St Louis Summer

Summers in St Louis are usually hot, humid and sticky. This year, we've actually had a string of good luck with some cooler days, mostly in the 70s and 80s. As a result, we're already doing more things out doors, like Shakespeare in the Park. 

The best part about high culture outside? You get to bring your own wine. 

We opted for tinto de verano, my favorite summer drink.

Stocking up

The STL Art Museum at night

Summer is a great time to try other new refreshing drinks, like DeMun Oyster Bar's Lavender 75 - a mix of gin, sparkling wine, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup. 

 Justin and I also celebrated our 3rd anniversary recently, and we went to 5 Bistro on the Hill. We both got the prix fixe menus, which I think allows you the best value for this restaurant. My only complaint is that I wanted more of everything.

Course 1:

Hers: asparagus with fried egg, Baetje Farms couer de la creme cheese, focaccia croutons, and balsamic reduction - 

His: Porcini mushroom fettuccine with microgreens

Course Two:

Hers: seared halibut with roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms and spring onion

His: Roasted leg of duck with mashed potatoes and jus

Course 3:

His: Bread pudding with vanilla ice cream

Hers: Chocolate pot a creme with honey crispies (don't know the proper term, but they tasted kind of like even-better Heath bars)

This meal inspired Justin and I to buy some goat cheese from Baetje Farms, a local cheese farm. We assembled a platter one night with the coeur de la creme cheese (a mild brie-like blend), olives, grapes, peaches, crackers, and proscuitto and speck from DiGregorio's on the Hill. 

I can personally vouch for the proscuitto di Parma from DiGregorio's as being the BEST I've had since I lived in Italy. Plus, they had 10-lb bags of pasta for $10. You know I bought one.

I could eat two of these for dinner.

Next on the STL Summer bucket list: Ted Drewes, a Cardinal baseball game, the Whittaker Musical Festival at the botanical garden (more wine and picnics!), the Zoo, and farmers markets galore.

What are your plans this summer?

-Katie