Summer promises great events for foodies to enjoy, beginning with food and drink soirees that will kick off summer in grand fashion.
First up, Summerfest Cultural Safari, launching June 1, 2022, and running through Labor Day, sponsored by Live! by Loews – St. Louis. This is a great staycation concept that helps guests discover the hidden gems of the St. Louis destination. Designed as a 
self-guided tour, the Summerfest Cultural Safari includes everything from destination landmarks to community events and sports memorabilia.
Summerfest features St. Louis destination-driven cocktails, such as the King Louie – a smoked pineapple rum Old Fashioned featuring SelvaRey Rum. For those looking for favorable mocktails, the mixology team has put equal attention into crafting its Redbird Sky.
From 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 3, the Community Music School of Webster University is hosting Classical Cocktails to benefit Classic 107.3 (Radio Arts Foundation) and its mission to support classical music programming and the arts in the St. Louis region. The fundraising event in Webster’s Maria Hall at 535 Garden Ave. in Webster Groves, features a night of hand-crafted classic cocktails and creative cuisine paired with the sounds of the Chamber Music of St. Louis.
The night is casual with both indoor and outdoor seating available, and includes two cocktails, appetizers from White Box Catering, and musical entertainment.
Gourmet fare is on the menu at Tempus, the site of two unique Friends of James Beard dinners to benefit the James Beard Foundation’s Open for Good initiative, providing critical resources to help independent restaurants build the capacity to come back stronger, more equitable, more sustainable and resilient.
The James Beard Foundation, along with the Tempus leadership team headed by Chef Ben Grupe, will host two nights of curated dinners on June 2 and 3. As a restaurant focused on high-quality, inventive food and beverage, coupled with a commitment to genuine hospitality, Tempus has created one-of-a-kind evenings for multi-course dinners with beverage pairings. It’s a must for gourmands and gourmands.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis continues its A Chef for All Seasons, dining series on July 28 and 29 with visiting guest, Chef Aaron Brooks of EDGE, Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Miami. Brooks earned himself and the restaurant several recognitions, such as one of Miami’s “Hot Shot Chefs,” a “Man of Meat,” one of the “Hottest Places to Eat and Drink in Miami,” he was named “Best Chef in Miami” and EDGE was named “Best Restaurant in Miami,” by Miami New Times.
A Chef for All Seasons, held at the Four Seasons’ Cinder House restaurant, was created and led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Gerard Craft and Chef de Cuisine Peter Slay. The event celebrates a few of the culinary craftsman from the Four Seasons brands, which have gained a reputation for exceptional dining experiences.
As summer begins to sizzle, Loews- St. Louis’ Summerfest mixology team has shared the recipes for its King Louie cocktail and Redbird Sky mocktail.
KING LOUIE
1.5 ounces SelvaRey Silver Rum
.75 ounces smoked pineapple syrup
2 dashes Aztec chocolate bitters
Pour all ingredients over ice and serve.
REDBIRD SKY
1.5 ounces pineapple juice
.75 ounces lime juice
.75 ounces Kalamansi lime syrup
Splash of club soda
Float Pom juice
6-8 mint leaves
Shake first three ingredients with mint leaves, then strain over fresh ice and lightly top with club soda and Pom juice.
