Edition: St. Louis Celebrates the Holidays
Kathleen Madigan's St. Louis
Author: Beth Custer
A homegrown comedian enjoys a day in the city.
Editor's Note: When stand-up comic Kathleen Madigan recounts irreverent stories about celebrities, politics, and her Midwestern familiy, audiences around the country burst into laughter. The St. Louis native is well-known for her frequent appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Late Show with David Letterman, and Comedy Central Presents. Her trademark brand of ironic humor is a favorite with both fans and fellow comedians - Jay Leno says, "She really makes me laugh; I think she's the next big star."
Kathleen currently stars on the CMT comedy series Foxworthy's Big Night Out, playing an anchorwoman who presents "The Redneck News Report." Her special on Comedy Central will air once a month for the next two years, and she recently released a DVD called In Other Words. Ms. Madigan sat down to chat with Concierge Preferred about how she would spend a fan (and funny) day in St. Louis.
9:00 a.m.
My day probably wouldn't start this early. I'm usually up late at night doing shows, so I'm not really a breakfast person...In fact, I haven't had breakfast in 15 years! If I had guests, I'd tell them that we have to stay up late enough at night so breakfast isn't even an issue the next morning. If it's not a doughnut, forget it.
10:00 a.m.
When I did manage to wake up, I might go to Forest Park. There's so much to do there, like visiting all the museums, sledding down Art Hill when it snows, and skating at Steinberg Ice Skating Rink (314-367-RINK). I particularly like the Saint Louis Art Museum (314-721-0072) and the Missouri History Museum (314-746-4599).
Noon
For lunch I'd go to Bar Italia (314-361-7010, 13 Maryland Plaza) in the Central West End, and eat lucnh outisde on the patio, if it was warm enough. the pasta dishes are really good; way too fattening, but delicious. The Central West End has such a nice atmosphere - it feels like people actually live there - people are walking around, rather than driving everywhere.
1:00 p.m.
This may sound cheesy, but our zoo rocks! I would put the Saint Louis Zoo (314-781-0900, Forest Park) up against any other zoo in the country. I've traveled a lot and been to other zoos, but they just don't stack up to ours - for instance, in L.A., there's one lonely elephant who looks like he's hanging out in a one bedroom apartment. And other zoos have admission fees, while ours, which is much better, is free. It's something I'm very proud of.
3:00 p.m.
In the afternoon, I might go shopping with my sister. We like the Saint Louis Galleria (314-863-6633, Bentwood & Clayton) when we're in the mood to go to the mall. When I want something different, I like to shop in University City. You can walk around and look at unique stuff, rather than the same old things you see everywhere. They have some interesting clothing stores and some crazy, cool furniture stores. We might stop in for a bite at Riddle's Penultimate Café & Wine Bar (314-725-6985, 6307 Delmar), where the food is really good.
6:00 p.m.
I'm a sucker for the Italian food on The Hill. Guido's Pizzeria & Tapas (314-771-4900, 5046 Shaw) is one of my favorite places for dinner. It's casual and homey, and they have really wonderful sangria. For dessert, I'd head to Ted Drewes of course! They're known for their "concretes" which are cups of really thick frozen custard - they turn the cups upside down before serving them, but the custard never spills.
7:00 p.m.
I iike to gamble, so in the evening I'd head to one of the casinos. My parents gamble all the time - now that they're retired, the have ample time to engage in this degenerate behavior. My parents are so funny, even when they're not trying to be. They provide me with lots of material for jokes.
10:00 p.m.
To top off the evening, I'd go to McGurk's Irish Pub (314-776-8309, 1200 Russell), a great bar that is a lot of fun. Their food is delicious, and the Irish music is outstanding. They fly in musicians from Ireland, so you know the music is authentic.
Bar Italia Ristorante-Caffe
13 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108
One of the places "to be seen" in the Central West End. Creative cuisine, great wine and plenty of ambience. Patio dining is highly recommended.
Steinberg Ice Skating Rink
400 Jefferson Dr,, St. Louis, MO 63110
For more than 45 years St. Louisans and visitors alike have swooshed their way around the Steinberg Ice Skating Rink. Due to a $1.4 million renovation, the Rink is at its best with a new rink surface, sound system, and landscaping. Located on the east side of Forest Park, the Rink is open from November-March, when it turns into two lit, regulation size sand volleyball courts. In the winter adults skate for $6, children 12 & under for $5, while all can rent skates for an additional $2. For more information, call 314-361-0613 or visit www.steinbergskatingrink.com
Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
The St. Louis Zoo is located within Forest Park, and free to the public.
Saint Louis Galleria
Clayton Rd. and Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63117
This popular shopping destination for visitors offering 165 retailers is a big draw for residents of St. Louis and visitors alike.
Riddles Penultimate Cafe & Wine Bar
6307 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130
The mantra is simple: "We serve the kind of food we like to eat." Offerings are steak, pasta, seasonal specials and more.
Guido's Pizzeria and Tapas
5046 Shaw Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63110
In the mood to make your dining experience an adventure? Try a taste of authentic Spanish tapas, like homemade empanadas or Jamon Serrano. Italian staples like pizza are offered as well, and Guido's is well-known for its delicious Sangria.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
Ted Drewes is famous in St. Louis and across the nation for its frozen treats.
McGurk's Irish Pub
1200 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104
In Soulard has perhaps one of the finest outdoor dining areas in all of the St. Louis area. A recently remodeled patio features a waterfall, landscaping, and an additional bar to accommodate more patrons. While the outdoors may resemble a New Orleans-style courtyard, the food and drink are distinctively Irish. Try washing down the pub specialties like the Irishman in the Bronx, Gaelic Steak or John D. McGurk's burger with your favorite Irish ale.
