St. Louis Weekend Happenings: February 13-15

Whether spending the holiday with a loved one or with your friends,  St. Louis has a LOT going on this Valentine's Day/President's Day Weekend. If you remain undecided as to how to spend your weekend, here are a few ideas:

For those seeking romance in a cozy place to wine and dine your honey...  

St. Louis Magazine recently named The Most Romantic Tables In St. Louis By Number HERE!  In addition, THESE are FEAST Magazine's top picks for the 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis,  released just 5 days ago!

For those seeking family- friendly fun...

HERE is a link to a wide variety of unique weekend happenings via the Riverfront Times. From Eagle-watching and new art exhibits to new Omnimax flicks and theater productions... there is something for EVERYONE.

For those ready to whoop-it-up... 

Soulard's Mardi Gras will be in FULL FORCE this weekend, with the Mayor's Ball and a weekend long street party! Click HERE for the weekend schedule.

That all being said, whatever your mission this weekend, it is time to start planning NOW. Reservations will be few and far between, as people will be hitting the town in record number. Have a great (and safe) weekend, however you choose to spend it, my friends!

Hidden Gem: Askinosie Chocolate

Most will agree that there is an immense difference between chocolate and amazing chocolate?  This post could not be timed better with Valentine's Day right around the corner!

Several months ago, I saw this particular piece on Feast TV regarding a small batch bean-to-bar chocolate factory in Springfield, MO...



Askinosie Chocolate is at the height of the craft chocolate movement, directly sourcing their cocoa beans from farmers all over the world and then completing the entire chocolate-making process IN HOUSE, from scratch.  

Needless to say, I was intrigued.  I was also actively shopping for holiday stocking-stuffers so the timing was ideal. On Christmas morning, my entire family opened luscious goodies from Askinosie including this crazy-delicious peppermint bark that I ordered for the boys...  

It was all that and then some.  While a little pricey, it was well worth it as you could taste the love in every morsel of their product.  So special.  Since then, I have sung their praises on my Instagram and Twitter, to anyone who would listen.

Well yesterday I was at my local Whole Foods picking up a few items and what did I stumble upon?

That's right folks, Askinosie products have finally hit the shelves in St. Louis.  If looking for a special Valentine's Day treat for your honey, pick up one of these special goodies.  I promise, you won't look back! Friends don't let friends eat cheap chocolate...

Nitty Gritty... 
Aksinosie Chocolate 
514 East Commercial Street
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 862-9900

https://askinosie.com/

https://www.facebook.com/askinosie.chocolate

https://twitter.com/askinosie

See more of my Hidden Gems HERE.

Hidden Gem: A dinner at Claverach Farm in Eureka

A few weeks ago, Steve and I enjoyed our 1st (of many) experiences at Claverach Farm, located just west of St. Louis.  As I stay fairly in tune with local "foodie" resources, Feast and Sauce Magazines, I have known about Claverach's notoriously amazing farm-to-table barn dinners for some time.  It just so happens that Steve and I chose to reserve our first farm experience on one of the most lovely Midwest evenings we have experienced this Spring thus far.

 

As far as Claverach goes, locals either RAVE about it or don't even know that it exists.  Dinner in a "100 year old refurbished barn on 300 acres in the rugged Ozark Hills" initially spoke to me, though the experience is so much more than that.   It's funny, as typically when I partake in something phenomenal in our city (and take a gaggle of photos with the intention to blog it)... I cannot wait to get it on screen and press "publish".  These photos, however, have been sitting in my draft folder for 2 weeks.

 

Blogging about a Claverach dinner almost feels like kissing and telling.

 

The fact is, Claverach touched me in a way that few local places have.  It is such an incredibly intimate experience that you truly feel lucky to have even been able to partake.  It is a place where animals roam free.  A place where you can taste the earth, love, and artistry in the food.  A place where you can sense and share the passion of the talented people that make it all happen.  For a few short lovely hours, Mama Nature and the Claverach staff wrap their arms around you and hold you tight,  heightening each and every one of your senses with the food, aura, and space of the farm itself. 

 

There is a beautiful marriage between sophistication and simplicity on that farm, and a partnership between humans and nature that touched both of us in a profound way. For a few short hours every weekend, they truly bring out the best in one another- humans and nature- at Claverach Farm.  The meal is a perfect symphony of sights, smells, sounds, and flavors- the direct result of the perfect harmony that the staff has made with the grounds of the farm itself.  Simply, magic is happening on that farm.  Magic. 

 

There are numerous reviews online (like THIS) that give a terrific overview of what you can expect.  I, myself, have chosen with my personal overview of the experience to just allow my photos to do the talking...

 

Summer 2014 "Feast in the Park" Food Truck Events Calendar

Feast Magazine, the St. Louis Food Truck Association, and the St. Louis County Parks just announced the lineup for the super popular 2014 "Feast in the Park" events!

Live music, wonderful cuisine, great time!

"Pin" the schedule here, for future reference:  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33214115976108858/