LUNATIC CAFÉ, University City
If you blink, you might miss this staple haunt, located in the heart of the college district. The proprietors have changed little about the layout of the former home, sitting tables in smaller rooms off of the entryway, lending the establishment a homey and relaxed feel. College students and professionals alike crowd against the well polished mahogany bar, happily sipping cocktails and waiting patiently up to forty minutes to be seated. Once settled, it's easy to see why people don't mind the wait. The menu is delightfully simple, the comfortable, stick-to-your-ribs sort of cuisine that people run to after a bad day. My meatloaf was excellent, cooked perfectly and smothered in delicious mushroom gravy. The green beans and spinach side where crisp and fresh, dressed simply in balsamic vinegar and served with almond slivers. Through the meal there seemed to be an endless supply of warm cornbread with fresh maple butter on the side. I did find a very long, coarse hair in my garlic mashed potatoes, which was strange given the
extreme cleanliness of the restaurant but the waiter more than made up for it with apple pie a la mode, free of charge. All told, the Lunatic Café is a definite must visit if you're ever in University City.
BURNT OFFERINGS, South St. Louis
Stepping into Burnt Offerings on a Friday night, you're likely to be greeted by a slightly toasted bride-to-be, singing Madonna's "Like A Virgin" off-key with a makeshift veil hanging off her head. Scary Karaoke Night at Buren Offerings is a sight, but the restaurant run by people with a gift for camp, is a blast no matter when you arrive. It's Halloween year-round with these folks - your waiter bares his vampire fangs when he brings your meal to the table. A mummy points a wrapped finger, directing patrons to a wall dedicated to anonymous portraits of 1960's and 1970's film stars. If you guess enough identities correctly by midnight, you win a free meal. The food is good but not spectacular. The Bela Lugosi burger is the biggest I've seen west of the Mississippi, but don't forget to request it cooked or you may wind up with a slab of raw meat on a bun. French fries, thick cut and serves with ketchup, melted cheese or gravy, come headed high on a huge plate and are a meal by themselves. Desserts are mediocre at best except for the warm brownie, which comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and swims in a pool of chocolate syrup. This is not a prince first date spot, but if you're out on the town on a Friday night, you can't eat Burnt Offerings for a good time.
Detective Tammy Reyonlds, a witch who solves preternatural crimes, and Larry Kirkland, an Animator and Vampire Slayer, recently made their love and commitment to each other official during a simple, traditional ceremony.
The bride wore a stunning white dress with a full, bell-shaped skirt. you could practically hear a delicate ringing as she made her way down the aisle, accompanied by her father, Mr. Nathan Reynolds. Her hair was elegantly pulled back, helping to accentuate not only her lovely face, the beautiful beadwork on the neckline of the gown as well. She carried a bouquet of white flowers fit for J-Lo.
Her bridesmaids, four in all, wore orange formal dresses and carried the most unusual bouquets of orange and white flowers, complemented with black lace and orange and black ribbons.
The bride's mother, glowing in a melon colored dress, couldn't keep her emotions inside, alternating smiles with tears of joy (at least my dear readers, I hope they were tears of joy. Rumor has
The readheaded groom donned and elegant bluck tuxedo,as did his groomspeople. Breaking away from tradition, Mr. Kirkland's attendants in their sharp black tuxes and white shirts, orange bow ties included his three brothers and none other than St. Louis's most famous Animator, Anita Blake. She joined the boys, and wore a tuxedo too. Nice try, Anita! Even in gentleman's evening wear, you're still St. Louis's most stunning vampire-slaying vixen.
But, of course, not as stunning as our October Nuptial Notation Couple. Dear readers, please raise your glasses, and offer up your heartiest hurrah to....
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Kirkland. We wish you all the best.
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 Bryant Tenorio(26; Vampire; Richmond Heights): "That bar in Branson, about a six-hour drive from St. Louis. BLOODY BONES! They make a Bloody Mary that is to die for." |
| From the banks of the Mississippi to the late-night activity in the University City Loop, the Show Me state certainly has plenty of hot spots to keep its natives and tourist occupied. We asked five St. Louisans to show us: What is your favorite St. Louis Haunt? |
 Elizabeth Hanslik(28;Teacher;Chesterfield): GUILTY PLEASURES. It's great for bachelorette parties, and Jean-Claude is definitely something to write home about. |
 Don Rieck(40;Salesman;Ladue) "I think the CIRCUS OF THE DAMNED is unparalleled. The floor-show can't be beat and the staff always make me feel like I belong. I've never seen such realistic looking zombies." |
 Justin Bell(30; Real Estate Agent; University City:) "the LUNATIC CAFE. The burgers are rate. The ribes just fall off the bone. And on some nights, they have an all-you-can-eat special! The only problem is the staff keeps changing..." |
