NEED AN IDEA FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY???

Snow!

Where do I go for....?

Since we have some new residents in the building, I thought I'd share some thoughts on places to go for life's little necessities. Besides this blog, Greensheet, a publication by one of our building members, is a helpful guide to everything downtown, and you can always pick up one in the lobby.

Walgreens

We all eventually need medicine, double-sided tape, or large bags of candy. Where else but Walgreens? The closest I've found is on Lindell near the Central West End, about five minutes away.

(Update Dec. 2009) There's also a new Walgreens at 1530 Layfayette, at Truman and Lafayette in Soulard. Jefferson to Chouteau (east), and turning right on eith Truman or Tucker should get you there. It's a bit trickier driving than the one on Lindell.

Food

If you feel like an outdoor market, try Soulard Market. You can read my earlier article by following this link.

Sometimes, however, you just want a grocery store or supermarket.

Culinaria is here. It is a Schnucks market located at 9th and Olive. I usaully take Olive straight down because there are many one-way streets in the area. Heading east on Olive, the garage will be on your left, just past 10th Street. Parking is free (just present your receipt when exiting the garage). The prices and variety of food are excellent. Culinaria also has a lot of prepared food, and I believe you can eat it there if you like. There's a wine section, a pharmacy, and just about anything you might need.Since it's a city store, the aisles can be crowded at times, and you can't take your cart to the garage, so make sure you can carry everything to your car. If you can't, however, they are very courteous at this store, and will probably offer to help you. Checking out is fast and efficient. All-in-all, this is a great thing to have in the city, and I want to thank Schnucks for investing in the downtown area

City Grocers - (update Dec. 2009) I haven't been to City Grocers in a while. I believe they deal now more in specialty foods since they don't want to compete with Culinaria. It's located on Olive catty corner to Culinaria.

Schnucks

Since the opening of Culinaria, there is no longer the need to make the drive to Schnucks anymore, unless you happen to be in that area, or are buying a whole bunch of stuff and want to take it directly to your car. Of the three closest to us, the Lindell location is probably the easiest to get to. I've never been in this particular one however. I like the Arsenal location on the Hill. It's close to my job, and has a good selection of food. They also have a whole section devoted to Italian food. (If you're in that area, and you're interested in Italian grocery stores you can check out Viviano or Di Gregorio)

Straub's - Straub's is located in the Central West end, and has upscale specialty foods.

Vincent's - Located on 12th Street, this is a go to place for "Soulardians". Again, I've never been there, so I can't tell you what it's like.

Jay International Food - This store specializes in food from around the world. Need a big bag of basmati rice or a special ingredient to make sushi? For items like these, this is the place to go. It has a ton of exotic foodstuffs, and is just a few minutes away on S. Grand.

Liquor

Of course you can get liquor at the little stores like Lucas Park (on Washington Ave.) or City Grocer, but if you're looking for a store with a huge collection, try Randall's on S. Jefferson. You'll fall to your knees and thank the liquor gods. Culinaria (on 9th and Olive) can also now serve your liquor needs.

Gas

All the driving around will require some gas for your car. There are not as many gas stations as you would think there would be in downtown St. Louis. Luckily for us, there is one very close. (Letter D on the map) Just a few blocks up on Delmar and Jefferson, there's plenty of gas. This station is often crowded, and some residents might be wary of going there at night. Other locations are on Chouteau and downtown Jefferson.

Update Dec. 2009 - There is now a new BP gas station on Jefferson, just south of Hwy 64 /40. It is new and very close.

Auto Repair / Mechanic

I've only been to a mechanic once since living here to get an oil change. I went to Turpin's on Olive. Since then, they've merged with another garage and moved to Locust. The new company is Lawler and Balthasar . I know they've been in business for a long time and seem to have a good reputation. When I went for my inspection, they were courteous and professional.

Hardware

Google suggests True Value on Connecticut (near Arsenal by Tower Grove Park) and Hanneke on Southwest (near Kingshighway). Usually I just ride the highway to a Lowe's. The one off of Hwy 64 /40 and Hanley can now be more easily accessed since the highway has been re-opened.

WAVE STORAGE

Hi neighbors!!

If there is anyone that could use extra storage space, I have the place! Beau, the owner of WAVE Storage came by Tuesday. He is a super nice guy with a really nice storage facility down the street from us. The facility has 24 hour surveillance and is assessable any time of day or night. He is offering us 50% if we sign a lease by February! For more information call 314.241.9283 or visit their website at www.wave-storage.com

One other really cool feature not many storage facilities offer is a volleyball court! He will be forming leagues in the next few weeks so I asked him to keep me updated. I know there are a couple residents interested already so if you are too let me know!!

Jenni

who needs an art show....

so at the encouragement of Chris (thanks Chris) i am letting you guys know about a local artist. so local, she is on the 3rd floor. ME! *waves*
so anyway, I make hand made bead work jewelry. I have been doing it for to many years to admit. I just did an art show in December and I hope to be accepted for another in March.
i have tons of stuff on stock. but i LOVE doing consignment work. personal orders. I like to take what someone sees in their head, and be able to put it in their hand for them.

I am willing to do jewelry parties. never really done one but I am thinking something like a Tea Light party? either in my tiny loft, or, I am very portable. It would give the gang a reason to get together. and hey boys, i make stuff for you too.

also, i am working on photography. I love working with nature. she tend to be my most cooperative model.

so anyway, a few pictures to tease you, and links to the sites where you can see my work
www.Wolfstones.etsy.com for my jewelry
www.wolfstones13.deviantart.com for my photography and jewelry

cheers!

p.s. excuse the picture placement. I'm better with my hands than computers :)

Getting Borracho

In the mood for Mexican? Luckily for Motor residents, there is a new place just a stone's throw from home. Located at 20th and Locust in the space formerly occupied by Nectar, El Borracho serves up traditional Mexican fare with traditional Mexican flair.

You'll be overwhelmed when entering this restaurante by the attention to detail in the decor. They really went the extra mile in this regard, and the effect makes the restaurant unique among many restaurants in the area. With pictures of luchadores and mujeres in thick frames covering every inch of the wall, you can sit for hours looking at all the different things they found to fill their space. Accented by unique lighting and real wood, you'll feel transported to a warm and festive place far from St. Louis.

Another nice surprise about the restaurant is the drink menu. All the drinks are made with real juice - not a mix. Margaritas and sangria are available at happy for a mere $3. They are tasty and a very good size. You only need a few of these deep glasses before dinner to become a little borracho.

While enjoying a margarita; your complimentary hot, crunchy chips; and two types of salsa, you can peruse the menu. The menu fits on a long card, and breaks your choices for a meal into four categories: Starters, Taqueria Borracho, Favorites and Sides. Starters include standards like guacamole and nachos, but also include traditional dishes like queso blanco and posole. We opted for the guacamole, and it came in a heaping bowl that was more than enough for four people. Again, only fresh ingredients are used for this dish, unlike other places which add mayonnaise to their guacamole.

For the entree, you can pick from either the Taqueria or Favorites section of the menu. The tacos are traditional tacos, served on corn tortillas (or wheat if you like them gringo style) and offer you a choice of fillings such as shredded or barbecued pork. The choices on the Favorites menu include classics like burritos and tamales. To accompany your meal, you can pick from a list of sides. Of course beans and rice are available, but there are a few nice surprises like the camote which is a whipped sweet potato dish with a flavor reminiscent of sweet potato pie. Maiz Mexicana is another interesting side. Similar to elote, it is barbecued to a chewy consistency and covered with queso fresco and spices.

Vegetarian options (in case anybody besides me cares : ) are limited in a way since some dishes use traditional ingredients such as lard and chicken stock. I talked with Gary and his head chef the first time we went there, and they took a lot of time to listen to my concerns. They informed me about the dishes I could eat, and I think they talked with their staff because our server had a list of vegetarian dishes in her pocket the next time we went.

El Boracho is a great addition to the downtown restaurant scene. In an area that really needed a Mexican restaurant, this place fills the void in a big way. With festive decor, fresh ingredients, traditional food, and good prices, El Borracho is a great destination for Motor residents, and is only a few blocks away.

El Borracho
2001 Locust St.

The Good Pie

Simple Elegance

Inside a rehabbed brick building on Olive, the owners of The Good Pie make a pizza that is very unique to the St. Louis area, and we are lucky enough to have it close to us. The pizza is Neapolitan style, which adheres to traditional rules and ingredients, but the main thing that gives this pizza its unique flavor is the oven. The owners imported a special oven from Italy, which took them a long time to get into the country. It was extremely heavy and they were barely able to fit it through the door. (It's the big stone thing behind the guy in the picture) The oven is fueled by wood and has a temperature inside of 900 degrees, so the pizza is popped in for a few minutes and brought to your table. This technique gives the pizza a crispy crust, while leaving the simple toppings steaming hot.

Everything in this restaurant seems to follow an idea of making things simple but good. The salad mista is arugula, olive oil, lemon, and Gorgonzola. It's not smothered in ingredients, but lightly mixed for a nice balance of flavor and greens. The olive mista is an olive plate brightened up with a hint of lemon on the olives. The funghi e taleggio is a cooked mushroom dish topped with a tasty cheese. The pizzas also follow this idea of simple elegance. A few good ingredients are all that is needed.

The restaurant has a very relaxing, warm feel to it. While music plays in the background you can order a drink from the small bar. There are a few beers on tap, or you can get a carafe of wine for $10. The staff is very friendly and the service is great. It's open most days from lunch through dinner *Sauce link* but I think word is getting out about this place because it was really starting to fill up yesterday, so try to get there if you can.

The Good Pie

3137 Olive Street

St. Louis, MO 63103

289-9391