HIDDEN GEM: The Clover and the Bee in Webster

My friends have been buzz, buzz, buzzing about this cute little gem in Historic Webster Groves for months.  I was thrilled when I could finally gather up my family for brunch... 

The Clover and the Bee - you truly are the bee’s knees! Brunch perfection... a true must, St. Louis.

TIP:  Repeat after me - "sugar waffle with a spiced blueberry compote".  Yes, yes.

NITTY GRITTY:

The Clover and the Bee
100 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119

WEB:  https://www.thecloverandthebee.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cloverstl/

See more of my St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

HIDDEN GEM: Russell's Cafe and Bakery

I am no food blogger, though I know a delicious lunch when I have one, St. Louis. Russell’s moved in down the street from our house not long ago, and we have been itching to try it...

The seasonal Beet Salad was lovely and well, their biscuits?  Leave your diet at home as they are SO worth the calories, accompanied by fresh jam, honey, and whipped butter!   If you have never visited a Russell's, they boast 3 locations: Russell's on Macklind, Russell's Cafe and Bakery in Chesterfield, and Russell's Cafe and Bakery in Fenton.

Learn more here about their menu and three locations : https://russellscafe.com/

See more of my St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

St. Louis Hidden Gem: Capitalist Pig BBQ

Steve and I went out for an innocent lunch and ended up in the slammer 👀... 

Please send bail money, or at least extra napkins! Ha Ha.  

I love and adore a repurposed space, and Capitalist Pig doesn't disappoint.  The 3rd District Police Station, across the street from the Anheuser Busch World HQ, opened up in 1937 and served the 16 surrounding neighborhoods until it was decommissioned in the 1990's.... 

This 19,000 sqft building was eventually purchased by retired Police Officer, Ron Buechele, and transformed in to a restaurant, art gallery, event space, and private residential space.

Enter Capitalist Pig BBQ, where the aesthetic is as cool as the locally-sourced cuisine is tasty.  ...

They haven't done much to alter the space, which honestly, is what I appreciated the most. Most of the building is as it was, including the abundance of marble known as "St. Genevieve Golden Vein". This ootlitic limestone was only produced from Saint Genevieve, Missouri quarries in the early 1900's and is known worldwide for its quality and beauty...

You place your order at (what once-was) the sergeant's desk, encased by marble...

Steve and I chose to dine in the short term holding cells. This is where prisoners were held while being processed...

I am not going to lie, having never been to jail myself (I swear), I found lunch in the minty green jail cell quite amusing...

And quite delicious...

If you have never ventured to Capitalist Pig, I highly recommend it!  From the Pork Belly BLT (I think the best BLT I have ever eaten) and the ribs to the huge corn muffins, homemade pickles, mac and cheese, and beans... it was a fun and phenomenal foodie adventure in a VERY cool architectural space.

From jail intake to discharge, it was pure awesome.  St.Louis- do yourself a HUGE favor and check them out!  ❤️

NITTY GRITTY:

The Capitalist Pig

#2727 South 12th (Across from visitor parking at Anheuser Busch)

St. Louis, MO 63118

Open: Wed-Sun, 11-3pm

Web: https://www.capitalistpigbbq.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCapitalistPig
Twitter:https://twitter.com/CapitalistPig

 See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

Hidden Gem: Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood

St. Louis Hidden Gem Alert!  There is nothing more special...

 ... than a delicate little treat from Nathaniel Reid Bakery in Kirkwood.  Scrumptious as it is pretty! This particular itty-bitty bursts in your mouth with lemon and raspberry, topped with a white chocolate flower. ❤️ 

If you have never been, St. Louis... hurry, hurry, hurry! Our family favorite? Their deliciously perfect chocolate croissants.

Nitty Gritty:

#11243 Manchester Rd
Kirkwood, MO 63122
(314) 858-1019

Web: http://www.nrbakery.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanielreidbakery/

See my other local hidden gems HERE.

St. Louis Hidden Gem: The London Tea Room

The start of a perfect Sunday in St. Louis?

High tea at the London Tea Room in Tower Grove South with a group of friends!  The space is warm and charming, the table and setting is pretty-as-a-picture, and the treats and tea are delectable!  Seeking a special surprise for your honey?  This is it if they are a tea lover!

Afternoon tea is $29.50 plus tax and gratuity.  Each person receives:

One (1) Pot of tea, chosen by you from our fine selection
One (1) Cucumber sandwich with cream cheese, dill, and chives on white bread
One (1) Smoked salmon sandwich with lemon butter on honey wheat bread
One (1) Mini croissant filled with our delicious Chicken Waldorf Salad
One (1) English scone, with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam
Delicate pastries, selection varies seasonally

All served on fine china.

Note: Large groups like ours required a reservation. A 20% service fee is charged to parties of 8 or more.

NITTY GRITTY...

The London Tea Room
#3128 Morganford
St. Louis, MO 63116
Just south of Tower Grove Park
314.241.6556

Open 9-5 every day of the week

Web: http://thelondontearoom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelondontearoom 

See my other "Hidden Gems" HERE.

A weekend in Memphis including a tour of the eccentric Graceland.

Last weekend, Steve and I snuck away for Valentine's Day fun in Memphis...

We stayed in a lovely Downtown hotel on the National Register of Historic Places with original art deco touches around every corner...

We toured some of the city's most famous historic spots including Sun Studio...

and Elmwood Cemetery...

We enjoyed unseasonably warm 65 degree weather over long walks on the picturesque Mississippi Riverfront...

We indulged in romantic dinners...

We danced to amazing blues music on the rowdy Beale Street...

We fell in love with GORGEOUS historical architecture...

... and we enjoyed all of the goodies that Memphis is famous for, including the Duck March at the Peabody...

That all being said, NO trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to...

Simpy, you have to do it at least once in your life.  

While I had previously visited the Graceland Estate, Steve had never been so a tour was in order.  The Colonial Revival mansion is over 17,000 square feet of perfectly-preserved Elvis Presley eccentricities.  There are truly no words to describe the Graceland time-capsule.  

A peek at our visit...

If seeking a fun weekend getaway from St. Louis, Memphis is a GREAT option.  Just 4 hours on I-55 South, the city overflows with history, music, food, and fun!  

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!

The St. Louis City Garden Winter Wonderland At Night

Last night, we were Downtown for dinner at Peacemaker and a theater event at the Peabody Opera House. Afterwards, we enjoyed a late-night stroll through the City Garden to take in the holiday scene.  If you have not yet done this locals, please do!  Terrific.  A peek at the whimsical fun...