Ken Page's St. Louis

Author: Beth M. Custer

Editor's Note: Actor and singer Ken Page is famous for his starring roles in Broadway productions like Catsand Ain't Misbehavin', but local audiences adore the St. Louis native for his annual performances at The Muny. Page took a break from filming his new TV series to describe an ideal day in St. Louis.

9 a.m.

I'm usually rehearsing in the morning when I'm in St. Louis, so I don't go out to breakfast very often. But when I do, brunch at Delmonico's Diner (4909 Delmar, 314-361-0973) is terrific. They serve soul food—be sure to try the sweet potato pie.

10 a.m.

One of my favorite things to do is to drive through Forest Park. The Grand Basin is so beautiful—there is a great view of it from the front of the Saint Louis Art Museum (314-721-0072). I like to go over by the Jewel Box (314-531-0080), where it is less populated, quiet, and a little out of the way. It's fun to take lunch and a blanket and just sit outside and enjoy all the beautiful scenery. And it's free!

Did you know...
“It's fun to take lunch and a blanket and just sit outside and enjoy all the beautiful scenery. And it's free!”

Noon

For the best barbecue in St. Louis, go to Mama's Coal Pot Bar-B-Que (6655 Delmar, 314-727-8034) in the Loop. It's really like a hut or a little shack. It's set back off the street, but don't waste your time anywhere else. They have all kinds of barbecue, and it's all delicious. I grew up in St. Louis on my family's barbecue, so I really know what it takes to make a good sauce and an overall delicious eating experience. Another great lunch place is Dressels Pub (419 N. Euclid, 314-361-1060). It's an old haunt of mine; I've been going there for years. It's a very relaxed steak and brew sort of place. They have great fish and freshly-made chips. It has a literary kind of atmosphere—the walls are decorated with pictures of authors and poets.

2 p.m.

The Boathouse (Forest Park, 314- 367-2224) is a wonderful place to go in the afternoon. You can rent a boat there and row through the park. It looks like a delightful thing to do—but personally, I won't get in a boat if the water is too deep. (If there's too much for me to drink, it's too deep!) So I like to sit on the patio, enjoy a nice lunch, and just look at the water.

6 p.m.

For a tiny, upscale restaurant, I really like Red Moon (15th and St. Charles, 314-436-9700). Another very nice place is Café Eau (212 N. Kingshighway, 314-454-9000) in the Chase Park Plaza, especially at night. The outdoor seating is very elegant there.

8 p.m.

On a summer night in St. Louis, when the sun goes down and the humidity subsides, the best thing to do is to see a production at The Muny (Forest Park, 314-361-1900), of course! When I was growing up, the most fun I ever had was at The Muny, and now I absolutely love performing there.

Jewel Box
Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110

Commune with the blossoms at an Art Deco floral conservatory with hundreds of flowers.

Dressel's Pub
419 N. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108

A Welsh pub that serves up old-fashioned camaraderie, good beer, stew and meat/vegetarian pies.

Boathouse Cafe
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110

Trek around the intrepid waters of Forest Park in a paddle boat, and enjoy dining, nightlife, and a leisurely stroll around the lake.

The Muny
Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis, The Muny, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112

For a Broadway experience under the stars, visit The Muny, America's largest and oldest outdoor musical theater. Open nightly, mid June-mid August, the Muny usually runs about 7 week-long productions of some of Broadway's most successful shows and often attracts stars of stage and screen. Like so many Forest Park attractions, the Muny truly appreciates its patrons, and as a token of that appreciation, offers 1,620 free seats for every performance. The free seats are in the back of the amphitheater and are given away on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 7 p.m. For more information on the Muny, call For a Broadway experience under the stars, visit The Muny, America's largest and oldest outdoor musical theater. Open nightly, mid June-mid August, the Muny usually runs about 7 week-long productions of some of Broadway's most successful shows and often attracts stars of stage and screen. Like so many Forest Park attractions, the Muny truly appreciates its patrons, and as a token of that appreciation, offers 1,620 free seats for every performance. The free seats are in the back of the amphitheater and are given away on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 7 p.m. For more information on the Muny, call 314-361-1900 or visit www.muny.org. or visit www.muny.org.

Cafe Eau & Bistro
212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

This Chase Park Plaza Hotel brasserie combines an avant-garde menu with a fine wine selection.>

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