To do: Taste of St. Louis

This month marks the annual Taste of St. Louis event.  This is an event where the industries of music, art, and food come together, offering a cultural experience for people of all ages.  Being a native Chicagoan, I have been attending the Taste of Chicago for many years; now, having the opportunity to experience what St. Louis has to offer in the way of eateries is one that I am anxiously anticipating.  There will be 45 participating restaurants with food items ranging from appetizers to steaks, there will also be several places offering up sugary treats for those who have a sweet tooth.  All booths will accept cash so no need to purchase tickets, and the food items will range in price from $3-$7.  Also, take the opportunity to take in one of the food competions being held, or musical acts.  Admission to the Taste of St. Louis is free, so come on out and see what Gateway city has to offer!

What: Taste of St. Louis
When: September 23-25, 2011
Where: Soldier's Memorial (12th & Market)
Cost: FREE

To do: Festival of Nations

This weekend is St. Louis' annual Festival of Nations celebration.  It is a multicultural showcase of dance, music, art, and of course, FOOD!.  There will be over 40 vendors bringing you delicious dishes from their native countires.  It will take place in Tower Grove Park and get this, admssion is free!  There will also be free shuttle service provided for transportation to and from the festival.  If you're looking for something to get into this weekend, take advantage of one of the last nice-weather weekends we'll have, and head over to Tower Grove Park for the Festival of Nations.  Hope to see you there!

Review: Fast Eddie's Bon Air

 The weekend my best friend came to visit, I decided it would be a good idea for us all to go to Fast Eddie's.  I had been hearing so much about it and since none of us had been before, I thought it'd be a great experience. 

If you are looking for honest-to-goodness minimalism, Fast Eddie's is your place!  It is an absolute no-frills spot, but you won't have to sacrifice comfort for a good time here.  Fast Eddie's was once a small bar owned my Anheuser Busch, but it has since been bought and expanded.  It now boasts several dining areas including an outdoor patio equipped with a stage for live entertainment.  The main attraction of this place though is the menu.  I don't know anywhere you can get perfectly seasoned and grilled  beef tenderloin for less than a tank of gas.  Fast Eddie's also serves, succulent peel-and-eat shrimp, 1/2 pound hamburger (you can add cheese for little to nothing), pork kabobs, chicken skewers, and french fries.  That's it.  But at the prices those items carry, you will be more than happy to order from a 7-item menu.  The service at Fast Eddie's, is top notch as well.  My waitress was very enthusiastic and down-to-earth; she even offered to stand in as our personal photographer.

I give Fast Eddie's Bon Air two thumbs up!  It is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a minimally great time.

Quick Tip: Have your food order ready because the cashier moves so quickly you won't want to be the one who holds up the line on a night when it's wrapping around the walls.  Oh, and don't lose your receipt!