CUISINE with today ’ s overextended hurried lifestyles .
Summer is a time to step down , relax and enjoy . Before the season fades , indulge yourself at some of St . Louis ’ more unique al fresco dining venues . I ’ ve included my short list of picks for consideration . However , it doesn ’ t matter where you go . Whether it is gourmet dining on an elegant patio or enjoying the sunshine with a sandwich on a park bench , eating outdoors is all about enjoyment , relaxation , and creating flavorful memories with what in turn , becomes the best food ever .
Café Madeleine : Fashionable St . Louisans circa 1890 picnicked near Tower Grove Park ’ s ruins and the South Palm House Greenhouse ( the Piper Palm House ). And the fashionable still come to dine al fresco at the Piper Palm House ’ s patio at Café Madeline , operated by Butler ’ s Pantry . Café Madeline , St . Louis ’ ultimate pop-up Sunday brunch , spills onto its patios , where guests indulge in sumptuous plates while lounging within the city ’ s most splendid garden setting . After brunch , take a walk . Venture off the garden patio and discover Tower Grove ’ s surrounding Victorian landscape architecture .
The Culver Pavilion at The Muny : The Culver Pavilion reminds me of the musical , “ Brigadoon ,” a place that appears for a day every hundred years – but instead , materializing each Muny season , transforming from a rehearsal stage to a nightly dining platform showcasing buffets and a full-service bar . Culver isn ’ t limited to just season-ticket holders ; anyone can make a reservation and dine . Another Muny option : Bring a basket or pick up a pizza and salad at the Muny ’ s Café One , and picnic in the park before the show . It ’ s a Muny tradition that creates the ultimate al fresco dinner and a show - an experience that runs through the season ’ s final curtain call .
Café Madeleine
Das Bevo
Das Bevo : Bevo Mill is back . Renovated and rechristened as Das Bevo , it now sports a seasonal biergarten that would make its original owner , August Busch , Sr ., proud . A postcard setting with tables clustered around the courtyard within view of the old mill ’ s turning blades is a charming European-style atmosphere making Das Bevo ’ s biergarten this year ’ s hot spot for lifting cold beers to pair with lunch or late-night suppers . Biergarten guests can order from the full Das Bevo menu of German-inspired , eclectic small and large plates , such as its crispy sauerkraut balls , beersoup and as always , the best of wurst .
The Smokehouse Market : The Smokehouse Market is a favored stop to fill picnic baskets for impromptu roadside picnics . It ’ s a place where old-time country and gourmet delicacies collide , making for a foodie ’ s shopping paradise . Inside you ’ ll find wooden country cupboards displaying fresh baked pies and local chips alongside cold cases filled with house-smoked meats , local sausages and imported cheese . The deli / sandwich counter creates custom-made salads and sandwiches from the smokehouse ’ s famous meats and cheeses . These are great options for that picnic basket , along with a bottle or two of wine picked from its 100 label offerings , the most popular selected from the 1,000-label wine list from its sister operation next door , Annie Gunn ’ s .
Suzanne Corbett is a food historian and author of the award-winning cookbooks , “ The Gilded Table ” and “ Pushcarts & Stalls : The Soulard Market History Cookbook .” She can be contacted at suzannecorbett @ me . com .
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