The Go! List 2015

The

The

Th

List

List

Lis

2015

2015

BONUS ISSUE • 04.26.15 •

• STLTODAY.COM/THEGOLIST

2015

he

The

Check out St. Louis’ best people, places and things

st

List

5

2015

Welcome to the third annual The The issue of The Go! List, where we celebrate the best food, music, venues, artists, events and people in St. Louis. • You may notice that you’re holding this in your handsList a little earlier than usual.

List List Because2015 it’s packed with so 2015 2015 many great places to visit and things to see, we hope you’ll find it useful for planning as summer approaches. • Inside, you’ll find our critics’ picks in 152 different categories, along with our readers’ selections decided by more than 70,000 votes at STLtoday. com. • Thanks to everyone who voted, and congrats to the winners! Gabe Hartwig, Go! Magazine editor The

he

st

5

Music & clubs 4 Favorite downtown hangout 4 Favorite Cherokee Street hangout 4 Favorite Grove hangout 4 Favorite midtown hangout 4 Favorite Delmar Loop hangout 4 Favorite Metro East hangout 4 Favorite West County hangout 4 Favorite South County hangout 4 Favorite St. Charles hangout 4 Best place to hear the blues 4 Best place to hear country music 4 Best place to hear jazz 6 Best place for karaoke 6

2

THE GO! LIST

Best place for comedy 6 Best place to see drag 6 Best dance club 6 Best LGBT bar 6 Best dive bar 6 Best sports bar 6 Best happy hour 6 Best new music venue 6 Best-kept secret 6 Best local bartender 6 Best open-mic event 7 Best local band 7 Best local singer 7 Best local hiphop artist 7 Best local tribute band 7 Best local cover band 7 Best local DJ 7 Best music festival 7

Food & beer 8 Best breakfast 8 Best brunch 8

Best late-night food 8 Best vegan/vegetarian restaurant 8 Best restaurant for impressing outof-towners 8 Best kid-friendly restaurant 8 Best local restaurant chain 8 Best pizza 8 Best fried chicken 8 Best toasted ravioli 8 Best barbecue 8 Best wings 10 Best burger 10 Best soul food restaurant 10 Best Thai restaurant 10 Best Chinese restaurant 10 Best Vietnamese restaurant 10 Best sushi 10 Best Indian restaurant 10

Best Mediterranean/ Best small classical Greek restaurant 11 music venue 18 Best Mexican Most accomplished restaurant 11 chamber music ensemble 18 Best Italian restaurant 11 Most creative choral ensemble 18 Best deli/sandwich shop 11 Most interesting chamber music Best restaurant patio 11 festival 18 Best food truck 11 Best program notes 18 Best doughnuts 11 Best St. Louis dance Best bakery 12 company 18 Best cocktail Best St. Louis cabaret program 12 performer 18 Best local craft Best work of brewery 12 Thepublic art 18 Best biergarten 12 Best art gallery 19 Best single local Best gallery show 19 craft beer 12 Best gallery events 19 Best beer selection 12 Best museum 19 Best wine selection 12 Best St. Louis Art Best winery 13 Museum exhibition 19 Best farmers market 13 Best St. Louis Art Best farmers market ListMuseum staple 19 vendor 13 Best St. Louis Best independent 2015 visual artist 19 coffee shop 13 Best up-and-coming St. Best candy shop 13 Louis visual artist 19 Best local Most innovative arts supermarket 13 outreach 19 Most wide-ranging arts outreach 19 The arts 14 Best supporter of the arts 19 Best St. Louis stage actor 14 Best St. Louis stage TV, film & books 20 actress 14 Most versatile St. Louis Best on-screen stage actor 14 ambassador for St. Louis 20 Best new St. Louis stage actor/actress 14 Best St. Louisan on a scripted TV series 20 Best St. Louis director 14 Best St. Louisan on a Best St. Louis reality series 20 playwright 14 Best scripted TV series Best theater troupe set in St. Louis 20 for plays 14 Best locally produced Best theater troupe TV series 20 for musicals 14 Best look at St. Louis Best theater troupe for on a reality series 20 young audiences 14 Best St. Louisan in The Most versatile the movies 20 theater space 14 Best St. Louis Best theater festival 14 List filmmaker 20 Most accomplished St. Best new film by a St. Louis opera singer 14 Louis filmmaker 20 The Best new St. Louis Best new movie filmed opera singer 17 in St. Louis 22 Most versatile St. Louis List Best film festival/ opera singer 17 series 22 Best small opera Best place to see an company 17 arthouse movie 22 Best opera company Most comfortable for opera newbies 17 movie theater 22 Best St. Louis costume Best movie designer 17 concessions 22 Best St. Louis scenic Best movie popcorn 22 designer 17

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

2015

2015

Favorite St. Louis author 23 Best new book by a St. Louis author 23 Best local children’s author 23 Best local bookstore 23 Best library 23 Favorite place to see authors 23 Most kid-friendly library 23

OUR TEAM

Gabe Hartwig / editor 314-340-8353 / ghartwig@post-dispatch.com

Around town 24 Best free attraction 24 Best kids’ attraction 24 Best attraction to show visitors 24 Best thrill at Six Flags 24 Best place to get in touch with nature 24 Best park 24 Cutest St. Louis Zoo animal 24 Best festival 24 Best parade 24 Best place for a history lesson 24 Favorite special event space 26 Best outlet mall 26 Best traditional mall 26 Best thrift shop, resale shop or antique mall 26 Best local tweeter 26 Best local Instagrammer 26 Favorite Cardinals player 26 Favorite Rams player 27 Favorite Blues player 27 Best local hero 27 Biggest St. Louis success story 27 Best recent addition to St. Louis 27 Favorite St. Louis The entrepreneur 27

Jody Mitori / Post-Dispatch assistant managing editor for features 314-340-8240 / jmitori@post-dispatch.com Fred Ortlip / copy editor 314-340-8167 / fortlip@post-dispatch.com Hillary Levin / photo editor 314-340-8118 / hlevin@post-dispatch.com Emily Tintera / Post-Dispatch event and sponsorship manager 314-340-8510 / etintera@post-dispatch.com Elaine Vydra / digital marketing manager 314-340-8917 / evydra@post-dispatch.com Donna Bischoff / Post-Dispatch vice president of advertising 314-340-8529 / dbischoff@post-dispatch.com CONTRIBUTORS Debra D. Bass / fashion editor Amy Bertrand / Lifestyle editor Ian Froeb / restaurant critic, beer writer Jane Henderson / book editor Joe Holleman / columnist Kevin C. Johnson / pop music critic Norma Klingsick / features designer Sarah Bryan Miller / classical music critic Daniel Neman / food writer Judith Newmark / theater critic ST LTO DAY.CO M /G O Beth O’Malley / engagement editor Gail Pennington / television critic Amanda St. Amand / continuous news editor Colleen Schrappen / writer Chris Spurlock / online graphics editor Aisha Sultan / home & family editor Joe Williams / film critic Calvin Wilson / arts writer

CONTACT US Get your events listed events.stltoday.com Advertise with us 314-340-8500 / stltoday.com/advertise

List

On the cover 2015

Subscribe to us 314-340-8888 / stltoday.com/subscribe

The

The

The

The

List

List

List

List

2015

2015

2015

2015

Write to us Go! Magazine, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 900 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63101

COPYRIGHT 2015 • Go! Magazine is published by BONUS ISSUE • 04.26.15 •

• STLTODAY.COM/THEGOLIST

ILLUSTRATION BY DAN MARTIN OF THE POST-DISPATCH

the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Lee Enterprises. No part of Go! Magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent. For permissions requests, reprints, back issues and more information, call 314-340-8000, or visit stltoday.com/contact.

For distribution information, call 314-556-6404.

@gostl

@gostlouis

@gostl

SERVING YOU FOR OVER 75 YEARS! As your hometown grocery store, we’re proud to serve you and the community. You’ll find more ways to save, quality fresh foods and friendly service. Plus, we offer one-stop shopping conveniences like full-service Florist Shops and Pharmacies right in your neighborhood.

©2015 Schnucks

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 3

✑ CRITICS’ PICKS BY KEVIN C. JOHNSON, NORMA KLINGSICK, AMY BERTRAND, CALVIN WILSON, AMANDA ST. AMAND, GABE HARTWIG, COLLEEN SCHRAPPEN AND JOE HOLLEMAN

Favorite Metro East hangout

Favorite St. Charles hangout

Global Brew

Cottleville Wine Seller

If you love craft beer — and you’re a stickler for proper glassware — Global Brew is the perfect place. With 50 beers on tap and more than 200 bottled beers from around the world, connoisseurs are sure to find a brew they enjoy. Taps rotate, so check the website for the current selection. Not sure what you want? The bartenders are knowledgeable, so ask for a suggestion, or order a “sample board” of five 5-ounce pours for less than $20. Choose one of their predesigned flights, or personalize one. Global Brew doesn’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring your own. NK Revelers ring in 2015 at Ballpark Village.

music and DJs, the Dark Room now offers a variety of music five nights a week. A photo gallery is inside, as well. And the best part: There’s never a cover. KCJ Readers’ pick: Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.

Favorite downtown hangout

Ballpark Village WHERE 601 Clark Avenue • MORE INFO stlballparkvillage.com

The long-time-coming Ballpark Village finally opened last year and managed to live up to all its hype — if not surpass it.

Sure, it’s a place to go before or after a Cardinals game.

But it was also conceived as a downtown attraction to draw folks inside even when there isn’t a game, and that is what has happened. The indoor entertainment complex has something for everyone — Fox Sports Midwest Live!, Budweiser Brew House, Cardinals Nation, Howl at the Moon, PBR St. Louis, Drunken Fish, the new upscale Crown Room and more. KCJ Readers’ pick: Broadway Oyster Bar

Favorite Cherokee Street hangout

Melt WHERE 2712 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-771-6358, facebook.com/meltoncherokee

It’s probably enough that Melt, situated in the heart of the left-of-center Cherokee Street district, sells waffles any which way you could want one. But if you look closely, the artsy space has also been offering a diverse lineup of under-the-radar bands in its unique setting. KCJ Readers’ pick: The Mud House

Favorite Grove hangout

Atomic Cowboy WHERE 4140 Manchester Avenue • MORE INFO 314-775-0775, atomiccowboystl.com

Atomic Cowboy may not be the newest or hippest thing among

4

THE GO! LIST

the Grove neighborhood’s many diverse offerings. But Atomic Cowboy is a sprawling staple of a venue that continues to evolve. Its core remains its Mexican fare, but it’s also a place for concerts and DJs both on its stage and patio areas, not to mention the recent opening of the Bootleg, a venue within the Atomic Cowboy. KCJ Readers’ pick: Urban Chestnut Brewery and Bierhall

Favorite midtown hangout

The Dark Room WHERE 615 North Grand Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-5313416, thedarkroomstl.com

Grand Center can feel a bit stodgy at times with all of its high-end entertainment options. But the Dark Room, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is a cool alternative that brings a bit of a hip quotient to the area.

Deftly mixing a wine bar with live

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Favorite Delmar Loop hangout

The Pageant and Halo Bar WHERE 6161 Delmar Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-726-6161, thepageant. com, thepageant.com/halobar

Fifteen years after its opening, the Pageant remains one of the best reasons to visit the Delmar Loop area, especially if you’re a fan of live music. The venue remains one of the top concert clubs in the world — literally, based on ticket sales.

And that shows no sign of slowing with upcoming shows

by Alice in Chains, Meghan Trainor, Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie, St. Vincent and the Script. The Halo Bar, housed within the Pageant but also a stand-alone spot, continues to showcase cool DJ acts. KCJ Readers’ pick: Blueberry Hill

Readers’ pick: Fast Eddie’s Bon Air

Favorite West County hangout

Sky Music Lounge WHERE 930 Kehrs Mill Road, suite 201, Ballwin • MORE INFO 636527-6909, skymusiclounge.com

Who says you have to venture all the way into the city of St. Louis to take in a little live music? Sky Music Lounge has it covered for the West County crowd — in fact, Sky bills itself as the only music venue in West County. Among the acts playing there are Jake’s Leg, Paint the Earth, Shrinking Violets and Boogie Chyld. KCJ Readers’ pick: Elephant Bar

Favorite South County hangout

Helen Fitzgerald’s WHERE 3650 South Lindbergh Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-9840026, helenfitzgeralds.com

Helen Fitzgerald’s takes pride in what might be called an unpredictable nature. The spot can be one of several different things, depending on when you visit. It answers the call of being a restaurant, club and bar, with live music, DJs, food, trivia, beer pong and more. KCJ Readers’ pick: Joey B’s Food & Drink

WHERE 5314 State Highway N, St. Charles • MORE INFO 636-2444453, cottlevillewineseller.com

On a beautiful spring evening, there is no better place than all-outdoor-seating Cottleville Wine Seller. If it’s chilly, let one of the many fire pits warm you up.

There’s a waterfall, TVs, an upper level with Adirondack chairs, live music and an extensive wine list (plus food and beer). AB Readers’ pick: Trailhead Brewing Co.

Best place to hear the blues

BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups WHERE 700 South Broadway • MORE INFO 314-436-5222, bbsjazzbluessoups.com

Listening to live music in a club is all about the feeling of being there. And just as the best jazz clubs are imbued with a dimly lit allure that meshes well with the music, so does the ambiance of a blues club tend to lend itself toward a certain downhome funkiness that’s in perfect sync with the sounds onstage. That’s definitely what you get at BB’s, and that’s why we keep coming back. CW Readers’ pick: Broadway Oyster Bar

Best place to hear country music

PBR St. Louis at Ballpark Village WHERE 601 Clark Avenue • MORE INFO 314-241-5570, stlpbr.com

If you really want to hear the guitar’s chord changes and the soaring vocals of singers such as David Nail or the Brothers Osborne, get thee to PBR at Ballpark Village. It’s an intimate (translation: not big) setting where you can see the performers up close and hear more of them and less of the thousands of people chattering around you. No, Jason Aldean and the big stars won’t be playing there. But if you want to catch the rising stars before they soar out of your stratosphere, this is the place for country music. MSA Readers’ pick: PBR St. Louis at Ballpark Village

Find photos from our April 23 Go! List party at Third Degree Glass Factory ➙ stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : J O N G I T C H O F F/ F I L E

WHERE 112 South Buchanan Street, Edwardsville; 455 Regency Park, O’Fallon, Ill. • MORE INFO 618-3075858 (Edwardsville), 618-632-1818 (O’Fallon), globalbrewtaps.com

The Latest State-of-the-Art Technology

ONLY at Hans Wiemann.

The BEST in Hair Restoration

BRIO

Non-Surgical Hair Loss Solutions - Completely Transparent!

- Restore a Little or Full Head Of Hair

ARTAS

®

- FDA Approved Products - Helps Deliver the Nutrients Needed for Healthy Hair

Tim Pfeiffer, President Designer and Creator of the New BRIO® Non-Surgical Hair Restoration “I personally invite you to come experience the Latest and BEST Hair Restoration Solutions available Anywhere!”

®

Robotic FUE Hair Transplants - THE Latest In Hair Transplants - Virtually Pain Free and No Stiches

10% OFF

ANY HAIR RESTORATION PROCEDURE!

RESTRICTIONS APPLY• Expires 5/30/15

>>>> CALL NOW! <<<< Find out what is the BEST SOLUTION for YOU!

1-888-355-HANS (4267) 1266 Andes Boulevard | Creve Coeur, MO 63132 HansHairLoss.com #thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 5

LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR NEWS, PHOTOS, GIVEAWAYS AND MORE. facebook.com/gostlouis twitter.com/gostl instagram.com/gostl foursquare.com/gostl

food. And if you don’t have to rush to take advantage of the specials, even better. At Bobby’s Place downtown, it’s almost always happy hour (on Sunday, it runs all day), which gets you drink specials and half-price appetizers.

We cannot recommend strongly enough the breaded wings (get the sauce on the side), which are just 4 bucks during happy hour. GH

Best place to hear jazz

Ferring Jazz Bistro WHERE 3536 Washington Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-571-6000, jazzstl.org

No talking, please: That’s jazz law, and the folks at the Bistro are serious about enforcing it. They’re also serious about presenting music that’s entertaining and accessible. So if you’re into hearing saxophonists such as Joshua Redman or pianists such as Vijay Iyer, well, that’s what they call jazz heaven.

And you don’t have to be religious to get the spirit. CW Readers’ pick: Ferring Jazz Bistro

Best place for karaoke

Mike Talayna’s Jukebox Restaurant WHERE 1115 Hampton Avenue • MORE INFO 314-647-7600, facebook.com/talaynas.jukebox

If you’ve never been to Mike Talayna’s, you’ve at least driven past it on Hampton Avenue a million times. It looks pretty unassuming from the outside, but inside, there are more mirror balls and glittery surfaces than you can shake a bottle of Windex at.

And with karaoke six nights a week (closed Sunday), it’s a grand stage for the wannabe performers among us. GH Readers’ pick: Double D Karaoke

Best place for comedy

The Improv Shop

Readers’ pick: Llywelyn’s Pub Female impersonator Michelle McCausland performs at Bombers Hideaway in the Grove.

spectacle. It’s unexpected and fresh. Sometimes it makes you feel a little awkward. It always makes you laugh. CS Readers’ pick: Funny Bone

STLTO DAY.CO M /G O

6

THE GO! LIST

Ferring Jazz Bistro EDM sounds emanating from local and national DJs. KCJ Readers’ pick: Casa Loma Ballroom

Best LGBT bar Best place to see drag

Just John

Bombers Hideaway

WHERE 4112 Manchester Avenue • MORE INFO 314-3711333, justjohnclub.com

WHERE 3960 Chouteau Avenue • MORE INFO 314652-0011, bomberstl.com

On the bustling Manchester strip in the Grove, St. Louis’ epicenter of LGBT-focused nightlife, it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd of flashy bars and clubs. Just John is dressed to impress and ready for a party every night of the week — whether you’re there for one of the bar’s elaborate theme parties or for drinks and karaoke after work. JuJo is clean and stylish, and the employees and bartenders always seem to be having as much fun as the clientele. GH

There’s no shortage of places to see the art of female impersonation in St. Louis, on stages large and small.

(The smallest stage we know of is roughly the size of a wooden shipping pallet.) For the best drag show in town, though, head to the stylish cabaret at the new Bombers Hideaway (formerly Bad Dog Bar & Grill). Every Friday and Saturday night, the funny and talented Michelle McCausland leads a group of performers in a show that certainly is no drag. GH

WHERE 510 North Euclid Avenue • MORE INFO 314-9325540, theimprovshop.com

At the Improv Shop, the shows are never the same.

The performers are some1 2 . 14. 1 2–1 2 . 2 0. 1 2 times rookies, other times well-seasoned entertainers.

Unlike a touring standup trotting through well-rehearsed material with a perfunctory nod to the city (“How about those Cardinals?”), genuine connections and community are key at the Improv Shop.

The audience gets the riff started, throwing out a topic.

The players bat around ideas, reel off anecdotes, create a

Best new music venue

Readers’ pick: Attitudes

Readers’ pick: Just John

Best dive bar

The Village Bar Best dance club

Lit

/ S T. L O U I S P O S T- D I S PAT C H / G O ! M A G A Z I N E

31

WHERE 3221-25 Olive Street • MORE INFO litstl.com

It’s tough opening a venue in a space that has had several previous identities.

That was the case with Lit, formerly Dante’s, Se7en and the Firehouse. But the new spot, which took another chance in opening during the cold-winter months, is lighting up midtown with its

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

WHERE 12247 Manchester Road, Des Peres • MORE INFO 314821-4532, thevillagebar.biz

What qualifies the venerable Village in Des Peres as a “dive”? Maybe because it’s been a bar for more than 65 years, located in an old feed store that blissfully does not conform to current municipal zoning standards. Maybe it is because of low prices on cold longnecks and one of best greasy burgers this side of the Mississippi. Or maybe

it’s because the men’s room, like the great men’s rooms of sports venues everywhere, still has a trough. Whatever the reason, the Village Bar is a remarkable dive — and one that may not see 2016. JH

WHERE 3536 Washington Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-571-6000, jazzstl.org

Over/Under Bar & Grill

Jazz St. Louis’ concert series at Jazz at the Bistro has long brought key, straight-ahead jazz acts to the Grand Center staple. The venue itself was a little quant and could feel cramped, but that all changed in October with the Wynton Marsalis-headlined grand opening of the Ferring Jazz Bistro, inside the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz. What a difference $10 million makes. KCJ

WHERE 911 Washington Avenue • MORE INFO 314-6218881, overunderstl.com

Readers’ pick: Fox Sports Midwest Live! at Ballpark Village

Readers’ pick: Broadway Oyster Bar

Best sports bar

At Over/Under Bar & Grill, there are TVs everywhere: TVs over the bar, TVs over the tables, teeny-tiny TVs in the booths, a projection of TV on the patio wall. Sports fans will be sufficiently distracted by whatever Big Games are on. That said, Over/Under is a great sports bar — because of its plentiful TVs with premium sports channels and because of its upscale menu of sports-bar fare. Try the tri-tip sandwich or the pulled pork — with crispy waffle fries topped with Gorgonzola cheese sauce. GH Readers’ pick: Ballpark Village

Best happy hour

Best-kept secret

CW’s Lounge WHERE 2600 Natural Bridge Avenue • MORE INFO 314-531-4059

What is this CW’s Lounge, and why have you never heard of it? It’s truly no big deal, that’s why — unless you’re looking for an unpretentious, low-key good time in a unassuming locale. You could start with the food — try the crispy chicken wings and salmon croquettes. But the place comes alive at night with the buoyancy of a juke joint full of strong drinks and old-school jams. KCJ Readers’ pick: Blues City Deli

Bobby’s Place WHERE 1130 Washington Avenue • MORE INFO 314436-8143, dt.bobbyspl.com

Best local bartender

Obviously, the best part of happy hour is cheap drinks.

But a truly great happy hour will also give you a deal on

Known to most late-night errants as “Tina,” this lovely soul until recently had been

Athena Miller

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : G A B E H A R T W I G / P O S T- D I S PAT C H

BE SOCIAL WITH US.

the nightside bartending fixture at the legendary Missouri Bar & Grille downtown. With that spot apparently closed for the long haul, Tina now is mixing it up along Washington Avenue, at Over/Under Bar & Grill, Lucky’s Dueling Piano Bar and Bobby’s Place — more proof that you just can’t keep a good barkeep down. JH Readers’ pick: Melissa Pfeiffer, CJ Mugg’s in Webster Groves

Best open-mic event

ArtBar WHERE 2732 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-769-9696, artbarstl.com

Open-microphone events can really be a hit-or-miss sort of thing, varying in quality. We like the one going on at the ArtBar. It doesn’t feature folks warbling into the mic but instead flips it with a comedy open-mic event in a great-looking space. KCJ Readers’ pick: Mike Talayna’s Jukebox Restaurant

Best local band

Old Salt Union MORE INFO oldsaltunion.com

Call it newgrass, bluegrass, popgrass, folk — whatever. It’s all good when it comes to Old Salt Union, which hails from Belleville. The band, which positively killed at its LouFest set last summer in Forest Park, does things its own way with no apologies. KCJ Readers’ pick: Funky Butt Brass Band

Best local singer

Brian Owens

P H O T O : J O N G I T C H O F F/ F I L E

MORE INFO brianowens.tv

Brian Owens has gone above and beyond setting himself apart the past year, including performing in support of his native Ferguson. But there was also his original album “Preach,” his ability to perform tribute shows to R&B and country greats (he played Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album in its entirety recently at the Touhill), and his mixing it up with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Black History Month. His work with the SLSO at Powell Hall caused goosebumps. KCJ Readers’ pick: Erin Bode

#thegolist

Best local hip-hop artist

Tef Poe MORE INFO tefpoe.com

Rapper Tef Poe was a St. Louis star long before last summer’s tragic events in Ferguson. He was big on the underground hip-hop scene with mixtapes, CDs and more. His winning run on BET’s “Freestyle Friday” gave him some national acclaim, though it was nothing like the artist-as-activist role he took on, protesting the events surrounding the death of Michael Brown and participating in benefit events for Brown’s family. KCJ Readers’ pick: Nelly

Best local tribute band

El Monstero MORE INFO elmonstero.com

There’s something about what El Monstero does that never seems to get old. How else does one explain the Pink Floyd tribute band’s ability to fill the Pageant with its annual weeklong Christmastime extravaganza?

The last few years, the band has branched out, adding shows at other venues including Art Hill, Jefferson Barracks and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (now Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre). KCJ Readers’ pick: El Monstero

Best local cover band

Dr. Zhivegas MORE INFO drzhivegas.com

Self-proclaimed “Kings of the Dance Floor” Dr. Zhivegas has long been known to not only get the party started, but to keep it going before exiting the stage and leaving their fans

fully pumped up. Led by Frankie Muriel, Dr. Zhivegas remains one of the area’s most soughtafter acts, with more than 200 performances each year. KCJ Readers’ pick: Dr. Zhivegas

Best local DJ

MAKossa MORE INFO djmakossa.com

Chance are you have yet to come across the grooves of DJ MAKossa, unless you’ve been hanging out in the basement of (blank) space during the monthly Bump & Hustle events there.

Old soul MAKossa specializes in funk, soul, reggae and hiphop, but he goes for the rare grooves, the noncommercial finds you’ll never hear on the radio or perhaps anywhere, making every one of his DJ spins a world of adventure. KCJ

“Down “DownThe The Bayou” Bayou” Country Cajun Cajun Country Saint Louis has a growing growing food food culture culture that that we we are honored to be a part of. While we strive to bring Authentic Country Cajun to the Midwest, we also pride ourselves in some of this cities own creations like the Slinger, and pay homage to a rich BBQ scene that has developed from a back yard hobby to smoked cuisine.

Follow Us on Facebook for Specials and Sangria-of-the-Moment

Readers’ pick: DJ Mitch Marku

4144 S. Grand

Best music festival

LouFest WHEN Sept. 12-13, 2015 • WHERE Central Field in Forest Park • MORE INFO loufest.com

St. Louis has always done well with its selections for music festivals — especially for niche festivals such as the reliable Twangfest. But ever since LouFest came along, with its sixth installment in September, it has been the model for what a locally honed festival can do. Booking Outkast and Arctic Monkeys really put its fifth year over the top. One can only dream what organizers may have in store when LouFest returns to Forest Park this year. KCJ

in Dutchtown near Ted Drewes.

314-875-9653

Delivery Available at Grubgo.com

Tuesdays, April 28–June 2

TWILIGHT

TUESDAYS AMEREN CONCERT SERIES

SPRING 2015

MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM

Readers’ pick: LouFest

6pm to 8pm • FREE Museum’s Front Lawn Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park mohistory.org

Tef Poe performs in October at Hip Hop 4 Justice at Fubar.

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 7

✑ CRITICS’ PICKS BY IAN FROEB, DEBRA D. BASS, GABE HARTWIG, AISHA SULTAN, JOE HOLLEMAN, AMY BERTRAND AND DANIEL NEMAN are that the restaurant gets very busy and the service can be slow.

Popular spots tend to get crowded and noisy, so keep that in mind with small children. The space is bright and clean, the wait staff is friendly and the food is wonderful. AS Readers’ pick: Chick-fil-A

Best local restaurant chain

outside, tender inside, flavorful throughout — is worth the drive to Waterloo any time. But if you can choose only one day, Sunday it must be. For $12.95 ($6.95 for kids), you get all the chicken you can eat, as well as mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits and more sides. Gallagher’s was also the recent winner of our Fried Chicken Frenzy bracket. IF Readers’ pick: Ravanelli’s Restaurant

Pi Pizzeria WHERE Multiple locations • MORE INFO pi-pizza.com

In just seven years, Pi Pizzeria has grown from a funky Delmar Loop upstart to an enterprise with five St. Louis locations, plus outposts in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati and Miami Beach. The growth hasn’t diminished the quality of Pi’s signature cornmeal-crust deep-dish pizza or its underrated (relative to the deep dish, at least) thin-crust pies. Credit executive chef Cary McDowell with keeping your favorite pizzas on point and refreshing the menu with specials and new appetizers. IF stl100

Best restaurant for impressing out-of-towners

Readers’ pick: St. Louis Bread Co.

Elaia will impress the St. Louis visitor first and foremost for being one of our best, most forwardthinking restaurants, where Ben Poremba and chef de cuisine Josh Charles serve memorable Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. As a bonus, the stunning design of the restaurant and its adjacent wine bar — modern yet effortlessly folded into the surrounding neighborhood — will give visitors a glimpse of St. Louis’ history and maybe its future. IF stl100

Best breakfast

The Mud House WHERE 2101 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-776-6599, themudhousestl.com

This friendly Cherokee Street spot offers a little something for everyone. Those who want classic breakfast grub will love the French toast, the breakfast sandwich or the plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes and toast — familiar dishes set apart by the quality of the ingredients. Those looking for something more adventurous or elegant can opt for a spicy tofu scramble or a sandwich with ham, asparagus and a Dijon bechamel sauce. IF Readers’ pick: First Watch

Best brunch

Cafe Osage WHERE 4605 Olive Street • MORE INFO 314-454-6868, bowoodfarms.com

8

THE GO! LIST

Nestled inside a plant nursery, the cafe with indoor and outdoor patios wins major points for ambiance. Add the stellar menu that includes vegetables grown on-site, and you’ve got a winner.

The dishes are simple and prepared to perfection. Osage Nutty Granola is a great house blend, and if you like biscuits and gravy, the cheddar-chive biscuits with creamed chicken, mushrooms and leeks is sure to become one of your faves. DB Readers’ pick: Rooster

Best late-night food

Epic Pizza & Subs WHERE 1711A South Ninth Street • MORE INFO 314-436-3742, epicpizzaandsubs.com

When you’re looking for a latenight bite, resist the allure of drive-thru tacos. You deserve something better. Late into the night, Epic Pizza & Subs in Soulard serves up its wood-fired slices with names such as Fig Goat About It, Wu Tang Clam

and Frank Sriracha. And even better, Epic is right next door (adjoined, actually) to iTAP, so you can enjoy your pizza with beer, as it was intended. GH Readers’ pick: Courtesy Diner

Best vegan/ vegetarian restaurant

Lulu’s Local Eatery WHERE 3201 South Grand Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-3008215, luluslocaleatery.com

The idea of vegan comfort food makes nonbelievers roll their eyes. But anyone who thinks meatless meals have to be boring, tasteless or lacking in imagination needs to put this on their lunch list. If you go once, you’ll go back. The shop is entirely vegan, but once you have a taste, you won’t care.

The Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger speak for themselves. DB Readers’ pick: Tree House

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Readers’ pick: Sidney Street Cafe

Best kid-friendly restaurant

Best pizza

Pizzeoli WHERE 1928 South 12th Street • MORE INFO 314-449-1111, pizzeoli.com

Former real-estate agent Scott Sandler turned his hobby into a career when he opened Pizzeoli last year. This Soulard restaurant is tiny, but the wood-burning oven turns out mighty Neapolitan-style pizzas. The crust is the star: delicious, charspeckled and just chewy enough.

The toppings are vegetarian, but you won’t miss the pepperoni, especially if you order the simple, elegant Bianca pie with garlic, rosemary, Parmesan and mozzarella atop Béchamel sauce. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Dewey’s Pizza

Baileys’ Range WHERE 920 Olive Street • MORE INFO 314-241-8121, baileysrange.com

It’s not just that this stl100 restaurant serves the ultimate kids food: burgers and shakes. But those are deliciously handmade, and the beef is grass-fed and Missouri-raised. The only caveats

WHERE 2225 Macklind Avenue • MORE INFO 314-773-4455, anthoninos.com

Because most examples of St. Louis’ signature dish now are frozen little lumps of dry dough and drier meat, finding good T-ravs means you have to find a place that makes them in-house. Anthonino’s on the Hill, which specializes in both Greek and Italian food, is at the top of its game in making the tastiest pasta pillows in town. JH Readers’ pick: Rigazzi’s

Best barbecue

Elaia WHERE 1634 Tower Grove Avenue • MORE INFO 314-932-1088, elaiastl.com

Anthonino’s Taverna

Best fried chicken

Gallagher’s Restaurant WHERE 114 West Mill Street, Waterloo • MORE INFO 618-9399933, gallagherswaterloo.com

The perfectly cooked fried chicken at Gallagher’s — crisp

Sugarfire Smoke House WHERE Multiple locations • MORE INFO sugarfiresmokehouse.com

Sugarfire Smoke House’s rapid expansion is no fluke.

(Locations in St. Charles and O’Fallon, Mo., have joined the Olivette original, a downtown location is slated to open in fall, and there is also Sugarfire Pie.) The barbecue is top-notch — especially the beef brisket — and the griddle burgers, sandwiches and sides, not to mention the often-wild daily specials, make Sugarfire the complete package in the ever more crowded St. Louis ’cue market. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Pappy’s Smokehouse

Restaurants marked with this icon were also included in March in the inaugural edition of Ian Froeb’s STL 100, our critic’s list of the 100 best restaurants in St. Louis.

Find the full list at stltoday.com/stl100. stl100

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : J . B . F O R B E S / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

A brisket sandwich topped with coffee barbecue sauce at Sugarfire Smoke House

Best toasted ravioli

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 9

It’s Worth the Drive!

Beer & Wine Making Supplies

Sister Cities Cajun & BBQ WHERE 4144 South Grand Boulevard, • MORE INFO 314-875-9653

The name of this Dutchtown restaurant hints at what its wings taste like: barbecue smoke and Cajun spice. But even that can’t quite capture the depth of smoky, peppery and earthy flavor that Travis Parfait coaxes from each plump wing. These aren’t conventional wings, but after one order you might never go back to Buffalo. IF

Now Offering Cheese Kits, Sausage & Jerky Supplies!

Beer Kits Wine Kits Chemicals Supplies Corny Kegs

Full Line of Distilling Supplies & Equipment!

10663 Business 21 Hillsboro, MO 63050 (Next to Subway)

(636) 797-8155

brewandwinesupply.com

stl100

Tony’s is grateful to be voted the

Best Steak, Best Happy Hour, Best Atmosphere

& Best Outdoor Dining by the people of Madison County

312 Piasa | Alton, IL | 618.462.8384

best chicken 25 years in a row

Readers’ pick: Syberg’s

Best burger

Five Star Burgers WHERE 8125 Maryland Avenue, Clayton; 312 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood • MORE INFO 314-720-4350 (Clayton), 314394-2250 (Kirkwood), 5starburgersstl.com

In just two years and stl100 change, Five Star Burgers has become St. Louis’ premier burger joint.

At both the original Clayton location and the Kirkwood satellite, the patty is consistently great: flavorful, juicy and properly cooked to your preferred temperature. The green-chile cheeseburger is the standout, but no variation disappoints. Save room for the crisp fries, gooey cheese curds and a smartly curated list of local craft beer. IF Readers’ pick: Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Best soul food restaurant

Diner’s Delight WHERE 1504 South Compton Avenue • MORE INFO 314-7769570, dinersdelightstl.com

thank you st. louis

2100 Gravois • 314-776-7292 • www.Hodaks.com 10

THE GO! LIST

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Diner’s Delight isn’t the most visible restaurant — it’s a long block east of South Grand Boulevard, a long block south of Chouteau Avenue — but it’s been serving up cafeteria-style soul food for almost half a century now, so it must be doing something right. Order the fried chicken (available every day) with mac and cheese and cornbread, and you’ll know exactly what they’re doing right. The daily specials include oxtails on Tuesday and beef ribs on Friday. IF Readers’ pick: Sweetie Pie’s

Banh Xeo Crispy Crepes at Mai Lee

Best Thai restaurant

Fork & Stix WHERE 549 Rosedale Avenue • MORE INFO 314-863-5572, forknstix.com

Fork & Stix is a revelation, even for those who love Thai cuisine. The Wanna family serves dishes from their native northern Thailand alongside the expected curries and pad thai, and these are the dishes that you must order. Pair sai oua, a pork sausage, with naam prik nuum, a hot sauce, and sticky rice. Above all else, order khao soi, a complex curry-noodle soup. (Yes, the more familiar dishes are also excellent here.) IF stl100

Readers’ pick: King & I

Best Chinese restaurant

Joy Luck Buffet WHERE 8030 Manchester Road, Brentwood • MORE INFO 314-645-9982

The smart move at this Brentwood staple is to skip the buffet entirely and order instead from the menu of traditional Szechuan cuisine. Start with the (relatively) mild cumin lamb or dive into the deep end with one of the beef-tendon dishes or Chongqing chicken, dosed with numbing Szechuan peppercorns and more chiles than you’ve ever seen on one plate. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Mai Lee

hospitality, a combination that turned what should have been a charmless space on the ground floor of a Brentwood parking garage into one of the area’s standout restaurants for any cuisine. From such classic dishes as pho and lemongrass-scented stir fries to the house specialties (the salt-and-pepper calamari) to dishes that nod to the restaurant’s beginnings serving Chinese food, Mai Lee’s lengthy menu will keep you returning. IF Readers’ pick: Mai Lee

Best sushi

BaiKu Sushi Lounge WHERE 3407 Olive Street • MORE INFO 314-896-2500, baikustl.com

The sushi, sashimi and maki don’t disappoint at BaiKu Sushi Lounge in midtown’s Hotel Ignacio, but the real draw here pushes you outside your sushi-bar comfort zone. Sushi chef Soung Lee serves such creative, beautifully plated and delicious dishes as striped bass in a lemon-thyme vinaigrette and a tartare of yellowtail with scallions. Even the specialty rolls are more than just over-the-top showpieces, but smartly balanced combinations of flavors. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Wasabi

Best Indian restaurant

India Palace Best Vietnamese restaurant

Mai Lee WHERE 8396 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood • MORE INFO 314-645-2835, maileestl.com

The area’s first Vietnamese restaurant is still its best thanks to the Tran family’s dedication to quality and stl100

WHERE 711 Olive Street • MORE INFO 314-621-8533, indiapalacestl.com

India Palace opened a downtown location last year, and the restaurant’s excellent take on classic Indian dishes is a welcome addition to the city’s dining choices. Still, you owe it to yourself to visit the original Bridgeton location at least once. Does the food taste better because it’s served in

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

Gift Certificates Available!

• • • • •

Best wings

an old tiki bar overlooking the airport in an upper floor of an otherwise drab building? No, but the meal will be all the more memorable for it. IF Readers’ pick: House of India

famous raviolo with cheese and an egg yolk; pici with butter, Parmigiano-Reggiano, bread crumbs and sage; the layered pork flavors of the porchetta.

Acero’s prix-fixe menu one of the best upscale-dining values town, even if you add the supplemental fee for the top-of-the-line dishes.

IF

Best Mediterranean/ Greek restaurant

Readers’ pick: Zia’s on the Hill

Aya Sofia WHERE 6671 Chippewa Street • MORE INFO 314-645-9919, ayasofiacuisine.com

Chef Mehmet Yildiz’s stl100 Aya Sofia remains a singular St. Louis restaurant. It’s elegant — romantic even — but not expensive. The Turkish fare touches on familiar flavors from other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, but it’s still not quite like anything else in town.

Grilled beef, lamb and seafood dishes dominate the menu, though you might be tempted to build a meal out of mezze like biber ezme, a bright, garlicky roasted-red-pepper dip. IF Readers’ pick: Olympia Kebob House and Taverna

Best Mexican restaurant

Best deli/sandwich shop

Gioia’s Deli WHERE 1934 Macklind Avenue • MORE INFO 314-776-9410, gioiasdeli.com

Gioia’s Deli is nearly a century old, but it remains essential and of the moment — it even launched a food truck last year.

The main draw remains the hot salami, one of St. Louis’ great, iconic dishes. The tender, complexly spiced, thickly sliced meat is so delicious that you’d happily eat a plate of it by itself.

Those not ready for pig’s-head salami can bank on Italian-style roast beef and cold cuts among other sandwiches. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Blues City Deli

Tienda El Ranchito WHERE 2565 North 32nd Street, Fairmont City • MORE INFO 618875-1521, tiendaelranchito.com

Best restaurant patio

Tienda El Ranchito, a stl100 combination restaurant and grocery, will lure you to Fairmont City with its outstanding traditional Mexican fare: taqueria staples, soups and even breakfast dishes. There are dishes rarely seen in St. Louis (sauteed beef liver) and Tex-Mex staples to sate the unadventurous. If you can only try one dish, make it the birria: warmly spiced goat with a side of fiery chile-laced broth. IF

WHERE 4580 Laclede Avenue • MORE INFO 314-454-0600, brasseriebyniche.com

Readers’ pick: El Maguey

Best Italian restaurant

P H O T O : P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

Acero WHERE 7266 Manchester Road, Maplewood • MORE INFO 314644-1790, fialafood.com/acero

At Acero, Jim Fiala stl100 and executive chef Adam Karl Gnau oversee a menu of rustic fare that will remind you of the essential beauty and endless bounty of Italian cuisine: the

#thegolist

Brasserie by Niche

Yes, the euro is cheap right now, but if a Paris vacation remains outside your means, dinner on the Brasserie by Niche patio will do the trick for an hour or two. Enjoy a pleasant view of the Central West End paired with classic French bistro fare. If the sidewalk tables are filled, don’t despair. In pleasant weather, the dining room’s windows stand open. IF stl100

◆ Canoeing and Rafting ◆ Camping ◆ Tubing ◆ Horseback Riding ◆ Resort Lodging ◆ Fun for All!

Readers’ pick: John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden

Best food truck

Guerrilla Street Food WHERE 3359 Arsenal Street • MORE INFO 314-529-1328, guerrillastreetfood.com

MOM FLOATS FREE on Mother’s Day!

Guerrilla Street Food was the first St. Louis food truck to prove that a mobile kitchen could serve food as creative, delicious and forward-thinking as any trendy brick-and-mortar establishment. Chefs and coowners Brian Hardesty and Joel Crespo serve food influenced by Crespo’s Filipino heritage, with a liberal dose of the no-borders approach to food that has become the global language of cooking. The signature dish is the Flying Pig: roasted pork with Sriracha, chiles, calamansi and a sous-vide egg over rice. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Seoul Taco

CALL FOR DETAILS!

For more information, visit our website: huzzahvalley.com or call 1-800-367-4516

Best doughnuts

The Donut Stop WHERE 1101 Lemay Ferry Road, South County • MORE INFO 314631-3333, thedonutstopinc.net

The specialty of South stl100 County institution Donut Stop (and its St. Charles satellite) is the cinnamon glob. No doughnut is more appropriately named: It is indeed a glob of fried cinnamonspiced dough that will ruin you forever for boring old cinnamon rolls. The regular doughnuts are swell, too, as you’d expect from a place that’s been making them for six decades now. IF Readers’ pick: Strange Donuts

Evening

SPECIALS RESERVE NOW

Tuesday – Sunday 4 – 8 p.m.

E ntrEEs

T wo for $20 Cassoulet at Brasserie

Choose Two Entrees, Two Desserts and Two Soft Drinks Excludes Steak Entrees, Salmon, Blackened Tilapia & Shrimp Scampi Belleville, IL 618-394-6237 Snows.org/rest Facebook.com/SnowsShrine

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 11

Best bakery

Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop WHERE 2201 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-932-5166, whiskstl.com

Readers’ pick: McArthur’s Bakery

Best cocktail program

Planter’s House WHERE 1000 Mississippi Avenue • MORE INFO 314-696-2603, plantershousestl.com

Ted Kilgore and his band of merry mixologists disprove the primary stereotype of the cocktail revolution. The drinks here aren’t snobby but fun.

How can you not laugh and enjoy the Mule-er’s Day Off (a tequila-based riff on the Moscow Mule) or a negroni named for Dr. Zaius (“Planet of the Apes”)? Those not feeling playful can rest assured the Planter’s House Manhattan, daiquiri and other classic cocktails are unimpeachable. IF

THE GO! LIST

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

But, of course, Jake Hafner, head brewer Dylan Mosley and the crew make great beers.

We’d hang our own gold medal on the English pale ale and the American brown ale, invigorated versions of classic styles. IF Readers’ pick: The St. Louis Brewery (Schlafly)

Best biergarten

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. WHERE 3229 Washington Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-2220143, urbanchestnut.com

This should be the least surprising winner in the entire Go! List. Co-owner and brewmaster Florian Kuplent is a native of Germany, and Urban Chestnut’s original midtown biergarten is as close to the real thing as you can find in St. Louis, complete with beers ordered by the liter. The communal benches and outdoor setting — and, oh, yeah, the excellent beers — round out the illusion. IF Readers’ pick: Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.

Readers’ pick: Planter’s House

Best single local craft beer

Best local craft brewery

2nd Shift Brewing Liquid Spiritual Delight

The Civil Life Brewing Co.

MORE INFO 573-237-3421, 2ndshiftbrewing.com

WHERE 3714 Holt Avenue • MORE INFO thecivillife.com

Liquid Spiritual Delight, a seasonal imperial stout from New Haven’s 2nd Shift Brewing, is the perfect winter sipping beer, as rich as dark chocolate, and not so boozy that even a small glass puts you under.

Even better, though very difficult to find, is the version brewed with coffee from local roaster Blueprint Coffee. IF

Civil Life Brewing Co. won national acclaim last year, nabbing a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its rye pale ale. It’s surprising only because this Tower Grove South brewpub gives off such a self-effacing, customer-first vibe that you can’t imagine it entering the festival-competition circuit.

12

International Tap House in Soulard

Best beer selection

International Tap House WHERE 161 Long Road, Chesterfield; 1711 South Ninth Street, Soulard; 16 South Euclid Avenue, Central West End • MORE INFO 636-537-8787 (Chesterfield), 314-621-4333 (Soulard), 314-367-4827 (CWE), internationaltaphouse.com

How seriously do the owners and patrons of International Tap House (iTAP for short) take the bar’s beer list? You can visit the website and click on an updated photograph of the draft list at each of its three area locations. Both on draft and in bottles, iTAP offers a truly stunning array of craft beer from renowned local, national and international brewers — rare special releases, of course, but also great everyday tipples. IF Readers’ pick: International Tap House

Best wine selection

Truffles WHERE 9202 Clayton Road, Ladue • MORE INFO 314-5679100, todayattruffles.com

Aleksandar Jovanovic oversees the wine list at Truffles, an extraordinary document that offers both luxury and surprise.

Oenophiles will seek trophies among the extensive selection of Bordeaux, Burgundy and American cabernets, but the curious amateur will find (relative) bargains that are still fascinating wines. IF stl100

Readers’ pick: Robust Wine Bar

Readers’ pick: Urban Chestnut Schnickelfritz

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : R O B E R T C O H E N / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

Half the fun is stumbling in and wondering what delicious treats you’ll find today. The Raspberry Thumbprint and Healthy Cookies are consistently available, but there’s a rotation of savory and sweet scones (some vegan), all of which are delectable with a soft biscuit-like texture. And then you might get lucky with a housemade pop-tart, a hand pie or an assortment of clever cupcakes and cookies such as the vegan ginger or the nonvegan mint chocolate. There’s also attention to gluten-free, and now that the weather’s warming up, you’ll want to experiment with exotic popsicle flavors. DB

Begin your Mother’s Day Celebration on Saturday!

Best winery

Best farmers market vendor

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

Mr. B’s Salsa

WHERE 24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve • MORE INFO 573-747-1000, chaumette.com

You may have to drive a bit to get to Chaumette Winery in Ste. Genevieve, but it’s worth it. Tastings are thoughtful and generous, the food, from chef Adam Lambay is top-notch and the views are stunning. And if you’ve had too much to drink, stay in one of their gorgeous villas. AB Readers’ pick: Montelle Winery, Stone Hill Winery (tie)

WHERE Tower Grove Farmers Market, Tower Grove Park • MORE INFO 314378-7379, facebook.com/mrbssalsa

The cheerful little jars of Mr. B’s Salsa can pack a serious punch (along with extra-mild, mild and medium, the salsa also comes in hot, extra-hot, super-hot and wowsa), but they are also heavy hitters when it comes to flavor.

Don’t forget the glazes, pickles, vinegar and hot sauces. DN Readers’ pick: Baetje Farms

Best independent coffee shop

Blueprint Coffee Best farmers market

Ferguson Farmers Market WHERE 20 South Florissant Road, Ferguson • MORE INFO 314-324-4298, fergmarket.com

It’s not just the nearly 50 vendors selling basically everything you would want to find at a farmers market, nor is the even the increasingly rare fact that all the goods are produced locally by the people who are selling them. What has made Ferguson such a tradition on Saturday mornings is the food: Jamaican, Colombian, Hispanic and made-to-order omelets. Plus, they have live music and big-time special events every week throughout the summer. Monthly indoor markets during the colder seasons help, too. DN Readers’ pick: Soulard Farmers Market

Loop is nirvana for your sweet tooth. Crunchy and sweet, chewy and sweet, bitter and sweet — it’s all there. Saltwater taffy overflowing from wooden bins, chocolate bars stacked into counter-top pyramids, cellophane-wrapped hard candies piled high in glass canisters. Nostalgic candy, massmarket candy, international candy. To wash it down, choose from hundreds of curious soda flavors, many of which pay flavorful homage to wrestlers, musicians, game-show hosts and world leaders. And then, when you’re really hopped up on the sugar, take a gander at the shop’s gag gifts and magic tricks: chattering teeth, squirrel underpants (yes, that’s a thing) and disappearing ink. CS Readers’ pick: Crown Candy Kitchen

WHERE 6225 Delmar Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-266-6808, blueprintcoffee.com

Not just a stylish place for a great cup of thoughtfully brewed coffee, you’ll enjoy some ethically gathered bean varieties. Grab a seat, enjoy the Wi-Fi and the food won’t disappoint. There’s Chai French Toast that consists of brioche, chai egg wash, pear and plum compote with maple syrup, or hearty classics and pancakes. And bonus: the Delmar Loop location has free parking in the back. DB Readers’ pick: Sacred Grounds Cafe

Best candy shop

Rocket Fizz WHERE 6303 Delmar Boulevard, University City • MORE INFO 314-833-4614, rocketfizz.com

SA SATURDAY, MAY 9 SHOP, DINE & STROLL

Sales and specials thr throughout Downtown Kirkwood— look for the butterflies

Artists in Bloom Art Show & Sale, Live Music & Entertainment at Station Plaza from 10-5 Free samples, activities and beautiful flowering plants at Kirkwood Farmers’ Market Kirkwood Garden Club Plant Sale at the historic Kirkwood Train Station National Train Day and Rail Safety Day at Kirkwood Train Station until 2 p.m. Enter to win Amtrak tickets.

Best local supermarket

Global Foods Market WHERE 421 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood • MORE INFO 314-8351112, globalfoodsmarket.com

It’s like Disneyland for people who like to cook. With more than 45,000 items, you’re sure to come home with bags full of things you never knew you couldn’t do without. From crunchy Indian snack foods to leafy green Chinese vegetables, from Korean hot sauce to fruit jams from Eastern Europe, from Japanese ice cream to salty licorice from Scandinavia and great bread from just about anywhere, Global Foods is like shopping at the commissary at the United Nations. DN

Downtown Kirkwood Summer Concert Series begins June 4.

The Great Race classic car road r rally begins in downtown Kirkwood on June 20.

www.downtownkirkwood.com

Readers’ pick: Schnucks

Rocket Fizz in the Delmar

P H O T O : C R I S T I N A F L E T E S - B O U T T É / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

Richard Jones, a wine educator at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 13

✑ CRITICS’ PICKS BY JUDITH NEWMARK, SARAH BRYAN MILLER AND CALVIN WILSON falls in love. Lewis, who teaches at Washington University, disciplines his imagination to address contemporary issues. But my personal favorite may always be “American Storm,” which evoked the thrill of the track without any actual horses. JN Readers’ pick: Tennessee Williams

Best theater troupe for plays

St. Louis Actors’ Studio WHERE Gaslight Theater, 358 North Boyle Avenue • MORE INFO stlas.org

From “Blithe Spirit” to “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” William Roth’s St. Louis Actors’ Studio consistently demonstrates the power of stretching instead of sitting still. Performing in the sleek little Gaslight Theater, the Studio looks as if it should be constrained in scope. Not true, as its proved with an unforgettable treatment of “King Lear.” And the size means that every seat in the house is a good one. JN Readers’ pick: Repertory Theatre of St. Louis teen in “Eat Your Heart Out” at R-S Theatrics. What’s next? It’s going to be fun to find out. JN Readers’ pick: Nick George

Best theater troupe for musicals

New Line Theatre Best St. Louis director

Steven Woolf Best St. Louis stage actor

John Flack John Flack has been a go-to character actor on the St. Louis scene for years, especially in musicals.

But with his searing performance as an AIDS activist in “The Normal Heart” at HotCity Theatre, he plumbed the depths of drama.

“The Normal Heart” was HotCity’s last production. Thanks to Flack, it went out with bang. JN Readers’ pick: Joneal Joplin

Best St. Louis stage actress

Kari Ely Kari Ely’s electric portrayal of Martha in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” at the St. Louis Actors’ Studio came just a few months after her affecting portrayal of Tevye’s wife, Golde, in “Fiddler on the Roof” at Stages St. Louis. The roles could not be

14

THE GO! LIST

more different. But with a resumé that includes characters from glamorous Desiree in “A Little Night Music,” also at Stages, to the tragic addict Mary Tyrone in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” at Muddy Waters, Ely has always shown plenty of range — and the willingness to keep stretching. JN Readers’ pick: Zoe Vonder Haar

Theatre of St. Louis, comedy roles at HotCity, and at least one ultra-experimental role at the old Echo Theatre. What Nordstrom likes best, it seems, is to work — and he gives it his polished, professional best. JN Readers’ pick: Ben Nordstrom

Best new St. Louis stage actor/actress Most versatile St. Louis stage actor/actress

Katie Donnelly

Ben Nordstrom

Katie Donnelly — a junior at Fontbonne University — burst onto the St. Louis theater scene in “Falling,” Deanna Jent’s riveting drama that debuted at Mustard Seed Theatre about a family living with autism. The play was a hit, in part because of a superb cast that really established a “family,” with Donnelly utterly convincing as the frustrated teenage daughter. She recently gave another standout performance as an unhappy

MORE INFO bennordstrom.com

Most people know Ben Nordstrom as a musical-theater artist, whose roles at Stages St. Louis have ranged from the dancing teen in “Footloose” to the sly corporate climber in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” He’s appeared at the Muny, too, as well as on cabaret stages. But he’s taken on dramatic roles at the Repertory

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

MORE INFO repstl.org

Theatergoers tend to think of Steven Woolf as the artistic director of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the man who makes sure that the Rep’s seasons offer variety and substance.

But he also sometimes directs productions there — including this season’s gem, “The Winslow Boy.” A beautiful treatment of a long-neglected drama, the production revealed dense familial ties in a sophisticated context, the longtime hallmarks of Woolf’s own work on stage. JN Readers’ pick: Marty Strohmeyer

Best St. Louis playwright

Carter Lewis Carter Lewis’ recent plays for OnSite Theatre have taken him to some unexpected places: a boxing gym where a man rages uncontrollably, a restaurant where a gigantic praying mantis

WHERE Washington University South Campus Theatre, 6501 Clayton Road, Clayton • MORE INFO 314773-6526, newlinetheatre.com

It’s always something different at New Line, which first made its reputation with downscale, ripped-stocking treatments of big shows and in recent seasons has emphasized smart, small shows (“High Fidelity,” “Bonnie & Clyde”) that deserve a better chance than they got in New York. Come fall, Scott Miller’s peripatetic troupe moves into its own home, the new Marcelle theater in midtown. It’s about time. JN Readers’ pick: The Muny

Best theater troupe for young audiences

Metro Theater Company WHERE 3311 Washington Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-932-7414, metrotheatercompany.org

If you grew up in the St. Louis area, chances are you remember seeing Metro’s no-talking-down-

to-kids shows at school or at performances around town.

Imaginative, freewheeling and thought-provoking, those shows also have provided training for generations of St. Louis actors. Furthermore, Metro’s dedication to new work — which it regularly commissions — has expanded the scope of work for young audiences at theaters across the country. JN Readers’ pick: COCA

Most versatile theater space

Emerson Studio Theatre WHERE Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves • MORE INFO repstl.org

If you could somehow enter the Emerson Studio Theatre blindfolded, so that you did not know what building you had entered, and took off the blindfold once you stepped inside, there’s a fair chance you wouldn’t recognize it from one show to the next. True, few shows are as extreme as the brilliant production of “Betrayal” that Steve Woolf directed in 1998, in which small stages sprang up around the room like lily pads.

But it’s always intimate, and each configuration seems to work. JN Readers’ pick: Touhill Performing Arts Center

Best theater festival

St. Lou Fringe WHEN June 17-27, 2015 • WHERE Various Grand Center venues • MORE INFO stlfringe.com

You have to think of theater in a very broad sense, as founder Em Piro plainly does. There are plays, yes, but also puppets, acrobats, improv artists, cabaret, spoken word pieces — and we are certainly skipping something.

It’s theater if you put no limits on what theater might be. JN Readers’ pick: Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

Most accomplished St. Louis opera singer

Christine Brewer MORE INFO christinebrewer.com

Who but soprano Christine Brewer could truly fill this category? The longtime resident of Lebanon was chosen for BBC Magazine’s list of the 20 greatest

Find photos from our April 23 Go! List party at Third Degree Glass Factory ➙ stltoday.com/thegolist

PHOTO: PETER WOCHNIAK

Ben Nordstrom (center) in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at Stages St. Louis

the

Spring EvEnt 20% off thru 5/3 uPhoLStErY: IN StoCK AND SPECIAL orDEr PLuS ALL: TABLES & STORAGE / RUGS / LIGHTING ACCESSORIES / WALL ART / BED LINENS * LOVE PROGRAMS ARE NOT INCLUDED

PLAZA FRONTENAC I 314.447.7005 I MGBWHOME.COM

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 15

Fredbird says: “Be a Team Player and Donate!”

Donate to Goodwill and receive a voucher for 50% off Cardinals tickets!

(Begins April Some restrictions Some15. restrictions apply. apply.)

COCA

Goodwill gladly accepts your clothing, furniture, home decor, housewares, electronics, & even cars!

Center of Creative Arts

Developing St. Louis’ Creative Capacity for More Than 28 Years

Donations are tax deductible.

314.725.6555 www.cocastl.org 524 Trinity Avenue St. Louis, MO 63130

Give Hope. Give Local. Give Goodwill.

314-241-3464 mersgoodwill.org Kenrick’s Chicken

Gr Great for Graduations, Business Events and Family Gatherings

Kenrick’s Delicious BBQ Grilled Charbroiled Burgers 1/4 lb.

BBQ Smoked Beef Brisket in BBQ Sauce Shredded BBQ Beef in BBQ Sauce BBQ Beef Slices in BBQ Sauce

Beef

$2.19 Each $9.99 lb. $7.99 lb. $7.99 lb.

Pork

BBQ Pork Steaks 12 oz. Center Cut Grilled Salsiccia (1/4 lb.) Comes with Roasted Green & Red Peppers Grilled Bratwurst (1/4 lb.) in Sauce or Sauerkraut Grilled Frankfurters (1/6 lb.)

BBQ Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs (Whole Slab) BBQ Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Whole Slab) Pulled Smoked Pork Shoulder in BBQ Sauce BBQ Pork in BBQ Sauces

Chicken

BBQ Chicken Halves BBQ Chicken Quarters (Mixed Pieces) Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (6 oz.)

Grilled Bone-In Skin-On Chicken Breast Pulled Smoked Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Fancy Seven Fruit Salad

$3.99/lb.

Cantaloupe, honeydew, red grapes, peaches, papaya, guava, strawberry and pineapple, combined in lightly sweetened passion fruit juice for a refreshing light salad.

Tri-Colored Pasta Salad

$3.99/lb.

Tender tri-colored pasta noodles marinated with carrots, artichokes, black olives, red onions, celery, green peppers, and pimentos in our special Italian dressing for a colorful and flavorful dish

16

THE GO! LIST

10 Piece Fried Chicken Dinner

$16.99

Comes with choice of ranch, honey mustard or bbq sauce

2 Breasts - 2 Wings - 3 Legs - 3 Thighs Choice of 2-24 oz. family sides and 4 dinner rolls with butter

Traditional Dinners

All dinners are served with two sides and a roll 12 oz. BBQ Pork Steak Kenrick’s Roast Beef Country Fried Steak Meatloaf

$3.99/lb.

Thinly sliced Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions mixed into a light Italian dressing for a great summer taste treat. $18.99

Three cheese blend with bacon and topped with Panko bread crumbs. Serves 10-15 people

Kenrick’s has over 40 years of BBQ Experience!

$8.99 $8.99 $8.99 $8.99

Sides

$3.89 Each $2.50 Each $3.89 Each $2.99 Each $6.99 lb.

Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad

Kenrick’s Signature Mac & Cheese Casserole

$7.99 $6.99 $5.99 $6.99

$3.99 Each $1.89 Each $1.89 Each $0.99 Each $17.99 Each $18.99 Each $6.99 lb. $6.99 lb.

Accompaniments

Kenrick’s Signature Baked Beans $2.99 /lb.

Our own selection of premium beans with Blues Hog BBQ Sauce and seasonings.

M-F 11-7 SAT 11-5 SUN 11-4

Half Fried Chicken Dinner 2 Breast Fried Chicken Dinner 3 Piece Fried Chicken Dinner 3 Piece Chicken Strip Dinner

4324 Weber Rd • St Louis, MO 63123 314-631-2440 WWW.KENRICKS.COM

Thanks for Voting for our Fried Chicken

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

on StlToday.com’s

Fried Chicken Frenzy

$1.49/ea Butter Mashed Potatoes Molasses Baked Beans Home-Style Green Beans Sweet n’ Sour Cole Slaw Pasta of the Day Vegetable of the Day Macaroni & Cheese Creamy Cole Slaw Mustard Potato Salad Mayo Potato Salad French Fries-Add cheese for $.50 We have a large variety of Hot and Cold Sandwiches, Burgers and other Delicious Meals!

New K-Cafe Menu Coming Soon! stltoday.com/thegolist

3. 549 Rosedale Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112 sopranos of recordings history, has performed to acclaim in all the world’s great opera houses and has sung on every continent but Antarctica. She’s committed to this community, appearing every year with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and, each Christmas season, with a different, smaller ensemble as well, and she’s worked for years with kids at Marissa Elementary School in Marissa. Also this year, Brewer finally gets a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. SBM

the Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Safety Thai Cuisine Selected as one of the

“Top 12 Restaurants in STL”

by Ian Froeb

Readers’ pick: Christine Brewer

Teresa Doggett prepares a costume in 2014 for Union Avenue Opera’s “A Streetcar Named Desire”

Best new St. Louis opera singer

Johanna Nordhorn MORE INFO johanna-nordhorn.com

Mezzo-soprano Johanna Nordhorn is a native of Florida. She’s been a Gerdine Young Artist at Opera Theatre of St. Louis for two seasons and has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Union Avenue Opera, performed recitals across the South and Midwest, placed in the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions, and received a grant from the Regional Arts Commission. SBM Readers’ pick: Katherine Van Zandt

Most versatile St. Louis opera singer

tian Church more than 20 years ago, building an audience by performing pocket productions of grand operas in their original languages. Over the years, the quality of those productions has risen. Working with the church, the stage has been improved, an orchestra pit dug and the seats swapped out for better ones. The programming has also improved, with productions of important new works like “Dead Man Walking” and imaginative offerings that include the Jonathan Dove reduction of Richard Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen” that makes the classic more approachable for the company and its patrons alike. SBM Readers’ pick: Union Avenue Opera

Gina Galati MORE INFO ginagalati.com

Soprano Gina Galati, born and raised in St. Louis, has had a long and praiseworthy career, both in St. Louis and elsewhere.

She also runs her own opera company, Winter Opera St. Louis, which has steadily improved over its eight seasons.

It can’t be easy to maintain the roles of both leading lady and impresario, but Galati has carried it off to applause. SBM

P H O T O : D AV I D C A R S O N / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

Readers’ pick: Christine Brewer

Best small opera company

Union Avenue Opera WHERE 733 North Union Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-361-2881,unionavenueopera.org

Scott Schoonover founded his company at Union Avenue Chris-

#thegolist

Best opera company for opera newbies

Opera Theatre St. Louis WHERE Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves • MORE INFO 314-961-0644, opera-stl.org

“Accessible” is sometimes a code word for “dumbed down.” Opera Theatre of St. Louis, celebrating its 40th season this spring, is accessible without compromising standards. Every opera is sung in English; the casts, of mostly up-and-coming young singers, look their parts and sing them well, too. The atmosphere is accessible as well, with preopera picnics on the lawn and post-opera drinks with the performers under the big tent.

It’s a big tent in a metaphorical sense, too; everyone is welcome at OTSL. SBM Readers’ pick: Opera Theatre St. Louis

Best St. Louis costume designer

Teresa Doggett An accomplished actress in both comedy and drama who just gave the classics a welcome gender-bent twist as the fierce Earl of Warwick in “Blood Reigns” at St. Louis Shakespeare, Teresa Doggett has performed with troupes all over town. The list of her work grows when you add those troupes, including Union Avenue Opera, that she costumes. The endlessly resourceful designer, who often works on a tight budget and without any assistants to help her cut and stitch, comes up with period-perfect costumes for characters downtrodden and exalted. The Earl of Warwick looked pretty dashing, too. JN

Mon. closed; Tu-Th 11am-3pm/5pm-9pm; Fri. 11am-3pm/5pm-10pm; Sat. 12pm-3pm/5pm-10pm; Sun. 12pm-3pm/5pm-9pm

549 Rosedale Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112 314-863-5572 forknstix.com

FREE GOLIATH

HEAvy DuTy GuTTER SySTEm wITH puRcHASE OF wHOLE HOuSE GuTTER HELmET SySTEm See Dealer for Details.

Limited-time offer.

Readers’ pick: Rosemary Jane Pini

Best St. Louis scenic designer

Dunsi Dai From a cruise ship in “White to Gray” at Mustard Seed to an imaginative reconfiguration of the New Jewish Theatre’s Wool Theatre for “Sight Unseen” to one spare tree for “Two Headed” at the Black Cat to a fairyland disco for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Black Rep, Dunsi Dai is the kind of artist that directors must dream of meeting. Whatever the play, he discovers its authentic visual language. A professor at Webster University, Dai seems to have the energy to work with theaters all over town. JN Readers’ pick: Dunsi Dai

Free in Home Estimates.

With Gutter Helmet® – the Original, the #1 Gutter Protection System in the world – you'll have year-round protection and peace of mind.

Helping the Families of Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Safety.

To learn more, donate or become a member, visit www.backstoppers.org

of St. Louis

314-646-0700 618-310-3942

Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/backstoppers

www.nomoreladders.com 04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 17

Best small classical music venue

Tavern of Fine Arts WHERE Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt Avenue • MORE INFO 314-3677549, tavern-of-fine-arts.com

At the Tavern of Fine Arts, members of the SLSO or the Arianna String Quartet can try out new works, young singers and instrumentalists can gain performance experience, and anybody can step up on openmic nights, while their friends and fans enjoy a drink or dinner. It’s a great place to plan an evening around, or just drop in to see what’s happening. SBM Readers’ pick: Sheldon Concert Hall

Arianna String Quartet MORE INFO ariannaquartet.com

The Arianna String Quartet — violinists John McGrosso

THE GO! LIST

Readers’ pick: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Chamber Concerts

Most creative choral ensemble

Most accomplished chamber music ensemble

18

and Julia Sakharova, violist Joanne Mendoza and cellist Kurt Baldwin — are longtime artists-in-residence at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

They perform in St. Louis and around the world: Brazil, for instance, or Chicago, or Vermont.

The best place to hear them, though, is in their hometown, whether at UMSL or elsewhere in the area. They’re recording artists, too. They’re an important part of the St. Louis cultural scene, and one that deserves greater prominence. SBM

St. Louis Chamber Chorus MORE INFO chamberchorus.org

Every member of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus is a paid professional, but it’s doubtful that any of them are there strictly for the paycheck. The real draw is the chance to sing in the region’s best a cappella choir, with a

spectacularly eclectic repertoire.

Artistic director Philip Barnes seeks and finds interesting and worthwhile works from around the world and around the centuries, and commissions some of today’s best choral composers, for some of the most creative and satisfying concerts anywhere. SBM

music (a varied palette, from traditional to new) and building an audience. The result is a real pleasure in every way. SBM

Readers’ pick: Ambassadors of Harmony

Best program notes

Most interesting chamber music festival

Missouri Chamber Music Festival WHEN June 17-21, 2015 • WHERE First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 West Lockwood Avenue • MORE INFO mochambermusic.org

The Missouri Chamber Music Festival is the long-term project of a husband-wife team, Scott Andrews (principal clarinet of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra) and Nina Ferrigno (frequent pianist with the SLSO, among other ensembles). They’re in charge of every detail, from booking the artists (both local and imported), choosing the

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Readers’ pick: Missouri Chamber Music Festival

Philip Barnes, St. Louis Chamber Chorus MORE INFO chamberchorus.org

Some musical organizations have program notes written by independent contractors who don’t necessarily know the thinking behind the programming.

Philip Barnes, artistic director of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, writes his own, and they are works of accessible scholarship, composed as thoughtfully as are the seasons he builds each year. You don’t have to read the notes to enjoy the music, but you’ll get a lot more out of the programming if you do. SBM Readers’ pick: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Best St. Louis dance company

Big Muddy Dance Company MORE INFO thebigmuddydanceco.org

Modern dance just doesn’t get any better than the Big Muddy, a relative newcomer on the St. Louis scene but a company that knows that being artistically ambitious and entertainingly engaging need not be mutually exclusive. In a dance scene that’s increasingly competitive, Big Muddy has the edge because it’s just plain fun to watch, and makes you feel like dancing, too. CW Readers’ pick: Big Muddy Dance Company

Best St. Louis cabaret performer

Ken Haller Cabaret performers come and go, but Ken Haller (a pediatrician by day) is a St. Louis legend. If you’re interested in what makes the Great American Songbook

great, you owe it to yourself to give this man a listen. CW Readers’ pick: Taylor Pietz

Best work of public art

Gateway Arch WHERE St. Louis riverfront • MORE INFO gatewayarch.com

The 1960s were an unfortunate decade in many ways, but from the ’60s came the construction of the Gateway Arch. If there’s a structure that deserves the label “iconic,” it’s Eero Saarinen’s elegant 1947 design, which immediately became the instantly recognizable symbol of our region when it was completed 50 years ago this October. Getting up close for a visit is a bit of a challenge at the moment, as the grounds and museum are being extensively reworked, but we can always see and admire it from afar, its aspect changing with the changing light and season. SBM Readers’ pick: Citygarden

stltoday.com/thegolist

Classical Guitar” with society president Bill Ash and host John Clayton, and you have a remarkable achievement. SBM

Best art gallery

White Flag Projects

Readers’ pick: COCA

WHERE 4568 Manchester Avenue • MORE INFO 314-5313442, white-flag-projects.org

Most wide-ranging arts outreach

White Flag Projects isn’t the kind of place that panders to preconceived notions of what art is. Step into this gallery, and you may be amazed or mortified, but it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be indifferent or bored. After all, a gallery really should be an eye-opening experience. CW

Best museum

‘Craft on Tap: Celebrating 50 Years of Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design’ WHERE Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design, 6640 Delmar Boulevard; 501 North Grand Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-725-1177 (Delmar Loop), 314-5347528 (Grand Center), craftalliance.org

Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design doesn’t always immediately come to mind when art galleries are mentioned. But this St. Louis mainstay, which celebrated its 50th year in 2014, has brought to life some of the most engaging artworks to emerge in Gateway City, and this show was a prime example. CW Readers’ pick: “St. Louis 33” by MySLArt.org

St. Louis Art Museum WHERE 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park • MORE INFO 314-721-0072, slam.org

Whatever your artistic interests — classic European arts, the newly enhanced Asian collection, touring exhibitions, live broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera or an outdoor sculpture of a giant electrical plug — you can find it at the Beaux-Arts building atop Art Hill. With the welcome amenity of a parking garage beneath the East Building, there’s parking even when the weather’s beautiful and all the street spaces are taken up by zoo-goers. Best of all, admission is free. SBM Readers’ pick: St. Louis Art Museum

P H O T O : C R I S T I N A F L E T E S - B O U T T É / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

The Luminary WHERE 2701 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO theluminaryarts.com

If you’re wondering where to hear music that’s not about to turn up in a TV commercial any time soon, beat a path to this gallery that recently relocated to Cherokee Street.

The shows are programmed as if the gallery was located not in the Midwest but in New York’s East Village. And that’s a good thing. CW Readers’ pick: Art St. Louis

#thegolist

one of the best exhibitions to come along in years. SBM Readers’ pick: “Impressionist France”

Best St. Louis Art Museum staple

‘Stone Sea’ WHERE 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park • MORE INFO 314-721-0072, slam.org

Sculptor Andy Goldsworthy’s 25 rough-hewn arches are made of locally quarried limestone, reflecting our area’s geology and distant past, when this land was a shallow ocean. Placed between the museum’s original Cass Gilbert building and the new East Building, the site-specific sculpture is a surprising, engaging sight, visible primarily through windows and different from every angle. SBM Readers’ pick: Monet

Best St. Louis Art Museum exhibition Best gallery events

WHERE Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-534-1700, stlsymphony.org

“Navigating the West” at the St. Louis Art Museum

Readers’ pick: St. Louis University Museum of Art

Best gallery show

HURRY!

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

‘Navigating the West: George Caleb Bingham and the River’ WHERE 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park • MORE INFO 314-721-0072, slam.org

He was known as “the Missouri artist,” and George Caleb Bingham lived and worked here almost his entire life. “Navigating the West: George Caleb Bingham and the River” puts all but one of Bingham’s river paintings on view (the White House doesn’t share well), along with many of the drawings he used to create them. It’s

Best St. Louis visual artist

Jamie Adams MORE INFO jamieadamsart.com

If Jamie Adams did nothing but come up with those great images of actress Jean Seberg (who’s best remembered for her role in the Godard film, “Breathless”), he’d be one of the finest artists on the St. Louis scene. All of the other wonderful work he creates is, as they say in New Orleans, lagniappe. CW Readers’ pick: Yale Stewart

Best up-and-coming St. Louis visual artist

Dail Chambers MORE INFO dailchambers1. blogspot.com

Can an artist be inspired by the headlines? Certainly, if that artist possesses the skill and imagination of Dail Chambers. Her response to the recent events in Ferguson is glorious proof that artistic expression and political engagement are not mutually exclusive. CW

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is justly acclaimed, nationally and internationally, for its overall excellence. It can’t be beaten for outreach, either. Under the leadership of VP for external affairs Adam Crane, its musicians perform in venues far from Powell Hall: schools, churches, cancer infusion centers, the Piper Palm House, a free annual outdoor concert in Forest Park, and just about anywhere else they’re invited.

The SLSO is a treasure that anyone can enjoy, in many parts of the region. SBM Readers’ pick: Regional Arts Commission

Best supporter of the arts

Readers’ pick: Julie Krovicka

Ken and Nancy Kranzberg

Most innovative arts outreach

St. Louis Classical Guitar Society MORE INFO 314-567-5566, guitarstlouis.net

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society is a small and mostly volunteer-driven group, but it has an outreach program that belies its size. The artists presented by the SLCGS give master classes and perform for St. Louis Public School students. The group also provides new and refurbished classical guitars for Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, and recently (with the aid of the Augustine Foundation) began providing guitars to a pair of elementary schools in Ferguson. Add to that special student tickets and a program on the Radio Arts Foundation, “Inside

Philanthropists Ken and Nancy Kranzberg made a big difference to the quality of St. Louis artistic life when they opened the Kranzberg Arts Center at Olive and Grand. It’s already home to an intimate theater where troupes including Upstream, Max & Louie and (the late) HotCity have performed, as well as a still more intimate cabaret space and the Grand Center outpost of Craft Alliance. Now the Kranzberg Foundation is behind a new Grand Center theater: the Marcelle. Opening in September, it will be home to New Line Theatre; other troupes will perform there, too. While it may be true that determined artists will always find a place to work, the Kranzbergs have shown an astute grasp of a persistent problem, the venue wars that have long plagued St. Louis theaters — and they have helped to end them. JN Readers’ pick: Nancy Kranzberg

Sale ends May 30.

45%

OR 1

off installation

0% APR WITH 36 MONTHS TO PAY2

More choices. More ways to fit your budget. When it comes to window and door replacement, one size does not fit all. That’s why Pella Windows and Doors offers more styles, sizes and material types to choose from—including beautiful wood, durable fiberglass or lowmaintenance vinyl. The end result: you’ll enjoy a great value on the product that’s right for your home.

We promise.

Request your FREE, in-home consultation by May 30 to enjoy limited-time savings.

CALL: CLICK: VISIT:

866-335-3501 PellaStLouis.com your local Pella showroom

Maryland Heights, 54 Weldon Parkway Sunset Hills, 3802 S. Lindbergh, Suite 104

window & door replacement

1Valid for installation on replacement projects only and must be

installed by Pella professionals. Discount applies to retail list price of installation services. Only valid on select Pella® products and installation methods. Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Repairs to existing products and prior sales excluded. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details. To be eligible for advertised offers, in-home consultation must be scheduled by 05/30/2015 and purchase must be made by 06/06/2015. 2The Pella Windows & Doors Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The minimum monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For newly opened accounts, the APR for purchases is 27.99%. This APR may vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate and is given as of 04/01/2015. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00.

Offers expire 05/30/2015. ©2015 Pella Corporation

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 19

✑ CRITICS’ PICKS BY GAIL PENNINGTON, JOE WILLIAMS AND JANE HENDERSON

Best look at St. Louis on a reality series

‘Genealogy Roadshow’

Readers’ pick: “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s”

Best St. Louisan in the movies

John Goodman

‘Defiance’ MORE INFO syfy.com/defiance

Going into its third season, Syfy’s “Defiance” imagines a future St. Louis that hasn’t self-destructed, which is both inspirational and hopeful for contemporary St. Louis during sometimes troubled times. GP

Best on-screen ambassador for St. Louis

Best St. Louisan on a scripted TV series

Best St. Louisan on a reality series

Andy Cohen

John Goodman, ‘Alpha House’

Maya Warren, ‘The Amazing Race’

MORE INFO bravotv.com/wwhl

Just tune in to Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live!” on Bravo, and you’ll see a slice of St. Louis. The Arch is there, and the Cardinals — even the Post-Dispatch Weatherbird. (And Cohen’s dog is named Wacha.) His parents, Lou and Evelyn Cohen of Clayton, drop in from time to time, and other St. Louisans play bartender. Cohen isn’t always happy with his hometown, but he clearly always loves it. GP Readers’ pick: Jon Hamm

MORE INFO amazon.com/alphahouse

Ever since “Roseanne,” John Goodman has been a jovial ambassador for St. Louis, but his career today is not just varied but also more respected than ever.

In Amazon’s “Alpha House,” he embodies a Southern senator in biting and hilarious style. GP Readers’ pick: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

A lot of the country rooted for “sweet scientist” Maya Warren on “The Amazing Race,” and there was a lot to root for. A Ph.D. candidate in food science and expert in ice cream, Warren was an unstoppable force, impressing everyone with her boundless energy and endlessly upbeat attitude. Then she won the $1 million. Sweet. GP Readers’ pick: Nelly, “Nellyville”

Like Jon Hamm, Affton’s John Goodman has one foot in the movies and one foot in TV. But seriously, which character is more iconic — Dan Conner from “Roseanne” or Walter Sobchak from “The Big Lebowski”?

Goodman is not only the Coen brothers’ MVP, he’s Hollywood’s good-luck charm. In both 2011 and 2012, he co-starred in the films that would win the Academy Award for best picture: “The Artist” and “Argo.” And yet he’s never posed as a movie star. He lives down river in New Orleans, continues to root for the Cardinals and is always happy to talk to hometown journalists. What a guy. JW Readers’ pick: John Goodman

Readers’ pick: “Masters of Sex”

Best locally produced TV series

‘Night at the Symphony,’ KETC MORE INFO ninenet.org/symphony

Before “Guardians of the Galaxy” earned $1 billion worldwide and made him the hottest director in genre cinema, Manchester’s James Gunn paid his dues.

He wrote a novel (“The Toy Collector”), apprenticed at Troma Studios and became the first screenwriter in history to pen consecutive No. 1 movies (“Scooby-Doo” and the remake of “Dawn of the Dead”). Given a chance to direct a studio film, he helmed the underrated horror comedy “Slither.”

Although that movie and the low-budget “Super” didn’t earn him clout, he talked his way into the Marvel family and turned the little-known “Guardians” comic book into a franchisestarting blockbuster. Gunn now belongs to the world. JW Readers’ pick: James Gunn

Best new film by a St. Louis filmmaker

‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ James Gunn MORE INFO marvel.com/guardians

It was the diciest project in Marvel’s recent history, a bigbudget spectacle based on an obscure comic book about a talking tree, a trigger-happy raccoon and a kidnapped earthling with dead-mother issues. But thanks to St. Louisan James Gunn, “Guardians of the Galaxy” was a breath of fresh air in the stale superhero genre and one of the highest grossing films of 2014. It also had one the best soundtracks of all time, peppered with the AM-radio pop that Gunn loved as a boy in St. Louis. (And now that the movie is on home video, see if you can catch a subliminal shout-out to West County phone numbers.) JW Readers’ pick: “Guardians of the Galaxy,” James Gunn

With its “Night at the Symphony,” highlighting performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, KETC is doing what a public television station should do: celebrating and sharing the best of the community with a wider audience. The next installments air in June. GP Readers’ pick: “Great Day St. Louis,” KMOV James Gunn

20

THE GO! LIST

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O S : B R AV O ( “ WAT C H W H AT H A P P E N S L I V E ! ” ) ; A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S F I L E ( G U N N )

PBS’ “Genealogy Roadshow” episodes shot in St. Louis were a bit of a disappointment, but wow, the newly remodeled Central Library and the gorgeous Grand Hall at Union Station looked great. Even St. Louisans must have marveled at how beautiful they are. GP

Best scripted TV series set in St. Louis

James Gunn MORE INFO jamesgunn.com

MORE INFO pbs.org/genealogyroadshow

From left: Andy Cohen with his parents, Lou and Evelyn Cohen, on “Watch What Happens Live!”

Best St. Louis filmmaker

516 S. Kirkwood Road • St. Louis, MO 63122 • 314.822.8900 • www.magichouse.org Limit one discount per coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must present coupon to receive half off admission. Expires 12/31/15. GO15.

“And And th thou shalt have goats’ milk enough...” Proverbs 27:27

A Award Winning French Style Cheeses

AwArd winning

Buy them online at baetjefarms.com and at these St. Louis locations Schlafly Market Wednesdays 4-7 Local Harvest Grocery Soulard Market Saturdays 7-1 Stand 18 Larder and Cupboard in Maplewood The Wine and Cheese Place The Smokehouse Market Whole Foods Markets City Greens Market Parker’s Table Chaumette Winery

Ph. 573-483-9021 | www.baetjefarms.com Committed to quality from start to finish

• Cajun Entrees • Breakfast • Appetizers • Burgers/Sandwiches • Entrees • Salads • Desserts The food is Creole, St. Louis style cooking.

It’s a little spicy, little different, highly seasoned, and highly desired!

Drink Specials

EB’S ST RO

255 Union Boulevard Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314) 454.1551

20

ST • BE

RE

15 •

100

IAN

L

F

Bottle Beer Always $2.50, well Drinks $3

S TA U R A N T

S

ming late SummEr 2015

NEw DowNtowN location co #thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 21

Andy Warhol flip his wig. JW Best new movie filmed in St. Louis

Readers’ pick: St. Louis International Film Festival

‘Spanish Lake’ MORE INFO www.spanishlakefilm.com

Mother’s Day is May 10!

Treat MOM like a QUEEN with the perfect gift from Q Boutique!

4652 Maryland Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63108 / 314.367.9243 / QBoutiqueSTL.com

Philip Andrew Morton, a North County native whose Hollywood credits range from special effects on “Battleship” to videos for comedian Katt Williams, returned to his hometown to make what turned out to be the most timely documentary of 2014. “Spanish Lake” is an oral history of the St. Louis suburb that went from 99 percent white to 77 percent black in 40 years. When the Michael Brown shooting turned the nation’s focus to race relations in St. Louis, the film was pulled from local theaters for fear of inciting unrest. But now that the movie is available on home video, it can add to an important conversation. JW Readers’ pick: “Marshall the Miracle Dog”

Best film festival/series

True/False Film Festival MORE INFO truefalse.org

Cars + Clothes + Couches = HOPE

In 10 years, the True/False Film Festival in Columbia, Mo., has grown into a world-class showcase for documentary film, attracting some of the biggest names in nonfiction filmmaking to the mid-Missouri college town on a late-winter weekend. Besides a slate of buzz films, the festival includes an absurdist parade through downtown, pre-movie musicians, art installations and parties that would make

Readers’ pick: Moolah Theatre & Lounge

Best movie concessions Best place to see an arthouse movie

AMC West Olive

Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema

WHERE 12657 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur • MORE INFO 314205-9800, amctheatres.com

WHERE Plaza Frontenac, 1701 South Lindbergh Boulevard • MORE INFO landmarktheatres.com

A couple years ago, all of the local theater chains experimented with dine-in or ultra-lounge auditoriums where hot food is delivered to moviegoers in overstuffed recliners. But AMC was a pioneer in this trend, and the all-suite West Olive has a menu that’s been tested from coast to coast. Along with basic bar food, it includes several shrimp dishes, sesame ginger salmon and even healthy salads. Plus there are more than 20 different specialty cocktails and desserts such as the waffle sundae with candied bacon to make you feel like a red-carpet VIP. JW

The traditional idea of an arthouse movie is not a cuttingedge indie aimed at college kids — for that we’ve got the Tivoli — but a foreign film or costume drama for mature adults who’ve been crowded out of the multiplex. The six-screen Plaza Frontenac cultivates a particular audience that is underserved elsewhere, and often it retains critically acclaimed films for weeks or months, allowing older patrons to catch up with them. Yes, some of the hearing-impaired customers may ask their neighbors to repeat the dialogue, but at least they’re not texting. JW

Readers’ pick: Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema and Wehrenberg Theatres (tie)

Readers’ pick: Tivoli Best movie popcorn Most comfortable movie theater

Moolah Theatre & Lounge WHERE 3821 Lindell Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-446-6868, stlouiscinemas.com/moolah

A lot of theaters are adding wider seats and even recliners, but only the Moolah has actual couches. Combined with a full bar, a night at the Moolah is a recipe for relaxation. JW

Wehrenberg Theatres WHERE Multiple locations • MORE INFO wehrenberg.com

Take it from someone who used to make the stuff: Movie popcorn should taste good without gobs of butter. The local Wehrenberg chain has had more than 100 years to get it right.

They make their product with coconut oil, and when a giant tin of Wehrenberg popcorn arrives at the Post-Dispatch

Schedule A Donation Pick-Up

satruck.com

Winner RFT’s 2013 Best Thrift Store 22

THE GO! LIST

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

PHOTO: HANDOUT

314-535-0057

A scene from “Spanish Lake”

stltoday.com/thegolist

Fredrick and Patricia McKissack in 2009

Best library

Ferguson Municipal Public Library WHERE 35 North Florissant Road, Ferguson â&#x20AC;˘ MORE INFO 314-5214820, ferguson.lib.mo.us

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BARBECUE SEASON!!

Small, independent libraries can still make a huge difference to their communities, as Ferguson showed throughout months of protests and school closings after the shooting of Michael Brown last August.

By welcoming students, and staying open through days of unrest, the library was lauded from here to Europe. JH Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: St. Louis Public Library

Favorite place to see authors newsroom every Christmas, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last past New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Plus, Wehrenberg concession stands offer different flavors of seasoned salt, the secret vice of this frequent moviegoer. JW Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: Wehrenberg Theatres

Favorite St. Louis author

William Gass At 90, William Gass is still the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-eminent literary writer. How many writers have their short stories (â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Heart of the Heart of the Countryâ&#x20AC;?) re-released in classic editions almost 50 years after their first publication and still have new titles in the pipeline? JH Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: Tennessee Williams

Best new book by a St. Louis author

P H O T O : P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ancillary Justiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ancillary Sword,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ann Leckie The Shrewsbury writer shook up the science-fiction world last year by winning more awards for her first novel than any previous SF writer. A gender-bending space opera was followed by a second admired novel. When Leckieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trilogy is completed, it should stand with many classics of speculative fiction. JH Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Andy Cohen Diaries,â&#x20AC;? Andy Cohen

#thegolist

Best local childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s author

Patricia McKissack

St. Louis County Library WHERE 1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard â&#x20AC;˘ MORE INFO slcl.org

St. Louis has a number of fine childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authors, but Patricia McKissack has outwritten and outlasted most of them. Over the years she and her late husband, Fredrick, published more than 100 books, many featuring African-American stories and characters. She continues to write, and in 2014, she and her husband received a Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. JH

Few venues know how to draw in hundreds of readers like the county library does. It is the go-to place to see major historians, such as Doris Kearns Goodwin and Joseph Ellis. It is one of the few places here to regularly welcome writers who draw oversize crowds. And when it finishes renovating and rebuilding its many branches, the area will look forward to an even better, more comfortable space at headquarters. JH

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: Ridley Pearson

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: Left Bank Books

Best local bookstore

Most kid-friendly library

Left Bank Books WHERE 399 North Euclid Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ MORE INFO 314-367-6731, left-bank.com

Left Bank Books has been part of the community for more than four decades. It is also known throughout the country, on the radar of publishers and authors.

It remains a destination for top authors and up-and-comers.

This year, it was even a finalist for Publishers Weeklyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national best bookstore award. JH Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: Left Bank Books

Central Library WHERE 1301 Olive Street â&#x20AC;˘ MORE INFO 314-241-2288, stlouispubliclibrary.net

It might seem counterintuitive to say the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most formal and glamorous book space is kid friendly. But Central Library has huge, welcoming spaces for teens and younger readers, with nice places to sit. Its kid sections arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just divided from adult areas by low shelves, but are true rooms in and of themselves.

Plus, what teen could resist the new recording room or Creative Experience computers? JH Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pick: St. Louis Public Library

GENESISÂŽ EP-310 GAS GRILL

 Â? Â? Â? Â?  ­ Â&#x20AC; Â&#x20AC; Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; Â&#x201E; Â&#x201E; Â&#x2026; Â&#x2020; Â

See our Great Selection of Weber Gas & Charcoal Grills AND Parts and Accessories!

LET US CUSTOM DESIGN AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN FOR YOU! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no other store like

of St. Louis, Inc.ÂŽ

Quality Since 1871

825 South SouthLindbergh, Lindbergh63131 â&#x20AC;˘314-993-5570 825 314-993-5570

Mon.-Wed.-Thurs.-Sat 10:00-5:30 Tues.-Fri. 10:00-8:00 Sun. 12:00-5:00 www.forshaws.com Just 12 minutes from Chesterfield Valley.

04.26.15 â&#x20AC;˘ ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH â&#x20AC;˘ GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 23

✑ CRITICS’ PICKS BY AISHA SULTAN, AMY BERTRAND, COLLEEN SCHRAPPEN, JODY MITORI, GABE HARTWIG, DEBRA D. BASS, BETH O’MALLEY AND JOE WILLIAMS

Readers’ pick: Missouri Botanical Garden

Best park

Forest Park WHERE Visitor center is at 5595 Grand Drive; park is loosely bound by Oakland Avenue, Skinker, Lindell and Kingshighway boulevards • MORE INFO 314-367-7275, forestparkforever.org

Ginger, the St. Louis Zoo’s baby Sumatran orangutan, clings to her mother, Merah.

less dramatic adventure.

Families and friends can float a “river” in a classic log boat that goes from scenic and relaxing to a high-speed, nosedive drop in just seconds. The unpredictable waterfall at the end builds anticipation through the otherwise-tame ride. Plus, getting soaking wet is the best way to cool down on a hot day at the theme park. AS Best free attraction

Best kids’ attraction

St. Louis Zoo

The Magic House

WHERE 1 Government Drive, Forest Park • MORE INFO 314-781-0900, stlzoo.org

WHERE 516 South Kirkwood Road • MORE INFO 314-822-8900, magichouse.org

Having visited at least a dozen zoos, we can say with firsthand authority that this zoo is head and shoulders above the rest.

Don’t just take our word for it: It’s been ranked as one of the best zoos in the country

by Parenting Magazine and Zagat’s Family Travel Guide. Last year, Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award picked it as the third-best zoo in the country.

Don’t miss the penguins, new Polar Bear Point (opening this summer), sea lion show and River’s Edge elephant exhibit. AS

This children’s museum has engaging hands-on exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages, especially young children.

Infants have their own exhibit area inspired by nursery rhymes.

Preschoolers can play in a learning environment with a Texture Tunnel, Puppet Wall, Sand Play and a water playground, WaterWorks. Children in the elementary grades gravitate toward Children’s Village, a kid-size community with a market, bank, library, garage and even a fishing pond. They may also enjoy Can You Solve the Mystery?, where they become detectives to solve an art-forgery crime. It’s a perfect way to take a break from the heat or on a rainy day. Beware the crowds, and arrive early. AS

Readers’ pick: St. Louis Zoo

Readers’ pick: City Museum

24

THE GO! LIST

Best attraction to show visitors

Readers’ pick: Screaming Eagle

City Museum WHERE 750 North 16th Street • MORE INFO 314-231-2489, citymuseum.org

Sure, the Gateway Arch is an obvious answer. But your guests probably already know about that. They may not know about the whimsical, magical City Museum. From the giant Ferris wheel on the roof (oh, and the praying mantis) to the MonstroCity below, it’s an adventure for kids of all ages. AB Readers’ pick: St. Louis Zoo

Best thrill at Six Flags

Log Flume WHERE 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka • MORE INFO 636-9385300, sixflags.com/stlouis

Some people enjoy the hairraising thrill of roller coasters, while others prefer a slightly

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Best place to get in touch with nature

Suson Park WHERE 6073 Wells Road • MORE INFO 314-615-4386, stlouisco. com/parksandrecreation

Suson Park’s 98 acres include the usual walking paths, playgrounds and pavilions, but what sets this South County charmer apart is the access to its working animal farm. Suburbanites and citydwellers can get an up-close look at rural life, visiting with the park’s many cows, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens. There is a stable full of horses — with their residents’ names hanging on wooden shingles — and ducks and geese paddling about the three fish-stocked lakes. And before you leave, stick your head in a cardboard cutout and snap a picture to see how

It might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s easy to forget that Forest Park is, indeed, a park, and not just green space surrounding the Zoo, Art Museum and Muny. Forest Park (suggested motto: “We’re bigger than Central Park”) is the destination of choice for everything from music festivals to family reunions, hot-air balloon races to Sunday-afternoon barbecues.

The park plays host to softball and soccer leagues, tennis and golf tournaments and fresh-air seekers just looking to toss the Frisbee or take a paddleboat for a spin. Nature-lovers, fishermen, joggers and bicyclists — there’s room for everyone at the park. CS Readers’ pick: Forest Park

Cutest St. Louis Zoo animal

Ginger the orangutan WHERE 1 Government Drive, Forest Park • MORE INFO 314-781-0900, stlzoo.org

Human babies: cute. Orangutan babies: cuter. In December, the St. Louis Zoo and Sumatran orangutan parents Merah and Cinta welcomed a new baby.

The zoo let the public vote on her name and announced the winning moniker — Ginger — at a baby shower in January. The name suits the spiky-haired, wide-eyed redhead, whom you can see cuddling with mom Merah at the Jungle of the Apes habitat. JM Readers’ pick: Penguins

Best festival

St. Louis Art Fair WHEN Sept. 11-13 • WHERE Downtown Clayton • MORE INFO culturalfestivals.com

It’s harder for an artist to get his or her work in this juried art festival than it is for an applicant to get into the Ivy League. That speaks to the

quality of work on display at this three-day fair in downtown Clayton. The Art Fair Sourcebook has consistently ranked the St. Louis Art Fair in the top 10 art fairs and festivals to visit. You will see experimental art, along with crowd-pleasers. There’s food and activities for children.

One of the three days usually has beautiful weather. This is an annual do-not-miss on our list. AS Readers’ pick: Festival of Nations

Best parade

Mardi Gras Grand Parade WHERE Seventh Street in Soulard • MORE INFO mardigrasinc.com

There aren’t many things worth standing outside in the blustery February cold — on a Saturday morning, no less — but the annual Mardi Gras Grand Parade in Soulard is one of them. Each year, thousands of bundled-up (and some not-at-allbundled-up) revelers pack the neighborhood to watch dozens of floats and their bead-flinging krewes roll down Seventh Street. The parade can last between two and three hours, so stock up on hand warmers and plan a potty strategy; this is something every St. Louisan should do it at least once. GH Readers’ pick: Dogtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Best place for a history lesson

St. Louis Mercantile Library WHERE Thomas Jefferson Library Building, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 1 University Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-516-7240; umsl.edu/mercantile

The St. Louis Mercantile Library on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis is home to one of the largest collections of historic photos and manuscripts in the state. Visitors can take a docent-led tour of the library, view rare books and see exhibitions throughout the space. The main show currently on view is “Mapping St. Louis History,” a dense, impressive display of about 300 pieces from the library’s collection that chronicles the city’s development and growth. But also take time to look at the many other display cases around the library. You may find yourself learning about model trains,

Find photos from our April 23 Go! List party at Third Degree Glass Factory ➙ stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : H U Y M A C H / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

adorable you’d look milking the cows and slopping the pigs. CS

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 25

Ready to Roll?

SUMMER LEAGUES

NOW FORMING

Portable Refrigeration Rentals Kool Ride Transit Refrigerated Vans

EVENING LEAGUES

Starting at 7:00 pm Week of May 18th

MEN’S: Monday & Thursday WOMEN’S: Wednesday MIXED: Tuesday (2 Ball Challenge), Wednesday & Friday

Kool Ride Walk-in Refrigerated Trailers

Thermo King ColdCube Refrigerated Containers

2711 LEMAY FERRY RD. 314-892-3900 w w w. d u b o w l l a n e s . n e t

26

THE GO! LIST

Judging by its Third Friday events alone, Third Degree Glass Factory is a fun spot for a party. With glassblowing demonstrations, live music, food and more, these monthly open houses are always a big deal. Third Degree also makes its gallery, “hotshop” gallery and patio spaces available for weddings, meetings, private parties, fashion shows and other events. (We held our party there to celebrate this edition of The Go! List. Check out photos at stltoday.com/thegolist.) GH Readers’ pick: City Museum

Three words: Saks Off 5th.

It’s worth the trek all by its lonesome, but add in a Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors and Armani outlets, and you’ve got a great day for a treasure hunt. DB

Yadier Molina

also have their temptations.

Or you can abandon it all for a few hours and slip into the movie theater. DB

continuing work to improve her city make her account a must-follow for those trying to understand #Ferguson. BO

Readers’ pick: West County Center

Readers’ pick: Andy Cohen, @andy

Best thrift shop, resale shop or antique mall

Best local Instagrammer

Retro 101/Cherry Bomb Vintage WHERE 2303 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-762-9722

Whether you are looking for a vintage telephone, 1950s wiggle dress or classic cat-eye glasses, this should be your first stop. You never know what you’ll find, but it’s usually in mint condition and unexpected.

And you might find pieces for a costume, but what this shop excels at is wearable finds from bygone eras that look perfectly contemporary. DB Readers’ pick: Goodwill

Readers’ pick: St. Louis Premium Outlets Best local tweeter

Tuesday's at NOON 10 Week Schedule

DuBowl Lanes, Inc.

WHERE 5200 Delmar Boulevard • MORE INFO 314-367-4527, thirddegreeglassfactory.com

WHERE 18521 Outlet Boulevard, Chesterfield • MORE INFO 314-3998163, premiumoutlets.com/stlouis

Starts May 19th

FREE NG! BOAsWk LI Us How.

Third Degree Glass Factory

St. Louis Premium Outlets

Ask Abou t Our

• SENIOR SUMMER TOURNAMENT

Favorite special event space

Best outlet mall

• MIXED DAYTIME LEAGUE • ADULT/CHILD LEAGUE Starts May 19th Starts May 20th 9 Pin League Tues. 9:30 am Wed. 7:00 pm BIRTHDA PART Y SPECIAYLS

Readers’ pick: Missouri History Museum

Daily, Weekend, Weekly, & Monthly Rental Options Delivery & Pickup Available

(314) 771-6666 www.cstk.com

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

Best traditional mall

Patricia Bynes, @patricialicious

St. Louis Galleria

MORE INFO iampatriciabynes.com

WHERE 1155 St. Louis Galleria • MORE INFO 314-863-5500, saintlouisgalleria.com

Say that username out loud. Isn’t it fun? Patricia Bynes’ Twitter account has fun — pictures of her nephew, personal tidbits — but since Aug. 9, it has also been a ground-level view of unrest in Ferguson. Bynes is a Ferguson Township committeewoman.

Her appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity led to a great TV clip (and some epic side eye). She’s not afraid to express her opinion, even if she does occasionally slip into subtweets. The combination of humanity, factual tweets from chaotic situations and her

It’s got everything you’d want in a lazy-day stroll at the mall.

There’s a solid collection of major department stores with Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s and some great destinations along the way, including Urban Outfitters, Gap and Banana Republic. There’s technology for Apple, Windows and Android lovers and plenty of stops to refuel with cookies, pretzels and coffee. Sports fans, shoe fanatics and kids will

Bill Keaggy, @keaggy MORE INFO keaggy.com

Who sees the shapes of states in random cracks in mortar? This guy. #50foundstates has all the states, in found form (rocks, boarded-up windows, cuts of wood). Bill Keaggy’s Instagram account is a glimpse of a creative life. For a while, he posted his captions upside-down. Why? We’re not sure, but they were tagged #dailyabstraction. Follow for his keen eye, scenes from St. Louis that don’t scream frozen custard and scribbled sketches on notebook pages. BO Readers’ pick: Whiskey & Soba, @whiskeyandsoba

Favorite Cardinals player

Yadier Molina MORE INFO twitter.com/yadimolina04

Although plucky backup shortstop Pete Kozma is ripe for fan appreciation, there’s no denying that Yadier Molina, neck tattoos and all, is the most popular player on the Redbirds roster. He’s also the most important. Among the best defensive catchers in history, he is vital to the success of the pitching staff.

Without Yadi, the Cardinals might as well be the Cubs. JW Readers’ pick: Yadier Molina

stltoday.com/thegolist

P H O T O : C H R I S L E E / P O S T- D I S PAT C H F I L E

(314) 771-6666 • www.cstk.com

George Caleb Bingham prints or the history of presidential whistle stop tours. JM

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

ATTENTION DEALERS:

Favorite Rams player

Johnny Hekker MORE INFO twitter.com/jhekker

For a team that spends so much time with its back to the wall, a good punter is essential. In 25-year-old Hekker, the Rams have the best punter in the league. A two-time All-Pro, he holds the single-season record for net punting average. He is also an accomplished passer on fake kick attempts, with a touchdown to his credit.

Those stats, plus his glorious red hair, help explain why Hekker is the highest-paid punter in league history. JW Readers’ pick: Kurt Warner

Hill, the Tivoli, Pin-Up Bowl, the Moonrise Hotel, the Peacock Loop Diner and even Chuck Berry seems to have the Midas touch, seeing a void and then filling it appropriately. Edwards’ latest project, a two-mile, $43 million Loop Trolley connecting the Loop to Forest Park, is expected to open next year.

“Clean electric transit is a key component for revitalizing cities in America,” Edwards said in March at an event kicking off the project. If his track record is any indication, he’s probably right. GH Readers’ pick: Stan Musial

Biggest St. Louis success story

Jack Dorsey Favorite Blues player

MORE INFO twitter.com/jack

David Backes

Until just a few years ago, no one identified themselves with an “@” in front of their name, we were still just calling “#” the pound sign, and using a credit card at a food truck or street fair was virtually impossible. But then St. Louis native Jack Dorsey (Bishop DuBourg High School) gave us Twitter and Square, which made things like asperands and hashtags and signing our name with our fingertip just another part of everyday life.

With a net worth of nearly $3 billion, 38-year-old Dorsey ranked No. 225 on the Forbes 400 last year. His parents, Tim and Marcia (@marciadorsey, 2014’s “best St. Louis tweeter”), live in St. Louis. GH

MORE INFO davidbackes.com

Blues captain David Backes is having another solid year, but it’s his dedication to the city and to animals that make him our favorite. Whether it’s supporting Athletes for Animals and Five Acres Animal Shelter or visiting kids in the hospital, No. 42 always seems to be willing to lend a hand … and oh, that smile. AB Readers’ pick: T.J. Oshie

Best local hero

Joe Edwards If Joe Edwards builds it, they will come. The St. Louis businessman behind Delmar Loop staples such as the Pageant, Blueberry

Readers’ pick: St. Louis Cardinals

Jack Dorsey

MUST REGISTER & SHOW TAX I.D & RESALE NUMBERS

UNCLAIMED FURNITURE

REQUIRES IMMEDIATE DISPOSAL OF MATTRESSES & FURNITURE FROM CANCELLED, DELINQUENT & UNCLAIMED LAYAWAY ACCOUNTS

Best recent addition to St. Louis

Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge

NO CREDIT CHECK!

4-PIECE QUEEN BEDROOM PACKAGE Additional Color Available

$

199

WHERE Interstate 70 downtown • MORE INFO newriverbridge.org

Stan “The Man” Musial left a big impression on St. Louis in his 92 years, spending 22 seasons playing for the Cardinals. A new St. Louis landmark in his name is just as big: The Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, which opened in 2014. Missouri and Illinois differed on what to call the $229 million cable-stayed bridge, but President Barack Obama signed a bill in 2013 naming it in Musial’s honor. Two years earlier, while awarding Musial the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Obama called him “an icon untarnished, a beloved pillar of the community, a gentleman you’d want your kids to emulate.” GH

Bonded Leather Sectional

from

299

$

ea. pc.

QUEEN HEADBOARD, DRESSER, MIRROR, BEDFRAME

DISCOUNTED LIVING ROOM COLLECTIONS

399

$

499

$

$

499 499

$

Readers’ pick: Ballpark Village

HURRY IN! QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED! Solid Wood Bunk bed

Favorite St. Louis entrepreneur

Jeff and Randy Vines WHERE 3159 Cherokee Street • MORE INFO 314-898-0001, stl-style.com

With their STL-Style T-shirts, bags, hats and even baby onesies that celebrate St. Louis’ quirks, brothers Jeff and Randy Vines make us feel a little better about pronouncing it “Highway Farty” and asking people where they went to high school. Their products even manage to make utility-truck orange cool. “We are particularly enchanted by four-family flats, dudes in leisure suits, cobblestone alleys, graffiti walls, MetroLink trains, toasted ravioli, that muddy river and the 250 years worth of soul packed into this city’s streets,” the Vines say on their website.

“This town is overflowing with idiosyncrasies, and that unique local flavor should be a source of pride, not embarrassment.”

Fo’ Chouteau. GH Readers’ pick: Joe Edwards

199

$

Canopy 7pc Dining Set Bed

$

89

499

COLORS 3 Pieces 5 Finishes HEADBOARD, CHEST & BEDFRAME

•

BLACK, CHERRY, MERLOT, OAK, WHITE

199

$

FROM

299

$

29

$

$69 Ea. Pc. TWIN $89 Ea. Pc. FULL $105 Ea. Pc. QUEEN

25-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

99

$

$59 Ea. Pc. TWIN $74 Ea. Pc. FULL

$99 Ea. Pc. TWIN $129 Ea. Pc. FULL $145 Ea. Pc. QUEEN $126 Ea. Pc. KING

EURO-LUX PILLOWTOP

15-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

199 69

QUEEN $ PILLOWTOP CHIRO EXTRA

$84 Ea. Pc. TWIN $99 Ea. Pc. FULL $129 Ea. Pc. QUEEN $109 Ea. Pc KING

CHIRO-PEDIC

10-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

59

20-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

84

$29 Ea. Pc. TWIN $49 Ea. Pc. FULL

$

3-Pc. Rug Set

39

¢

2x3 • 2x6 • 5x8

5999

CHIRO-EXTRA

$

99

$

(sold in sets)

SLEEP REST

$

from

59

5-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

$

12" x 12"

$

SLEEP FIRM

$ Self-Stick Tile

4 DRAWER CHEST

(sold in sets)

QUEEN SIZE MATTRESS

3pc Table Set

$

SLEEP ULTRA PHOTO: HANDOUT

-OPENDIRECT TO THE PUBLIC

Mon & Fri 10a-8p Tue, Wed, Thu 11a-7p Sat 10a-6p | Sun 12-6p HAZELWOOD 8780 PERSHALL RD 314-522-6342

FENTON 625 GRAVOIS RD 636-326-9015

ST. LOUIS 4650 LANSDOWNE 314-832-5300

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS 100 COMMERCE LN 618-394-0833

25-Yr. Ltd. Warranty

104

$104 Ea. Pc. TWIN $139 Ea. Pc. FULL $149 Ea. Pc. QUEEN $133 Ea. Pc. KING

A H O M E D E C O R L I Q U I D AT O R S C O M PA N Y • S A M E - D AY P I C K - U P A N D D E L I V E R Y • w w w . h d o u t l e t s . c o m

#thegolist

04.26.15 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • GO! MAGAZINE

THE GO! LIST 27

28

THE GO! LIST

GO! MAGAZINE • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • 04.26.15

stltoday.com/thegolist