The Clydesdale certainly knows how to make an entrance. Grayling Holmes and his daughter, Megan Anne Holmes-Govier, experienced the VIP preview of James Beard Award-winning Chef Kevin Nashan’s new upscale American tavern at Ballpark Village—and the evening began spectacularly with the Budweiser Clydesdales trotting down Clark Avenue under police escort to ceremoniously deliver the beer.
Inside, the father-daughter duo discovered an equally memorable experience: warm wood paneling and hunter green accents, premium cocktails, oysters, jumbo shrimp, irresistible sliders and elevated tavern fare showcasing Nashan’s celebrated culinary touch. But what impressed them most was the extraordinary service. From the moment Megan, who uses a cane, arrived, the staff anticipated her needs with warmth, attentiveness and grace. “Daddy, I really feel special here,” she told her father.
For two people who have attended their share of VIP events, that simple observation became the evening’s greatest compliment. The Clydesdales delivered the spectacle, Nashan delivered the food, but the staff delivered something equally important—genuine hospitality.
Tequila, Sunshine, and the Perfect Summer Margarita… In this refreshing guide to one of summer's most beloved cocktails, Jennifer Brian explores the rich heritage of tequila while celebrating the bounty of farmers' market season. Readers will discover why 100% Blue Weber agave tequila is the gold standard, learn the differences between blanco, reposado, and añejo varieties, and gain insight into what makes an authentic margarita. The article also features three easy-to-make recipes—the timeless Classic Margarita, a refreshing Watermelon Margarita, and a Strawberry Margarita bursting with seasonal flavor—proving that fresh ingredients and simple techniques are all that's needed to elevate summer entertaining. Whether hosting a backyard gathering or relaxing on the patio, these handcrafted cocktails are the perfect toast to the season.
Peach season is fleeting, and one of St. Louis' most elegant culinary experiences will disappear with it. Through July 31, Casa Don Alfonso at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is celebrating Missouri's prized Eckert's peaches with an inspired Southern Italian menu created by Executive Chef Nino Recupero. From inventive savory dishes to unforgettable desserts—including the ethereal Peach Gratin—each course showcases the remarkable versatility of the season's finest fruit. This exclusive collaboration is a delicious marriage of local ingredients and world-class Italian cuisine that simply should not be missed. Reserve your table now and savor this limited-time taste of summer before it's gone.
As the world embraces the excitement of international soccer this summer, Tamara Keefe is inviting St. Louisans to embark on a global culinary adventure—one scoop at a time. In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery has unveiled its limited-edition International Travel Collection, featuring handcrafted flavors inspired by Keefe's travels to destinations including France, Egypt, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. The celebration culminates on National Ice Cream Day, July 19, with the debut of two exclusive flavors, free soccer-themed T-shirts for the first 50 guests at each location, and other festive giveaways, proving that this July, the sweetest passport is an ice cream cone.
When St. Louis native Andy Busch was diagnosed with one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, he and his wife, Kim, refused to let tragedy define their future. Instead, they transformed their personal battle into Grapes for Glioblastoma, a nonprofit providing direct financial relief to families facing the overwhelming costs of treatment. In this moving story, Grayling Holmes explores how one of St. Louis' own is turning unimaginable adversity into hope—and why our community has an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those fighting this devastating disease. Learn how you can help.
During the summer and fall, weddings in wine country are becoming increasingly more popular. For sophisticated couples in St. Louis, a wine country wedding can be as close as a winery along the Missouri River Valley, from Augusta to Hermann. Yet for those dreaming of an extraordinary destination celebration, California's Sonoma County continues to set the gold standard for luxury vineyard weddings. See more about California nuptials dreamin’ here.
For more than a century, Al’s has stood at the banks of the Mississippi beckoning those who want good food and service. There are multifarious reasons why it is the only local family run restaurant in the same location after a century. From its very beginning, the maven of Al’s, Louise Barroni attracted riverfront dock workers and railroad staff from far and near to the eatery. Her egg sandwiches were a magnet. Then in the 1960s, a fire sheared off the second floor and Al Barroni Jr. took the opportunity to transform Al’s into a fine dining establishment now known worldwide. Celebrities, heads of state, movies stars such as Henry Fonda and Frank Sinatra still have tables there. But “what happens at Al’s, stays at Al’s,” a phrase coined there long before Las Vegas borrowed it. Privacy is valued and is equal to the unparalleled, elegant tableside service and exquisite food. It is a hidden gem of luxury dining in St. Louis many have yet to discover.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, Father's Day arrives with a fitting reminder that some traditions remain timeless. Since the earliest days of the Republic, beef has occupied a special place on the American table. From frontier cattle drives to the grand steakhouses that emerged in the country's growing cities, steak has long symbolized abundance, achievement, and celebration. It is little wonder, then, that Father's Day consistently ranks among the busiest dining days of the year for America's premier steakhouses such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse near the iconic Gateway Arch and the westward expansion in Chesterfield.
There are certain holidays that arrive with obligation—and then there are those that arrive with reverence. Mother's Day belongs, unequivocally, to the latter. In St. Louis, the second Sunday in May is not simply marked; it is curated. It is a day when gratitude is translated into beauty, indulgence, and, increasingly, experience. And for the city’s most discerning families, the question is no longer whether to celebrate—but how exquisitely. Because in St. Louis, as in New York City or Paris, sophistication is not defined by how much is spent—but by how thoughtfully it is given. On Sunday in May, 10, 2026 nothing is more luxurious than getting it exactly right.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
Spring. Ah, glorious spring. The parties. The food. The activities. St. Louis loves the warm weather. We embrace it. There is so much to do here. We all want to live our lives like they are golden. The stores glimmer throughout the metropolis like flowers on a sunny day. The restaurants and bars across the St. Louis area are welcoming guests back outdoors with vibrant patio spaces, seasonal menus, and warm-weather specials. From sunny brunch spots to lively happy hours and sunset dinners, patio season offers locals and visitors new ways to enjoy the city's most beloved destinations. From Passover, to Easter, to Derby Day and Earth Day, and of course, Mother’s Day, St. Louis in the spring is magical. Drink it up!
Out of smoke comes fire. The new Mainlander Restaurant in the Central West End is indeed on fire. After it was gutted by a fire in 2022, Mainlander has moved a few blocks north and now occupies the far bigger space at 392 Euclid. You loved it the first time. You’ll love it even more now. The vibe is part-Brady Bunch family room and part “Mad Men” slink. It’s dark, but what low light there is catches on a row of jewel-like candy dishes. Kitschy cocktails and its menu of glorious multifarious foods come from the owners. Blake Askew has German roots and a deep knowledge of French culinary techniques, which meld into a delightful fusion with co-owner Gordon Chen’s Taiwanese influences. Read more and see their amazing food here.
It's love month in the Lou! Whether you're going on a date night, celebrating Galentine's, planning an office outing or enjoying a friends and family parties, these Valentine's events and activities offer something special to warm everyone's heart during February 2026.
Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday this year. All weekend long, romance will be in the air. Lovers will be in search of romantic spots where Cupid’s arrow pierces the heart of their paramours because they chose a place where discriminating palates marry distinctive atmospheres. Here are some of those places.
Red wine is a cornerstone of any Valentine’s Day celebration, setting the mood for romantic dinners, heartfelt toasts, and moments meant to be lingered over. Elegant, personal, and timeless, wine is the perfect gift for expressing love. This Valentine’s Day, Aperture Cellars offers a curated selection of Cabernet Sauvignons designed to elevate the occasion. Aperture Cellars wine pairings are sure to make Valentine’s Day and the entire season of love flow with delicious liquid reds.
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza is offering couples an evening of timeless romance this February. Valentine's Day offerings at the historic, luxury hotel live up to the elegance and sophistication which are the hallmark of the storied St. Louis treasure. Treat your significant other like royalty this Valentine’s Day with a refined romantic dinner at The Preston. Extend your experience with the choice of two overnight packages where every detail is thoughtfully curated for an unforgettable escape for the season of love. Details here.
As Valentine’s Day 2026 fast approaches next month, newly appointed general manager Joey Kelly is poised to create an unparalleled experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House for couples and singles alike for the season of love. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, the storied restaurant is celebrating all week and weekend. Singles, gal pals, friends and lovers alike are expected at Ruth’s Chris Chesterfield in the expert hands of Joey and his team.
This January, Clementine’s Ice Creamery celebrates Veganuary, a global movement that encourages people to explore a plant-based lifestyle during the first month of the year. Whether guests go fully vegan or want to make more mindful choices, Veganuary is all about discovering delicious swaps that don't sacrifice flavor. All month long, Clementine's Ice Cream will be unveiling new, vibrant dairy-free flavors. From refreshing sorbets to luxuriously creamy coconut-based scoops, there will be something to please every palate!
Happy New Year, connoisseurs of fine wines. Throughout 2026, we will sharing with you recent wine discoveries of globetrotting wine expert Vicki Denig. She will feature five recent standouts in each issue. As a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris, she will detail the history and nuances of the vintages and let you know why you might want these gems in your cellar. Bonjour!
For decades, Bissinger’s — one of the oldest names in American confectionery — and the Abel family’s Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company have been guardians of that craft. Today, they’re doing something harder: translating hand-made heritage into modern growth, with a bold expansion plan that plants the St. Louis chocolate story in two of America’s most competitive arenas — Nashville and New York City. Hit the sweet spot by reading the whole story and seeing the treats that made them a household name.
