Edition: Great Outdoors
Quintessential St. Louis
Author: Beth M. Custer
The best places to have an entertaining Saturday night and a delicious Sunday morning.
Outdoor Music & Theatre
With mild weather, the arts take to the great outdoors. This summer, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis (314-361-0101, Forest Park), better known to locals as Shakespeare in the Park, presents Julius Caesar. Performed on the green in Forest Park, it's an easy introduction to Shakespeare for novices, with plenty to interest those who already know the bard. A pre-theatre "Green Show" begins at 6:30 p.m. nightly, with jugglers, strolling musicians, dancers, and more. An artistic highlight of St. Louis summers is the short-but-sweet season of Opera Theatre of St. Louis (314-961-0644, 130 Edgar Rd.). While the performances themselves take place indoors, many patrons begin the evening with a picnic on the grounds; after the show, the audience enjoys an informal meeting with the artists in an outdoor tent. The St. Louis Jazz Festival (314-863-0278, Shaw Park) offers a varied program of celebrated musicians like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dr. John, and David Sanborn, June 23-24.
Sunday Brunches
Looking for a delicious way to celebrate Mother's Day, Father's Day, or your favorite niece's graduation? Meriwether's (Missouri History Museum, 314-746-4599), named for explorer Meriwether Lewis, is a favorite spring brunch destination thanks to its spectacular views of Forest Park through floor to ceiling windows. At La Bonne Bouchée (12344 Olive Blvd., 314-576-6606) breakfast is a relaxed affair served from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays, with authentic French croissants, tarts, and éclairs, as well as a number of heartier dishes. Nadoz (3701 Lindell Blvd., 314-446-6800) is home to a casual but sophisticated Sunday brunch, with offerings that include an array of European pastries, hot breakfast panini, crepes, and a full espresso bar. Café Madeline (4256 Magnolia Ave., Tower Grove Park, 314-575-5658) serves a Sunday brunch buffet set amid a light and airy backdrop of palm trees, with a view of lily ponds and Tower Grove Park.
Missouri History Museum: Meriwether's
History Museum, St. Louis, MO 63110
Meriwether's is a neo-traditional American restaurant located in the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis.
La Bonne Bouchee
12344 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141
Indulge in breakfast, lunch, dinner or heavenly pastries at this authentic French restaurant patisserie. La Bonne Bouchee has been open for over 25 years in Creve Coeur.
Nadoz Cafe
3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103
Meet a friend for espresso, a quick sandwich or a rich dessert in this Coronado building eatery. Nadoz is also home to a casual but sophisticated Sunday brunch, with offerings that include an array of European pastries, hot breakfast panini, crepes, and a full espresso bar.
Cafe Madeline
4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
Cafe Madeline serves a Sunday brunch buffet set amid a light and airy backdrop of palm trees, with a view of lily ponds and Tower Grove Park.
