We recently spent another weekend in St Louis, Mo & thought I would share some information for anyone coming this way.

Hotel: We stayed at the Chase Park Plaza on N. Kingshighway. We stayed in this grand old hotel MANY years ago and it was okay but certainly on its way down. They have recently redone the entire hotel so we decided to give it a try. Requested a corner room when we made the reservations. It was a beautiful huge room. Actually a large setting room and seperate bedroom. On the corner, we had two large windows in the bedroom - one overlooking the pool area and two large windows in the setting room. The colors were pleasant and the furniture was beautiful.

The Chase is across the street from Forest Park. (Think 1904 World's Fair). Just down the block from the hotel is the Central West End.

We very much enjoyed our stay here and would do so again. It was a nice change from the Westin and The Four Seasons...both of which we love and stay at often but the location is just different.

Food: We had reservations at Niche for Friday night. We had been wanting to try this restaurant but each time we have been to St. Louis it just didn't work out for one reason or another. Pretty - very modern room. We both had the tasting menu and it was truly wonderful.

The portions were just right. Certainly not skimpy but we could not resist having clean plates after every course! Wonderful food and service. $65.00 plus $35.00 for the wine parings. Five Courses

Sat: We visited Soulard Market first thing and then stopped in at a tiny coffee house with backyard patio for coffee and fruit. Lafayette Square area was having their annual home and garden tour along with Antique show around the park. We usually go to the Botanical Garden on Saturday but we did the home tour instead - it was a beautiful day. Went from here to our favoritre Italian Grocery Story to pick up all the good stuff we don't have at home. Attended a Cardinal game at 7pm. Back to Central West End for late night sushi at the Drunkin Fish.

The Central West End if full of fun nightlife...nice places to stop in for a glass of wine, gelato, quick snack, full dinner or crepes.

Sunday: After a quick waffle for my husband and a crepe for me we were off to visit Trader Joe's & Whole Foods Market. We shared a hot dog at the afternoon Cardinal game. Back to the 'Hill" for dinner....We love many of the Italian restaurants on the Hill but most are closed on Sunday night. We ate at Lorenzo's. Our food was really very good! I had Veal Picatta and DH had Osco Bucco. The restaurant was clean & new but maybe a little lacking in atsmophere.

As usual...on the way home we decided that Sidney Street Cafe is still one of our favorites in this city...also votes for Mississippi Eleven.

loveyblue