Hidden Gem: Holiday Libations at Miracle StL in Benton Park

Miracle StL, the popular kitschy Christmas pop-up bar, is BACK this year and the clock is ticking! Only 10 more days before the doors close.

Last night, we threw on our ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoyed holiday cheer under the tinsel with a group of friends.  It was all that it was cracked up to be and then some... holiday overload in the absolute best way!

MiracleStl is one of over 50 Christmas pop-up bars around the US that participate in the tradition.  While it is super tricky to get a reservation, the craft cocktails by the talented folks at the Planter's House are amazing and the intentionally-tacky holiday decor would make Clark Griswold proud.  We had a holly jolly time and left merry and bright, indeed.

It isn't too late to try to sneak in, St. Louis!

NITTY GRITTY:

Miracle STL
#2800 Indiana Ave. in Benton Park

Facebook:  
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleSTL/
Reservations: 
https://www.exploretock.com/miraclestl

Check out my other St. Louis Hidden Gems here:

http://carrienenonen.blogspot.com/search/label/Hidden%20Gems 

St. Louis Weekend Happenings: October 3 - 5

The weekend forecast is amazing, St. Louis! Grab the family and enjoy one of the many family-friendly events going on in the Metro.

Food Truck Friday sponsored by Sauce Magazine

This is your last opportunity to enjoy the 4th season of Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park with music by Miss Jubilee. 

Friday, October 3 from 3:30 to 7

Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Truck lineup and more info can be found HERE.

Oktoberfest at Union Station

Munich on the Mississippi!  Oktoberfest at Union Station offers two stages featuring live performances showcasing German culture throughout the day and night. The main stage features live music by the likes of 20-piece Deutschmeister Brass Band and Uber Cool. While the German Cultural stage hosts live displays of various facets of Germany's rich culture like Dance Troupes, contests, choral performances, and more.

October 3, 2014 from 3pm -11pm
October 4, 2014 from 11am-11pm

1820 Market Street

Ticket and event information HERE.

Taste of Benton Park

Come enjoy the best of Benton Park at this street festival including music from Scandaleros and Jake's Leg and cuisine from Benton Park's finest, including Frazer's, Sidney Street Cafe, Jax Cafe, Blues City Deli, Mud House, Luvy Duvy's, Spare No Rib, Melt, Yemanja Brasil, Ernesto's, Peacemaker's, Choice, Capitalist Pig, Benton Park Cafe

October 4, 2014 from 10am - 6pm

S Jefferson Ave at Arsenal St
Saint Louis, MO 63104

More information HERE.

Grovefest 2014

The 9th annual Grovefest features a multitude of different street vendors, live music and all-around entertainment. Sponsor Urban Chestnut is also unveiling a special brew for the occasion, so make sure you start your October right with one of the biggest STL events of the year.

October 4, 2014 from 2pm-10pm

In the Grove Neighborhood on Manchester

More information HERE.

31st Annual Belleville Chili Cookoff

In Belleville, Illinois- just 20 minutes from the Arch- there will be more than 60 vendors selling various types of chili, desserts, kabobs, treats, and more! The live entertainment will consist of Smash Band, Permanent Groove, and Rat Rod Kings. On Saturday, there will be a Chili Chase 5K Run/ Walk and the 8th Annual Jr. Idol, singing contest.

October 4, 2014 from 11am - 10pm

More information HERE.

Hidden Gem: Blues City Deli

Twitter, Facebook, and local foodie review sites have blown UP over the past few months with raving reviews of Blues City Deli in Benton Park- South City. The biggest praise? The infamous muffuletta.

As Steve recently discovered (and developed a slightly abnormal obsession with) the muffuletta sandwich during our recent trip to New Orleans, I figured this to be a perfect lunch date for the two of us.

We arrived to find this...
... which I hear is a typical lunch crowd at Blues Street Deli- line out the door. Though what everyone said was correct: the line moves quickly, it is well worth the wait, and seating is not an issue.

When we pulled up to find several St. Louis City police cars and firetrucks, we grew slightly concerned. Though this...
... not only eased our mind, but guaranteed a decent lunch. 2 dozen of the city's finest is a good sign, I would say. =)

What everyone said was correct...
... the muffuletta, particularly the olive tapanade that smothers it, is fresh, delicious, made with mostly local ingredients, and large enough to feed two.

The deli itself is warm, intimate, and filled with a lot of character and interesting blues music paraphernalia.


In addition, to live up to it's name...
Yep, live music 2 days a week. Our last visit was the last week of May, so I apologize that the music calender is outdated. The latest one can be found HERE.

Overall, Blues City Deli is a total keeper and a true city gem. The menu is ENORMOUS and while it isn't exactly a ladies-who-lunch type of establishment, it a fantastic place to meet for a casual bite with friends.

Tasty food, affordable prices, and a warm /welcoming vibe. We will definitely be back and agree with the hype! Great find.

NITTY GRITTY:

Blues City Deli

Benton Park- South City

2438 McNair Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 773-8225

Mon-Sat: 11AM-4PM
Thursdays: 11AM-7:45PM

Web: http://www.bluescitydeli.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blues-City-Deli/46497833847?sk=wall
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Bluescitydeli

2838 Salena Street - Benton Park

BEFORE: Protestant Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, circa 1895

AFTER: Super unique home in the hot Benton Park neighborhood offering 2,600 sq. ft. of residential living space and 2,400 sq. ft. chapel space converted to a rec room/ studio. This property boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an adorable fenced in courtyard.

Offered by Coldwell Banker Gundaker for $395,000

If interested in viewing this property, please call me at 315-452-7675.

St. Agnes Lofts on Sydney - Benton Park...

BEFORE: St. Agnes Catholic School, circa 1904
AFTER: 12 unit loft building within walking distance to Sidney Street Cafe and other Benton Park goodies

Offered for $258, 500 by Coldwell Banker Gundaker- 315.351.6005

If interested in viewing this property or if you want more information, please call me at 314-452-7675.