Living the Loop

Okay, that is perhaps an overstatement.  I've only really been to the Starbucks.  And had a sandwich at Brandt's.  Oh, and I went to the Post Office.  But. . . the loop is a happening place (see official website for details of its happening-ness: www.visittheloop.com). 

Things / Places that intrigue me:

Tivoli Theater - appears to be the only Landmark Theater in St. Louis ( I may be wrong).  It was built in 1924, closed in 1994 but was resurrected.  Kind of like Jesus - but then it didn't have to do that whole 'on the cross' thing.  I don't know, maybe it did.

Riddles Penultimate - sheesh, both great/irritating name.  Supposedly its a restaurant/wine bar.  The food is acclaimed to be fantastic.  There is a lot of local sourced happy pigs and such on the menu.  

Thai Pizza.  Enough said.  Maybe this one will stay on my 'never ate there, kind of scary, what the $%#* is a Thai pizza'.  

Saleem's - on the corner.  It claims to serve Lebanese food for those that love garlic.  And it has Pabst Blue Ribbon Draught specials - 1 dollar all Thursday night. 

Blueberry Hill - is huge.  Its a restaurant.  I think.  And a bar.  I think.  And maybe also a music venue.  It takes up a whole block with its Blueberry colored walls.  It serves both deep fried ravioli and trout almondine.  And they do all day breakfast.  I don't know how I feel about this one.

Brandt's - a little too perky, but has sidewalk seating and serves one of the most extensive Belgian beer menus I've ever run across.  With Lambic on tap. 

Cicero's - another 'do everything, be everything' place.  This time with Italian food. 

Melting Pot - Yup, fondue.  But this is not your momma's 1970's fondue.  They do fancy things with that bubbling pot of goodness.  And it is not cheap. 

HBS Tobacconist - yes, a real oldskool tobacco shop.  Here was a scene I enacted I like to call Little 1930's Mel:  "Can I get some matches, sir?  The pilot light on me stove has gone out."  Yes, smoking is allowed here.  Anybody remember "Smoking or non-smoking?" upon entering a restaurant?  Well, you can relive it here.

Starclipper - its current window display includes Ugly Dolls of allll sizes and colors.  I mean colors and sizes I never even dreamt of.  Makes me miss my Uglies.  And want to buy more.  Mwahahaha. 

Coming soon - meditations on Provel.  You'll just have to wait to find out.