From brunch to dinner to dessert, whether dining in or out, there are some special holiday treats to be had around town, if you know where to find them. Lucky for you, we were happy to hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh to do some research…
Popular breakfast and brunch destination Yolklore has some brand-new offerings for the holidays, including nationwide shipping of its famous Gooey Butter Cake.
Chef-owner Mary Bogacki’s original recipe features a buttery, shortbread crust, a rich, gooey center and a sugary top that’s sure to delight St. Louisans near and far. Each 8-by-8-inch cake ($20) feeds approximately 10 to 12 people and is now available online to ship anywhere in the U.S.
Yolklore is also offering a Take N Bake Brunch ($86.55) good for four to six people. Each package features locally sourced ingredients and items, such as Buttonwood Farm eggs, Yolklore bacon and potatoes, biscuits and gravy, sticky buns, fruit, Dubuque coffee and Rolling Lawns milk. Add-on options, including four-pack house-made mimosas or bloody marys, eggnog or orange juice, are also available. Pre-order the brunch online until Tuesday, Dec. 19, for pick up on Sunday, Dec. 24.
Bogacki, who previously served as pastry chef at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and as head chef at Strange Donuts, opened Yolklore in Crestwood in 2016.
Feel like celebrating south-of-the-border style?
In the tradition of Christmastime in Mexico, handmade tamales from Taqueria Morita are available in two varieties, pork or mushroom and cheese. Each order contains six tamales filled with either pork chili verde with salsa cruda; or roasted mushroom, poblano pepper and chihuahua cheese with guajillo salsa.
Tamales come fully cooked, with house-made chips and roasted tomato salsa on the side. Add-on options include extra salsa and guacamole. Pre-orders are available through Saturday, Dec. 16, for pick-up at Taqueria Morita’s sister concept Winslow’s Table on Saturday, Dec. 23.
Hi-Pointe Drive-In this week will launch “12 Days of Lit’Mas,” its giveback initiative featuring sandwich collabs with local foodie favorites.
From Friday, Dec. 12, to Saturday, Dec. 24, look for daily sandwich specials created in collaboration with iconic St. Louis eateries such as Sugarfire Smokehouse, Gioia’s Deli, Lion’s Choice and more.
Guests will have one day to try each sandwich special such as: Burnt Reynolds from Sugarfire Smokehouse (a single burger patty with white American cheese, Sugarfire burnt ends, fried avocado, grilled onions, pickled jalapenos, and Sugarfire honey badger sauce on a toasted potato roll), Hot Queso Fries from Gioia’s Deli (Hi-Pointe fries covered in Gioia’s hot salami queso) and Hi.ons’ Choice from Lion’s Choice (Hi-Pointe smash burger topped with Lion’s Choice roast beef, provel cheese, au jus-infused mayo, onion straws and a side of au jus for dipping).
The collab partner that sells the most sandwiches on their respective day will be crowned the winner, and Hi-Pointe will donate $1,000 to a charity of the winner’s choosing. Follow Hi-Pointe on social media to find out the featured sandwich special of the day.
Get away from the hustle and bustle, even if it’s just for dinner, at the warm and cozy Holiday Lodge at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.
The Cinder House’s River North Private Dining Room on the hotel’s eighth floor has been transformed into an Alpine mountain retreat. Along with a festive tablescape, the lodge has a glowing fireplace with a stone chimney and, of course, a brightly lit tree with ornaments, a wreath and more.
The Holiday Lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests or can serve as an intimate room for two. Menu options depend on party size: For a party of six or less, guests can order from the Cinder House dinner menu (with a $200 per person minimum) and have a choice of two nightly seatings, 5 or 5:30 p.m., or 7:30 or 8 p.m. For larger groups, three menu options each offer an appetizer, entrée and dessert (prices range from $95 to $145 per person). Wine pairings, special seasonal cocktails and a tasting experience are also available to include with each package. Email to book or call Cinder House at (314) 881-5759.
Celebrate with the family at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis with the annual Teddy Bear Tea and Brunch with Santa.
The Teddy Bear Tea features themed storytelling, face painting, caroling, hot cocoa, tea, mini-sandwiches, pastries and a special cookie decorating station. Tea services are set for Dec. 16, 20, 21 and 22, with two seatings available at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Teddy Bear Tea is priced at $120 for adults and $79 for children ages 2 to 12. For reservations, email or call (314) 719-1433.
Another option at The Ritz is Brunch with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Casa Don Alfonso. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a holiday buffet for the whole family. Price is $65 per person, with reservations available via email.
