Did you know that since 1900, the first night of Hanukkah has fallen on Christmas Day five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and 2024? The next time it will happen is in 2035 and then again in 2054. This means that ‘tis the season for holiday shopping and holiday activities for the vast majority. Here we have compiled a big list of things to make your holidays merry and bright, no matter your affiliation. Time to get out and celebrate St. Louis the sophisticated way. Learn more.
Read MoreGobble Gobble season is upon us. With less than a week left until feast day, many are making plans for Thanksgiving, which takes place this year on Thursday, November 28th. Some choose traditional sit down meals at home, while others choose to dine out, order in, or carry out. According to a November 2023 Popmenu survey, about half of Americans plan to eat out on Thanksgiving, with 17% dining in and 32% ordering takeout or delivery. Whichever way you choose, we’ve got some ways to make the crescendo of your fall season sing.
Read MoreFall is peak wedding season and for many the most romantic time of year — after all, it’s the day when couples “tie their eternal knot” of love. Everything must be perfect. The dress. The tux. The flowers. The venue. The reception. And the food. Yes, the food. The food at the reception says it all. Discover a stylish wedding venue many of St. Louis’ elite are talking about and recommending. Discover Vicia, a place that reflects sophisticated taste levels. Read more.
Read MoreIt’s autumn in St. Louis. As the days of Fall 2024 dwindle down to the precious few, the leaves are finally transforming. They are unmasking. The cooler nights we are having are changing the fall foliage into vivid reds, yellows, and oranges — the signatures of the season. Seize the season. Wrap yourself in it and savor each luxurious drop of it. Celebrate the season — the time of year where humid-free warm days give way to chilly nights. Wrap yourself in sophisticated splendor this year. Here are a few decadently autumnal ways in which you can.
Read MoreButler's Pantry is the catering bread and butter of St. Louis. Since the age of six, Richard Nix Jr. is a natural byproduct of growing up in a restaurant family. In 1994, he took the helm of the business his father founded in 1966 to provide creative catering solutions to the St. Louis community. Learn here about his 58-year-young business and how Butler's Pantry is giving back to the community that has made them a success.
Read MoreSummer is over. In days gone by, kids didn’t head back to school until after Labor Day. But for many kids and teachers the school bell rang weeks ago and will continue sounding for the nine months ahead. Time is suddenly crunched. Not enough hours in the day. Winslow's Table to the rescue. They have you covered with quick and delicious meals. Learn here how you can meet your family’s culinary needs and have time for yourself.
Read MoreIf you are heading to Florence anytime soon, Craig Kaminer encourages you to call ahead and set up a truffle hunt. His family and took a “Trip of a Lifetime” last fall and made sure that truffle hunting was at the top of the list. Giulio The Truffle Hunter was their guide. Read more about the hunt and delectable meal that followed.
Read MoreWhether in the heart of Tokyo, overlooking the Manhattan skyline, or off the beaten path in St. Louis, omakase sushi offers a glimpse into the soul of Japanese cuisine. It is a celebration of simplicity, craftsmanship, and the profound connection between food and culture.
For those willing to embark on this gastronomic journey, prepare to be dazzled by the skill of the sushi chef, delighted by the freshness of the ingredients, and enchanted by the symphony of flavors. Omakase sushi is not just a meal—it is something to savor, a memory to cherish, and a testament to the enduring allure of Japanese culinary artistry. See for yourself here.
Read MoreSwiss winemakers produce approximately 26 million barrels annually but export less than 2 percent. Until now, it couldn’t be bought in St. Louis. Read on about how Ginny Busch is bringing this wine to the U.S. and introducing these lovely products that are of such quality by founding Prost, a members-only club.
Read MoreGone are the days of the snobbish food critics of yesteryear that one once read in newspapers. In are foodies — a person who has ardent interest in food, and who eats food not only out of hunger, but also as a hobby. Nowadays, foodies go out and sample the old, as well as the new purveyors of food, and tell you about the best of the best through social media. Log onto Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Threads and they’ve got thousands upon thousands of followers awaiting their recommendations. In this issue, we’ve assembled four of the top food influencers in the STL. Read on to find out why they have their finger on the pulse of what will tantalize your taste buds.
Read MoreNow, thru September 30, you have the opportunity to experience Augusta, MO, the Napa Valley of the Midwest, by entering our Sophisticated Living September Giveaway. Click the photograph to learn how to enter.
Read MoreAlex has her own bagel business, Baked & Boiled. “I’ve mostly been a chef but I always wanted to get into baking because it’s fascinating,” she says. “It’s borderline alchemy. During the pandemic everything shut down but bakers and butchers still did well. I thought that was what I should probably get into. It took me at least 8 months to a year to make a really solid bagel. Fast forward to 2023 and Baked & Boiled has sparked a bagel boom. Read on to find out how it happened.
Read MoreWhen Jacob Siwak of Forsythia in New York joined Craig Rivard of St. Louis’ Little Fox joined one another for a three-day chef collaboration in St. Louis, it immediately SOLD OUT. Jacob wanted to see how St. Louis responded to his pasta and to food that's not necessarily what they traditionally imagine as pasta. His cooking is closer to what you would eat in Rome (as in why his restaurant is in the Roman genre) and not very much like the American take on Italian food. Read more about the collaboration and the response here.
Read MoreJewish delis are more than just places to eat. They are also important social hubs for the community, where people can gather to share food, stories, and traditions. But delis attract a decidedly diverse population beyond Jewish immigrants as is the case with Ben Poremba’s newly opened Deli Devine in University City’s East Loop.
Read MoreFine chocolates are decadent and scrumptious. Cannabis edibles are now commonplace. Renowned chocolatier Chef Dave Owens combines the two as THE premier cannabis escoffier. His delicious edibles elevate the senses to levels of ecstasy. Discover his journey from Chief Chocolatier at Bissinger’s to Director of Culinary at Proper Cannabis.
Read MoreAlvin Wolff discusses organizing and running events for The St. Louis Chapter of The Commanderie de Bordeaux aux États-Unis d'Amérique, which has 60-65 members who are dedicated to the appreciation of fine wines from Bordeaux.
Read MoreGerman’s Oberhofer winery works with some of the oldest vines in the world using the newest know-how.
Read MoreOn the heels of their James Beard Foundation nomination, Chefs Michael Gallina and Aaron Martinez will be heading to Detroit on February 23 and 24 to collaborate with award-winning Chef Jared Gadbaw and his team at Oak & Reel restaurant.
Read MoreJanuary is National Baking Month! To help you celebrate, check out the ultimate assortment of five must-haves from KNEAD. From their Friday Cuban Sandwich special to their new savory Sourdough Poptart, these delicious treats will solve any sweet or savory craving.
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