Go To Try Donuts That Your Friend Dares You To Eat Because They Would Put Worms In These Donuts If They Had A Reliable Sourcing Company For Worms".
I say these things with love and admiration.
These guys fulfill their namesake. Everything from donuts that you'd see at a normal Dunkin Donuts but with better dough and flavor, to donuts that make you think "wow that's creative!", to donuts that make you think "Wow, that IS creative....can you really do that to the doughnut"? The answer is 100% yes.
Mai Pho King doughnut, maple bacon doughnut, french toast, fruit loops, and s'mores are just a couple from this basket-case. My favorite is the apple pie and the maple bacon. So if you want something different, interesting, and a fun snack in Maplewood on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, swing by this joint. Staff is great and fun.
Strange Donuts website: http://strangedonuts.com/
I say these things with love and admiration.
These guys fulfill their namesake. Everything from donuts that you'd see at a normal Dunkin Donuts but with better dough and flavor, to donuts that make you think "wow that's creative!", to donuts that make you think "Wow, that IS creative....can you really do that to the doughnut"? The answer is 100% yes.
Mai Pho King doughnut, maple bacon doughnut, french toast, fruit loops, and s'mores are just a couple from this basket-case. My favorite is the apple pie and the maple bacon. So if you want something different, interesting, and a fun snack in Maplewood on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, swing by this joint. Staff is great and fun.
Strange Donuts website: http://strangedonuts.com/
 |
| Mai Pho King Doughnut |
Cafe Ventana - "A Little Piece of New Orleans Cafe Atmosphere Next To Another Fleur-de-lis Symboled Institution (SLU)".
I went to Saint Louis University for my undergraduate degree. It's a great school, beautiful campus, friendly people, and facilities have been getting renovated left and right. To be honest, I really, really, really disliked SLU's area on North Grand Boulevard: there are a couple restaurants, mostly American, semi-dangerous for mugging at night, and besides Pickleman's and Papa John's and the bar scene, no food to speak of nearby for a late night college kid; can someone say no variety?
My dad knew all of this before I went there, so he showed me the good. He took me to this little cafe west of SLU's campus called Cafe Ventana. He and I love beignets, the French powdered doughnut that is famous in the New Orleans metropolitan area. My dad orders 6 beignets and 2 chocolate-filled beignets. These things are so simple, it is literally dough and powdered sugar, but it can make your cruddy surrounding neighborhood look that much brighter. The chocolate-filled ones WILL burn your mouth, I say WILL because I am serious. Coffee and teas are also served, alongside beer and wine. They also sell smaller cold-cut sandwiches and muffins. There is a hole in the floor with glass over it that peers directly down into the bakery to watch them crank out beignets.
Not a lot of places in St. Louis sell beignets, which is why I put this as an important place for those who miss NOLA and for those who have no idea what I am talking about when I say the word "beignet".
Cafe Ventana website: http://cafeventana.com/
I went to Saint Louis University for my undergraduate degree. It's a great school, beautiful campus, friendly people, and facilities have been getting renovated left and right. To be honest, I really, really, really disliked SLU's area on North Grand Boulevard: there are a couple restaurants, mostly American, semi-dangerous for mugging at night, and besides Pickleman's and Papa John's and the bar scene, no food to speak of nearby for a late night college kid; can someone say no variety?
My dad knew all of this before I went there, so he showed me the good. He took me to this little cafe west of SLU's campus called Cafe Ventana. He and I love beignets, the French powdered doughnut that is famous in the New Orleans metropolitan area. My dad orders 6 beignets and 2 chocolate-filled beignets. These things are so simple, it is literally dough and powdered sugar, but it can make your cruddy surrounding neighborhood look that much brighter. The chocolate-filled ones WILL burn your mouth, I say WILL because I am serious. Coffee and teas are also served, alongside beer and wine. They also sell smaller cold-cut sandwiches and muffins. There is a hole in the floor with glass over it that peers directly down into the bakery to watch them crank out beignets.
Not a lot of places in St. Louis sell beignets, which is why I put this as an important place for those who miss NOLA and for those who have no idea what I am talking about when I say the word "beignet".
Cafe Ventana website: http://cafeventana.com/
Bissinger's - "That Place You Go To Have Chocolate That Was Meant For Kings And Oligarchs But Was Brought Down To Commoners Like Us".
I mean it when I say this: Bissinger's has the best quality chocolate in town.
Every Father's Day I get a box of dark chocolate macadamia nut cluster's for my dad, because not all of us can fly to Hawaii or feel safe shipping food contents thousands of miles to your location. I also tend to frequent there with my friends on Friday or Saturday for a late night coffee and chocolate covered blueberries; these guys closes at midnight and have never been pushy about kicking you out.
You don't have to get just what I say is good. They have whole boxes of assorted chocolates, they have teas, they also have alcoholic coffee drinks which are just as amazing as the regular coffee. To be honest though, if you're getting drunk at a late night chocolate place before going home or clubbing about, I have the opinion that you are rich and classy or just odd and obnoxious in such a state at this darker, chill place.
It's also in a great location near other bars, restaurants, and late night places. Located in Central West End, outdoor seating is provided and is great on weekends with good weather. Nearby are Coffee Cartel (24/7 coffee, ice cream, and food cafe), El Burro Loco, Subzero, Drunken Fish, and a Mission Taco opened up recently.
If you have people who like chocolate and are visiting St. Louis, this is a great gift for them to drool over and feel sophisticated (the boxers are fairly fancy and can withstand the rough and tumble of the airline cargo bay for the trip home).
Bissinger's website: http://www.bissingers.com/store-locations
I mean it when I say this: Bissinger's has the best quality chocolate in town.
Every Father's Day I get a box of dark chocolate macadamia nut cluster's for my dad, because not all of us can fly to Hawaii or feel safe shipping food contents thousands of miles to your location. I also tend to frequent there with my friends on Friday or Saturday for a late night coffee and chocolate covered blueberries; these guys closes at midnight and have never been pushy about kicking you out.
You don't have to get just what I say is good. They have whole boxes of assorted chocolates, they have teas, they also have alcoholic coffee drinks which are just as amazing as the regular coffee. To be honest though, if you're getting drunk at a late night chocolate place before going home or clubbing about, I have the opinion that you are rich and classy or just odd and obnoxious in such a state at this darker, chill place.
It's also in a great location near other bars, restaurants, and late night places. Located in Central West End, outdoor seating is provided and is great on weekends with good weather. Nearby are Coffee Cartel (24/7 coffee, ice cream, and food cafe), El Burro Loco, Subzero, Drunken Fish, and a Mission Taco opened up recently.
If you have people who like chocolate and are visiting St. Louis, this is a great gift for them to drool over and feel sophisticated (the boxers are fairly fancy and can withstand the rough and tumble of the airline cargo bay for the trip home).
Bissinger's website: http://www.bissingers.com/store-locations
Cyrano's - "That Trendy But Casual Dessert Place You Take Your Date To To Make It Look Like You Are More Sophisticated Than You Really Are".
I will start with this is my favorite dessert place in St. Louis.
Located near my university in Webster Groves, I first went to Cyrano's when I was in middle school because my parents and I were at my sister's choir concert. Now then I was a big fan of hot chocolate (or just anything chocolate really) and my dad said after the concert we are going to Cyrano's. My dad convinced me that their hot chocolate was "off the hook" (my dad is cool), and I will say it is one of the best I have had: not too sweet, but the flavor is to die for. Places like Bissengers and Cafe Ventana (later blogs by the way) have great hot chocolates too, but this one has the best balance between sweet and "dark".
Let's jump twelve years from then to today. I am a little older now, I want to impress my date for our special night. Let's say it's 10:29pm and 36 seconds on a Saturday. Take that date to this place.
Here is where I am going with this: Cyrano's has this amazing show/dessert called a flambé, meaning "flamed" in French. After my waiter "pardons my French" when I order one, he roles out this huge table with a pan, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream, bananas (strawberries and cherries are other options for this), and hard liquor (Forgot what kind, cognac I believe). He pours each in, lights the sugar which makes a sort of spark, and mixes in bananas and the liquor. Lastly, he pours this concoction onto the vanilla ice cream. Say thank you to the waiter/waitress for being awesome, and finish with letting your date try it first.
If your date does not like it or is not impressed with the performance to price ratio, please eat your flambe and notify your date that next time they want a special night it's going to be McDoanlds shakes in your car and sweatpants.
There is a time and place for that too.
Cyrano's website: http://cyranos.com/
I will start with this is my favorite dessert place in St. Louis.
Located near my university in Webster Groves, I first went to Cyrano's when I was in middle school because my parents and I were at my sister's choir concert. Now then I was a big fan of hot chocolate (or just anything chocolate really) and my dad said after the concert we are going to Cyrano's. My dad convinced me that their hot chocolate was "off the hook" (my dad is cool), and I will say it is one of the best I have had: not too sweet, but the flavor is to die for. Places like Bissengers and Cafe Ventana (later blogs by the way) have great hot chocolates too, but this one has the best balance between sweet and "dark".
Let's jump twelve years from then to today. I am a little older now, I want to impress my date for our special night. Let's say it's 10:29pm and 36 seconds on a Saturday. Take that date to this place.
Here is where I am going with this: Cyrano's has this amazing show/dessert called a flambé, meaning "flamed" in French. After my waiter "pardons my French" when I order one, he roles out this huge table with a pan, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream, bananas (strawberries and cherries are other options for this), and hard liquor (Forgot what kind, cognac I believe). He pours each in, lights the sugar which makes a sort of spark, and mixes in bananas and the liquor. Lastly, he pours this concoction onto the vanilla ice cream. Say thank you to the waiter/waitress for being awesome, and finish with letting your date try it first.
If your date does not like it or is not impressed with the performance to price ratio, please eat your flambe and notify your date that next time they want a special night it's going to be McDoanlds shakes in your car and sweatpants.
There is a time and place for that too.
Cyrano's website: http://cyranos.com/
 |
 |
| She Liked It. Whew. |
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Yes, I am bad at updating this. Work, school, and life takes up 100% of your time; you have to squeeze in that 10% for those lucky nights your body says "You shouldn't be awake, yet here you are and you're even thinking straight."
London Tea Room - "That Random Authentic British Tea Island In Your Little-Known Neighborhood located in non-British South City St. Louis".
Bullshit.
It was a Saturday afternoon when my friend messaged me, inviting me for Sunday High-Tea (that's afternoon tea in Sophisticated). I replied "Cute. I'll go get my dress and meet you at McDonalds." He replied "Very cute. No, there is a place in Tower Grove where they serve afternoon tea in the same British-style we had in Canada. I will send you the address."
Hence "Bullshit" at the beginning of my post. I did not believe this place existed in my city of St. Louis, known for its Italian food and French namesake though lack thereof Frenchiness.
Let's begin with me being surprised. Even impressed. The front is a normal cafe/bakery-style layout with chairs and tables; the Union Jack appears anywhere your eyes moved. The staff was friendly and quick, we told a host that we arrived for Afternoon Tea. She whisked us to the back open-room where bright blue and white colors covered the walls. We sat down and were given our tea options, two pots per person. Did I mention the waitress was actually British (or had an incredible ability to fool this guy and his two friends)? After the teas were brought to the table, the little snacks and pastries arrived in the center of the table: cucumber sandwiches, salmon, chicken croissants, and scones and fruit pastries. For a $35 experience it was not too shabby, especially for St. Louis.
This island of quality tea is located south of Tower Grove Park on Morgan Ford, fairly close to South Grand which is known for its assortment of Thai and Vietnamese restaurants along with other cafes and breakfast spots.
London Tea Room website:
Monday, August 29, 2016
La Cosecha - "That Local Coffee Shop Every Trendy Organic Neighborhood Needs".
On most Saturday mornings, my good friend and I visit this coffee shop nestled in the City of Maplewood; the likes of which brought us Strange Donuts, St. Louis' first imported Tim Hortons, and Tiffany's Diner for those who find Denny's too clean and not close enough to a scene from Clerks.
Located inside the Great Harvest Bread Co. on Manchester Road, it is fairly easy to find free parking on a roadside or behind the building. My friend and I are obnoxiously loud as we tend to be, but the staff are always friendly, seem to enjoy each others' company, and give good advice on what sorts of drinks one could lean towards if discussing what one gets at nearby Starbucks. They offer coffee beans, teas, and coffee/tea drinks served either hot or cold; Great Harvest also has breads, spreads, and the like to snack on. The drinks tend to be on the less sweet side, which is the side I normally lean towards in my coffee and tea.
La Cosecha website: http://www.lacosechacoffee.com/
On most Saturday mornings, my good friend and I visit this coffee shop nestled in the City of Maplewood; the likes of which brought us Strange Donuts, St. Louis' first imported Tim Hortons, and Tiffany's Diner for those who find Denny's too clean and not close enough to a scene from Clerks.
Located inside the Great Harvest Bread Co. on Manchester Road, it is fairly easy to find free parking on a roadside or behind the building. My friend and I are obnoxiously loud as we tend to be, but the staff are always friendly, seem to enjoy each others' company, and give good advice on what sorts of drinks one could lean towards if discussing what one gets at nearby Starbucks. They offer coffee beans, teas, and coffee/tea drinks served either hot or cold; Great Harvest also has breads, spreads, and the like to snack on. The drinks tend to be on the less sweet side, which is the side I normally lean towards in my coffee and tea.
La Cosecha website: http://www.lacosechacoffee.com/
Monday, August 15, 2016
This blog's passive birth is dedicated to the assignment fulfillment of my first graduate class in New Media Production at Webster University in St. Louis, and to be a sort of "dropbox" of my thoughts on what makes this city not so bad after all. Count your blessings, your hometown can't be that bad right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)