John Legend, B-52’s and fireworks for the Fourth!

Fourth of July without fireworks is like ham without cheese, cereal without milk, ice cream with hot fudge – you get the idea.  It’s just un-American.  With that being said, I’m here to make sure that you know where to go this weekend to celebrate the 234th birthday of our great country!  Luckily, there is a really great, free concert going on in St. Louis this wekend at the Riverfront. 

• On Saturday, July 3, R&B crooner John Legend will be in town to perform on the Budweiser Main Stage for the Fair St. Louis Festival at the St. Louis Riverfront.  His show starts at 8:00 p.m.  Earlier in the day, there will be a two hour airshow for all to watch, as well as Kids Zone and other activities.
• On Sunday, July 4, legendary band the B-52’s take the stage at 8:00 p.m., as well as tween act Jordan Pruitt who will perform at 1:00 p.m.  Again, the day will be filled with air shows and activities for all.

And the best part (for me at least) is that each evening concludes with the star-spangled US Bank fireworks display at approximately 9:15 p.m.  Hope you can make it!

Twilight “Eclipse” hits theatres this weekend

Fo all of you Twilight fans, the time is here.  The third installment, Eclipse, hits theatres this weekend.  I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan (as yet) but I did learn one interesting note about the series:  every movie in the series has had a different director.   David Slade, the director behind “30 Days of Night” and “Hard Candy,” did Eclipse.  For all of you die-hard fans, after you watch Eclipse, let me know what differences in directing styles you notice.  I know that Slade tends to shoot dark movies full of action.

Here are movie times for theatres near Westmont: AMC Chesterfield 14, Wehrenberg Chesterfield Galaxy 14 and AMC Creve Coeur 12.

Shiver…it’s cold in there!

Imagine standing (or sitting) for 30 minutes in a 15 degree freezer at the back of a club drinking vodka & crans (my personal fave vodka drink).  That’s the experience that new downtown St. Louis hot-spot is offering for a mere 20 bucks (that includes usage of a parka and gloves if you need it).

Shiver Vodka Bar & Champagne Lounge (1130 Washington Avenue, 314.241.3900) is the name of the place, and the freezer, it’s called an ice lounge.  Apparently they are all the rage in Las Vegas.  Owner Brad Jurevas, formerly associated with previous downtown nightspots, such as Home and Buca, wanted to bring something unique to the area.  “We were looking for something on Washington Avenue that didn’t exist,” he stated.  “Everybody loves it because it’s something different to try.”

So if you enjoy a good vodka drink as much as the next guy (or girl).  Grab your crew and check it out.  But grab a bite to eat before you get there.  They’re currently not serving food but plan to start offereing “comfort-food” themed appetizers and bar food in about a month or so.

What’s your style?

To be honest, I ‘m probably not the most fashionable guy out here.  I’m far from “bummy”, but I just never really got into the super-duper expensive designer stuff that a lot of people are into.

But with clothes, I do know what I like when I see it.  One brand I’ve always liked for men’s clothes is Banana Republic.  I have a couple pairs of BR cotton/linen pants that I swear are the most comfortable things ever to wear in the summer time and they look just as good now as when I got them four years ago.  I don’t wear too much of their stuff (at heart, I’m a t-shirt and sweats kinda guy) because it they fit a little snug for my taste, but occasionally I like to “GQ” it up and they have some nice stuff.

In any case, maybe you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe.  Check out some of the Banana Republic styles for 2010 (for both men and women).  Let me know what you think?

Redbox Review: When in Rome

When in Rome

When Beth, an unlucky-in-love New York curator (Kristen Bell), takes a whirlwind trip to Rome for her sister’s wedding, an unexpected crush takes her by surprise. Quickly let down, she defiantly plucks coins from the Fontana de Amore, magically igniting the passions of some comically unsuitable suitors. As a charming reporter (Josh Duhamel) becomes zealously smitten, Beth is skeptical that he’s the real deal.

What can I say – another movie watched for the sake of my girlfriend.  I guess I can’t be too mad because it only cost me a buck to rent.  It sucked.  Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel had no chemistry and because of that, the story became old quick.  I didn’t really laugh at any point, as there were just too many “blah” cliches and false endings in this film.

Rent it this week from Redbox if you can’t find any paint to watch drying.  There are kiosks near Woodbridge at Walmart (3951 W Ashley Cir) and Harris Teeter (975 Savannah Hwy Ste 135).

St. Louis kicks off World Cup with movie and viewing party

St. Louis kicks off 2010 World Cup celebrations on tomorrow (Friday) with Cinema in the Plaza.   The movie ‘The Game of their Lives’, which was shot in St. Louis, will be shown at the Old Post Office Plaza at 9 pm.  Admission is free.  

On Saturday, make plans to attend the World Cup Viewing Party for the historic battle between Team USA and England.   Bring your lawn chairs and watch the game on the 9’x15’ jumbotron screen from noon until 4pm.  There will be food and drink specials from local eateries as well as prizes!

If you can’t make it out, the game will air live on ABC at 1:30 pm.  For more information check with www.downtownstl.org.

Best places to discover St. Louis area tacos

 We all have standards when it comes to what makes a good taco.  Some of us enjoy getting local flavors by visiting a taco truck while others prefer a more modern, eclectic interpretation of the taco.  Whatever your desire, several St. Louis restaurants top the list of best locations to satisfy that taco craving. 

• Tortillarilla – Try the chorizo and potato taco at this locally owned restaurant in the West End.
• Kota – Seasoned fish tacos with the cilantro cream sauce is excellent when you prefer a contemporary taco. It’s near the Fox Theatre.
• Mi Tierra – Authentic food from the kitchen at the Mi Tierra Mercado.  Each taco gets a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.  Try the avocado salsa for some extra spice.
• La Vallesana – This authentic shop is located on Cherokee St. and offers traditional tacos with excellent flavor.
• Tequila – They have the ambiance to match the food; spicy and flavorful.

Has anyone out there in Westmont been to any of these spots?  Which do you prefer?

Get Him to the Greek

Besides including a “who’s who” of music celebrities, ranging from Twisted Sister’s Dee Snyder to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, this movie seems like it might be pretty good.

It’s about a young up-and-comer at a record label who is assigned the task of escorting a perpetually plastered rock star from England to the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.  Sounds easy, right?  HAH.  The movie opens this weekend.  Check out the trailer…

Need movie times?

AMC Chesterfield 14, Wehrenberg Chesterfield Galaxy 14, AMC Creve Coeur 12

Pay-What-You-Can Cafe

Have you heard about the new Panera Bread project that recently opened up in Clayton?  What a novel idea!  Get this…there will be no charge for anything on the menu.  The store will exist as a non-profit and will rely primarily on donations that the stores patrons give for the meals that they get.

According to an AP/Mercury News report, “Panera will expand the model around the country within months. It all depends on whether customers will abide by the motto that hangs above the deli counter: ‘Take what you need, leave your fair share.’”

The restaurant is operating under that name St. Louis Bread Co. Cares — the chain’s former name and one it still uses in its hometown.

Panera is using its nonprofit foundation to support the restaurant and any future locations. The foundation will pay the new restaurant’s bills, including staff salaries, rent and food costs. At the end of each month, the foundation will tally donations to see if they cover food costs. The Panera parent company won’t bear losses if the experiment fails.

What do you think, Westmont?  Will this initiative work?  I think most people are genuinely honest and won’t take advantage of the system.  In this time of economic uncertainty, its refreshing to see companies try new business models that aren’t profit driven and that don’t take advantage of the consumer.