St. Louis Earth Day Festival in Forest Park, Sunday, April 21 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. FREE

Celebrate our planet at the 22nd Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival. The free festival includes live entertainment, educational programming, food and plenty of family friendly activities.  Those in attendance get the chance to celebrate and learn about sustainable products and services offered by a range of local organizations. Guests also meet various nonprofits that share the mission of Earth Day. After learning about different sustainable products guests can take the time to enjoy diverse cuisine featuring local, organic, and vegetarian options.

Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 $35

This weekend the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival celebrates ten years of jazz education and performance. Apart of the 55th anniversary celebration, the Monterey Jazz Festival featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater and Christian Mcbride return to St. Louis on Friday at 7:30. Along with the Monterey Jazz Festival brings along all the favorites from classic jazz artists such as Doc Severinsen and His Big Band on Saturday at 7:30

Shen Yun at the Peabody Opera House, Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2p.m., Prices Vary

Shen Yun Performing Arts seek to show audiences the China’s gloriously rich culture. Dancers move in poetically graceful arrangements. Thunderous drums shake the stage while spectacular backdrops take you to another world presenting the true culture of China’s five thousand-year-old civilzation with orginial performances that not only entertain, but more deeply educate, enrich and inspire.  See the all-new 2013 program at Peabody Opera House, accompanied by a live orchestra. Check out videos of past performances and read the reviews.

1st Annual Restaurant Week on The Hill Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21st

Here is your chance to enjoy an old favorite, or experience something new while supporting small businesses in your community! The South St. Louis City Restaurants have come together to form the 1st annual “Restaurant Week on the Hill” and participating restaurants are offering a three-course pre-fixed dinner menu for $25. To view the list of participating restaurants and browse their menu before you go visit here.

The River Between Us at the Laumeier Sculpture Park, April 19 – August 25

The River Between Us” is a co-organized exhibition by Laumeier Sculpture Park and Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans. The exhibit links these two Mississippi River communities, as artists approach the social histories of the Native American, French, Spanish and American traditions in each. The indoor and outdoor exhibit will be the second collaboration between the two organizations that will focus on past roots, but impact the future

If none of these events are your thing, check our calendar of events for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

Easter Egg-Citement – March 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, & 30
Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket at Eckert’s Orchards in Belleville, one of the biggest Easter Egg hunts in the Metro East. Easter Egg hunting isn’t the only fun for kids. There are also baby chicks, bunnies, face paintings and visits with the Easter Bunny and plenty of Easter Treats. The cost $10 per child.

Breakfast with the Bunny – March 16, 23, 24, 30 at 9 and 11 a.m.
Hop into spring, and bring your family to enjoy Breakfast with the Bunny at the Saint Louis Zoo’s McDonnell Center at River Camp. As you enjoy your delectable breakfast buffet, meet the Easter Bunny himself and pose for a photo. He’ll even have surprises in his basket: a gift for children and free parking for parents. Zoo Friends Members: $20/adult; 2-12 and Non-members: $22/adult; $20/child. Children under 2 are free

Hunt for a Cure – March 23
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosts a huge egg hunt at Central Field in Forest Park from 11 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will hide more than 50,000 eggs for kids to find. The Easter Bunny will arrive by helicopter to greet everyone and for photo opportunities. The egg hunt is $5 per family and you have to register. You can register the day of the event at 11 a.m. or online

Enrichment Eggstravaganza – March 31
Everyone loves a food treat, and the Saint Louis Zoo animals are no exception! On March 31 visitors can watch while the Zoo’s animals hunt for eggs and enjoy special Easter treats. Visitors who buy a Safari Pass, animal adoption or membership on Easter Sunday will also receive a bag of candy. For a schedule of Eggstravaganza at the different animal exhibits click here.

Breakfast with the Bunny – March 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, & 30
Did you know the Easter Bunny’s favorite meal is scrambled Easter eggs with a side of fresh fruit? Join the Bunny for breakfast at Eckert’s Country Restaurant from 8 a.m. until 11am for a hearty country meal to start a fun-filled day. Reservations are recommended.

The Magic House Egg Roll – April 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Magic House is on a roll – an egg roll! In the great tradition of the White House, The Magic House is inviting children 12 and under to roll up their sleeves and participate in an “egg-citing” race using large spoons to roll their eggs across the finish line. Other activities include egg decorating, making “Medals of Eggsellence,” a special story time and even an opportunity to meet a very special guest – The Easter Bunny! Cost: Free with museum admission

Eggs-cellence of the culinary kind is bountifully displayed at Easter brunches all over St. Louis. Here is a list of some of the top spots for a great dining experience:

Missouri Botanical Garden Easter Brunch at Sassafras
Diners can feast on ham, roast beef, french toast, pasta, salads, desserts and more. There are three seatings at 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The cost is $27.95 for adults and $13.95 for children ages 5 through 12. Children under 5 are free. To make a reservation, call 314-961-7588.

9th Street Abbey Easter Brunch
Diners can feast on several stations including Carving stations, breakfast station, flat bread station and more! Brunch is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost is $40  for adults and $18 for children ages 12 and under. To make a reservation, call 314-621-9598

The Cheshire Easter Brunch
Sunday brunch at the Cheshire has been apart of life in St. Louis for more than eight decades. Diners can enjoy an incredible selection of sweet and savory brunch along with a unique assortment of brunch cocktails from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. To make a reservation, call 314-932-7818

Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel
Feast on a delicious breakfast buffet filled with seasonal fruits, made to order omletes and many more delicious breakfast items! Brunch is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost is $28.00 for adults and 15 for Children 12 and Under and Free for Children 5 and under. To make a reservation call 314-863-0400 ext 7355

Mosaic Restaurants
Enjoy an Easter Sunday Brunch at Mosaic Restaurants at either the Des Peres or Downtown locations. Brunch is from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cost is $29 for adults and $12 for Children 12yrs. For reservations call 314-621-6001 for Downtown location or 314-394-2323 for Des Peres location.

The Four Seasons – Cielo Resturant and Bar
There are more than 50 delicious reasons to join the Four Seasons – Cielo Resturant and Bar this Easter that includes buffet with oysters, carved prime rib, pasta and noodle action station plus childrens’ activities (face-painting and custom animal balloons). Brunch is from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The cost is $78 for Adults, $25 for Children 12-5 and Free for children under 5. For reservations call 314-881-2105

 Vin de Set
A breakfast buffet. Brunch is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost is 35.99 for Adults, 17.99 for Children 12-5 and free for Children 5 and under. For reservations call 314-241-8989

The Missouri History Museum – Bixby’s
A breakfast buffet filled with delicious brunch favorites! Brunch is at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $32 for Adults, 15 for children 12 and under and Free for kids under 3. For reservations call 314-361-7313

Monster Jam, February 2 at 6 p.m. at the Edward Jones Dome, Tickets $135 – $10.00

Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines! Monster trucks are racing, spinning and kickin’ up dirt at the Edward Jones Dome this Saturday for the return of Monster Jam. Fans of the racing and freestyle competition can see their favorite drivers put the pedal to the metal in outrageous vehicles including: Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Raminator and Scooby-Doo.

Purina Beggin Pet Parade, Parade kicks off at 1 p.m., FREE

Whether or not you have a lovable, furry friend, you’ve gotta head to Soulard to join the thousands of tail waggers and tailgaters as they parade through Soulard during 20th Annual Beggin’ Pet Parade and “Tailgating Party” this Sunday. With thousands of pets taking over the streets, this is one of the largest pet parades in the world! There’s a small fee to register your pet, but it’s free to watch. The parade begins at the corner of Menard and Allen in St Louis and The BACON BROTHERS will serve as Grand Marshals and perform a special set. Click here to download the parade map.

Mardi Gras: Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard, February 2 and 3

Cajun stuffed mushrooms, hot tequila wings, bread pudding with whiskey sauce, or Johnny’s famous red beans and rice? Try them all this weekend during the one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras event, Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard. Soulard’s fine establishments will offer samples of their signature dishes in this unique create your own experience event. Mosey through Soulard with your seven taste tickets and choose your six samples of signature dishes and one taste of Southern Comfort. Buy ticket booklets in advance or the day of the event at one of the several participating restaurants.

PRISCILLA Queen of the Desert, January 29 – February 10, Times Vary, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Tickets $66 – $15

Don’t miss the most outrageously fun Broadway musical: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT! This wonderful show tells the uplifting story of three companions on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered, old bus searching for love and friendship in the midst of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. The musical is an international hit with Tony-Award winning costumes. Bette Midler presents the outrageously fun musical to the Fabulous Fox Theatre – St. Louis with hits including “It’s Raining Men,” and “I Will Survive.”

Orchid Show Madagascar, February 2 – March 31 at the Missouri Botanical Garden

The plants in your yard may be brown and lifeless, but you can escape the Missouri winter and journey to the tropical island nation of Madagascar where you will enjoy beautiful, fragrant flowers during the Missouri Botanical Garden annual Orchid Show this weekend! This year visitors will get a peak at life in Madagascar as native plants, artifacts, water falls  fill the 5,000 square foot Orthwein Flora Display Hall. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 plus price of Garden Admission

If none of theses events are your thing, check our calendar for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

You don’t have to travel for a romantic getaway:

Moonrise Hotel
The Moonrise is offering two Valentines Day packages, available through the month of February. The “Love Shack” package includes a superior king or double queen room, in room Love Potion Number 9 cocktail kit, breakfast for two in bed and more for $189 per night. Or indulge with the “Peace, Love, and Breakfast in Bed” package, which includes a superior king, champagne & strawberries, rose petal turndown, and breakfast for two in bed from $299 per night.

(314) 721-1111

The Fleur-de-Lys – St. Louis
Make your stay an even grander affair with a romantic carriage ride aboard a lovely vis-a-vie carriage drawn by a majestic Clydesdale. Your private ride will meander through historic Tower Grove Park’s 289 acres of greenswards, featuring bronze statuary, fountsil, lily ponds and fanciful pavilions. Then, return to the Inn for a sumptuous four-course dinner, which you can select from their chef’s delicious seasonal offerings. The cost of the package is $450 in addition to the room price, which starts at $150 a night.

(314) 773-3500

The Cheshire
Write your own love story with a stay at the Cheshire. The newly restored hotel’s Tudor architecture and Imperial interiors deliver a Downtown Abbey-allure to a romantic holiday. Ask for the hotel’s Royal Valentine package or choose one of the British literary character themed suites such as the ‘60s contemporary-styled James Bond Suite, the romantic Romeo & Juliet and the exotic Passage to India with it’s Far East flair.

(314) 647-7300

Romeo and Juliet at the Touhill Performing Arts Center
The Saint Louis Ballet brings the passionate and heart-breaking affair of Romeo and Juliet to life through dance and the haunting music of Prokofiev. The pas de deux takes place February 8 through 10 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

(314) 516-4100
February 8 – 10, Times Vary

Sense and Sensibility at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
If you’re looking for a romantic yarn with a happier outcome, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis delivers this clever Valentine: a stage adaption of “Sense and Sensibility.” This lovely, intimate adaption of Jane Austen’s first novel is a charming journey through hope and heartbreak as two young lades find that when sense and sensibility meet, love can’t be far behind.

(314) 968-4925
February 6 – March 3, Times Vary

Untamed Hearts at the Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo may not be the first place you think of for romance, but that could soon change. The Zoo is offering a gourmet, four-course meal at The Living World. You’ll feast on Grilled strip steak with BBQ bacon and crispy shallots, wood smoked airline chicken breast with crispy prosciutto, Grilled Alaskan salmon with peaches, sage and smoky almond brown butter, mushroom risotto and much more. There’s also wine and chocolate for desert. The cost is $125 per couple. (gratuity and tax included) They’re seating at 6 and 8:30

(314) 646-4857
February 14 and 15

Adopt a Fennec Fox for your Valentine
If you can’t make it to dinner at the Saint Louis Zoo for Valentine’s Day, you have another option. Show your Valentine how much you care by adopting a fennec fox in their honor. For $40 the Zoo will send your love a cuddly stuffed animal, an adoption certificate, two tickets to the Emerson Children’s Zoo and more!

(314) 646-4771
Until February 14

Sweetheart Dinner at The Lodge at Grant’s Trail
Hurry up and make reservations for a cozy Valentine’s Day evening your significant other will always remember. The lodge is serving up wine, flowers and a special dinner.

(314) 638-3340
February 14 at 7 p.m.

Love at Laumeier Sculpture park
Laumeier Sculpture park is hosting a Valentines party called LOVEmeier. The event features hands-on art activities for all ages, hot drinks, s’mores, and other sweet and savory treats. While there you can take a special guided tour of sculptures in the collection that reference affection, which will be dramatically illuminated in the park.

(314) 615-5276
February 9 at 5 – 8 p.m.

Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Love is in bloom at the Annual Orchid Show at the Missouri botanical Garden through March 31. On fragrant display are more than 800 lush orchids from the Garden’s collection – one of the worlds finest. You can also celebrate the romance with great food, live music and dancing on February 9 for the Missouri Botanical Garden Orchid Show Valentines Evening.

(314) 577-5100
February 2 – March 31
Valentines Evening – February 9 from 6 – 10 p.m.

Dominic’s on the Hill
St. Louis’ Hill neighborhood is full of so many great restaurants that it’s hard to pick just one. But if you’re looking for a romantic dinner, make a reservation at Dominic’s. Dominic’s has been a favorite on the hill for nearly 40 years. It serves up gourmet Italian cuisine in an elegant, old-world dining room.

(314) 771-1632

Vin de Set Rooftop Bar & Bistro
Vin de Set is rooftop dining at its finest. The restaurant near downtown St. Louis has a warm, inviting atmosphere with exposed brick walls and high ceilings, but the real standout is the rooftop deck with its outdoor ambience and views of the surrounding city. Vin de set specializes in French dishes like steak tartare, creapes and duck confit

(314) 241-8989

Favazza’s Restaurant

Need a Valentine spot specializing in gourmet Italian cuisine? Try a romantic dinner at Favazza’s!

(314) 722-4454

Gio’s Ristorante’ & Bar

Gio’s will be offering a special Valentine’s Day Pre-Fix menu as well as their regular menu this year. You can dine and enjoy either menu while watching the horse drawn carriages cross in front of Keiner Plaza and the beautiful winter scenery of the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch. Their pre-fixe menu will let you indulge in Chef John Ruggeri’s culinary creations for a fixed price of 39.95 per person! The three course meal includes a glass of wine from a select list.

(314) 241-2424

Three Sixty

Dinner with a view is always romantic and the scene from 26 stories  up in Three Sixty’s dinning room is spectacular. The restaurant’s four-course Valentine’s Day menu includes options for each course. Korean pork tacos with Kimchi sound like a winner starter, and housemade “Kit Kat” bars are definitely a perfect ending. $50 per person at 4, 6, and 8 p.m. on Thursday.

314-641-8842

Looking for more things to do this month? Check out our Events Calendar.

“A food and drinks scene emerges in the land of Budweiser” is the subhead of his January 28 article about St. Louis’ dining delights called, “Beyond the BBQ in St. Louis.”

He states: “Long the bastion of barbecue and mass-market beer, St. Louis has undergone a culinary renaissance in recent years.”

We’re delighted you had a good time here, Paul. St. Louis is nothing if not hospitable and we’re darn glad to have met you. (Although until recently, most St. Louisans would have told you the best barbecue could be found on their Webers at home, which hardly qualifies our town as a “bastion” for just one kind of chow.)

Brady tells his readers about the “ethereal” chitarra pasta at Gerard Craft’s Pastaria in Clayton, and he points foodies toward David Bailey’s hotspots of Bailey’s Range, Bridge, Rooster and Bailey’s Chocolate Bar.

After a jaunt through the tastes of Downtown, Clayton and Lafayette Square, Brady experienced the Mediterranean flavors of Nico and the Asian offerings of Seoul Taco, both in the Loop.

Capitalist Pig, the barbecue joint at Mad Art Gallery is not currently operating and will reopen in the spring according to Sauce magazine, but it must have been in full flavor when Brady was in town. He mentions the hardwood-smoked meats and the Blackberry-Ancho sauce as worthy of attention.

On the wet side of the menu, Schlafly, Six Row Brewing Company and Livery Company (which opened about six months ago on Cherokee Street) get shout outs in the article for their brews and spirits that exist “in the shadow of Budweiser.” (We might argue that they exist because of — not in spite of — the longstanding brewing heritage of St. Louis. Either way, they certainly taste good.)

Please come again, Paul. And bring a few million of your hungry readers along for the ride. We secretly feel sorry for people who don’t have the opportunity to live here and experience our powerful food culture all the time.

Read the full story here

St. Louis Auto Show, Friday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at America’s Center
Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle or you just want a whiff of that “new car smell,” America’s Center is the place to be this weekend! The Annual St. Louis Auto Show fills America’s Center and the Edward Jones Dome with over 500 new vehicles from 25 different manufactures. As your browse through the large selection of cars don’t miss your opportunity to take a test drive in a brand new Toyota at the Toyota Drive center or some drifting by Vaughn Gittin Jr., as he amazes the audience with his aggressive, foot-to-the-floor, big smoke driving style. Tickets are $10.00 for Adults, $5.00 for Children 6-12 and Free for Children under 6 years old.

Clayton Restaurant Week
This weekend try one of the 17 participating restaurants, and find a new favorite eatery, or rediscover a lost favorite during the 2013 Clayton Restaurant Week. The 4th Annual Clayton Restaurant Week allows you to select from a special 3-course dinner menu for only $25 per person, plus tip and tax. It is a great way to enjoy a night out and experience some delicious food for a great price. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Moulin Rouge – The Ballet, January 25 at 8 p.m and January 26 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Touhill Performance Arts Center
A favorite on the movie screen and stage is transformed into a stunning ballet performed by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the oldest continuously-running ballet company in North America. During this ballet follow the star-crossed romance of the struggling artist Matthew and the ambitious and beautiful cancan dancer Nathalie as they seek love, freedom and fate at the infamous Paris cabaret. Ticket prices are between $35 and $55.

St. Louis Food and Wine Experience, January 25 7-10 p.m. and January 26 & 27 from 12-5 p.m. at The Chase Park Plaza
Make plans to join The Repertory Theater this weekend for fun and flavor as they celebrate The 11th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience! The annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience gives foodies a chance to enjoy some of the best culinary offerings from local and national chefs, wineries and restaurants. There will be hundreds of selections from dozens of winemakers, plus cooking demonstrations and food from top restaurants. Tickets are $50 for general admission

Soulard Mardi Gras Crystal Cajun Cook-Off, January 26 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Louis City Hall Rotunda
You will definitely get your fill of Cajun and Creole food at the Crystal Cajun Cook Off this weekend. During this popular Soulard Mardi Gras event ten professional chefs and 10 amateur cooks will compete in respective categories for the title of Best Cajun/Creole dish. You will be able to watch chefs prepare their dishes, and then it’s time to dig in and enjoy the live music. Everyone attending gets (4) food tickets and samples of Bud Light, beer and Southern Comfort hurricanes! Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door

If none of theses events are your thing, check our calendar for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

Saint Louis Zoo – The Zoo is offering families the chance to have breakfast or dinner with Santa. The event includes family photo with Santa, goodie bags, admission to Wild Lights, and free parking. Tickets for breakfast are $20 for children and $22 for adults. Tickets for dinner are $22 for children and $24 for adults. Zoo members get a $2 discount. Breakfast with Santa is December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16. Dinner with Santa is December 13-17.

The Magic House – Santa will be serving up pancakes at this morning or evening breakfast on December 2. This event features visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a fun holiday craft to take home and admission to the Magic House. Tickets are $20 for non-members and $15 for members.

Holiday Magic – Start your fun-filled day at Holiday Magic with a special treat by coming to the Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 24 between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.. This event includes a breakfast buffet, photo opportunities with Saint Nick and early access into Holiday Magic! Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids.

The Ritz Carlton, St. Louis – Enjoy a Ritz Carlton breakfast buffet complete with omelet and waffle station for everyone. Santa and Mrs. Claus will wonder and delight all that are attending. You can also enjoy face painting and make sure Santa knows what exactly you want for Christmas. Tickets are $39 for adults and $19.50 for children 12 and under. Breakfast with Santa is December 1, 8, 15, 22 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Eckert’s Orchards – Take a trip out into the country to have breakfast with Santa at Eckert’s Orchards in Belleville. Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes and Santa will have special gifts for each child and a photo opportunity. Reservations suggested. Tickets are $8.99 for adults and $12.99 for children. Breakfast with Santa is December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House – Kick back with Santa at the Butterfly house for dinner! You’ll enjoy dinner from The Old Spaghetti Factory, a picture with Santa, butterfly hunt night walks through our Flight House, face painting, ornament making, storytime, and cookies with hot chocolate. Tickets are $15 for adults and $18 for children. Missouri Botanical Garden members get a $2 discount. Supper with Santa is December 2, 9, and 16 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Food

Well, it wouldn’t be called The Taste of St. Louis if it did not showcase some of the best cuisine in the city. Patrons will have a choice of 45 different restaurants, each one running their own booth and selling some of their best dishes for prices ranging around $3-$7. You’ll find everything from Gooey Butter Cake to Pad Thai, tasty vegan dishes, juicy meats for meat-lovers, and everything in between.

Grand Tasting Event

This year, a brand new Grand Tasting Event has been added to the food festivities. This ticketed VIP event will include unlimited samples from a number of niche and upscale restaurants from around St. Louis, such as 111Mississipi, Bella Milano, Cleveland Health, Milagro, and many more.

This special event is limited to only 500 guests per session. Session 1: 12-2:30pm Saturday, September 29th – Session 2 4-6:30pm Saturday, September 29th. The idea behind this program is to include intimate, niche restaurants in the festival. These restaurants may not be able to accommodate the large swarms of people that approach the food booths all day long, but their cuisine is certainly worth showcasing.

This event also caters to food-lovers who are not big fans of lines. Instead of hunting down the booth you want and then standing in the hot sun while the line inches forward, you can enjoy unlimited samples of a variety of cuisines without any stress or hassle.

The event will take place in the historic Peabody Opera House and will include trendy cocktail mixology, music, food demos, and meet-and-greets with several chefs along with the food sampling. Tickets are on sale for $39 in advance and $50 at the door , so make sure you reserve your spot.

Chef Battle Royal

Twenty-five local chefs applied to compete, but only nine were chosen to battle it out on stage during the festival. The 45-minute head to head battles include: chicken and egg, vegetable, mushrooms, beef & beer, pork, cheese, and lobster. These intense battles will be judged on the spot by a panel of judges who will choose winners based on taste, presentation, and originality. Nine chefs will battle, but only one will win!

Art

Of course, food is not the only thing the Taste of St. Louis festival has to offer. After you grab yourself a dish (or two or three) you can take a stroll through the Art and Wine Walk. Art from both local and national artists will be on display and for sale. As a juried-only art event, you can count on seeing work from some very talented artists.

Music

This year, the three big musical acts include Macy Gray, The All-American Rejects, and Taj Mahal, headlining on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, respectively. A wide variety of local bands and musicians will be hitting the stage as well, so make sure you check out the full lineup so you can find something that will get you in the mood for dancing or at least some rhythmic clapping. They’ve got a little something for every musical preference.

Free stuff and more

Festival attendees will have several chances to win awesome prizes during the weekend. Some of the prizes include free Stella beer tasting, gift cards for local establishments, and even a $7,500 vacation giveaway. If you aren’t chosen as one of the lucky winners, don’t worry, there is plenty of other free stuff to enjoy at the festival. You can take a look at the Showcase Stage where chefs will be showing off their skills, take the kids over to Kid City for some fun and educational games, or interact with local and national businesses in the Marketplace.

The Taste of St. Louis is most definitely a must-attend event. With 8 years of successful festivals and several awards to brag about, this year promises to be the best Taste of St. Louis yet. Swing by for food, art, and entertainment – and come hungry!

Guest Blogger Rease Kirchner from St. Louis, Missouri contributed this blog. You can follow Rease and her adventures in St. Louis and beyond on her personal blog,  indecisivetraveler.com or on twitter @IndecisiveRease

#1 Toasted Ravioli: This breaded, deep-fried dish is undoubtedly the favorite appetizer at any Italian restaurant this side of the Arch. Classically stuffed with beef or cheese, these hearty pasta shells are best served golden brown, crispy and dusted with parmesan cheese!

Don’t forget the marinara sauce.

#2 St. Louis-Style Thin Crust Pizza: When it comes to pizza, St. Louis is all about the thin crust. Unlike our northern neighbors, crispy cracker crust is highly preferred to the doughier deep dish. Add to that the signature Provel cheese, a tangy blend of provolone, Swiss and white Cheddar that melts over all of your favorite toppings.

Best when sliced in squares.

#3 Pork Steaks: The only thing more St. Louis than barbeque is the barbeque pork steak— a true summertime staple. The pork steak is a tougher cut of meat, but when it’s basted in sweet BBQ sauce, and grilled with tender(ized) loving care, the result is a savory, succulent treat for the tastebuds!

You may want to bring extra napkins.

#4 Gooey Butter Cake: It’s difficult to believe that this scrumptious creation was originally made by accident! This signature St. Louis dessert is a mouth-watering coffee cake made with cream cheese, yellow cake mix and plenty of the namesake “gooey butter” smear. It’s soft, it’s sweet and it’s utterly irresistible.

One piece is never enough.

#5 Slinger: If you’re pulling an all-nighter in St. Louis, make sure to stop into the nearest 24-hour diner for a slinger. This hometown masterpiece combines eggs, hash browns and a hamburger patty topped with chili, cheese and onions. It’s sure to curb your cravings ‘till the morning.

Warning: Not for the faint of stomach!

Peeps aren’t just for Easter at the World Bird Sanctuary. There you can meet dozens of chirping, feathered friends and learn about the remarkable rescue and rehab work done for birds of prey. You can go batty there on Easter Saturday, April 7. Known as “Bat-urday,” fun activities demonstrate the importance of bats to our environment.

Bissinger’s, St. Louis’ renowned handcrafted chocolatier, has solved the dilemma of where to start nibbling your chocolate Easter bunny. They’ve created an “ears only” confection that’s, well, all ears. The scrumptious shop is located at 32 Maryland Plaza in St. Louis’ charming Central West End neighborhood. The Easter bunnies at Kakao are handmade in small batches from a blend of three different chocolates from around the world. Find these yummy chocolate cottontails at Kakao’s two shops – 2301 Jefferson Avenue and 7272 Manchester Road. Bunny hop to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for a Bunnycrete. The seasonal sensation is a blend of Ted Drewes famous vanilla custard and fresh, moist carrot cake. Yum bunny.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Saint Louis Zoo. RSVPs are required to nosh with the famous rabbit. The Zoo chefs will be serving up more than carrots and parsley at this annual event with two seatings set on Saturday, March 31, Sunday, April 1 and Saturday, April 7.

See the carrot-eating stars of Cavalia perform over Easter weekend. The critically acclaimed theatrical production, described as a magic encounter between human and horse, gallops in the Gateway City through April 8. The lavish show, created by one of the original founders of Cirque du Soleil, features 48 magnificent horses, 38 riders, aerialists, acrobats and musicians from around the globe.

Horse power of a different sort is on display at the 51st Annual Concours d’Elegance car show. Held at the Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park, the show displays everything from classic cars to Corvettes, hot rods to the hottest trucks. The annual Easter Sunday event is sponsored by the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, www.hccmo.com.

Easter weekend, art lovers can celebrate the 10th anniversary year of the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts. The Foundation welcomes guests to view artist Gedi Sibony’s large scale work titled “In the Still Epiphany.” The temporary installation, which will be on view from April 5 through October 27, comprises nearly fifty objects from the collection of Emily and Joseph Pulitzer, Jr. including works by John Singer Sargent, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

Eggs-cellence of the culinary kind is bountifully displayed at Easter brunches all over St. Louis. Scramble to top spots for a great dining experience, including:

The 9th Street Abbey, 1808 S. 9th Street in the Soulard neighborhood

Bartolino’s Osteria, 2103 Sulphur Avenue near The Hill

Bartolino’s South, 5914 South Lindbergh Blvd.

Vin de Set, 2017 Chouteau near Lafayette Square

Cielo at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 North Second Street, Laclede’s Landing

Mount Pleasant Estates winery, 5634 High Street in Augusta, Missouri

Tucci & Fresta’s Trattoria and Bar, 15 N. Central in Clayton, Mo

Or, go for a gourmet breakfast in bed that is part of the Easter Getaway Package at the historic

Beal Mansion, an award-winning bed and breakfast inn in nearby Alton, Illinois.

The spiritual side of the holiday is marked in the natural wonder of Meramec Caverns with gospel music-inspired Easter services at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 and a sunrise celebration at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8. Admission to the Easter service is free at the famous Route 66 site.

Historic churches throughout St. Louis are hosting Easter Sunday services. The beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, which houses the world’s largest collection of mosaic art, celebrates Roman Catholic Mass at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. The Shrine of St. Joseph, at 11th and Biddle streets near downtown, welcomes visitors to Easter Mass at 11 a.m. The historic church, founded by Catholic German immigrants in 1844, is noted as the site of a Vatican-authenticated miracle. St. Louis’ elegant Episcopal cathedral – Christ Church Cathedral – holds Easter Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. On the National Register of Historic Places, the cathedral is well-known for its stained glass windows and Aeolian-Skinner organ, but its crowning glory is its carved stone reredos rising 35 feet behind the main altar. Easter Sunday Matins with Holy Communion begins at 8 a.m. at Historic Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood. The traditional Lutheran service is followed by an Easter Breakfast at 9 a.m., a Festival of the Resurrection service at 10:15 a.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children at 11:30 a.m.

For information on Easter weekend (April 6-8) and all springtime events in St. Louis, click on www.explorestlouis.com